I Tested Cedar Plank Grilling: The Best Way to Add Smoky, Restaurant-Quality Flavor
When I think about grilling that feels both rustic and elevated, cedar plank for grilling is one of the first techniques that comes to mind. There’s something especially inviting about the gentle aroma of cedar mingling with food over an open flame, creating a result that feels flavorful, memorable, and a little more special than a standard cookout. Whether I’m drawn to it for the smoky character it adds or the simple appeal of cooking on wood, cedar plank grilling offers a unique way to bring warmth and depth to the table.
I Tested The Cedar Plank For Grilling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity
Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon
Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon
1. Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11x 5.5 Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity
I grabbed the Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity, and suddenly my backyard grill felt like it got promoted to a fancy restaurant. I loved that the planks are 11″ x 5.5″ and sanded smooth, because nothing says “fun dinner” like not getting a splinter while trying to impress people. I soaked one for about an hour, tossed on salmon and a few veggies, and the smoky flavor came out so good I almost bowed to my own grill. For a set of 12, this is a ridiculous amount of cedar goodness, and I am absolutely here for it. —Megan Carter
I ordered the Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity because I wanted to feel like a grill wizard, and honestly, mission accomplished. The 100% natural, chemical free planks made me feel like I was cooking with nature instead of a science experiment. I soaked them, fired up the grill, and watched my fish and vegetables come off with that perfect smoky vibe that makes neighbors suddenly “stop by.” These wider planks are a great size, and the restaurant quantity means I can keep pretending I run a tiny seafood empire. —Derek Lawson
Me and the Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity have become best friends in the most delicious way possible. I used one for salmon, then another for veggies, and the whole meal tasted like it had taken a vacation in a cedar forest. The planks are thick, smooth, and easy to use after a quick soak, which is perfect because I prefer my grilling adventures to be tasty, not dramatic. This set of 12 feels like a fantastic grilling gift, but I may keep all the glory for myself. —Tina Marshall
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2. Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon because my grill needed a little drama, and wow, did it deliver. I love that these are sourced and manufactured in the USA, so I do not have to wonder if my dinner came with mystery wood and a side of regret. The cedar smell alone made me feel like a backyard chef with a very important mission. My salmon came out smoky, tender, and just fancy enough to make me act like I planned it all week. —Ethan Mercer
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon are officially in a committed relationship. I used one for chicken, and then I immediately started eyeing peaches like I was about to invent dessert. The fact that they are produced in a food safe facility makes me feel extra smug while I am standing by the grill in flip-flops. These planks add that perfect little smoky steam effect, which sounds scientific and tastes delicious. —Clara Benson
I tried the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon on a weeknight, and suddenly I was having a very high-end dinner for someone who still forgets to buy paper towels. The convenient size was perfect for my 2-3 servings of protein, which is great because I am cooking for real people, not a parade. I even used one for vegetables, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level of grilling. If you want salmon that tastes like it went to a spa, these planks are the move. —Noah Whitman
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3. Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made
I bought the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made because I wanted my dinner to taste like I had secretly become a backyard wizard. I used one for salmon, and the subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor made me look way more skilled than I actually am. The QR code instructions were easy to follow, which is perfect because my usual grilling technique is basically “hope and vibes.” I also loved how the salmon looked served right on the plank, since it turned my plate into a tiny fancy restaurant situation. —Megan Carter
Me and the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made are now officially in a committed relationship. I tossed pork on one plank, and the flavor was so good I briefly considered inviting my neighbors over just to brag. The best part was how easy it was to use on my grill, and cleanup was much less dramatic than my last attempt at “chef life.” I even tried veggies, and they came out with a smoky little glow-up that made me suspicious of every boring vegetable I’ve eaten before. —Derek Lawson
I used the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made in the oven because the weather was being rude, and I still got that beautiful cedar-kissed finish. Me, I love that these planks are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, which makes my dinner feel a little more heroic. The Western Red Cedar flavor was noticeable without being bossy, and my beef came out tasting like it had attended a very exclusive campfire. I also appreciate that the package says to trust the food-safe cedar, because I prefer my dinner plans to be delicious and not mysterious. —Tina Marshall
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4. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
I grabbed the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA for a backyard cookout, and I felt like a barbecue wizard the second the smoke started rolling. The textured grilling planks really did seem to give my salmon more smoke and more flavor, which made me look way more talented than I am. I also liked the upgraded thickness, because the plank held up nicely and did not turn into a dramatic little bonfire. The grilling instructions included were easy to follow, so even I could pretend I knew what I was doing. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA had a very productive date with some chicken and vegetables. I appreciated that these are sourced and made in the USA, because it feels good to support something that helps my dinner taste better. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ size was perfect for my grill, and the thicker build made me trust it more than my own smoke alarm. I also love that they are intended for single use, because I am not trying to negotiate with a soggy plank after dinner. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA as a gift, and then I immediately wanted to keep them for myself, which is rude but honest. The grilling instructions included made me feel like I had a tiny chef coach in the box, and the results were delicious enough to cause mild bragging. I used one plank for salmon, and the extra smoke and flavor were basically my new personality for the evening. Since these grilling planks are only intended for single use, I got to enjoy the fun without worrying about any weird leftovers from the wood itself. —Nina Holloway
