While counters are a reliable and versatile cooking surface, pastry is often best handled on a separate board. Not only does it make for easier cleanup, but it gives you a dedicated work surface made of materials that are better designed to handle the task of working with pastry.
Pastry boards come in all styles, sizes, and even several different materials—but how are you to choose the best one? We’ve rounded up and reviewed the best pastry boards on offer to assist you in making your decision.
Below, you’ll find a quick comparison chart that ranks each board by grade. Then, you’ll find detailed reviews below to help you see what features each board has to offer. Finally, we will wrap up with a handy buying guide to help you get the best pastry board for your needs. First, though, let’s take a quick look at the best of what’s available.Best Pick
We love the Fox Run Marble Pastry Board, not just for its smooth marble finish, but for the fact that it offers a sturdy surface and is dishwasher safe.
Plus, the green color makes cleanup a breeze and ensures you’ll never leave a mess behind.
Budget Pick
If you want a budget-friendly board that still delivers, the Dexas Superboard Pastry Board has what you need.
It offers a simple design and plenty of functions without breaking the bank like some designer models.
Best Boards For All Your Baking Needs
1. Fox Run Marble Pastry Board
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This pastry board takes the hard work of wood out of the equation, offering a marble slab finish that is durable, sturdy, and will help you roll out the best pastries and doughs, no matter what you’re making.
The marble is less likely to stick to dough than wood and makes cleanup a breeze. There are no cracks and crevices where residue can build up, and it can even be put in the dishwasher if you want to enjoy hands-free cleaning.
The Fox Run Marble Pastry Board measures just half an inch thick, giving you plenty of sturdy space without being overly bulky or difficult to store. It can also double as a cutting board or prep station, or even as a cheese plate for a wine and cheese evening.2. Dexas Superboard Pastry Board
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The Dexas Superboard is a pastry board like no other. As one of the most affordable options on the list, it features plenty of prep space and a stylish black finish that will blend into any kitchen space perfectly.
Plus, the board is available in multiple sizes and can be purchased as a single item or in a two-pack for those who need more than one and want to save a little money. This pastry board is made of durable PolyGranite composite that looks like real granite. This also means it will resist warming, cracking, and other issues. Plus, it won’t splinter like wood.
The composite material is easy on knives and won’t dull your blades. Plus, it’s 100% dishwasher safe for easy cleanup, or you can simply wipe it down with soap and water.
The pastry board can be purchased in an 11 by 14.5-inch size or a 14 by 17-inch design, giving you plenty of workspace for any cooking occasion. This pastry board is made in the United States and is nonporous, stain-resistant, and won’t absorb odors or moisture like wooden boards.
3. Catskill Craftsmen Reversible Perfect Pastry Board
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The Reversible Perfect Pastry Board from Catskill Craftsmen is just that—the perfect pastry board. Although it’s made of wood, it offers an oiled finish to protect the board from absorbing moisture.
It also features a unique design on one side that includes length and width measurements, as well as pre-measured circular guidelines for tarts and pies, including an 8, 9, and 10-inch circle. This ensures that you really can make the perfect pastry every time, no matter what you have in mind.
The Perfect Pastry board measures 22 by 16 inches, giving you plenty of space to work with. Plus, it’s about ¾ of an inch thick, meaning that it is sturdy without being overly bulky. It wipes clean easily and can be stored just about anywhere.
Be advised that because this board is made of natural hardwood, it should not be submerged or soaked in water for an extended time and should not be put in the dishwasher. Catskill Craftsman also offers a warranty on their products, giving you peace of mind that you’re buying a quality item that will last.
4. Sur La Table Marble Pastry Board
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The Marble Pastry Board from Sur La Table is a popular choice because it’s a lot easier to work with than traditional wooden boards. While wood offers that classic kitchen look, it can be difficult with doughs and pastries.
Marble, on the other hand, is smooth and creates a less sticky surface because it always stays cool and has a finish that lends itself well to dough, pastry, biscuits, pies, and more. No matter what kind of dough work you have in mind, this pastry board will get the job done.
Plus, this marble board is durable and will not warp or become damaged over time. It requires hand washing but can be wiped down easily in just seconds with soap and water and be ready to use again. You’ll waste less flour on prep and get better quality kneading and rolling when you use marble, thanks to its many impressive features.
Plus, this board is about ¾ of an inch thick, which gives it a sturdy hold and the rubberized feet make sure it stays in place no matter how hard you’re working the pastry. A matching rolling pin and holder are available and sold separately if you want to coordinate your pastry tools.
