Several kitchens opt for butcher block countertops and cutting boards due to their enduring strength and unrefined charm. However, to keep them long-lasting and visually attractive, they need routine upkeep like oiling. A unique mixture, butcher block oil sinks into the wood, providing protections against dampness, bacteria, and other possible threats.
When it comes to choosing the best butcher block oil, there are several factors to consider. The type of wood used for the butcher block, the frequency of use, and personal preferences all play a role in determining the best oil for the job. Some oils may be better suited for certain types of wood, while others may offer additional benefits such as a natural shine or a pleasant scent.
One critical factor to consider when selecting a butcher block oil is its ingredients. Some oils may contain harmful chemicals or additives that can be toxic or cause damage to the wood over time. It’s essential to choose an oil that is food-safe and free of any harmful ingredients.
After thorough research and testing, we have identified the top ten best butcher block oils on the market. Our selection criteria included factors such as effectiveness, safety, ease of use, and value for money. In the following section, we will provide an in-depth review of each product, highlighting its unique features and benefits, to help you make an informed decision.
Best Butcher Block Oils
As avid home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts, we understand the importance of maintaining our kitchen tools and appliances. One such tool that requires regular upkeep is the butcher block. A butcher block is a beautiful and functional addition to any kitchen, but it needs to be properly cared for to maintain its appearance and functionality. One of the ways to keep your butcher block in pristine condition is by applying butcher block oil regularly.
In this article, we have compiled a list of the best butcher block oils available on Amazon. These oils have been carefully selected based on their quality, effectiveness, and customer reviews. Whether you are a professional chef or a home cook, we are confident that you will find the perfect oil for your butcher block from our list.
1. Howard Products Butcher Block Conditioner
If you’re looking for a natural and effective way to maintain your butcher blocks, cutting boards, and wooden utensils, Howard Products Butcher Block Conditioner is a great option.
Pros
- Exceeds US FDA regulations for direct and indirect contact with food
- Revitalizing blend prevents drying and cracking of hardwoods and bamboo
- Natural waxes provide another level of protection
Cons
- May require multiple applications for optimal results
- Takes some time to soak in
- Scent may not be appealing to everyone
We’ve been using Howard Products Butcher Block Conditioner for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. It’s easy to apply, and it doesn’t leave any greasy residue. Plus, it’s made with food-grade mineral oil, beeswax, and carnauba wax, so you can rest assured that it’s safe to use on surfaces that come into contact with food.
One thing to keep in mind is that you may need to apply the conditioner a few times to get the best results. It takes some time to soak in, but once it does, your butcher blocks and cutting boards will look and feel like new.
Overall, we highly recommend Howard Products Butcher Block Conditioner for anyone who wants to keep their wooden kitchen tools in top condition. It’s a natural and effective way to prevent drying and cracking, and it’s easy to use.
2. Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil
Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil is an excellent choice for those looking for a food-grade butcher block oil that is easy to apply and offers excellent protection against cracking and drying. We highly recommend this product for anyone who wants to keep their cutting boards, countertops, and butcher blocks looking new for years to come.
Pros
- Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil is food-grade and meets all food safety standards.
- The push-applicator cap and squeeze-bottle design make it easy to apply.
- A single bottle can last for years, and a 1oz oil treatment every 3 months is all you need for a cutting board up to 18″.
Cons
- The oil may take up to 4 hours to fully absorb into the wood.
- The bottle may leak if not stored upright.
- The oil may not be suitable for use on all types of wood.
Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil is an excellent product that is easy to apply and offers excellent protection against cracking and drying. We found the push-applicator cap and squeeze-bottle design to be very convenient, and the fact that a single bottle can last for years is a definite plus.
One thing to keep in mind is that the oil may take up to 4 hours to fully absorb into the wood, so you’ll need to plan ahead if you’re going to be using your cutting board or butcher block during that time. Additionally, we found that the bottle may leak if not stored upright, so it’s important to keep that in mind when storing the product.
Overall, we highly recommend Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil for anyone who wants to keep their cutting boards, countertops, and butcher blocks looking new for years to come. With its food-grade formula and easy-to-use design, it’s a great choice for anyone who takes their kitchen seriously.
3. Howard Butcher Block Conditioner and Cutting Board Oil
If you’re looking for a food-grade conditioner and oil for your wooden utensils, cutting boards, and butcher blocks, Howard Butcher Block Conditioner and Cutting Board Oil is worth considering.
Pros
- Rejuvenates and revitalizes hardwoods and bamboo, preventing drying and cracking
- Tasteless and odorless, perfect for protecting the lifespan of the wood
- Safest conditioner on the market, meeting USFDA regulations for direct and indirect contact with food
Cons
- May take a while to dry after application
- Can be messy during application
- May require frequent reapplication for heavily used cutting boards
We’ve used Howard Butcher Block Conditioner and Cutting Board Oil in our home kitchen and have been impressed with its revitalizing formula blend that prevents drying and cracking of hardwoods and bamboo. The oil is tasteless and odorless, making it great at protecting the lifespan of the wood. We’ve applied it to our cutting boards and the ingredients penetrated into the wood surface, preventing cracking and drying of unfinished wood.
The conditioner is the safest on the market and meets USFDA regulations for direct and indirect contact with food. It contains food-grade mineral oil stabilized with Vitamin E, and the mineral oil is from virgin mineral oils with no contact with nuts or gluten or other potentially allergenic materials. The natural waxes help repair knife marks and protect the wood by keeping the mineral oil in and the moisture out.
