The quality of your ingredients and the tools you use play an important role in making dough. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, having the right tools will allow you to bake your favorite snacks in a breeze. Most people usually knead the dough on their kitchen counter but they do not realize how unhygienic the practice is. If you are looking for a better alternative, you might want to invest in a pastry board.
A pastry board is one of the must-have kitchen tools that will help you to knead or roll out your dough without making a mess in the kitchen. Pastry boards usually provide a spacious and clean surface for working on your dough. The best pastry boards allow you to make a wide variety of dough in a breeze. You will be able to make brioche, sourdough, pizza dough, pasta dough, and lots more on your pastry board. You might be able to achieve the desired dough consistency by investing in the best pastry board.
Best Pick
Our best pick is the Fox Run Pastry Board because it has a beautiful, pure marble construction that compliments your kitchen interiors, it is equipped with non-slip feet for added stability, and it offers a spacious surface area for working on your dough comfortably.
Budget Pick
Our budget pick is the Dexas 403-50 Superboard Pastry Board because it is sturdy enough to be used as a cutting board, it can be cleaned easily and requires zero maintenance, and it is extremely portable.
Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Pastry Boards
| Product Name | Shape | Weight (pounds) | Material | Item Dimensions (inches) | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox Run Pastry Board | rectangle | 10.6 | marble | 12.25 x 16 x 1 | A |
| Dexas 403-50 Superboard Pastry Board | rectangle | 2.59 | plastic | 17 x 14 x 0.25 | A |
| JEmarble Pastry Board | rectangle | 22.0 | marble | 20 x 16 x 0.75 | A |
| Tableboard Co Reversible Cutting Board PBB1 | rectangle | 14.0 | wood | 22 x 28 x 0.38 | A |
| Thirteen Chefs Pastry Board | rectangle | 7.09 | wood | 24.5 x 17.7 x 1.7 | A |
| Bethany Housewares Pastry Board and Cloth Set | round | 2.00 | wood | 19 x 19 x 0.3 | A |
| Kota Japan Pastry Board | rectangle | 11.4 | marble | 15.75 x 11.75 x 0.63 | A |
| Sur La Table Pastry Board | rectangle | 25.0 | marble | 22.75 x 19 x 3 | B |
| Catskill Craftsmen Over-the-Counter Pastry Board | rectangle | 8.80 | wood | 24 x 18 x 2.75 | A |
| Zelancio Reversible Pastry Board | rectangle | 11.48 | wood | 24.6 x 20.7 x 3.1 | A |
| Kota Japan Pastry Cutting Board | rectangle | 12.12 | granite | 16 x 11.75 x 0.63 | B |
| Snow River Pastry Board | rectangle | 10.13 | wood | 18 x 24 x 0.75 | B |
1. Fox Run Pastry Board
Say goodbye to your dough rolling woes by taking advantage of this Fox Run Pastry Board. The plank is made of marble which is a great material for fulfilling all your pastry needs. Unlike wooden boards, marble planks have the ability to transfer heat at a faster rate, making them an excellent piece of tool for rolling your dough.
Its natural non-sticky features make the board ideal for rolling any type of dough. Positioned at the bottom of this board are non-slip plastic feet which protect your countertop. Since this pastry board has a non-stick surface, you will not need to use a large amount of flour while kneading or rolling dough. The board features a smooth and cool surface which is ideal for preparing a variety of dishes including pizzas, pies, biscuits, pastries, tarts, and much more.Its design and color add elegance to any kitchen and blend well with your kitchen tools. You can use this pastry board to display desserts as well. All in all, the Fox Run Pastry Board has a sleek design that makes it ideal for any baker. Its colorations, unique patterns, and great features make it an ideal board for any kitchen.
What we liked: The pastry board offers a spacious surface area that is perfect for rolling or kneading a huge amount of dough.
What we didn’t like: The non-slip plastic feet are not very effective in keeping the pastry board stable while in use. Moreover, it might be a bit difficult to get rid of stains if you do not use marble-friendly cleaners.Highlighted Features
2. Dexas 403-50 Superboard Pastry Board
This Dexas Pastry Board is designed using superior quality materials to make sure you enjoy baking for years to come. The board features a lightweight, non-porous, stain-resistant material that will not absorb odors.
