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10 Best Oil For Cutting Boards 2026 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CLARK'S Cutting Board Oil - Food Grade Mineral Oil for Wood Cutting Board - Scented with Orange and Lemon Essential Oils - Butcher Block Conditioner - Restores All Wood - Made in USA, 1 Gallon

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Food-Safe
Viscosity
Absorption Rate

Most important from
8920 reviews

Food-Safe
The oil is food-grade, providing peace of mind when used on kitchenware that comes into contact with food.
Viscosity
After proper application, the oil leaves no residue or stickiness and enhances the natural color of wood surfaces.
Absorption Rate
The oil penetrates deeply, restoring the wood’s natural beauty and leaving it looking revitalized and well-cared-for.
Frequency of Application
Applying the oil is incredibly easy, and a little goes a long way, making the bottle last for a good while.

Clark's Cutting Board Oil is a food-safe mineral oil designed to nourish and protect wooden cutting boards and other kitchen surfaces. It meets strict food safety standards, which is crucial since the oil will touch food-prep areas. Unlike completely clear oils, it has a natural tint and is scented with lemon and orange essential oils, leaving a fresh kitchen aroma. This can be a nice bonus if you enjoy lightly scented products while conditioning your wooden utensils and surfaces.

The oil helps prevent cracking and drying of wood, restoring its natural look, which is important for maintaining the lifespan of your cutting boards. It’s also versatile enough to use on metal and stainless steel surfaces, which adds some extra value beyond just wood care. Clark’s recommends a simple 3-step care routine involving their soap, oil, and wax for best results, which might feel like extra effort but can significantly improve maintenance. Its large 1-gallon size is great if you regularly oil several boards or want a long-lasting supply.

This oil is a great choice for those looking for a reliable, food-grade product with a pleasant scent and good protective qualities, especially if you prefer mineral oil. If you want an unscented or more detailed technical oil option, you might look elsewhere.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,257
Food-Safe
Viscosity
Absorption Rate

Most important from
8920 reviews

Food-Safe
The oil is food-grade, providing peace of mind when used on kitchenware that comes into contact with food.
Viscosity
After proper application, the oil leaves no residue or stickiness and enhances the natural color of wood surfaces.
Absorption Rate
The oil penetrates deeply, restoring the wood’s natural beauty and leaving it looking revitalized and well-cared-for.
Frequency of Application
Applying the oil is incredibly easy, and a little goes a long way, making the bottle last for a good while.
#2

Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil - 8 oz Food Grade Conditioner for Wood Cutting Board, Countertop & Butcher Block, Lubricant for Knife or Meat Grinder - Safe USP Finish on Marble, Soapstone

Rating
8.8
Food-Safe
Type of Oil
Absorption Rate

Most important from
43138 reviews

Food-Safe
I've used food-grade mineral oil for over 20 years, and Thirteen Chefs' product is top quality and good value.
Type of Oil
This mineral oil meets 100% of my needs, is easy to apply, has no scent, and is fully absorbed into the wood without leaving any residue.
Absorption Rate
This mineral oil meets 100% of my needs, is easy to apply, has no scent, and is fully absorbed into the wood without leaving any residue.
Frequency of Application
The treatment process is simple: apply the oil, rub it in for 30 seconds, and let it sit for 12-24 hours.

The Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil stands out in the category of oils for cutting boards thanks to its food-safe certification, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain their wooden kitchen tools. This oil is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, ensuring it won't affect the flavors of your food while being gluten-free adds to its appeal for those with dietary restrictions. Its easy application process, featuring a push-applicator cap, simplifies maintenance, allowing users to keep their cutting boards and butcher blocks in top condition with minimal effort. You only need to treat your board every three months, making it convenient for busy kitchens.

On the protective side, this mineral oil helps prevent cracking and drying, which is crucial for prolonging the life of wooden utensils. Moreover, it can also restore the condition of knives and kitchen appliances, adding value beyond just cutting boards.

This mineral oil is ideal for home cooks who prioritize food safety and ease of use in their kitchen maintenance. It may not be the most economical choice for those with extensive wood products to treat, but its quality and performance make it a reliable option for regular cutting board care.

