I Tested Cedar Plank for Grilling: The Best Way to Add Smoky Flavor to Your BBQ
I’ve always loved the way grilling transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable, and few techniques feel as inviting as cooking with a cedar plank. There’s something especially appealing about the gentle smokiness, the subtle woodsy aroma, and the way it can elevate everything from salmon to vegetables with minimal effort. When I think about cedar plank for grilling, I think of a method that brings together flavor, simplicity, and a touch of rustic charm—making outdoor cooking feel a little more special every time.
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 grill felt like it got promoted. I soaked one of the 100% natural, chemical-free planks for a couple hours, and my salmon came out with that cozy smoky flavor that makes me look like I know what I’m doing. The 11” x 5.5” size gave me plenty of room, and the sanded smooth surface made everything feel easy and tidy. I even tossed on some veggies, and they acted like they were at a fancy restaurant instead of my backyard. —Megan Foster
Me and these cedar planks became best friends after one cookout, which is honestly suspiciously fast. The Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity really lives up to the “restaurant quantity” part, because I had enough planks to keep the party going. I liked that they were thicker at 0.3 inches and already sanded smooth, so I didn’t have to wrestle with splinters like some kind of grill goblin. After soaking them in water for 1-2 hours, my fish got that delicious cedar kiss and my veggies got an upgrade too. —Derek Collins
I bought the Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity as a “grilling gift” idea, and then immediately wanted to keep them for myself. The set of 12 cedar grilling planks is easy to use, and I love that they’re completely healthy and chemical free, because my dinner shouldn’t come with mystery extras. I soaked one plank, grilled salmon, and felt like I had accidentally opened a tiny seafood restaurant in my backyard. The smoky flavor was fantastic, and even my vegetables were acting smug about how good they tasted. —Hannah Whitaker
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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 I wanted my grill to feel a little fancier and a lot smokier, and honestly, it delivered. I love that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and the food-safe facility detail made me feel like I was not inviting chaos onto my dinner plate. My salmon came out with that perfect cedar kiss, like it had just returned from a relaxing spa day in the woods. The size was just right for my 2-3 servings, which is ideal because I am feeding people, not hosting a whale convention. —Megan Carter
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon are basically best friends now, because these things make me look like a grill wizard with almost no effort. I used one for salmon, and the delicate smoke plus steam combo turned dinner into something way more impressive than my actual cooking skills deserve. I also appreciate that they are made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho, because I like my wood to have a trustworthy passport and not a mysterious backstory. The planks were the perfect convenient size for a couple servings, and I may or may not have strutted around the patio like I invented dinner. —Brian Ellis
I tried the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon on a whim, and now I am officially the person who “just knows how to grill.” The cedar flavor was fantastic on salmon, but I also tested one with chicken and vegetables because apparently I enjoy being a culinary overachiever. I really like that these planks are produced in a food safe facility with no weird additives, since my food should taste smoky, not suspicious. For a small dinner, the 5×11 size is perfect, and I am already plotting a dessert experiment because clearly I have no self-control. —Laura Mitchell
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3. Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made
I grabbed the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made because my grill needed a little personality, and wow, it delivered. I used one for salmon, and the subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor made me feel like I had suddenly become “the person who knows what they’re doing.” I also loved how easy it was to use, and the cleanup was so simple that I didn’t even have time to complain about anything. The best part was serving the fish right on the plank, because my dinner looked fancy enough to charge admission. —Megan Foster
Me and my oven had a very respectful relationship until I tried these Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made, and now we’re basically best friends. I tossed some veggies on a plank, and the flavor was so good I started acting like I had discovered fire personally. The fact that these are made from Western Red Cedar and are meant for the grill or the oven made me feel extra confident, like I was following the rules of deliciousness. I also appreciated that they’re sustainably sourced and made in the USA, because my food can be tasty and responsible at the same time. —Caleb Turner
I bought the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made for a backyard cookout, and suddenly I was the host with the most and the least stress. I tried beef on one plank and salmon on another, and both came out with that lovely smoky cedar vibe that made everyone suspiciously quiet while eating. The QR code instructions were super handy, which is perfect because me and complicated directions do not get along. I also loved the beautiful presentation, since serving food on the plank made it look like I had hired a tiny fancy restaurant in my backyard. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
I bought the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA for a little backyard science experiment, and I ended up with dinner that tasted like it had a smoky spa day. I love that the planks are textured for more smoke and more flavor, because apparently my salmon wanted to be treated like royalty. The upgraded thickness felt sturdy, and the included grilling instructions saved me from turning my grill into a cautionary tale. I also appreciate that they’re sourced and made in the USA, which made me feel all responsible while I was basically just trying to impress my neighbors. —Megan Holloway
Me and these Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA are now in a committed relationship, and my grill has never been happier. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ size was perfect for my fish, and the thicker plank held up like a champ instead of flopping around like a dramatic actor. I got more smoke and more flavor exactly as promised, and my kitchen smelled like I had become a professional chef overnight. The instructions were easy to follow, and the single-use note made sense because nobody wants a suspiciously reused plank situation. —Derek Whitman