Its realistic granite design brings an elegant look to your kitchen which blends perfectly well with most decors. You can’t really tell that it is made of plastic. Aside from using it as a baking board for rolling and kneading dough, you can also use it as a cutting board. The durable material also helps to keep your knives sharp. Its surface is sturdy and will not crack, splinter, warp, or peel.The pastry board is very easy to clean by hand. All you need to do is rinse it well using warm, soapy water. If you are not a fan of doing the dishes, you can put the pastry board in the dishwasher for easy and quick cleaning. This makes it easier to wash later.
What we liked: The pastry board is very lightweight. It weighs only 2.59 pounds so you will be able to move it around easily. Moreover, the plastic material does not contain any BPA.
What we didn’t like: The pastry board is not very thick. It does not have a scratch-resistant texture so make sure to not use knives on it.
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3. JEmarble Pastry Board
The JEmarble Pastry Board is made using sturdy, natural marble that helps to keep your board cooler than the room temperature. The cool temperature of the board makes kneading or rolling dough easier as the dough is unlikely to turn into a greasy, wet, or shapeless mess. You can use this board for making a variety of pastries in hot or humid kitchens with no trouble.
The board offers a spacious surface area of 320 square inches so you will be able to knead or roll a large amount of dough comfortably. The surface is extremely smooth so you will be able to use this pastry board for tempering chocolate as well. The pastry board is equipped with non-slip feet that help to keep it in one place while you are working on your dough. Moreover, the pastry board is weighted which also helps to keep it stable during use.
This marble pastry board is very easy to clean as well. All you need to do is rinse it quickly using warm, soapy water. You are recommended to use mild dish detergents as harsh ones may damage the surface.
What we liked: The beautiful marble decorative patterns on the surface enable you to use this board to display pastries and other desserts during parties or special events.
What we didn’t like: The 22-pound pastry board may be too heavy for some individuals. It might be a bit difficult to clean such a heavy item in your sink.
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4. Tableboard Co Reversible Cutting Board PBB1
Enjoy stress-free baking with this Tableboard Co Reversible Cutting Board PBB1 that has not only been designed to make kneading and rolling dough easier but also built to last for generations to come. The smooth surface allows you to use less flour or oil while preparing the ingredients.
You can use the smooth side to knead and roll dough for making your pizza, pie, bread, and pastry. If you want to chop fruits and vegetables, you can flip the board around to make precise cuts without worrying about dulling your knives.
Each side of the pastry board has a 1.5-inch lip for countertop stability. All you need to do is place the board at the edge of your tabletop and prepare dough or chop food as you wish. Its size and stability make the process more manageable without chasing your dough around the working area.
Tableboard is crafted by highly skilled craftsmen to make sure you have an enjoyable baking or cooking session. High-quality wooden materials are used in its construction so the board is unlikely to have any splinters or rough spots. The board is also very easy to clean. All you need is a clean damp cloth, and you are good to go. It is recommended to oil both sides of the wooden surface with oil from time to time to keep your pastry board in a good condition for a longer time.
Overall, Tableboard is a quality board that complements your kitchen top, even when not in use. Its maple surface is cured with oil which makes rolling dough easy, making it one of the must-have kitchen tools for any home chef or baker.
What we liked: It offers a spacious surface area that allows you to prepare dough or chop vegetables comfortably. The board weighs 14 pounds so it is unlikely to move around while you are kneading or chopping food on it.
What we didn’t like: It might be a bit difficult to remove stains from the wooden surface as you can’t submerge the board in the water.
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5. Thirteen Chefs Pastry Board
The Thirteen Chefs Pastry Board has a smooth, wooden surface that is perfect for preparing dough for making pastries. You can use the smooth side for kneading or rolling a variety of doughs and use the other side for chopping or slicing fruits and vegetables. This pastry board can also be used to chop food without dulling your knives.
The board is made using premium Acacia wood so the surface has beautiful, unique patterns on it. It has a golden-brown hue that matches the aesthetics of your kitchen. The Acacia wood is extremely durable and keeps your board in a good condition for a long period of time.
The board is waterproof so you can submerge it in water for easy cleaning. It is recommended to coat the dried board with oil after cleaning.
The board has raised lip braces that help to keep it stable while working on your dough. You do not need to hold it down while using the board. You can knead, roll, chop, or slice food with great comfort.