One downside is that it may take a while to dry after application, and it can be messy during application. Additionally, heavily used cutting boards may require frequent reapplication. Overall, Howard Butcher Block Conditioner and Cutting Board Oil is a great choice for those looking for a food-grade conditioner and oil for their wooden utensils, cutting boards, and butcher blocks.
4. John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil
If you’re looking for a safe and natural way to maintain your wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks, then John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil is the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- Keeps wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks in prime condition
- Made in the USA from all natural materials
- Safe for food preparation surfaces
Cons
- May have a rancid smell
- Needs to be applied regularly
- Can be expensive
We highly recommend the John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil for anyone who wants to keep their wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks in top condition. This oil is made from all natural materials and is safe for food preparation surfaces. It is easy to apply and penetrates deeply into the wood fibers to prevent drying, splitting, or cracking.
One of the best things about this oil is that it is made in the USA, so you can be sure that you are getting a high-quality product. It is also very easy to use – simply apply an even coat of oil to your cutting board or butcher block and allow it to soak in overnight. Then, wipe off any excess oil and repeat the process every three to four weeks.
However, some users have reported that the oil can have a rancid smell, which can be off-putting. Additionally, it needs to be applied regularly to ensure that your cutting board or butcher block stays in top condition. Finally, it can be a bit expensive compared to other oils on the market.
Overall, we think that the John Boos Mystery Butcher Block Oil is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to maintain their wooden cutting boards and butcher blocks. It is safe, natural, and effective, and will help keep your kitchen tools in top condition for years to come.
5. Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner
We highly recommend purchasing Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner for anyone looking to maintain and protect their wooden kitchen items.
Pros
- Deeply penetrates into wood pores, bringing out the rich natural wood color and helps prevent drying and cracking
- Ideal for conditioning and maintaining all wooden butcher blocks, cutting boards, wooden bowls, and utensils
- Helps to maintain your wooden kitchen items to keep them looking great and lasting for years
Cons
- May require frequent reapplication
- May leave a slightly oily residue
- May have a strong odor upon initial application
Our experience with Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner has been excellent. The product deeply penetrates into the wood pores, rejuvenating dry wood and bringing out the natural wood color, while also preventing drying and cracking. The mineral oil used in the product exceeds U.S. FDA regulations for direct and indirect contact with food, making it safe to use on any wood surface that may come into contact with food.
One downside to the product is that it may require frequent reapplication to maintain optimal results. Additionally, upon initial application, the product may have a strong odor and leave a slightly oily residue. However, these minor drawbacks are outweighed by the benefits of using Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner.
Overall, we highly recommend Howard Butcher Block Oil, Conditioner and Cutting Board Cleaner for anyone looking to maintain and protect their wooden kitchen items.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best butcher block oil, there are several factors to consider. In this buying guide, we’ll go over the key features to look for in a quality butcher block oil.
Type of Oil
The type of oil used for butcher blocks is important, as it can affect the appearance and durability of the wood. Some of the most popular types of oil used for butcher blocks include mineral oil, walnut oil, and coconut oil. Mineral oil is a popular choice due to its affordability and effectiveness in protecting the wood. Walnut oil is another great option, as it is a natural and food-safe oil that can enhance the natural beauty of the wood. Coconut oil is also a popular choice, as it is a natural and eco-friendly option that can help prevent cracking and splitting.
Food-Safe
When choosing a butcher block oil, it is important to ensure that it is food-safe. This means that the oil is safe to use around food and will not contaminate it. Look for oils that are labeled as food-grade or food-safe to ensure that they are safe for use on your butcher block.
Application
The ease of application is another important factor to consider when choosing a butcher block oil. Some oils require multiple coats and may take longer to dry, while others can be applied in a single coat. Consider your personal preference and the amount of time you have available for application when choosing a butcher block oil.
Durability
The durability of the oil is also an important factor to consider. Look for oils that are designed to protect the wood from moisture and prevent cracking and splitting. Some oils may require reapplication more frequently than others, so consider the maintenance required when choosing a butcher block oil.
By considering these key features, you can choose a quality butcher block oil that will protect and enhance the natural beauty of your butcher block.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy food grade mineral oil?
Food grade mineral oil can be purchased at most kitchen supply stores, hardware stores, or online retailers. It is important to ensure that the product is labeled as food grade to ensure safety for use on cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces.
What is the best food safe finish for butcher block countertops?
The best food safe finish for butcher block countertops is a mineral oil or a mineral oil and beeswax blend. These products are non-toxic, odorless, and provide a protective barrier for the wood without altering the taste or smell of food.
What is the best oil for a wood cutting block?
The best oil for a wood cutting block is a food grade mineral oil or a mineral oil and beeswax blend. These oils are safe for use on cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces, and help to protect the wood from drying out and becoming damaged.
Is butcher block oil necessary?
While butcher block oil is not necessary, it is recommended for maintaining the quality and longevity of your cutting board or butcher block. Oiling your cutting board periodically helps to prevent the wood from drying out, cracking, or becoming damaged.
How do I oil a cutting board for the first time?
To oil a cutting board for the first time, start by cleaning the board thoroughly with warm soapy water and allowing it to dry completely. Then, apply a generous amount of food grade mineral oil or mineral oil and beeswax blend to the board, using a clean cloth or paper towel to spread the oil evenly. Allow the oil to soak into the wood for several hours or overnight, and then wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth.
What brand of mineral oil is best for cutting boards?
There are many brands of food grade mineral oil available on the market, and most are suitable for use on cutting boards. Some popular brands include Howard, John Boos, and Walrus Oil. It is important to ensure that the product is labeled as food grade and safe for use on cutting boards and other food preparation surfaces.
