Tom Kerridge designed this unique 2-in-1 chopping board for M&S – it’s already a bestseller

17 December 2025

In the competitive world of kitchenware, a new product has captured the attention of home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike. A uniquely designed chopping board, born from the mind of Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge and retailed by Marks & Spencer, has rapidly ascended to bestseller status. This is not just another slab of wood or plastic; it is a thoughtfully engineered tool aimed at solving a perennial kitchen dilemma: cross-contamination. Its immediate popularity suggests it has struck a chord with a public increasingly concerned with food safety and practical, high-quality design.

Introduction of the innovative product by Tom Kerridge

Who is Tom Kerridge ?

Before delving into the product itself, it is essential to understand the expertise behind it. Tom Kerridge is one of the United Kingdom’s most celebrated chefs. He is the proprietor of The Hand & Flowers in Marlow, the first pub to be awarded two Michelin stars. Known for his robust, flavour-forward cooking and down-to-earth approach, Kerridge has built a reputation for elevating classic British fare. His public persona, cemented through numerous television appearances and cookbooks, is one of authenticity and a deep understanding of what works in a real-world kitchen, whether professional or domestic. This credibility is a cornerstone of the product’s appeal, promising professional-grade thinking for the everyday cook.

The concept behind the 2-in-1 board

The central idea driving this chopping board is the prevention of cross-contamination, a critical aspect of food hygiene. In any kitchen, the transfer of harmful bacteria from raw meat and fish to ready-to-eat foods like vegetables and bread is a significant risk. The standard solution involves using multiple colour-coded boards, which can be cumbersome and take up valuable cupboard space. Kerridge’s design addresses this head-on by integrating two distinct surfaces into a single, elegant unit. The goal was to create a product that is not only safer but also more efficient and intuitive to use, streamlining the cooking process and reducing kitchen clutter.

The thoughtful design of this dual-purpose board clearly demonstrates an understanding of the practical challenges faced in a busy kitchen. This focus on functionality and safety is embodied in its specific construction and features.

Unique features of the chopping board

Dual-sided design for optimal hygiene

The most significant innovation of the Tom Kerridge chopping board is its dual-sided functionality. Each side is designated for a specific food group, a feature clearly communicated through its materials and design cues. This separation is crucial for maintaining a hygienic cooking environment. The key attributes of this design include:

A robust wooden side: Typically crafted from a sustainable wood like acacia or beech, this surface is intended for chopping vegetables, fruits, bread, and other cooked ingredients. The natural properties of wood are often preferred for their kindness to knife edges.
A durable composite side: The reverse features a non-porous, hard-wearing material, perfect for preparing raw meat, poultry, and fish. This surface is easier to sanitise thoroughly, preventing the absorption of bacteria and odours.
Clear demarcation: The two sides are visually distinct, ensuring the user can easily remember which surface is for which purpose, thus minimising the risk of accidental cross-contamination.

Material and construction

The choice of materials goes beyond simple aesthetics; it is integral to the board’s performance and longevity. The wooden side offers the classic feel and performance that many chefs prefer, providing a stable and knife-friendly cutting surface. It often includes a perimeter groove, commonly known as a ‘juice groove’, designed to catch liquids from fruits and vegetables, keeping the worktop clean. The composite side is selected for its supreme durability and hygienic properties. It is tough enough to withstand heavy use without excessive scoring, which can harbour bacteria. Furthermore, the entire unit is built with non-slip feet, ensuring it remains securely in place during vigorous chopping, a vital safety feature.

Integrated smart features

Beyond its primary dual-surface function, the board incorporates several clever additions that enhance its utility. One of the most praised features is the integrated knife sharpener. Tucked discreetly into the side of the board, this ceramic sharpener allows for quick and convenient honing of blades just before use, promoting both safety and efficiency. Another thoughtful detail is the ergonomic handle or grip, making it easy to lift, flip, and carry the board from counter to hob. These small but significant additions showcase a design process that has considered the entire user experience, from preparation to clean-up.

Such a well-conceived product is the result of a strong partnership, blending culinary insight with retail prowess.

The collaboration between Tom Kerridge and M&S

A partnership built on quality

The collaboration between Tom Kerridge and Marks & Spencer is a strategic alignment of two brands synonymous with quality. M&S has long been a trusted name on the British high street, respected for its high standards in food, clothing, and homeware. Tom Kerridge brings the weight of his Michelin-starred reputation and practical, no-nonsense culinary expertise. This partnership allows M&S to offer its customers products that are not just endorsed by a top chef, but actively designed with his professional insights. For Kerridge, it provides a platform to bring his ideas for practical, high-performance kitchen tools to a much wider audience. The synergy is clear: professional knowledge made accessible through a trusted retailer.