What we liked: The board offers a spacious workspace so you can make a big batch of dough or chop a large amount of food in one go.
What we didn’t like: There may be splinters if you do not oil the board regularly.
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6. Bethany Housewares Pastry Board and Cloth Set
The Bethany Housewares Pastry Board and Cloth Set allow you to roll your pastry dough like a pro. The hardboard has a diameter of 19 inches so you will be able to roll a large amount of dough easily. You can use this pastry board to make pies, pizzas, lefse, cookies, and lots more.
The cloth has measurements printed on it which makes it easier to roll the dough. The measurements include a diameter of 10 inches, 12 inches, and 14 inches. The cloth is made of cotton and is preshrunk which means that it won’t shrink after washing it by hand.
You can add a small amount of flour over the cloth to prevent your dough from sticking to the surface.
What we liked: Many consumers have said that the cloth helps to prevent the dough from sticking to the surface. It also helps to prevent the dough from breaking apart while rolling it.
What we didn’t like: The pastry board has a bulky design so if you are limited on space, you might want to try out another product.
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7. Kota Japan Pastry Board
If you make pastries, pizzas, and pies on a regular basis, you might be interested to grab the Kota Japan Pastry Board. The white marble pastry board is an elegant piece of kitchenware that offers a smooth, cool surface perfect for kneading all types of dough. You can also use it as a serving board for all your pastries, pies, muffins, and other such desserts.
The pastry board offers a surface area of 192 square inches so you will be able to knead or roll dough easily. It is equipped with non-slip rubberized feet to keep it stable while you are working on your dough. The pastry board is unlikely to skid across your kitchen counter while you are preparing the dough. You can also put the board in the refrigerator to freeze cookies or biscuits.
The product comes with a lifetime warranty so, if you ever face any problems, you can always get your money back. The pastry board is extremely sturdy and is unlikely to crack or break apart any time soon.
What we liked: The pastry board can be used for tempering chocolate because its surface tends to remain cooler than room temperature.
What we didn’t like: The pastry board is quite small, compared to other products. Moreover, you will not be able to use it as a cutting board as using knives or sharp tools will leave scratches.
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8. Sur La Table Pastry Board
No more chasing your dough all around your working top. With this large Sur La Table Pastry Board, you can easily prepare your delicate pastries with ease. Its surface is cool and smooth and does not require excess flour or oil when rolling your dough.
The high-quality marble construction not only gives the board an elegant look but also makes kneading or rolling dough easier. The surface cools down quickly so your dough is unlikely to stick to it while you are kneading or rolling it.
This naturally cooling feature allows you to make pastries and baked goods without making a huge mess. You can also use this board for displaying your charcuterie plate and cheese. Although this pastry board is not dishwasher-safe, you can easily clean it by hand using warm water and mild dish detergent. All the stains and hardened bits of dough wash off in a breeze.
What we liked: You can put the pastry board in the refrigerator to chill the cookie dough or other types of dough. The cool temperature is unlikely to worsen the quality of this item. Moreover, the product feels quite sturdy and is unlikely to break apart any time soon.
What we didn’t like: The item weighs 25 pounds so, if you have weak wrists, you might require some assistance when moving it around from one place to another.
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9. Catskill Craftsmen Over-the-Counter Pastry Board
The Catskill Craftsmen Over-the-Counter Pastry Board offers you a large working space of 432 square inches. The board has two sides - a smooth one and a grainy one. The smooth surface is perfect for kneading and rolling dough while the grainy surface allows you to chop fruits and vegetables without dulling your knives. The board has measurement markings carved on the smooth side of the board so you can shape or cut your dough accordingly.
This pastry board has an oiled finish which makes cleaning easier. All you need to do is wipe the surface using a damp cloth or towel.
It is advised to not soak the wooden pastry board in water as it may deteriorate its quality. The board has 1-inch rails on the surface so you can place it on the edge of your kitchen counter or tabletop to keep it stable during use.
One thing to note about this product is that it is made sustainably. All the waste materials such as sawdust and wood shavings produced during the milling and manufacturing process are turned into wood pellet fuel. You can use this fuel as an alternative to charcoal, gas, and oil for cooking and lighting a fire in fireplaces.
What we liked: The measurement markings are indented so they are unlikely to wear off with frequent use. Moreover, the board is easy to care for. All you need to do is coat it with oil from time to time.
