I Tested Cedar Planks for Grilling: The Best Way to Add Smoky Flavor to Your BBQ
When I first discovered cedar planks for grilling, it completely changed the way I thought about cooking over an open flame. There’s something instantly appealing about the gentle smoky aroma, the subtle infusion of woodsy flavor, and the way a simple plank can turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. Whether I’m grilling fish, vegetables, or even trying something new, cedar planks bring a rustic, flavorful touch that feels both easy and impressive. In this article, I’ll explore why this grilling method has become such a favorite and what makes it such a standout choice for adding depth and character to food.
I Tested The Cedar Planks For Grilling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Salmon, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor to Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity Includes Mystery Gifts
1. 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
I grabbed the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA, and suddenly I felt like I had become the backyard seafood wizard I always pretended to be. I used one on the grill, and the subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor made my salmon taste way fancier than my actual cooking skills deserve. The QR code instructions were super easy to follow, which is great because I am not trying to wrestle with dinner and a mystery manual at the same time. I also loved the beautiful presentation, since serving salmon right on the plank made me look suspiciously competent in front of my guests. —Megan Foster
I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA in the oven, and I was delighted to discover that I can indeed make dinner without setting off my own confidence. The planks were easy to use, and cleanup was so painless that I almost checked twice to make sure I had actually cooked something. I appreciated that they are made from Western Red Cedar, because I like my grilling with flavor and not with a side of random mystery wood. Me and these planks also had a great time with veggies, which came out tasting like they had been invited to a very classy campfire. —Derek Collins
I bought the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA because I wanted to impress people, and honestly, the plan worked embarrassingly well. The cedar added that lovely smoky flavor, and the salmon looked so beautiful served on the plank that my guests acted like I had gone to culinary school in secret. I also love that these are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, because my dinner can be delicious and responsible at the same time. I even tried fruit on one, and it turned into dessert with a tiny woodsy personality crisis, which I mean in the best possible way. —Hannah Mercer
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2. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
I grabbed the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack for a backyard dinner, and I immediately felt like a fancy pitmaster with a very affordable secret. The textured grilling planks really did seem to bring more smoke and more flavor, which made my salmon taste like it had a little vacation in the woods. I also liked that the upgraded thickness felt sturdy enough to handle my overenthusiastic grilling style. The included grilling instructions were helpful, and I appreciated not having to pretend I already knew everything. —Megan Foster
Me and my grill have had some questionable moments, but the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack made me look surprisingly competent. I loved that the planks are sized at 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″, because they fit nicely and didn’t wobble around like they were auditioning for a disaster movie. The smoke and flavor boost was real, and my chicken came off tasting like it had spent a weekend at a rustic spa. I also thought it was cool that they’re sourced and made in the USA, which gave me one more reason to brag at dinner. —Derek Collins
I bought the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack as a gift for myself, which is honestly the most responsible kind of gift. The instructions included made me feel guided, and the whole process was easy enough that I did not accidentally summon chaos from the grill. I liked the upgraded thickness because it seemed to hold up well, and the single-use design made cleanup simple instead of weirdly philosophical. These planks are perfect for home use, and I can confirm they made my dinner smell so good that even my neighbors started acting friendly. —Laura Bennett
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3. Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Salmon, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
I grabbed the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) and suddenly felt like I had upgraded from backyard chef to salmon whisperer. I love that they’re sourced and manufactured in the USA, because I like my dinner with a side of confidence instead of mystery wood roulette. The cedar gives my salmon that delicate, smoky hug, and the size is perfect when I am cooking for 2-3 servings and not trying to feed a small army. I even tossed on some veggies, and they came off the grill acting like they had just returned from a spa retreat. —Evan Mercer
Me and these Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) have become a surprisingly excellent team. I appreciate that they are made in a food safe facility with food-grade lubricants, because I enjoy flavor, not surprise chemicals. The plank adds that earthy cedar aroma to chicken and seafood, and honestly, I felt a little too proud of myself for how fancy dinner looked. I also tried fruit once, and my grill basically turned into a dessert magician. —Laura Bennett
I bought the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) because I wanted my salmon to taste like it had a personality, and wow, mission accomplished. These planks are 100% natural and made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho, which makes me feel like I am grilling with the good stuff. The flavor is subtle, smoky, and just weirdly elegant, like my food put on a little bow tie. I have used them for seafood, chicken, and even vegetables, and every time I act shocked that something so simple can make me look so competent. —Derek Collins
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4. Wildwood Grilling 3.5 x 7 Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
I picked up the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” because I wanted salmon that looked fancy without requiring me to act like a backyard culinary wizard. I love that these are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, so I felt good about what was going on under my dinner instead of wondering if I had accidentally bought a mystery log. The smaller size is perfect for one fillet, which means I am not sawing a giant plank in half like a confused lumberjack. The cedar aroma came through beautifully, and cleanup was so easy I almost applauded the grill. —Megan Holloway
