In a busy commercial kitchen, cross-contamination is a constant threat. Color coded cutting boards are the simplest, most effective way to keep raw meats, seafood, vegetables, and ready-to-eat foods separate. This guide reviews the top 10 sets available, helping you choose the right boards for your restaurant, catering business, or home kitchen.
We’ve evaluated each product based on size, thickness, material, and compliance with HACCP guidelines. Whether you need a compact set for a food truck or large boards for high-volume prep, you’ll find the perfect match here.
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CURTA 6-Pack Cutting Boards for Kitchen, 24" x 18" x 0.5" 6-Piece (White, R…
Best forLarge-scale commercial prep
- Extra-large 24×18 size
- NSF-listed for safety
ConsiderMay not fit small sinks
Hakka Commercial Cutting Board-6 Pack, 18 x 12 x 1/2 Inch Color-Coded Chopp…
Best forCompact professional prep
- Non-slip edges
- Resists warping and cracking
ConsiderSmaller surface area
San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Plastic Cutting Board With Safety Hook, 12" x 18" x 0….
Best forSafety-focused kitchens
- Anti-slip grip corners
- Integrated ruler for portions
ConsiderNo juice groove
Winco Heavy-Duty Plastic Cutting Board, 15" x 20" x 1/2", Assorted, Medium
Best forStain resistance and knife care
- Stain resistant surface
- Reduces knife dulling
ConsiderOnly one board per pack
Generic CMI Commercial Grade Cutting Board for Kitchens ,Cutting Board Set,…
Best forBudget-friendly NSF set
- NSF certified
- Large 20×15 size
ConsiderGeneric brand
Hakka Commercial Cutting Board-6 Pack, 20 x 15 x 1/2 Inch Color-Coded Chopp…
Best forHigh-volume prep with space
- Larger 20×15 surface
- Non-slip edges
ConsiderHeavier than smaller sets
CMI Commercial Grade Cutting Board for Kitchens,Cutting Board Set,Plastic C…
Best forCompact NSF-certified prep
- NSF certified
- Compact 18×12 size
ConsiderSmaller surface area
Thirteen Chefs 18 x 12 Inch Color Coded Cutting Boards – Set of 6 White, Re…
Best forHACCP compliance and dishwasher safety
- HACCP compliant colors
- BPA-free material
ConsiderNo non-slip features
Color Coded Cutting Boards Set of 4 with Holder, BPA-Free
Best forHome kitchens with juice control
- Juice groove catches liquids
- Non-slip silicone corners
ConsiderOnly four boards
Color Coded Cutting Board Set of 3-18" x 12" x 0.75" Commercial Cutting Boa…
Best forThick, durable prep boards
- Extra thick 0.75 inch
- Food-grade PE material
ConsiderOnly three colors
CURTA 6-Pack Cutting Boards – Large and NSF-Listed
The CURTA 6-pack offers extra-large 24 x 18 inch boards, giving you ample space for prepping large cuts of meat or multiple ingredients at once. The half-inch thickness provides a sturdy, stable surface that won’t flex under pressure. Each board is color coded to align with HACCP standards, so you can easily assign colors to different food types and reduce cross-contamination risks.
Being NSF-listed means these boards meet strict public health standards, making them a reliable choice for professional kitchens. The high-density polyethylene construction is durable and sanitary, resisting cracks and stains. Plus, they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. If you need big, compliant boards, this set is a solid investment.
- Extra-large 24×18 size
- NSF-listed for safety
- Durable HDPE material
- May not fit small sinks
- Heavier than standard boards
Hakka Commercial Cutting Board 6-Pack – Compact and Heavy-Duty
The Hakka 6-pack features 18 x 12 inch boards with a half-inch thickness, striking a balance between space and manageability. The color coded system helps you separate meat, fish, vegetables, and ready-to-eat items, keeping your prep organized and safe. The high-density plastic construction resists warping, cracking, and excessive knife wear, making it ideal for daily professional use.
Non-slip edges keep the board securely in place while you chop, reducing the risk of accidents. These boards are dishwasher safe, so cleanup is a breeze. If you’re looking for a durable, compact set that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Hakka boards are a great choice.
- Non-slip edges
- Resists warping and cracking
- Dishwasher safe
- Smaller surface area
- No integrated ruler
San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Boards – Safety and Convenience
Brand: Carlisle FoodService Products
Excellent for kitchens prioritizing safety and portion control.
The San Jamar Saf-T-Grip boards come in a set of six assorted colors, each with anti-slip grip corners that prevent injury while cutting. The patented food safety hook allows for sanitary transportation and secure hanging when stored, saving valuable counter space. An integrated ruler on the board ensures even cutting for portion control and cost savings.
These boards are color coded to help you maintain HACCP compliance, and the 12 x 18 x 0.5 inch size is versatile for various prep tasks. The high-quality plastic is durable and easy to clean. If you value safety and smart design, this set is worth considering.
- Anti-slip grip corners
- Integrated ruler for portions
- Safety hook for storage
- No juice groove
- Slightly smaller size
Winco Heavy-Duty Plastic Cutting Board – Stain Resistant
The Winco board is a commercial-grade option made from high-density plastic that won’t crack, warp, or rot, perfect for daily use in restaurants. Its stain-resistant surface prevents discoloration from foods like beets or berries, keeping your boards looking clean. The specially designed copolymer reduces knife dulling, so your blades stay sharper longer.
Available in HACCP-approved colors, this board helps you organize your workstation and reduce cross-contamination risk. The 15 x 20 x 0.5 inch size offers a generous cutting area. If you need a single, durable board that resists stains and keeps knives sharp, this is a top pick.