What we didn’t like: The surface is quite rough so you will need to use a large amount of flour or oil before working on your dough.
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10. Zelancio Reversible Pastry Board
The Zelancio Reversible Pastry Board is a highly functional kitchen tool that allows you to work on your dough comfortably. It offers a spacious workspace of 480 square inches that is perfect for both professionals and home cooks.
The pastry board is made using completely natural Acacia wood materials that offer an exceptionally smooth surface. This means that you do not need to use a large amount of flour or oil while preparing your dough. The smooth surface has measurement markings engraved on it so you can easily make pies, pizza doughs, biscuits, and other food in standardized sizes. The board has raised lips on either side so you can place the board on the edge of your countertop to work on your dough comfortably.
The board is very easy to clean. All you need to do is rinse it well using warm water and mild dish detergent. It is recommended to dry the board using a towel or cloth immediately after washing. You should store the board in your cupboard once it dries fully.
What we liked: The measurement indentations are very smooth and won’t leave a mark on your dough. The board has a rough side that you can use to chop food.
What we didn’t like: The board is quite heavy so cleaning it in the sink might be a hassle.
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11. Kota Japan Pastry Cutting Board
The Kota Japan Pastry Cutting Board is sturdy enough to deliver great performance throughout its lifespan. This pastry board has an elegant design so you will be able to use it as a serving piece for displaying all your pastries.
The board is made using high-quality granite materials so you can expect it to serve you well for a long period of time. The board is unlikely to crack or split apart with frequent use. It offers a smooth surface for kneading or rolling dough properly. The granite surface remains cool which helps your dough retain its shape when kneading or rolling it.
The pastry board is unlikely to absorb any oil or stains from the dough. You can easily wash it by hand using warm water and mild dish detergent. You can also use it in the dishwasher to save time and effort while cleaning.
What we liked: The pastry board has rubberized feet to keep it stable during use. Moreover, you will be able to cut the pastry dough without leaving prominent marks on the surface of the board.
What we didn’t like: The board is quite heavy so you might not be able to move it around freely. Moreover, it is very thick and has sharp edges. The board feels somewhat like a large tile.
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12. Snow River Pastry Board
Snow River is one of the market leaders who, for years, has been known for its expertise in producing premium quality hardwood boards, and this pastry board is no different. During the production process, the board undergoes a special drying process which helps prevent it from cracking easily.
The Snow River Pastry Board features a smooth rolling surface that has been crafted to allow you to roll out a variety of pastry doughs including ones for making pie, biscuits, cookies, croissants, and lots more. The board has a built-in front lip that has a height of 2 inches. This raised portion helps to keep the board in place. You will not have floury dough everywhere in your kitchen, which makes cleaning easier.What we liked: The solid hardwood finish feels extremely smooth and allows you to make dough using very little flour or oil.
What we didn’t like: The pastry board is not dishwasher-safe so you will need to wash it by hand. Make sure to dry it completely right after washing to keep it from absorbing moisture. The board may become discolored or deteriorate in quality if left wet.
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Benefits of using a pastry board
Easy to use
Pastry boards are designed to help you roll your dough and prepare your baking recipes faster. You do not need to be a professional chef to use one. The tools feature a simple design which makes them ideal for both regular and occasional use.
Reduces mess
A baking board keeps your kitchen countertop clean and reduces any chances of messing it. This means that you do not have to spend much time cleaning your kitchen countertop after you are done kneading or rolling your pastry dough.
Versatile
With a baking board, you can prepare different pastry recipes. You can make pies, puff pastries, pizza dough, and lots more using a pastry board. You might be able to use a pastry board for chopping fruits and vegetables, too.
Convenient
Some pastry board brands have measurements, temperature and weight units that are clearly marked to help you carry out your baking process with ease.
Easy to clean and maintain
Most manufacturers craft baking board with the user in mind and not only supply the market with easy to use tools but also easy to maintain boards. Some of the materials are dishwasher safe while others only need simple wiping with a damp clean cloth.
Factors to consider when buying The Best pastry board
Size
The market offers you a wide variety of pastry boards that come in varied sizes. While a large board will provide you with a generous rolling and working area, you ought to consider the size of your countertop before choosing the ideal size. As a rule of thumb, you should choose a pastry board that is relatively smaller in size compared to your kitchen countertop. A large pastry board will overwhelm your countertop and will not offer you ample space for rolling out your dough with ease.
