Choosing the right cutting board is one of the most important decisions you can make in your kitchen. A high-quality cutting board not only affects the ease of meal preparation but also impacts the safety and longevity of your knives. Among the many options available, Epicurean cutting boards have gained a loyal following thanks to their eco-friendly design, durability, and overall performance.
If you’ve been searching for reliable boards that balance function with style, you’ve probably come across the Epicurean cutting board set. But what exactly comes in one of these sets, and why are they worth considering over standard wood, bamboo, or plastic boards? In this detailed article, we’ll break down what you can expect when you purchase a set, address common safety questions like “Are Epicurean cutting boards safe?” or “Are Epicurean cutting boards toxic?”, and explore why these boards have become essential in both home and professional kitchens.
A Quick Introduction to Epicurean Cutting Boards
Epicurean, a brand trusted by chefs, food lovers, and eco-conscious households, is known for boards designed from a unique composite wood material. Unlike traditional options, Epicurean cutting boards are crafted from a durable paper-composite material known as Richlite. This gives them their signature lightweight feel, slim design, and ability to withstand high heat and heavy use.
These boards are NSF-certified, meaning they meet key health and safety standards for professional kitchens, and they are also dishwasher-safe. But their biggest advantage? They are designed to be both gentle on your knives and tough against wear and tear — a balance that is hard to achieve with most other types of boards.
What’s Included in an Epicurean Cutting Board Set?
When you invest in an Epicurean cutting board set, you usually get a variety of sizes suitable for different kitchen tasks. While the exact contents may vary depending on where you purchase the set, most include the following:
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Small Cutting Board (Everyday Prep Board)
Typically measures around 8” x 6” or similar. Ideal for small chopping tasks like slicing fruit, dicing garlic, or preparing garnishes. This board is lightweight, compact, and easy to handle. -
Medium Cutting Board (Versatile Workhorse)
A mid-sized board that handles most kitchen tasks, from slicing vegetables to trimming meat. Usually around 11” x 9”, this is the board you’ll use most frequently on an everyday basis. -
Large Cutting Board (Family Meals & Entertaining)
Ranging from 14” x 11” to 17” x 13” in some sets, this board is perfect for handling bigger jobs like carving roasts, prepping large batches of vegetables, or cutting bread. Some sets even include juice grooves to catch liquids from meats or juicy produce. -
Specialty Options (Optional in Premium Sets)
In higher-end collections, you may also receive boards designed for specific functions, such as a paddle board for serving cheese and charcuterie, or a thicker carving board with deep drip channels. Some sets even come with Epicurean spoon rests or trivets, adding extra value.
Each board is thoughtfully designed to stack neatly, saving cabinet space, unlike bulky end-grain cutting boards or heavy marble slabs.
Why Choose Epicurean Cutting Board Sets Over Singles?
Buying a cutting board set instead of a single piece allows you to prepare multiple parts of a meal simultaneously without cross-contamination. For example, you can chop vegetables on one board while trimming meat on another. This is particularly helpful for those who cook large family meals or entertain often.
Sets are also more economical in the long run. Instead of constantly washing and reusing the same single board during cooking, you’ll always have another one ready at hand.
Are Epicurean Cutting Boards Safe?
One of the biggest concerns people have when purchasing a new cutting board is whether the material is food-safe. Epicurean has addressed this concern by ensuring all of their cutting boards are NSF-certified. This means they comply with strict sanitation and food safety standards.
Unlike some plastic boards, Epicurean products won’t chip easily or leave harmful microplastics in your food. They also resist bacteria better than porous wooden boards, provided you clean them properly. Their dishwasher-safe design ensures they can be sanitized thoroughly without warping.
So, to answer directly: Yes, Epicurean cutting boards are safe for everyday food preparation.
Are Epicurean Cutting Boards Toxic?
Another common question is, “Are Epicurean cutting boards toxic?” This concern often arises from confusion about their unique composite material. Epicurean boards are made from Richlite, a wood-based fiber composite bound with a food-safe resin. This material has been rigorously tested and is considered non-toxic.
Unlike some imported bamboo boards that may use questionable adhesives, Epicurean ensures their products are manufactured in the USA under strict guidelines. They are also certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), meaning the wood fibers come from responsibly managed sources.
Simply put: Epicurean cutting boards are not toxic. They are created with sustainability, safety, and long-lasting quality in mind.
Benefits of Using Epicurean Cutting Boards
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Knife-Friendly Surface – The composite board material won’t dull your knives as quickly as glass or marble boards.
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Lightweight & Slim Design – Easy to carry, store, and maneuver.
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Sustainable Material – Made from FSC-certified wood fibers.
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Dishwasher Safe – Unlike most traditional hardwood boards, these can safely handle the dishwasher’s heat and water cycles.
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Heat Resistance – Can double as a trivet for hot pans (heat resistant up to 350°F).
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Durability – Resistant to cracking and warping compared to bamboo or low-quality wooden boards.
How Epicurean Boards Compare to Other Cutting Boards
| Feature | Epicurean Cutting Boards | Wooden Boards | Plastic Boards | Glass Boards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Wood fiber composite | End-grain wood | Polypropylene/plastic | Tempered glass |
| Knife-Friendly | Yes | Yes | Moderate | No |
| Dishwasher-Safe | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Durability | Very high | Prone to cracking/splitting | Can warp over time | Break-resistant but hard |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes, FSC-certified | Yes (if sustainably sourced) | Low | No |
| Non-Toxic | Yes | Yes | Varies | Yes |
| Heat Resistant | Up to 350°F | No | No | Yes |
Compared to others, Epicurean cutting boards strike the perfect balance between sustainability, knife protection, and ease of maintenance.
Care and Maintenance of Epicurean Cutting Boards
Even though these boards are incredibly low maintenance, a few best practices will keep them in top shape for years:
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Wash with warm soapy water or place in the dishwasher after each use.
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Avoid cutting extremely hard items (like whole frozen food) that could cause unnecessary damage.
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Store them vertically or stacked; their slim profile makes this easy.
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Occasionally rub with food-safe mineral oil if you want to restore a lustrous finish, although it’s not required.
Where to Buy Epicurean Cutting Board Sets
You can find Epicurean products at major online retailers, cookware specialty shops, and even eco-lifestyle stores. For high-quality product descriptions, reviews, and detailed material information, you can refer to Epicurean’s official website, which is considered a high-authority source for authentic product information.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Epicurean Cutting Boards
Final Thoughts
When considering what’s included in an Epicurean cutting board set, you’re not just buying multiple boards for different tasks—you’re investing in safety, sustainability, and convenience. These boards are lightweight, knife-friendly, and dishwasher-safe, making them a favorite among both home cooks and professionals.
If you’ve ever wondered “Are Epicurean cutting boards safe?” or “Are Epicurean cutting boards toxic?”, the answer is clear: they are among the safest, most eco-friendly options you can choose for your kitchen. And with multiple boards in one set, you’ll always have the right size at the ready, whether prepping simple snacks or family feasts.