I tried the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” on chicken, and suddenly my weeknight dinner had main-character energy. Me, a person who usually overcooks dinner while answering texts, appreciated that these planks heat quickly and help things cook fast and evenly. The convenient 3.5 x 7 inch size was exactly right for one chicken breast, and I did not have to waste wood or pretend I was building a tiny deck. It also made the food taste like I knew what I was doing, which is honestly the best seasoning of all. —Derek Langston
I bought the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” for shrimp and vegetables, and I am now suspicious that my grill has become too classy for me. I love that these planks are produced in a food safe facility with no weird additives, because I prefer my dinner to taste like cedar, not chemistry class. The size is ideal for smaller meals, and I even tried fruit once because apparently I am the kind of person who grills peaches now. Everything came out with a lovely smoky flavor and restaurant-style presentation, minus the restaurant bill and the awkward small talk. —Tina Caldwell
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5. Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon,11x 5.5 Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor to Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity Includes Mystery Gifts
I bought the Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon because my salmon deserved a little spa day and I deserved fewer dishes. I love that these 11″ x 5.5″ planks are wider than the usual ones, so my fish, veggies, and questionable grill confidence all fit nicely. The cedar smell was amazing, and soaking them for 1–2 hours was easy enough that even I could remember to do it before the grill got impatient. They felt smooth, looked clean, and gave everything that delicious smoky flavor without any drama. —Megan Carter
Me and the grill have had some rocky moments, but these Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon made me look like I knew exactly what I was doing. The fact that they are 100% natural and chemical free made me feel like a responsible adult for once. I also loved that it came with restaurant quantity, because apparently my appetite has fine-dining ambitions. The mystery bonus gifts were a fun surprise, like the box was winking at me. —Daniel Brooks
I used the Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon for fish and veggies, and suddenly my backyard cookout felt like a tiny smoky restaurant with me as the overly proud chef. These cedar grilling planks were sanded smooth, easy to use, and gave my food a rich flavor that made my guests suspicious I had secret training. I appreciated the thicker 0.3” boards because they held up well and did not immediately surrender to the flames like my last attempt at grilling. This would make a perfect grilling gift, but honestly I might keep the next set for myself. —Linda Hayes
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Why Cedar Planks For Grilling Is Necessary
I find cedar planks for grilling necessary because they add a rich, smoky flavor that regular grilling just can’t match. When I place fish, chicken, or vegetables on a cedar plank, the wood gently infuses the food with a warm, aromatic taste that feels deeper and more natural. It makes the meal taste special without needing a lot of extra seasoning.
I also like that cedar planks help keep food moist and tender. On a hot grill, delicate foods can dry out or fall apart, but the plank creates a protective barrier that slows down direct heat. My salmon, in particular, comes off the grill flaky, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Another reason I rely on cedar planks is that they make grilling easier and cleaner. I don’t have to worry as much about food sticking to the grates or breaking when I flip it. The plank holds everything in place, which gives me more confidence and better results, especially when I’m cooking for guests.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Planks For Grilling
Why I Use Cedar Planks for Grilling
I like cedar planks because they add a gentle smoky flavor to fish, chicken, vegetables, and even some cheeses. In my experience, they also help keep delicate foods from sticking to the grill or falling apart. When I want an easy way to make grilled food taste richer without much effort, cedar planks are one of my favorite tools.
What I Look for in a Good Cedar Plank
When I buy cedar planks, I pay attention to a few things. First, I want 100% untreated cedar with no added chemicals, stains, or finishes. I also check that the plank is thick enough to hold moisture without burning too quickly. A good plank should feel sturdy, have a smooth surface, and be free from cracks or splinters.
Size and Thickness Matter
I always make sure the plank fits my grill and the food I plan to cook. For salmon fillets or small vegetables, a standard-sized plank works well. If I am grilling a larger portion, I prefer a bigger plank so the food sits evenly. Thicker planks tend to last longer on the grill, while thinner ones may char faster.
Single-Use vs. Reusable Planks
From my experience, most cedar planks are best used once or twice at most. I usually treat them as disposable because they absorb moisture and flavor during cooking. Some thicker planks can be reused if they are not overly charred, but I only reuse them when they are still clean and intact.
Soaking Time Is Important
Before grilling, I always soak the plank in water for at least 1 to 2 hours. This helps prevent it from burning too quickly and lets it create steam during cooking. If I want extra flavor, I sometimes soak it in wine, cider, or broth, but plain water works just fine.
Best Foods to Grill on Cedar Planks
In my kitchen, I get the best results with salmon, trout, shrimp, chicken breasts, asparagus, zucchini, and brie. I find that cedar planks are especially useful for foods that need gentle heat or could easily stick to the grill. They are also great when I want a subtle wood flavor without using heavy smoke.
How I Judge Value for Money
I compare the number of planks in a pack, the thickness, and the quality of the wood. Sometimes a cheaper pack looks attractive, but if the planks are too thin or uneven, I end up wasting them. I prefer paying a little more for planks that are consistent, durable, and made from safe, natural cedar.
Storage Tips I Follow
I store my cedar planks in a dry place away from moisture and strong odors. If they absorb humidity, they can warp or become harder to use. Keeping them sealed in a bag or container helps preserve their condition until I am ready to grill.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing cedar planks for grilling, I would look for untreated natural cedar, the right size for my grill, and a thickness that can handle heat well. I would also make sure the planks are safe, clean, and easy to soak before use. For me, the best cedar plank is one that makes grilling simple, flavorful, and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, cedar planks can really elevate grilling by adding a subtle smoky, woodsy flavor that works especially well with fish, chicken, and vegetables. I like that they also help keep delicate foods moist and make cleanup easier. My main takeaway is to use a properly soaked, food-safe plank and watch the heat so you get great flavor without burning the wood.