If you are someone who usually makes a large amount of pastry dough in one single batch, it might be best to invest in a large-sized pastry board. However, opting for a small-sized pastry board may be more feasible if you usually make a small batch of pastries. A spacious pastry board allows you to knead your dough or roll it out with comfort.
Shape
Pastry boards usually come in two shapes - a rectangular pastry board and a round pastry board. Most people prefer rectangular pastry boards because they offer a more spacious surface area in which you can place your rolling pin, dough scrapers, and other items. However, a round pastry board may be better for rolling your dough.
Material
With the increased demand for pastry boards, more and more brands are flooding the market featuring different materials to satiate different consumer preferences. The quality of material plays an important role in the durability of the product. The commonly used materials include plastic, wood, and marble.
Wooden boards complement well with any décor and are easy to use and maintain. Wooden models can also serve as cutting boards and are unlikely to dull your knives. The density of the wooden board you choose matters. Some of the best wooden boards are made using high-density wood like oak, maple, or walnut. These help to prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce dampness. For wooden models, you will be required to apply beeswax or mineral oil to maintain its quality and prevent it from cracking.
On the other hand, plastic models are handy and easy to sanitize, unlike wooden models. You don’t need to coat it with oil from time to time. In case you opt for a plastic model, ensure it is BPA-free.
Mable boards are durable and have natural cooling properties which help maintain your dough temperatures throughout the baking process. Unlike wooden models which warp when soaked in water, marble boards do not. Marble boards are non-porous, hygienic, and durable. Most bakers prefer using marble pastry boards.
Stability
The stability of your board plays a significant role in your baking experience. Using a board that keeps moving and forces you to keep chasing your dough around the worktop can waste much of your time and drain your energy. You may not be able to achieve the dough consistency you prefer.
A good pastry board should be stable and offer a smooth surface for rolling and kneading your dough. Models with non-skid feet will help keep your board in place and minimize any chances of sliding, even when it is placed on a wet surface. The non-skid feet should be extremely sturdy and durable so that you can prepare your pastry dough without any hassle.
However, there are some pastry boards that do not have slip-resistant feet but possess other features like the ability to withstand pressure and lie flat on the working top. Some may have raised lips on the edge of the surface to keep it from moving around while preparing your dough. The ones that feature raised lips need to be placed at the edge of your countertop or table.
Weight
A heavyweight pastry board may help to keep itself stable while you are kneading or rolling your dough. But it may be quite difficult to move it from one place to another easily. It will require a lot of effort and energy to maneuver the board. If you have weak wrists, it might be best to opt for a pastry board that is not too heavy. Plastic pastry boards are usually very lightweight while wooden or marble pastry boards tend to be quite heavyweight.
Aesthetic
The appearance of your baking board should blend well with your kitchen décor. Color will not only bring elegance to your kitchen but also improve its aesthetic value. Most people are intrigued by marble pastry boards because of their beautiful pattern. Some may prefer traditional wooden pastry boards while others may have a liking for plastic ones.
Ease of Cleaning
Most pastry boards are easy to clean. Plastic and marble ones can be submerged in water while wooden ones need to be wiped using a damp cloth. If you are not a fan of doing the dishes, you might want to invest in a pastry board that is dishwasher-safe. You should always place the board in the top racks of your dishwasher to prevent it from warping or becoming damaged. It is important to invest in a pastry board that does not absorb any stains or moisture so that you do not have to spend a long time cleaning it.
FAQ
How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the surface?
You can coat the surface with flour or oil to prevent the dough from sticking. Another thing you can do is put the board in the refrigerator for a few minutes. The cool surface is likely to keep your dough cool and soft without being too sticky.
What type of oil should I use to coat a wooden pastry board?
It is best to use food-grade mineral oil or walnut oil to coat your wooden pastry board. It is best to avoid using vegetable oil or olive oil as it may produce a bad odor.
Conclusion
If you love making homemade pastries, pies, bread, cookies, and other such doughy food, you might want to get a pastry board. A pastry board allows you to prepare your dough smoothly and provides you with a portable work surface. You no longer need to remove the items from your kitchen countertop to knead or roll out your dough. The best pastry boards not only offer a spacious work surface for preparing dough but also help to better your baking experience.
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