Bobby Flay's Preferred Cutting Board Brand Is Highly Recommended By Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, And Giada De Laurentiis

An essential part of being a chef is having the right tools for the job. No matter the kitchen or meal size, good working habits are key, and this translates fundamentally to the right work surface. Chefs like Bobby Flay often laud certain well-crafted and high-quality products that make these aspects of their job more seamless, and one of those is a John Boos & Co. wooden cutting board. Flay is partial to a thick circular walnut board that not only serves its purpose, but also looks stunning. Ina Garten goes for an extra large maple board, and Rachael Ray reaches for a big Boos board and advises home cooks without a lot of space to put one over the sink for an extra work surface.

The name Boos has been associated with commercial butcher blocks and food service equipment since before 1900. Company history explains that the statement-worthy work surfaces started as butcher block tables for blacksmiths and then evolved to accommodate food prep for local butchers. It wasn't until 1957 that Boos wooden surfaces were introduced to the home cook in a portable format through emerging brand Williams-Sonoma. In an interview with the Today Show, Flay referred to the walnut Boos board he has at home, saying it's a beautiful board and an "amazing piece of furniture." 

Interestingly, the brand became more firmly cemented in American consumer preference after the launch of the Food Network in 1993. In fact, John Boos & Co. was tapped by the Food Network and shipped some complimentary boards to the nascent player. The boards began appearing on programs across the network, which did wonders for nationwide product recognition. Knowing this, it's no surprise that Food Network chefs like Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, Giada De Laurentiis, and yes, Bobby Flay, all have an allegiance to Boos boards. In fact, Flay and De Laurentiis have John Boos & Co. partnerships.

John Boos & Co. makes a variety of wooden cutting boards. These are definitely investment pieces that are meant to last a lifetime and are crafted from three different types of wood. In order from most affordable to most luxe, they are made from maple, cherry, and walnut. The thickness of the boards, which start at one inch and go up to a chunky six inches, obviously impact the price as well as its overall footprint, which can range from circular to a hefty 24x18 slab. Some people, like Bobby Flay, leave their boards out as showpieces in addition to using them for food prep.

Part of the beauty of these heirloom-level pieces is that they keep knives from getting dull, make prep quick and non-toxic, and don't require a lot of maintenance. A simple scrub with hot soapy water will do the trick, and salt and a halved lemon come in handy for a more thorough pass to remove potential mold or odors. The company also recommends an occasional coating of its Mystery Oil and Board Cream to keep boards in tip-top shape. If you are in the market, you can let your wallet, your space, your fave Food Network chef, or your kitchen aesthetic dictate your Boos of choice. Perhaps no one will beat Bobby Flay's board choice ... it's up to you to decide.