EZ-Grip Extra Thick Flexible Cutting Board Mats Review — Color-Coded, Dishwasher-Safe, and Anti-Slip
Small change, big impact: replacing old, scored cutting boards with a set of flexible cutting board mats can improve kitchen safety and make meal prep faster. I tested the Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats to see whether they live up to the “durable, anti-slip, color-coded” claims. This review breaks down what these mats do, who they help, and whether they’re worth adding to your kitchen drawer.
Quick product overview
Product: EZ-Grip Extra Thick Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats (Cooler Kitchen)
Sizes: 11.5″ x 15″ (each mat)
Options: Set of 4 or Set of 6 — colorways: Vibrant, Pastel, Black and Black
Colors & coding: Blue (fish), Red (meats), Yellow (poultry), Green (vegetables)
Material & care: BPA-free plastic, dishwasher safe
What these cutting board mats do
These are lightweight, flexible plastic cutting mats designed to replace or supplement bulkier cutting boards. They’re extra thick (for a thin mat) to resist deep knife cuts, and they have a crosshatched waffle back to reduce slipping on countertops. Color-coded icons on each mat make it easy to prevent cross-contamination by assigning one mat per food type.
Key features and real-world benefits
1. Extra thick yet flexible — durability without bulk
The “extra thick” construction means the mats don’t tear or develop deep grooves as quickly as standard thin mats. In practice this reduces where bacteria can hide and keeps knives from catching on worn areas. Because they remain flexible, it’s simple to curl the mat and funnel chopped ingredients into a pan or bowl — no need to scrape the counter.
2. EZ-Grip waffle back — stays put during prep
The crosshatched or waffle-textured backside is a practical anti-slip feature. On wet or oily counters the mats maintain grip better than flat plastic sheets, so your onion-chopping or meat-trimming sessions feel safer and more controlled.
3. Color coding + food icons — better food safety and kitchen organization
- Blue for fish, red for meats, yellow for poultry, green for vegetables — icons are clear and fast to identify.
- Using separate mats for each food group reduces cross-contamination risk, which is especially helpful in family kitchens, shared apartments, or households that keep kosher.
4. Dishwasher safe & BPA free — easy cleaning
Being dishwasher safe makes sanitizing straightforward. Toss the mats into the top rack after use and avoid prolonged manual scrubbing. They’re labeled BPA free, which matters if you’re cautious about plastics in food prep.
5. Multiple set options — pick what fits your kitchen
Available in set sizes (Set of 4 or Set of 6) and colorways (Vibrant, Pastel, Black and Black). The Set of 4 includes the four food-coded colors, while the Set of 6 adds flexibility for extra mats or an all-purpose spare.
Practical testing notes
I used the mats for two weeks across common kitchen tasks: chopping vegetables, filleting fish, trimming steaks, and portioning raw chicken. Observations:
- Knife marks appeared slowly — no immediate deep cuts after typical use, which is good for longevity and hygiene.
- The waffle back minimized sliding on laminate and polished stone countertops; for extremely glossy surfaces I still used a damp towel underneath for insurance.
- Curling the mat to transfer diced onion into a pot worked smoothly and saved cleanup time.
- Dishwasher cycles removed most surface residue; occasional stubborn stains (like beet juice) required a quick soak or baking-soda rub.
Pros and cons
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Who should buy these cutting mats (and who shouldn’t)
These EZ-Grip cutting board mats are a strong choice for:
- Home cooks who want a hygienic, color-coded system to reduce cross-contamination.
- Small kitchens where space is limited and flexible mats store easily upright or in drawers.
- Busy households that prefer dishwasher-safe prep gear for quick cleanup.
- People keeping kosher or following strict food separation rules — icons make adherence simple.
They might not be the right fit if:
- You need a primary, large wooden board for heavy-duty chopping (these are supplementary or secondary boards).
- You’re highly sensitive to plastic staining and prefer non-plastic materials for appearance long-term.
- You prefer cutting directly on non-flexible surfaces that are better for repeated forceful chopping.
100% Money Back Guarantee: Cooler Kitchen offers a full refund or replacement if you’re not satisfied with the EZ-Grip mats.
Final verdict
The Cooler Kitchen EZ-Grip Extra Thick Flexible Cutting Board Mats deliver exactly what they promise: a practical, hygienic, and affordable way to organize food prep and reduce cross-contamination. Their anti-slip waffle backing and extra-thick construction set them above thinner disposable mats, while color coding and dishwasher-safe care make them ideal for everyday use.
Recommendation: buy if you want a compact, safe, and easy-to-clean set of color-coded cutting mats for routine meal prep or for use as dedicated mats for meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables. Skip or supplement them with a large wooden or composite board if you need a heavy-duty primary chopping surface for long sessions or for professional-grade knife work.
Quick buying tips
- Choose Set of 4 for the essential food groups; go Set of 6 if you want extra mats or backups.
- Select Vibrant or Pastel colors for quick visual sorting; Black options are available if you prefer a minimalist look.
- Replace plastic cutting mats every 1–2 years or when deep grooves appear to maintain food safety.
Overall, these EZ-Grip cutting mats are a smart, low-cost kitchen upgrade that improves safety and tidiness without taking up much space.
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