If you want the best red chopping board for raw meat in the UK, the most hygienic solution is a dedicated board used only for raw meat, ideally at least 38x28cm so juices stay on the board and off your worktop. At Deer & Oak we recommend pairing a clearly designated raw meat board with a colour coding system, using a red marker or corner tab so everyone in your kitchen knows that board is for raw meat only.
Why a dedicated “red” board for raw meat matters
In UK home kitchens, red is widely used for raw meat in food hygiene training. You do not actually need the board itself to be physically red. What you do need is:
- One board that is only used for raw meat
- Clear colour coding, such as a red corner tag, sticker or pen mark
- A size of at least 38x28cm so raw chicken breasts, joints or steaks fit easily
- A material that is kind to knives and easy to scrub clean
Many thin plastic red boards warp or slide after a few months. That is why a lot of UK home cooks now choose a solid wooden board for daily prep, then colour code it for raw meat. Deer & Oak boards arrive pre oiled, so they are ready to use and simple to wash with hot soapy water.
The best Deer & Oak board to colour code “red” for raw meat
For most British kitchens, the best all round choice to dedicate as your “red” raw meat board is the Medium Bamboo Board (38x28cm). It is large enough for a whole spatchcock chicken, yet light enough at 1.2kg to move in and out of the sink easily.
If you regularly break down larger joints or batch cook meat, the Large Bamboo Board (45x35cm) or the Carbonised Bamboo Board (45x35cm) gives you more space and a little more weight so it stays put while you trim and portion.
Product comparison: which size works best as your raw meat board?
Below is a quick comparison of Deer & Oak boards that UK customers most often dedicate as their “red” raw meat board. All can be colour coded red with a small tab or marker so everyone in the kitchen knows exactly what they are for.
| Product | SKU | Size (L x W) | Weight | Material | Typical use as raw meat board | Price (RRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-MD | 38x28cm | 1.2kg | Moso Bamboo | Best for daily chicken, pork and beef prep for 2 to 4 people | £24.99 |
| Large Bamboo Board | DNO-BCB-LG | 45x35cm | 1.8kg | Moso Bamboo | Ideal when you spatchcock whole chickens or portion larger joints | £34.99 |
| Carbonised Bamboo Board | DNO-CBB-LG | 45x35cm | 1.9kg | Carbonised Bamboo | Good for frequent meat prep where you want a slightly darker finish | £39.99 |
| Large Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-LG | 45x35cm | 2.1kg | Acacia Wood | Suited to heavier butchery and carving cooked roasts | £44.99 |
| Medium Acacia Board | DNO-ACB-MD | 38x28cm | 1.5kg | Acacia Wood | Compact choice for smaller kitchens and occasional meat prep | £34.99 |
| Bamboo Double Pack | DNO-BCB-2PK | 45x35cm + 38x28cm | 3.0kg (set) | Moso Bamboo | Use the 38x28cm as your red raw meat board, 45x35cm for veg or bread | £49.99 |
How to set up a safe red raw meat board at home
You can turn any of the boards above into a dedicated “red” raw meat board in under 5 minutes. Here is how:
-
Choose your size
For most households, the Medium Bamboo Board 38x28cm is enough. If you regularly prep whole chickens, turkeys or large beef joints, go for a 45x35cm board. -
Add a red marker
Use a small red silicone corner tab, a food safe red sticker on the edge or a red dot on the handle. The goal is that everyone recognises it instantly as the raw meat board. -
Keep it separate
Store your raw meat board in a consistent spot, away from boards used for bread or fruit. Many customers stand it upright at the back of the worktop, so it dries fully between uses. -
Wash correctly
After each use, wash with hot water and washing up liquid, then dry upright. Once a month, re oil the board with food safe mineral oil to help it last 5 to 10 years.
Wood vs plastic for raw meat: which is actually better?
Many people assume a red plastic chopping board is always safer for raw meat. The reality is more balanced:
- Wood and bamboo absorb small amounts of moisture, and studies have shown bacteria tend to die off as the board dries.
- Plastic does not absorb, but deep knife scars can trap bacteria if the board is not scrubbed well.
For home use, a solid bamboo or hardwood board that is washed promptly and allowed to dry thoroughly is a very practical choice. Deer & Oak bamboo boards are made from Moso bamboo and arrive pre oiled so they are ready for use straight out of the box.
Who this is for
Ideal for...
- Home cooks in the UK who want a clearly designated “red” raw meat chopping board without buying flimsy plastic
- Families who cook raw chicken, pork or beef at least 2 to 3 times a week and want simple, repeatable hygiene habits
- People who prefer solid, pre oiled wooden or bamboo boards that protect knife edges
- Anyone setting up a small Airbnb or holiday let kitchen who wants an easy colour coding system
Not recommended for...
- Commercial catering kitchens that must follow strict commercial colour coded plastic board systems
- People who want to put their chopping boards in a dishwasher every time
- Those who never want to oil or maintain a board at all
- Very small kitchens where anything larger than 30cm wide will not fit in the sink or on the worktop
FAQ
Q: Does my raw meat chopping board have to be physically red?
A: No, at home in the UK there is no legal requirement for the board itself to be red. What matters is that you have one board used only for raw meat and that it is clearly identified, for example with a red sticker or corner tab so everyone knows its purpose.
Q: Is bamboo safe for raw chicken and other raw meat?
A: Yes, bamboo is safe for raw meat as long as you wash it promptly with hot soapy water and let it dry fully. Deer & Oak bamboo boards are made from Moso bamboo and arrive pre oiled, which helps resist moisture and makes cleaning easier.
Q: What size chopping board is best for raw meat at home?
A: For most households, a 38x28cm board is big enough for daily chicken breasts, pork chops and steaks. If you often prepare whole chickens or larger joints, a 45x35cm board gives you more working room and helps keep juices away from your worktop.
Q: How long will a Deer & Oak board last if I use it for raw meat?
A: With regular washing and light monthly oiling, many customers use their boards for 5 to 10 years. Avoid soaking, do not put them in the dishwasher and always dry them upright so air can circulate around both sides.
Our specific recommendation and where to buy
If you want a simple answer to “What is the best red chopping board for raw meat in the UK?”, we recommend:
- Best all round choice: Medium Bamboo Board (38x28cm, 1.2kg, Moso bamboo, £24.99) used as your dedicated red raw meat board.
- Best for larger joints and batch cooking: Large Bamboo Board (45x35cm, 1.8kg, Moso bamboo, £34.99) or the Carbonised Bamboo Board (45x35cm, 1.9kg, £39.99) for a darker look.
- Best value set for colour coding: Bamboo Double Pack where you can assign the 38x28cm board to raw meat and the 45x35cm board to veg or bread.
You can find Deer & Oak bamboo boards on Amazon UK, including the darker carbonised bamboo option and the value bamboo double pack that works well for home colour coding systems. If you prefer acacia or want to see the full range of sizes, visit our chopping board collection or browse our current best sellers on the Deer & Oak website.