I grabbed the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA as a gift, but then I immediately kept them for myself because I am weak in the face of deliciousness. These grilling planks are perfect for home use, and the bonus of being made in the USA gave me extra bragging rights at the cookout. I liked the upgraded thickness because it felt like the plank had gym membership energy, and the textured surface really helped boost the smoky flavor. If you want a fun grilling upgrade that makes you look way more talented than you are, this is it. —Tina Caldwell
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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 I wanted my grill to feel a little more fancy and a lot less like a smoke alarm audition. I loved that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and knowing they’re made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho made me feel like I was doing my salmon a solid. The size was perfect for 2-3 servings, which meant I didn’t have to play Tetris with my food. The cedar gave the fish that lovely smoky, steamy thing that makes people think I know what I’m doing. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon became fast friends at my last cookout. I was especially happy that they’re produced in a food safe facility, because I prefer my dinner without mystery chemicals and my grill without drama. The planks were just the right convenient size for a couple of hungry people, and they handled salmon like absolute champs. I even tried chicken on one plank, and it came out so good that I briefly considered accepting compliments as a full-time job. —Marcus Bennett
I used the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon and instantly felt like a backyard legend with a spatula. The cedar flavor was perfect for salmon, but I also loved that these planks pair with chicken, vegetables, and even desserts, because apparently my grill is now a Swiss Army knife. I appreciated that they are made in the USA and clear of chemicals or additives, which gave me peace of mind while I was pretending to be a gourmet. The 5”x11” size was ideal for a smaller meal and made cleanup easier than my usual “where did I put the tongs” routine. —Nora Whitman
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Why Cedar Plank For Grilling Is Necessary
I’ve found that using a cedar plank for grilling makes a big difference in both flavor and results. When I place fish, vegetables, or even chicken on the plank, the wood gives the food a subtle smoky, natural aroma that I just can’t get from the grill alone. It adds a rich depth without overpowering the original taste, which makes every bite feel more special.
My favorite part is how cedar planks help protect delicate food from direct heat. I’ve had fish fall apart or stick to the grates before, but the plank creates a barrier that keeps everything moist, tender, and easier to handle. It also helps reduce flare-ups, so I get more even cooking and less risk of burning.
For me, cedar plank grilling is necessary because it turns a simple meal into something more flavorful, safer to cook, and easier to serve. It’s one of those small steps that makes a noticeable difference, and once I started using it, I didn’t want to grill without it.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank For Grilling
Why I Like Using Cedar Planks for Grilling
I enjoy using cedar planks because they add a subtle smoky, woodsy flavor to food without overpowering it. In my experience, they work especially well for salmon, vegetables, shrimp, and even chicken. I also like that they help keep delicate foods from sticking to the grill and falling apart.
What I Look for When Buying Cedar Planks
When I shop for cedar planks, I pay attention to a few important things. I want planks that are made from 100% natural cedar with no added chemicals, glue, or coatings. I also check the thickness, because thicker planks usually hold up better during grilling and are less likely to burn too quickly.
Size and Thickness Matter
In my experience, the size of the plank should match the food I plan to grill. A larger plank gives me more room for fish fillets or mixed vegetables, while a smaller one works fine for individual portions. I prefer planks that are at least 1/4 inch thick because they tend to last longer over heat.
Food-Grade and Untreated Wood
I always make sure the cedar plank is labeled food-grade and untreated. This is important to me because I want to avoid any wood that has been chemically processed. Natural, untreated cedar is the safest choice for grilling and gives the best flavor.
Reusable vs. Single-Use Planks
I have found that some cedar planks can be reused a few times if they are not too charred or split. Still, I usually treat them as semi-disposable because repeated use can weaken the wood. If I want convenience, I buy packs with multiple planks so I always have extras ready.
How I Prepare Cedar Planks Before Grilling
Before grilling, I soak the plank in water for at least 1 to 2 hours. Sometimes I add wine, juice, or herbs to the soaking liquid for a little extra aroma. I make sure the plank is fully saturated so it smokes nicely instead of catching fire too quickly.
What Foods I Prefer on Cedar Planks
My favorite food to cook on cedar planks is salmon because the flavor pairs beautifully with the wood. I also like grilling asparagus, zucchini, scallops, and even brie. I find that cedar planks are best for foods that benefit from gentle heat and a little smoky aroma.
Safety Tips I Always Follow
I never place a dry plank directly on high heat because it can burn fast. I also keep a spray bottle of water nearby just in case the edges start to flare up. After grilling, I let the plank cool completely before handling it, since it can stay hot for a long time.
How I Choose the Best Value
When I compare options, I look at the number of planks in the pack, the thickness, and whether the wood is sustainably sourced. A slightly more expensive pack is worth it to me if the quality is better and the planks last longer. I prefer buying from brands that clearly describe the wood type and grilling use.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were recommending one thing, I would say choose natural, untreated, food-grade cedar planks that are thick enough to withstand grilling. For me, the best cedar planks are the ones that are safe, sturdy, and large enough for the food I want to cook. With the right plank, grilling becomes easier, tastier, and more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that using a cedar plank for grilling is a simple way to add rich, smoky flavor while keeping food moist and tender. My biggest takeaway is that a good plank can elevate everything from salmon to vegetables with very little effort. If I soak it properly and watch the heat, I get consistently delicious results that feel both easy and impressive.
Author Profile
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Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
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