The carving board is 100% bamboo and measures 15-inches-by-21-inches with a large groove for catching juices — all for only $9.99 each. The standard stove is about 30 inches wide, so for less than $20, shoppers have discovered how to perfectly cover that space with a thick, sturdy material where you can place cookware, decor, or even use it as prep space for cooking. Shoppers have also called the trick a dupe for noodle boards, which essentially serve the same purpose but in one chunk of wood that’s typically about 30-by-22-inches. 

Aldi fan Mara Demotte was ecstatic to finally discover the hack and plans to put some vintage kitchen cabinet handles she has on the sides to make it even more useful. “I had been looking for a solution to add counter space when I’m not using my stove or oven. We’d considered a traditional butcher’s block or noodle board, but those are heavy and, honestly, expensive,” DeMotte said. “When I saw the bamboo boards at Aldi, it was a no-brainer!”

Shopper Erin Maki shared the photo of her setup and noted that the idea isn’t just good for extra counter space. “We recently bought a new gas range and I love it, but for one thing, it’s black so it shows every crumb. And it’s just grates, so there’s nowhere to put anything,” Maki said. “I was looking into getting one of those noodle boards, but they’re like $100 on Amazon. Aldi to the rescue!”

Of course, it should go without saying that the cutting boards should be removed during any and all cooking (whether with the stove or the oven), and you probably shouldn’t try this hack with electric stoves because it’s harder to tell when it’s on, and easier to accidentally turn it on without knowing. 

If you don’t live near an Aldi (or the carving boards are sold out at your local store), this Amazon option is about the same size for only a few dollars more. And if all else fails and you really do want the noodle board look (and the extra space it offers), there are plenty of options on Amazon.