- Stain resistant surface
- Reduces knife dulling
- Commercial-grade durability
- Only one board per pack
- No color variety in set
CMI Commercial Grade Cutting Boards – NSF Certified Value
The CMI set includes six 20 x 15 x 0.5 inch boards in red, brown, blue, yellow, white, and green. NSF certified, these boards are approved for restaurants and food service, ensuring they meet high safety standards. The color coding allows you to assign specific colors to different food types, such as red for raw meats and green for vegetables.
These boards are very durable and sturdy, handling tough tasks like cutting meat or chopping bones without issue. The generous size provides ample prep space. If you need a professional-grade set at a reasonable price, the CMI boards deliver excellent value.
- NSF certified
- Large 20×15 size
- Durable for heavy use
- Generic brand
- No non-slip features
Hakka Commercial Cutting Board 6-Pack – Larger Size Option
This Hakka set offers the same quality as its compact counterpart but with larger 20 x 15 inch boards, giving you more room for high-volume prep. The half-inch thickness provides enhanced durability and stability, and the color coded system keeps your food preparation organized. Made from high-density plastic, these boards resist warping, cracking, and knife wear.
Non-slip edges ensure the board stays put while you work, and they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. If you need more cutting surface without sacrificing durability, this larger Hakka set is an excellent choice.
- Larger 20×15 surface
- Non-slip edges
- Durable HDPE construction
- Heavier than smaller sets
- No integrated ruler
CMI Commercial Cutting Boards – Compact NSF Certified Set
This CMI set features six 18 x 12 x 0.5 inch boards in the standard HACCP colors. NSF certified, they’re approved for restaurants and food service, ensuring safety and compliance. The boards are durable and sturdy, suitable for cutting meat, chopping bones, and everyday kitchen tasks.
The compact size makes them easy to store and dishwasher safe for quick cleaning. If you prefer a smaller footprint but still want professional-grade quality, this set is a practical choice.
- NSF certified
- Compact 18×12 size
- Durable construction
- Smaller surface area
- Generic brand
Thirteen Chefs Color Coded Cutting Boards – HACCP Compliant
The Thirteen Chefs set includes six 18 x 12 x 0.5 inch boards in white, yellow, red, green, blue, and brown, meeting HACCP requirements for cross-food use. Made from high-density polypropylene, these boards are durable, warp-resistant, and BPA-free. They can withstand dishwasher temperatures up to 200°F, making cleanup easy.
The size is large enough for family meals but compact enough to fit in standard dishwashers and cabinets. If you want a set that’s both HACCP compliant and dishwasher safe, this is a great option.
- HACCP compliant colors
- BPA-free material
- Dishwasher safe up to 200F
- No non-slip features
- No juice groove
Aichoof Color Coded Cutting Boards – With Holder and Juice Groove
The Aichoof set includes four boards with food icons for easy identification: red for meat, blue for fish, green for fruits and vegetables, and a fourth for other items. Each board features a built-in juice groove that catches liquids, keeping your countertops clean. Non-slip silicone corners and handle holes add convenience and stability.
These boards are thicker than standard cutting mats, offering durability and resistance to warping. Made from BPA-free, food-grade material, they’re safe for everyday use and dishwasher safe. If you want a user-friendly set with practical features, this is a strong contender.
- Juice groove catches liquids
- Non-slip silicone corners
- BPA-free material
- Only four boards
- Smaller size than commercial sets
Kundita Color Coded Cutting Boards – Thick and Professional
The Kundita set includes three boards in red, blue, and green, each measuring 18 x 12 x 0.75 inches. The extra thickness gives a substantial, professional-grade feel that stands up to heavy use. These boards are designed for commercial kitchens, helping you organize food preparation by category or station.
Made from food-grade polyethylene, they’re suitable for frequent cutting and washing. The thicker construction reduces the risk of warping and provides a stable surface. If you prefer a thicker board for added durability, this set is worth a look.
- Extra thick 0.75 inch
- Food-grade PE material
- Professional-grade feel
- Only three colors
- No non-slip edges
Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider
Choosing the right color coded cutting boards involves more than just picking a set. Consider the size, material, and certifications to ensure they meet your kitchen’s needs. Here are key factors to guide your decision.
- Size and Thickness: Consider the dimensions and thickness of the boards. Larger boards (20×15 or 24×18) offer more prep space but may be harder to store. Thicker boards (0.5 inch or more) provide stability and durability, reducing warping and cracking.
- Material Quality: Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, which are durable, resistant to stains and odors, and gentle on knives. Ensure the material is BPA-free and food-grade for safety.
- NSF Certification: NSF-certified boards meet strict public health standards, making them essential for commercial kitchens. This certification ensures the product is safe for food contact and withstands rigorous use.
- Color Coding System: A proper HACCP color coding system helps prevent cross-contamination. Standard colors include red for raw meat, green for vegetables, blue for seafood, and yellow for poultry. Ensure the set includes the colors you need.
- Ease of Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe boards save time and ensure hygiene. Some boards have non-slip edges or juice grooves that enhance usability. Consider how easy they are to clean and store in your kitchen.
Conclusion
Color coded cutting boards are essential for maintaining food safety and organization in any kitchen. From the extra-large CURTA set to the compact Hakka boards, each product offers unique benefits. Assess your prep volume, available space, and budget to find the perfect fit.
For most commercial kitchens, the CURTA or CMI sets provide excellent value with NSF certification and generous sizes. If you prioritize safety features, the San Jamar boards are a standout choice. Whichever you choose, implementing a color coding system will elevate your kitchen’s efficiency and safety.
Steven Settles is an ISCET-certified master in appliance repair. He has aced the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam, showcasing his exceptional diagnostic and repair skills. With an in-depth understanding of the latest repair technologies and a keen eye on evolving industry standards, Steven is a go-to expert for any appliance issue.