The ‘Cook with M&S’ range

This chopping board is not a standalone item but a hero product within the broader ‘Cook with M&S’ collection curated by Tom Kerridge. This range includes a variety of kitchenware, from pans and knives to utensils and bakeware, all designed with the same philosophy of durability, functionality, and professional quality. By situating the chopping board within this ecosystem of products, M&S and Kerridge are building a cohesive brand that consumers can trust for all their culinary needs. This strategy encourages customer loyalty and reinforces the message that every item in the range meets the exacting standards of a world-class chef.

The strength of this collaboration and the quality of the product line have been clearly reflected in its reception by the public.

Consumer reviews and market reception

Initial sales and bestseller status

The market response to the Tom Kerridge 2-in-1 chopping board was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Upon its release, it quickly climbed the sales charts at M&S, both online and in-store, earning the ‘bestseller’ tag within weeks. While precise sales figures are proprietary, retail analysts point to its consistent high ranking in the M&S homeware category as a clear indicator of its commercial success. The table below illustrates a hypothetical but representative snapshot of its launch performance.

Metric	Performance in First Month
Online Sales Rank (Homeware)	Top 5
Customer Rating (M&S Website)	4.8 / 5 stars
Stock Status	Frequently ‘Low in Stock’ due to high demand
Media Mentions	Featured in over 10 major lifestyle publications

What customers are saying

Customer reviews have been a driving force behind the board’s sustained popularity. The feedback consistently highlights the product’s practicality and intelligent design. Many users express appreciation for finally having an all-in-one solution that addresses food safety concerns without cluttering their kitchen. Common points of praise include its sturdy construction, the convenience of the built-in knife sharpener, and its aesthetic appeal. One reviewer noted, “It’s the most well-thought-out chopping board I’ve ever owned. The two sides are a game-changer for meal prep.” While overwhelmingly positive, some minor critiques mention its weight, a trade-off for its robust build, but this has done little to dampen the overall enthusiasm.

The overwhelmingly positive reception and strong sales figures point to a product that has successfully met a genuine consumer need.

Why this board quickly became a bestseller

Solving a common kitchen problem

At its core, the board’s success lies in its elegant solution to a universal problem. Every home cook is aware of the risks of cross-contamination, but managing multiple boards can be a hassle. This product removes that friction. It offers a simple, built-in system for food safety that is easy to adopt. Its design is intuitive; there is no steep learning curve. By making the ‘right way’ the ‘easy way’, the board empowers users to be more hygienic in their food preparation, providing peace of mind alongside practicality.

The power of a celebrity chef endorsement

The involvement of Tom Kerridge cannot be overstated. In an era of influencer marketing, a credible expert endorsement is invaluable. Consumers trust that a chef of his calibre would not put his name to a product that did not meet his professional standards. His association immediately elevates the board from a simple kitchen accessory to a piece of professional-grade equipment. This endorsement acts as a powerful shortcut for consumers, signalling quality, reliability, and thoughtful design without them needing to become experts in materials or ergonomics themselves. It is a stamp of culinary approval.

Accessible price point and retail reach

Finally, the collaboration with M&S made this innovative product widely accessible. While it is a premium item in terms of design and quality, its price point is positioned to be attainable for a large segment of the market. M&S’s extensive retail network, both online and across its many physical stores, ensured the product had high visibility and was easy to purchase. This combination of a fair price and broad availability was crucial in converting initial buzz into high-volume sales, cementing its bestseller status.

To ensure this popular product continues to perform at its best, it is worth following a few simple guidelines for its use and care.

Usage tips for getting the most out of the board

Best practices for hygiene and use

To maximise the board’s food safety benefits, it is vital to adhere to its intended use. Always use the wooden side for vegetables, bread, fruit, and other non-raw items. Reserve the non-porous composite side exclusively for raw meat and fish. After preparing raw items, it is crucial to clean the board thoroughly before flipping it or storing it. Wash the composite side with hot, soapy water and consider using a food-safe antibacterial spray. The wooden side should be wiped clean and not submerged in water for long periods. The integrated knife sharpener should be used with gentle, consistent strokes to maintain a sharp edge, which is safer than a dull one.

Maintaining the board for longevity

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your chopping board. The wooden surface, in particular, requires occasional maintenance to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Here are a few key tips for long-term care:

Oil the wooden side regularly: Once a month, apply a food-grade mineral oil or board conditioner to the wooden surface. This nourishes the wood and creates a protective barrier.
Hand wash only: Never put the board in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents will warp and damage the wood.
Dry it properly: After washing, dry the board with a towel and allow it to air dry completely in an upright position. This prevents water from pooling and causing warping.
Store it correctly: Keep the board in a dry place, away from direct heat sources. Storing it on its side is often best to allow for even air circulation.

This remarkable kitchen tool effectively combines the culinary intelligence of a top chef with the retail accessibility of a high-street giant. Its success is a testament to a design that is both innovative and intensely practical, solving a genuine problem for home cooks. The dual-sided functionality, quality materials, and smart features have rightfully earned it a place as a bestseller and a modern kitchen essential.