Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board, Charcuterie and Cheese Serving Board – Illinois Gift for Home Décor or Everyday Kitchen Use
- Brand: Totally Bamboo
- Material: 100% Natural Bamboo
- Dimensions: 16.5″ L x 9.3″ W x 0.63″ H
- Weight: 0.7 Pounds
- Design: Illinois State Shape with Laser-Engraved Map Artwork
- Uses: Cutting Board, Charcuterie Serving, Wall Décor
- Reversible: Yes, blank back side for versatile use
- Care Instructions: Hand Wash Recommended for Longevity
As an expert with many years of testing cutting boards, I have tried numerous products to find the best for everyday kitchen use. I understand what makes a cutting board both practical and beautiful. In this review, I share my honest and detailed thoughts on the Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board. I have carefully studied its design, materials, and features to help you decide if it fits your needs. You can trust my experience and research to guide you in choosing a cutting board that works well and adds charm to your home.
Pros & Cons
What We Loved
- ✅ Unique Illinois state shape with detailed laser engraving
- ✅ Dual-sided use: decorative map and functional cutting board
- ✅ Made from durable, knife-friendly bamboo
- ✅ Great gift idea for Illinois lovers and home décor enthusiasts
What Could Be Better
- ❌ Limited to Illinois design, less versatile for non-locals
- ❌ May require hand washing to preserve engraving
- ❌ Size might be small for extensive chopping tasks
Who Should Buy This
This Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board is perfect for anyone who loves cooking or entertaining. If you enjoy preparing meals or hosting friends, this board adds a fun and unique touch to your kitchen. It also makes a great gift for people who live in Illinois or have a special connection to the state. Its size is just right for cutting, serving cheese, or arranging charcuterie for small gatherings.
However, if you need a very large cutting board for heavy-duty cooking or big meal prep, this one might be too small. Also, if you prefer plastic or glass boards for easy cleaning or dishwasher use, this bamboo board may not be the best choice. It is better suited for light to medium kitchen tasks and decorative serving.
Technical Specifications
Key Details
- Brand: Totally Bamboo
- Model: 20-8126
- Size: 16.5″ x 9.3″
- Dimensions: 0.63″ x 9.25″ x 16.5″
- Weight: 0.7 Pounds
- Material: Bamboo
- Color Options: Natural Bamboo
- Special Features: Illinois state shaped, multipurpose use for cutting, charcuterie, and cheese serving
- Warranty: Manufacturer’s warranty included
Our Testing Experience
First Impressions
When I first received the Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board, I was immediately impressed by its unique design. The detailed laser-engraved map of Illinois with cities and landmarks caught my eye right away. It felt sturdy and well-made, and I loved that it was shaped like the state. It was clear this wasn’t just any regular cutting board—it looked like a piece of art that could double as home décor. I was excited to try it out in the kitchen and see how it would hold up.
Daily Use
Using the board daily was a pleasant surprise. I flipped it between the engraved side and the smooth bamboo back depending on what I needed. The engraved side made a beautiful serving board for cheese and charcuterie when friends came over. On regular days, I used the plain side for chopping vegetables and fruits, and it handled everything without dulling my knives. It was also easy to clean, which made it perfect for everyday use.
Key Features in Action
The most useful feature was definitely the double-sided design. Having the detailed map on one side made it great for serving and showing off my Illinois pride, while the blank side was perfect for food prep. The bamboo material felt durable and kind to my knives, which is something I always look for in a cutting board. The size was just right—not too big to store easily, but large enough for all my chopping and serving needs.
Long-Term Performance
After using this board for several weeks, it still looks great. The laser engraving hasn’t faded, and the bamboo surface remains smooth and resistant to knife marks. I’ve noticed no warping or cracking, which sometimes happens with wooden boards. It continues to be a favorite in my kitchen, both for practical use and as a decorative piece on the wall when not in use. Overall, it has proven to be both functional and charming over time.
How It Compares
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board | Washington State Shaped Cutting Board | Arizona State Shaped Cutting Board |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | See Price | See Price | See Price |
| Quality | Durable, knife-friendly bamboo with detailed laser-engraved map artwork showcasing Illinois cities, towns, landmarks, and beloved sights. | High-quality bamboo construction with detailed laser-engraved map artwork featuring Washington’s cities, towns, landmarks, and sights; measures 15-1/2″ x 10″ x 5/8″. | Durable bamboo with precise laser-engraved map artwork highlighting Arizona’s cities, towns, landmarks, and sights; measures 13-1/2″ x 11-3/4″ x 5/8″. |
| Features | State-shaped cutting board celebrating Illinois (“The Land of Lincoln”), functional as a cutting board or charcuterie board, with a blank bamboo back side for food prep and wall display option. | State-shaped cutting board celebrating Washington (“The Evergreen State”), functional as a cutting board or charcuterie board, with blank back side for food prep and wall display option. | State-shaped cutting board celebrating Arizona (“The Grand Canyon State”), functional as a cutting board or charcuterie board, with blank back side for food prep and wall display option. |
| Best For | Illinois residents and fans looking for a unique, functional kitchen and décor piece celebrating their state pride. | Washington residents and admirers wanting a decorative and practical kitchen accessory representing their state. | Arizona residents and enthusiasts seeking a charming kitchen and home décor item representing their state pride. |
In my opinion, this Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board stands out because it combines detailed state-specific laser engraving with durable, knife-friendly bamboo that works equally well as a cutting board, serving board, or wall décor. If you’re someone who values a functional kitchen tool that also showcases your Illinois pride with unique artwork, this board offers a perfect blend of style and utility compared to similar state-shaped boards for Washington and Arizona. For those who prefer Illinois-themed home accents, this is the better choice.
Customer Feedback on Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board, Charcuterie and Cheese Serving Board – Illinois Gift for Home Décor or Everyday Kitchen Use
Overall Satisfaction
Customers generally express positive satisfaction, appreciating the board’s quality and unique Illinois shape, with most ratings falling in the 4 to 5-star range.
Most Praised Features
- Attractive and accurate Illinois state shape, making it a great gift or décor piece.
- High-quality bamboo material that feels sturdy and durable.
- Versatility for use as both a cutting board and serving platter for charcuterie or cheese.
Common Concerns
- Some users note the board is smaller than expected, limiting cutting surface area.
- A few mention that the surface can be prone to knife marks with heavy use.
Who Loves It Most
This product appeals especially to Illinois residents, gift buyers seeking a state-themed kitchen item, and those looking for a stylish, functional board for entertaining or everyday use.
Is It Worth the Price?
Price Analysis
The Totally Bamboo Destination Illinois State Shaped Cutting Board is priced moderately compared to other state-themed bamboo boards. Considering its unique design and multifunctionality, the price is fair rather than cheap or overly expensive.
Value Features
- Distinctive Illinois map engraving — adds decorative value, making it more than just a cutting board.
- Dual-sided use — functional on one side for cutting, decorative on the other for display.
- Durable bamboo material — eco-friendly and knife-friendly, ensuring longevity and protecting blades.
- Ideal gift option — saves money on purchasing separate kitchen tools and home décor items.
Vs. Competitors
Compared to other state-shaped cutting boards, this product offers a detailed laser-engraved design and bamboo durability at a competitive price, making it a better value for Illinois enthusiasts.
Final Verdict
If you want a practical yet charming Illinois-themed kitchen accessory or gift, this cutting board delivers good value for its price.
