In-depth review
Epicurean Kitchen Series Board Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Epicurean Kitchen Series 14.5 board: thin wood-fibre convenience, dishwasher safety, and where it falls short.
Epicurean Kitchen Series Board 14.5 x 11.25
The everyday board that behaves like wood and washes like plastic: thin, light, and happy in the dishwasher.
Our verdict
The Epicurean Kitchen Series is the board most kitchens should default to, because it removes every excuse for not owning a decent board. It feels like wood, washes like plastic, weighs almost nothing, and stores anywhere. It will not carve a roast or anchor heavy chopping, but for the daily work of a kitchen, which is most of cooking, it is the easiest recommendation here.
What we like
- The wood fibre surface feels warmer and kinder to knives than hard plastic, yet the board goes straight in the dishwasher, which wood cannot.
- At a quarter of an inch thick it is light to lift, easy to store upright, and simple to carry from counter to sink full of chopped vegetables.
- The non-porous surface resists absorbing odours from garlic, onion, and fish, so yesterday's prep does not flavour today's fruit.
What to watch out for
- The thin profile can flex slightly on an uneven counter, and it lacks the planted heft of a thick wooden block for forceful chopping.
- There is no juice groove on this model, so carving a juicy roast or slicing ripe tomatoes sends liquid straight to the worktop edge.
- Knife marks show on the smooth surface over time, which is cosmetic but noticeable on the natural colourway sooner than on darker boards.
Who it is for
Daily cooks who want one dependable, dishwasher-safe board for everyday prep.
Wood feel without wood chores
The wood fibre surface is the Kitchen Series trick: it looks and feels warmer than plastic, it is gentle on knife edges, and it does not demand oiling, careful drying, or any of the rituals solid wood requires. For cooks who like wood but will not maintain it, this is the honest compromise, and it is a good one, since a board you actually use beats a beautiful board you neglect.
Thin, light, and always to hand
At a quarter of an inch thick, the board is light enough to carry one-handed from counter to sink, slim enough to store upright in a narrow slot, and easy to grab mid-recipe. That convenience shows up daily: a board that is easy to reach gets used, while a heavy block left in a cupboard gets skipped. The thinness has a cost in heft during forceful chopping, but for slicing, dicing, and everyday prep it is an advantage, not a flaw.
How it stacks up
Against the OXO Utility board, the Epicurean wins on feel and looks, while the OXO wins on grip and juice control. Against the Epicurean Gourmet board, the Kitchen Series wins on lightness and simplicity, while the Gourmet wins for carving and juicy foods. Against the Teakhaus XL, the Kitchen Series wins on convenience and price, while the Teakhaus wins on every measure of cutting feel and carving ability.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Owners appreciate how light the board is to carry and store upright
- praise: The dishwasher-safe convenience gets mentioned again and again by busy cooks
- praise: Many owners like the warm wood-like feel compared with ordinary plastic boards
Common complaints
- Owners note that the thin board can flex on a counter that is not perfectly flat
- complaints: Some owners miss having a juice groove when slicing very ripe tomatoes
- complaints: A common complaint is that knife marks show early on the pale natural surface
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Material
- Wood fibre composite
- Size
- 14.5 inches by 11.25 inches, 0.25 inches thick
- Care
- Dishwasher safe
- Surface
- Non-porous, knife-friendly
- Design
- Single board, lightweight and slim for upright storage
Also consider
Epicurean Gourmet Series Board with Juice Groove
The Kitchen Series idea, grown up: a juice groove, a sturdier feel, and the same dishwasher-safe convenience.
- Material: Wood fibre composite
- Size: 14.5 inches by 11.25 inches
OXO Good Grips Utility Board
The honest cheap board, done properly: steady feet, a juice channel, and a size that suits real weeknight cooking.
- Material: Plastic, non-porous
- Size: 14.75 inches by 10.4 inches
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the Epicurean Kitchen Series go in the dishwasher?
Yes, it is made to be dishwasher safe, which is its main advantage over solid wood. Wash it like any other board, and let it dry upright so air circulates around both faces.
Does it need oiling like a wooden board?
No. The wood fibre material does not need oiling or conditioning, and oiling it would not help. That is one of the reasons it suits cooks who want wood character without wood maintenance.
Is it big enough for family cooking?
For most family meals, yes: 14.5 by 11.25 inches handles vegetables, chicken pieces, and bread comfortably. For very large prep sessions or carving, a bigger board like the Teakhaus XL or the Joseph Joseph Cut&Carve Plus is the better tool.