Cutting Boards

The Ultimate Guide to Cutting Boards in Denmark: Best Picks from Magasin, eStore and Other Top Stores

Why the right cutting board matters

Choosing a cutting board might seem trivial, but it’s one of those kitchen decisions that quietly shapes every meal you prepare. The wrong board can dull your knives, trap bacteria, or drip juice all over your countertop. The right one makes food prep faster, safer, and even a little more joyful—like having a trusted sidekick in the kitchen. Whether you’re chopping herbs for a weeknight dinner or carving a roast for guests, the cutting board you pick matters.

Top cutting board materials explained

Material determines durability, hygiene, maintenance and aesthetics. In Denmark you’ll find a wide range—from sustainable bamboo to heavy oak and sleek plastics—so it pays to know the pros and cons of each before buying.

Bamboo: eco-friendly and hard

Bamboo boards are popular in stores like eStore because they’re fast-growing and durable. They resist scarring compared to softwoods and often come with clever extras like drip trays or integrated colanders. Bamboo is slightly harder on knife edges than some hardwoods, but it’s lightweight and looks modern in the kitchen.

Hardwood: teak, oak and walnut

Teak and oak are classic choices—sturdy, long-lasting, and naturally elegant. Teak, in particular, is prized for its oil content that gives extra resistance to moisture, which explains why Magasin often carries teak boards with juice grooves. These boards are knife-friendly and perfect for serving as well as prepping.

Plastic and composite: practical and hygienic

Plastic boards, like the double-sided Zwilling board you’ll see at Magasin, are a go-to for easy cleaning and color-coding. They can be gentler on knife edges than bamboo and are dishwasher-safe in many cases. Composite boards bridge aesthetics and function by offering wood-like looks with lower maintenance.

Featured picks from eStore

eStore’s selection reads like a practical, well-rounded list for everyday cooks. Expect bamboo options (drip trays, colanders), folding and colored boards, and full FSC-certified sets for gift-ready kitchens. A few highlights include bamboo boards with drip trays that catch juices while you carve, and folding cutting boards that channel chopped ingredients into a bowl—handy for one-person prep or compact kitchens.

Bamboo cutting board with drip tray

This style is perfect if you roast meats or prep fruits that release juices. The integrated drip tray keeps juices contained and your countertop clean, reducing the need for extra pans or towels.

Folding cutting board—small but clever

Folding boards (like the red model in eStore’s line) are a smart choice for apartment kitchens. They fold to funnel chopped food into pots or bowls, saving transfers and spills.

Bamboo sets with FSC certification

If sustainability is a priority, look for FSC-certified bamboo sets. They’re not only environmentally preferable but also give you multiple board sizes for different tasks—one for meat, one for veg, one for serving.

Top picks from Magasin

Magasin balances style and professional quality—think Zwilling double-sided plastic boards, teak boards with juice grooves, and premium oak XL options. They stock practical everyday pieces and more upscale wooden boards suited for both prep and presentation.

Double-sided Zwilling plastic board

Zwilling’s double-sided boards are beloved for having a dedicated side for raw proteins and another for produce. The 37x27 cm size is versatile, and the plastic surface is easy to sanitize—great for households that want low-maintenance hygiene without sacrificing performance.

Teak and oak boards with juice grooves

Juice grooves are essential for carving roasts or slicing juicy fruits. Teak boards at Magasin often feature deep juice grooves and handles for easy carrying, while massive oak XL stripes offer a broad, stable surface for larger tasks.

Designer boards: Eva Solo and Slice collections

Brands like Eva Solo bring Nordic design into the kitchen with slim, elegant boards that look great on a counter or dining table. Slice boards—available in playful colors—offer modern aesthetics for casual kitchens.

Other Danish retailers to consider

If you’re hunting for variety, price comparisons, or local pickup, Danish chains like Imerco, Bilka, Føtex and Salling are worth visiting. They often carry seasonal ranges, deals on sets, and brands you might not find online. Specialty stores and kitchen boutiques may stock artisan boards from local woodworkers if you want a unique piece.

Imerco: variety and frequent offers

Imerco typically has a broad price range—from budget-friendly plastic boards to premium wooden models. Look for seasonal sales where you can pick up a high-quality chopping board at a discount.

Bilka and Føtex: one-stop shopping

These supermarkets are great if you need a board while doing grocery shopping. They stock reliable, affordable boards—ideal when you need something now without hunting specialty retailers.

Specialty kitchen stores and local craftsmen

Want a board that’s one-of-a-kind? Smaller shops sometimes collaborate with local carpenters or artisans to offer handcrafted oak or walnut boards with edge grain construction and custom features like inset handles or personalized engraving.

How to choose the right size and shape

Size matters. Too small and you’ll be juggling ingredients on the counter; too big and storage becomes a headache. Think about the food you cook most often and how you store boards when they’re not in use.

Small vs large: match your meals

For daily salad prep and sandwiches, a medium board (30–40 cm) is perfect. For roasts, bread, or big social cooking sessions, go XL (50 cm and up). Many cooks keep a set: a small board for herbs, a medium for produce, and a large one for meats.

Rectangular vs round vs novelty shapes

Rectangular boards give you the most usable surface. Round boards are great for breads and cheese platters. Novelty shapes (like paddle-style boards) add personality and often double as serving platters.

Care and maintenance tips for longevity

Taking care of your cutting board is easy and pays off in years of use. Different materials need different routines; wood needs oiling and gentle cleaning, while plastic tolerates dishwasher use in most cases.

Cleaning and drying

After use, wash wooden boards with warm water and mild soap, then dry standing up to avoid warping. Plastic boards can often go in the dishwasher, but check manufacturer guidance—some plastic types may warp at high heat.

Oiling and repairing scratches

Wood and bamboo benefit from regular oiling with food-grade mineral oil or a specialized board oil to keep fibers from drying out. Light sanding removes deep knife marks—follow up with oiling to restore the surface.

Safety and hygiene: preventing cross-contamination

Food safety is not glamorous but it’s essential. Use color-coded boards, separate raw meat prep from produce, and replace boards when grooves or stains no longer respond to cleaning.

Color-coded systems

Many kitchens use color-coded plastic boards for meats, fish, vegetables and cooked foods to reduce cross-contamination. If you have only wooden boards, designate one exclusively for raw protein and another for produce.

When to replace a cutting board

Replace boards when deep grooves harbor residue or when thorough cleaning no longer restores them. For plastic boards, replace when knife marks are numerous; for wood, replace if structural cracking develops.

Sustainability: choosing eco-friendly boards

If sustainability matters to you, look for FSC-certified wood or bamboo from responsible sources. Bamboo is renewable, but production quality varies—FSC labels and responsible retailers help ensure ethical sourcing.

FSC-certified wood and bamboo

FSC certification confirms responsible forest management. Many sets sold in Denmark explicitly advertise FSC credentials, which is a good sign you’re buying sustainably sourced wood.

Bamboo’s environmental trade-offs

Bamboo grows quickly and regrows after harvest, but manufacturing and glue processes can vary. Check for low-VOC adhesives and reputable brands—many Danish retailers list materials and certifications in product descriptions.

Style and function: cutting boards as serving platters

Don’t be shy about using a beautiful wooden board as a serving platter. Teak and oak boards with juice grooves double as charismatic cheese or charcuterie platters. The trick is keeping board care consistent so it’s both presentable and safe.

Pairing boards with table settings

For dinner parties, match the board to your tableware—light oak with white porcelain, dark walnut with brass accents. Serving on a board adds rustic charm and saves washing extra plates.

Where to buy: online vs in-store in Denmark

Buying online gives you convenience and selection—eStore and many brands list specs, dimensions and features so you can compare. In-store shopping (Magasin, Imerco, Bilka) lets you feel the weight and finish, which matters for wooden boards.

What to check online before buying

Look at material details, maintenance instructions, and exact dimensions. Reviews often highlight whether a board is heavier, has strong odor issues, or stains easily—little things that matter in practice.

Trying before you buy

If you’re undecided between teak and bamboo or between thicknesses, pop into a store and test the feel. A heavier board often signals solid construction, while a thinner one is easier to store but may warp faster.

Price ranges and value: what to expect

Cutting boards span budget to premium. Expect to spend less on basic plastic boards and more on thick edge-grain oak or handcrafted teak. Consider the function: a humble plastic board might be perfect for a busy household, while a well-made wooden board is an investment that can last decades.

Entry-level vs investment pieces

Entry-level plastic boards are affordable, hygienic, and replaceable. Investment pieces—like a solid oak chopping block—require care and cost more, but they offer durability and can become family heirlooms.

Getting the best value

Buy the right board for the job. A trio of boards (small, medium, large) usually covers most kitchen needs and often offers better long-term value than a single oversized board that sits unused.

Final tips: quick checklist before you buy

Before you press “buy,” ask yourself: What do I cook most? Do I want something low-maintenance or beautiful to display? Will I need to color-code for hygiene? Answering these helps you pick between Magasin’s designer options, eStore’s practical bamboo sets, or a local specialty shop’s handcrafted board.

Quick checklist

Choose material (wood, bamboo, plastic), decide size, check maintenance needs, verify sustainability credentials if relevant, and compare prices across retailers. That short routine saves mistakes and money.

Conclusion

Finding the right cutting board in Denmark is about balancing function, style, and care. Stores like Magasin and eStore offer a wide array of choices—from practical double-sided Zwilling boards and Eva Solo designs to FSC-certified bamboo sets and teak boards with juice grooves. Add in supermarket options from Bilka or Føtex for immediate needs and specialty stores for handcrafted pieces, and you have a marketplace that suits every kitchen. With the right care—cleaning, oiling and replacing when needed—your cutting board will be a reliable kitchen partner for years. Ready to pick one that suits your lifestyle? Think about your prep habits, storage, and whether sustainability or presentation matters most, and you’ll be slicing with confidence in no time.