Rating
8.8
Food-Safe
Type of Oil
Absorption Rate

Most important from
43138 reviews

Food-Safe
I've used food-grade mineral oil for over 20 years, and Thirteen Chefs' product is top quality and good value.
Type of Oil
This mineral oil meets 100% of my needs, is easy to apply, has no scent, and is fully absorbed into the wood without leaving any residue.
Absorption Rate
This mineral oil meets 100% of my needs, is easy to apply, has no scent, and is fully absorbed into the wood without leaving any residue.
Frequency of Application
The treatment process is simple: apply the oil, rub it in for 30 seconds, and let it sit for 12-24 hours.
#3

Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil - 64oz Food Grade Conditioner for Wood Cutting Board, Countertop & Butcher Block, Lubricant for Knife or Meat Grinder - Safe USP Finish on Marble, Soapstone

Rating
8.8
Food-Safe
Absorption Rate
Frequency of Application

Most important from
43138 reviews

Food-Safe
The product is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, ensuring it doesn't affect the flavor of food or the look of wooden kitchen items.
Absorption Rate
The oil absorbs completely into the wood without leaving any sticky or oily residue, enhancing the appearance and extending the life of cutting boards and utensils.
Frequency of Application
Regular treatment with this mineral oil restores wood flexibility and prevents brittleness, helping to avoid cracks and breaks in utensils.

Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil is a food-safe, colorless, odorless, and tasteless mineral oil designed specifically for conditioning wooden cutting boards, butcher blocks, and even some stone surfaces. Being food grade and gluten-free ensures it’s safe for kitchen use around food. The product has a medium viscosity that allows it to absorb well into wood, helping to prevent drying, cracking, and warping. Its absorption rate supports lasting protection without leaving a sticky residue.

Application is straightforward thanks to the squeeze bottle with a push-applicator cap; you simply rub it into the board and let it sit for about 4 hours. The recommended treatment frequency is about every three months for boards up to 18 inches, which is convenient for typical home use. One bottle is quite large (64 oz), so it lasts many years for regular maintenance. While it’s not a fancy blend with additional conditioners or waxes, it delivers solid, reliable protection for wooden surfaces, making it a practical choice for anyone wanting to keep their cutting boards and butcher blocks in good shape without hassle.

The only minor downside is the wait time after application, but this is common with mineral oils to allow proper absorption. This oil is a dependable and economical option for maintaining kitchen wood surfaces safely and effectively.

Rating
8.8
Food-Safe
Absorption Rate
Frequency of Application

Most important from
43138 reviews

Food-Safe
The product is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, ensuring it doesn't affect the flavor of food or the look of wooden kitchen items.
Absorption Rate
The oil absorbs completely into the wood without leaving any sticky or oily residue, enhancing the appearance and extending the life of cutting boards and utensils.
Frequency of Application
Regular treatment with this mineral oil restores wood flexibility and prevents brittleness, helping to avoid cracks and breaks in utensils.

Buying Guide for the Best Oil For Cutting Boards

Choosing the right oil for your cutting board is essential to maintain its longevity, appearance, and hygiene. The right oil will help to protect the wood from drying out, cracking, and absorbing unwanted odors or bacteria. When selecting an oil, consider factors such as safety for food contact, ease of application, and the type of wood your cutting board is made from. Here are some key specifications to consider when choosing the best oil for your cutting board.
Food-SafeThis specification indicates whether the oil is safe to use on surfaces that come into contact with food. It is crucial because cutting boards are used for food preparation, and using non-food-safe oil can lead to contamination. Look for oils that are labeled as food-safe, such as mineral oil, beeswax, or coconut oil. Avoid oils that can go rancid, like vegetable or olive oil, as they can spoil and create an unpleasant smell.
Type of OilDifferent types of oils can be used on cutting boards, each with its own properties. Mineral oil is a popular choice because it is food-safe, odorless, and does not go rancid. Beeswax is another option that provides a protective coating and adds a slight shine. Coconut oil is also food-safe and has natural antibacterial properties. Choose an oil based on your preference for application and the level of protection you desire. For example, if you want a simple, easy-to-apply oil, mineral oil might be the best choice. If you prefer a natural option with added benefits, consider coconut oil.
ViscosityViscosity refers to the thickness of the oil. Thicker oils, like beeswax, provide a more substantial protective layer but may be harder to apply evenly. Thinner oils, like mineral oil, are easier to apply and penetrate the wood more deeply. Consider the ease of application and the level of protection you need. If you want a quick and easy application, a thinner oil might be more suitable. If you are looking for a more durable finish, a thicker oil could be the better option.
Absorption RateThe absorption rate indicates how quickly and effectively the oil penetrates the wood. A higher absorption rate means the oil will soak into the wood more quickly, providing faster protection. This is important because it helps to keep the wood hydrated and prevents it from drying out and cracking. If you need to treat your cutting board quickly, look for an oil with a high absorption rate. If you have more time and prefer a more thorough treatment, a slower-absorbing oil may be suitable.
Frequency of ApplicationDifferent oils require different frequencies of application to maintain the cutting board's condition. Some oils, like mineral oil, may need to be applied more frequently, while others, like beeswax, provide longer-lasting protection. Consider how often you are willing to reapply the oil. If you prefer low maintenance, choose an oil that offers longer-lasting protection. If you don't mind frequent applications, a more commonly used oil like mineral oil might be appropriate.

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