5. Bethany Housewares 20 Inch Pastry Board and Cloth Set
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This pastry board and cloth set includes a cotton-covered pastry board featuring preshrunk cotton with precise sizing for all of your favorite pastries and doughs. The cloth is placed over the board and helps you make perfect pastries every single time.
Plus, it’s removable and washable, making it easy to clean. This board is thinner than a lot of models and may be better suited for light or basic pastries, measuring in at under half an inch in thickness.
The 19” circle provides plenty of workspace for all of your pastries and you can measure out 10, 12, and 14-inch pies and pastry crusts with the printed measurements on the cloth. T
his imported set is ideal for those who want something more unique than a traditional rectangular wooden board. The durable wooden board can be used on its own but should be hand washed with light soap and water and never submerged or soaked in water for an extended period.
6. Snow River USA Hardwood Maple Pastry and Pie Prep Board
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For those who enjoy style, substance, and a nod to environmentally conscious choices, this handcrafted pastry board is a perfect choice. It is made from North American-sourced Maple hardwood and created by artisans that know what it takes to make great products.
Of all of the boards, it has the most built-in features for easy cleanup and keeping messes contained, making it a popular choice even though it is made of wood, a material that’s harder to maintain and care for.
This reclaimed wood pastry prep board is sealed with food-grade oil for protection against warping, cracking, and other damage. It should be hand washed and treated with wood oil periodically to keep it in good condition. Never submerge this board in water or soak it for an extended period.
This board features a sizeable working platform at 18 by 24 inches, along with a backsplash to keep messes from spilling out and a handy front lip that provides a secure hold on any counter or table. If you’re looking for a foolproof pastry prep board that delivers design features and premium quality, this model should definitely be on your list.
7. Catskill Craftsmen Over-the-Counter Pastry Board
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This board features one blank side that can be used for any prep needs, along with one side that features engraved measurements and pre-formed rounds for various size pies, pastries, and tarts.
Plus, it has a one-inch lip on both sides, which serves as a backsplash on the top and a counter-catch on the bottom, giving you a secure hold while you’re working on your dough.
This durable board is made in the USA and comes with a satisfaction guarantee. It can be used for all kinds of doughs and pastry needs and even for other kitchen prep uses thanks to its stain- and damage-resistant oiled finish.
You will need to oil this board occasionally to keep it in good condition. It should be hand washed with soap and water, and you should never submerge wooden prep boards in water. When you want something versatile, durable, and going to give you the secure base that you need, this board has it all.
8. Thirteen Chefs Wood Pastry Board
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The Wood Pastry Board from Thirteen Chefs might be the last one on our list, but it’s not anywhere close to the bottom of the barrel in terms of what’s available.
This premium prep and pastry board features unique edges that serve as a lip to provide a secure hold to the counter and a small backsplash to contain ingredients when they’re facing up. Plus, it’s made from Acacia, which is known for being durable yet soft on knives. It also features warp resistance and antibacterial properties.
This pastry board has plenty of workspace and makes cleanup a breeze. Plus, the dark color provides a great contrast for easy cleanup so that nothing gets left behind. The board can be hand-washed with soap and water and should be oiled occasionally to keep it in its best condition.
This board is ¾-inch thick, providing extra stability for even the toughest kneading and rolling jobs. Plus, it’s easy to move around and store when it’s not in use. This is one of the lowest maintenance options for wooden pastry boards, and it’s sure to deliver years of great use for even the most demanding pastry work.
Buying Guide
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To the average person, a pastry board might look just like a cutting board, so it can be challenging to know which is the right one for your needs or whether it’s really needed at all. However, upon closer inspection, you’ll see that these boards are anything but generic, offering unique features like built-in measuring tools, premium finishes ideal for dough work and more.
Although these features are great, it can also be challenging to sort through them all and figure out which board is best for your needs. We've taken the time to look over some of the biggest features and factors involved in choosing the best pastry board, no matter what kind of needs you might have.
Read on below to find out all about the elements you should be looking for in a quality pastry board, as well as why they matter and how you can narrow down your options.
Read also: Best Donut Cutters for Quality Homemade Donuts
Board Material Matters
The majority of boards on our list are wooden. This is because they provide a stylish, durable surface and many people enjoy wood because of its natural beauty and function.
Of course, wood does require more maintenance and you have to be careful to choose a board that’s been properly oiled and sealed so that you don’t have to worry about warping, staining, or additional maintenance and care.