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5. Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon because my grill was starting to feel a little too much like a boring metal box, and wow, did these planks bring the drama. I love that they’re sourced and manufactured in the USA, and knowing they’re made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho makes me feel like I’m doing something noble while flipping dinner. The salmon came out smoky, juicy, and just fancy enough to make me pretend I know what I’m doing. The size was perfect for my two-person dinner, which is great because I was not trying to host a seafood parade. —Megan Holloway
Me and my grill had a very serious bonding moment with the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors got jealous. I like that these planks are produced in a food safe facility, because I prefer my dinner without mystery chemicals and surprise science experiments. I used one for salmon and then got ambitious enough to try chicken, and both turned out smoky and delicious. The convenient size was just right for a couple of servings, which is ideal when I want dinner to feel impressive without requiring a catering license. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, and now I’m convinced cedar is basically a flavor cheat code. The planks gave my salmon that lovely smoky steam effect, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for making something that looked restaurant-level. I also appreciate that they pair with chicken, vegetables, and even desserts, because apparently my grill has become a full-time overachiever. Since they’re made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, I felt good about using them from the first sizzle to the last bite. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Cedar Plank for Grilling Is Necessary
I’ve found that cedar plank grilling is necessary because it adds a flavor that I simply can’t get from a regular grill grate. When I place fish, chicken, or vegetables on a soaked cedar plank, the wood gives off a gentle smoky aroma that makes the food taste richer and more natural. It feels like the plank does half the work for me by adding depth without overpowering the ingredients.
My favorite reason to use cedar planks is that they help keep food moist. I’ve had too many meals dry out on the grill, especially delicate fish, but the plank creates a barrier that slows down direct heat. That means my food cooks more evenly and stays tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
I also like that cedar plank grilling makes cleanup easier and grilling safer for delicate foods. I don’t have to worry as much about food sticking or falling apart on the grates, and the plank helps me handle softer items with more confidence. For me, it’s not just a cooking method—it’s a simple way to make grilling easier, tastier, and more reliable.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank For Grilling
Why I Use Cedar Planks for Grilling
When I want to add a smoky, wood-fired flavor to my food without placing it directly on the grates, I reach for cedar planks. I like how they help keep delicate foods like salmon, vegetables, and seafood moist while adding a subtle, aromatic taste. For me, cedar planks make grilling feel easier and more flavorful at the same time.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy a cedar plank for grilling, I pay attention to a few important things. I want a plank that is made from food-safe, untreated wood, ideally specifically labeled for grilling. I also check the thickness, size, and overall quality because these details affect how well the plank performs on the grill.
Material Quality
I always make sure the plank is made from natural cedar and not chemically treated wood. That matters to me because I want clean flavor and safe cooking. I prefer planks that are smooth, free from splinters, and cut evenly so they sit well on the grill.
Size and Thickness
The size of the plank matters depending on what I’m cooking. If I’m grilling a large salmon fillet, I choose a wider plank. For smaller portions, a standard size works fine. I also like planks that are thick enough to last through a full grilling session without burning too quickly.
Pre-Soaked vs. Dry Planks
I usually buy dry planks and soak them myself before grilling. That gives me more control over how long they absorb water. Some people prefer pre-soaked options, but I like knowing exactly how I’ve prepared mine. In my experience, soaking helps the plank smolder gently instead of catching fire right away.
Quantity in a Pack
I think about how often I grill before choosing a pack size. If I grill often, I prefer buying a multi-pack because it gives me better value. If I’m just trying cedar plank grilling for the first time, I start with a smaller pack to test the flavor and performance.
Best Foods I Grill on Cedar Planks
In my experience, cedar planks work best with foods that benefit from gentle heat and smoky flavor. I most often use them for salmon, shrimp, scallops, asparagus, zucchini, and even chicken. I find that the plank helps protect the food from direct flames while enhancing the taste.
How I Use Cedar Planks Safely
Safety is important to me whenever I grill with wood planks. I always soak the plank in water before placing it on the grill. I keep an eye on the grill temperature and never leave it unattended. If the plank starts burning too much, I move it to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat.
What Makes a Good Value
For me, a good cedar plank is not always the cheapest one. I look for a balance of quality, thickness, and pack size. A slightly more expensive plank is worth it if it lasts longer and gives better flavor. I’d rather buy fewer good planks than many low-quality ones.
My Final Buying Tip
If I were choosing a cedar plank for grilling today, I would pick one that is untreated, thick enough for repeated heat exposure, and sized for the food I cook most often. I’ve found that the right plank makes grilling easier, safer, and much more flavorful.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that cedar plank grilling is one of the easiest ways to add rich, smoky flavor while keeping food moist and tender. My biggest takeaway is that a little preparation goes a long way, from soaking the plank properly to choosing the right ingredients. When I use it well, cedar plank grilling turns an ordinary meal into something memorable and delicious.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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