If you do decide to go with wood, choose a darker color or finish so that you can see the flour and dough bits against the grain for easier cleaning. Remember that most of these boards will need to be hand washed and cannot be submerged in water, but they’re fairly simple to wipe down after use.
The other options on the list are marble and granite composite, which are essentially the same quality and have similar benefits. They offer a smoother, marbled surface that resists sticking.
Plus, granite remains cool during use, unlike wood that may heat up and create an even bigger sticky mess if you aren’t using enough flour. You'll use less flour for prepping pastries on a granite or marble board, which also means less mess to clean up after.
Marble and granite composite boards are usually dishwasher-safe, but even washing these boards by hand isn’t much of a chore. Think more about the weight of the board, the ease of use, and how well it functions to serve your pastry making needs.
Ease of Use
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Pastry boards are specifically designed to make it easier to work with pastry and dough. Therefore, it makes sense that choosing one that is easy to use should be a priority.
Don’t choose a board that takes a lot of prep work or maintenance, or a material that’s going to stick and make a big mess. This is why most people prefer to work with marble or wooden boards - they work well with doughs and pastries and are easy to care for and clean at the same time.
Speaking of ease of use, you’ll want a board that is stable and sturdy so that it isn’t wobbling around while you’re trying to knead or roll out the dough. A lot of the options on the list have rubberized feet or counter lips to help secure them.
These are important things to look for, because counters are notoriously smooth surfaces, and the last thing you need is a board slipping all over the place when it’s supposed to be making your job easier, not more difficult.
Does Size Really Matter?
As with any prep space, size is everything. Bigger is typically going to be better for working with your pastries and doughs, but that isn’t always the case. Make sure that you have a large enough work surface to do what you need, but also that the board fits on your counter space.
The best thing to do is to measure your counter ahead of time so that you know what you need when you start shopping. Then, you can instantly narrow down your options by size.
If your kitchen is smaller, you might want to choose a more portable board or one that is made of silicone that can be rolled up and stored easily. However, the slim profile of most marble and wooden boards are just as easy to store. Just remember to consider the following factors in your decision:
- How much workspace you need
- How much counter space you have
- How much storage space is available
That way, you’ll get the perfect pastry board for your baking needs and also guarantee that you can use and store it effectively. If space isn’t an issue in the kitchen, you can just worry about the size of the work surface that you want when making this decision.
Other Factors to Consider
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While we’ve already covered the primary factors to consider when picking out your pastry board, there may be some additional features that you want to think about before finalizing your decision.
For example, there are some on the list that have a backsplash built-in to protect from spills and reduce counter cleanup. There are also boards available with engraved measurements and pre-designed forms to help you create the perfect pie crusts, pizzas, and other pastries.
You may also want to make sure that your pastry board is properly temperature-rated if you are going to use it for other things. Check out the thickness of the board when looking at your options. A thicker board is good because it will offer a sturdier base than something thin or a flimsy material like silicone.
These features aren’t essential, but they can certainly increase the enjoyment of owning a pastry board and make your work that much easier. Be sure to make a list of needs when you’re shopping for the best pastry board, but also make a list of wants. That way, you’ll be able to get the best of both worlds when making your final decision.
The Benefits of Owning a Dedicated Pastry Board
Although it’s not a necessity in the kitchen, a pastry board can be a valuable asset to have on hand, especially for those who make a lot of pastries and doughs. Dedicated tools may make the difference in speed, quality, and how much you enjoy your time in the kitchen.
Not only that, but pastry boards are designed specifically for this task, making them more effective than most of the other surfaces available today. Here are a few more benefits to keep in mind when you’re considering investing in a pastry board and other dedicated pastry-making tools.
- Save your counters by doing all of your work on a dedicated board. Even the most durable counters will take a beating with regular prep use. Use a pastry board and spend less time cleaning and caring for the countertops themselves.
- Easier pastry making, thanks to a dedicated work surface that’s specifically designed for working with pastries and doughs. It’s really about having fun with your dough and pastry making, and that means that it shouldn’t be hard work. A pastry board, along with a pastry cutter, scraper, and other tools can set you up for success.
- In kitchens with available space, this tool can also be a display or decorative piece and can even be used for other food prep needs.
Conclusion
Finding a good quality pastry board can be a game changer for those of us who commonly work with dough and pastries. Make sure that you look for a surface that is smooth, sturdy, and easy to clean.
Think about the size that you want to work with and be sure to consider any additional features or tools that are included. In no time, you’ll be making better pastries with much easier cleanup.
Check also these pastry boards available on Amazon: