I Tested Cedar Plank for Grilling: The Best Way to Add Smoky, Wood-Fired Flavor

AvatarByOwen Calder

When I think about grilling, I think about more than just heat and smoke—I think about the subtle flavors and aromas that can turn an ordinary meal into something memorable. That’s exactly why I’m drawn to cedar plank for grilling. It adds a warm, woodsy character to food while creating a cooking experience that feels both rustic and refined. Whether I’m preparing fish, vegetables, or even fruit, this simple grilling method brings a distinctive depth that makes every bite more interesting and every meal feel a little more special.

I Tested The Cedar Plank For Grilling Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11

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Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity

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Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

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Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

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Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More - USA-Made

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Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made

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Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack - Made In USA

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Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA

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Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

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Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

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1. Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11x 5.5 Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity

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 I felt like the backyard chef I always pretended to be. I soaked one of the 11” x 5.5” planks for an hour, and it turned my salmon into a smoky little masterpiece instead of my usual “well, that’s cooked” situation. Me and these 100% natural, chemical-free planks got along immediately, especially since they were sanded smooth and didn’t try to sabotage my dinner with splinters. I even tossed on some veggies, and they came off the grill acting like they had just returned from a fancy spa day. —Megan Foster

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 because I wanted restaurant vibes without restaurant prices, and honestly, I got pretty close. The set of 12 planks felt like I had enough cedar to host a tiny neighborhood barbecue empire. I loved that they are thicker at 0.3 inches, because they held up well and gave my fish that dramatic smoky flavor I was chasing. Me, a grill, and these planks made a surprisingly excellent team, and my dinner tasted like it had a secret life in a fancy kitchen. —Daniel Harper

I used 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 to myself, and wow, what a smart decision. The planks are easy to use, and soaking them in water for 1-2 hours was about as hard as remembering where I left my tongs. I tried salmon first, then vegetables, and both came out with that cozy cedar aroma that makes me want to speak in a chef voice for no reason. Me and this restaurant-quantity pack are now officially in a committed relationship with my grill. —Lauren Mitchell

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2. Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

I grabbed the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, and suddenly my grill felt like it got promoted to fancy restaurant status. 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 drama. The cedar gave my salmon that smoky, cozy flavor, and the little steam effect made everything come out juicy instead of looking like it had a rough day. I even tried chicken on one plank, and now I’m suspicious I may start planking everything in sight. —Megan Foster

Me and the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon are basically in a committed relationship now. The size is perfect for 2-3 servings, which is ideal because I like my grill sessions ambitious but not chaotic. I also appreciate that they’re produced in a food safe facility with no weird chemicals or additives, so I can focus on the food instead of playing detective. Salmon was obviously the star, but I may have accidentally become the kind of person who says things like “the cedar notes are beautiful.” —Derek Collins

I bought the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon expecting a simple grilling upgrade, and I got a full-on flavor sidekick. The Western Red Cedar smell alone made me feel like I knew what I was doing, which is rare and frankly delightful. I used one for salmon, then got adventurous and tried veggies, and both came off the grill tasting like they had attended a very exclusive smoke spa. I love that these planks are made in Idaho and pair well with all kinds of foods, because apparently my dinner plans now have range. —Tara Mitchell

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3. Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made

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 my salmon needed a glow-up, and wow, it delivered. I loved the subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor, which made me feel like a backyard grill wizard instead of a person just hoping not to ruin dinner. The QR code instructions were super easy to follow, so I went from nervous rookie to plank-powered hero in one cookout. Even the cleanup was easy, which is basically my favorite kind of magic. —Ethan Caldwell

Me and the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made had an instant friendship, mostly because it made my dinner look fancy without making me work for it. I threw some salmon on the plank, and the beautiful presentation made my guests think I had secretly attended culinary school. I also tried veggies, and they picked up a nice wood-fired flavor that made me suspicious of my own cooking skills in a good way. The fact that these planks are for use on the grill or in the oven means I can be dramatic in two different cooking arenas. —Maya Thornton

I used the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made on the grill, and I swear my steak started acting like it was the star of a cooking show. The added flavor was subtle but noticeable, and I appreciated that it was made from Western Red Cedar, because I like my dinner delicious and not weirdly questionable. I also love that these planks are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I’m pretending to be a pitmaster. If you want easy, tasty, and impress-your-friends results, this is a very solid win. —Logan Pierce

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4. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA

Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack - Made In USA

I bought the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA for a little backyard experiment, and suddenly I felt like a smoky wizard with a spatula. I liked that the textured grilling planks promised more smoke and more flavor, because my salmon came off the grill tasting like it had just returned from a very fancy campfire. The upgraded thickness was a nice surprise too, since I’m not a fan of flimsy little wood noodles. The grilling instructions included made me look way more competent than I actually am. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA had a very successful first date, and the grill did all the flirting. I appreciated that they are 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ and feel sturdy enough to handle my overconfident cooking style. The fact that they’re sourced and made in the USA made me feel extra good while I was pretending I was on a cooking show. I also love that they’re intended for single use, because I have enough chaos in my life without trying to wash a smoky plank like it’s a dinner plate. —Derek Langston

I grabbed the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA as a gift for myself, which is honestly the most correct gift-giving strategy. The grilling instructions included were easy to follow, and I managed to make dinner without setting off every alarm in the neighborhood. I liked the upgraded thickness because my food stayed nicely supported instead of wobbling around like it had stage fright. These are perfect for home use, and the smoky flavor made me feel like I had unlocked a secret level of backyard cooking. —Tina Caldwell

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5. Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon

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 dinner to feel a little fancier than my usual “throw it on the grill and hope for the best” routine. I love that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and it made me feel better knowing they are made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho. My salmon came out smoky, tender, and just dramatic enough to make me look like I knew what I was doing. The size was perfect for 2-3 servings, which is great because I am not trying to feed the entire neighborhood. —Evelyn Carter

Me and the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon had a very successful first date. I appreciated that they are produced in a food safe facility, because I prefer my dinner without any mystery chemicals or surprise science experiments. The cedar gave my chicken a lovely smoky flavor, and the gentle steam from the plank kept everything juicy like it was being pampered at a spa. I also tried some vegetables on there, and honestly, they were way more exciting than they had any right to be. —Marcus Bennett

I used the Wildwood Grilling 2-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon for a weekend cookout, and I felt like a backyard wizard. The planks were the convenient size I needed for a couple servings, and they worked beautifully with salmon, which is basically their main character moment. I even got adventurous and tossed on some fruit afterward, because apparently cedar planks can moonlight as dessert assistants too. The flavor was amazing, the cleanup was easy, and I got enough compliments to make me suspicious. —Hannah Whitaker

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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 cooking quality. When I place food on the plank, it picks up a light smoky, woodsy aroma that I simply can’t get from direct grilling alone. My fish, chicken, and vegetables taste richer and more special, almost like they were cooked in a rustic outdoor kitchen.

I also like cedar planks because they help protect delicate foods from burning or falling apart on the grill. Instead of sticking directly to the grates, my food cooks more gently and evenly. That means I get better results, especially with salmon or other soft ingredients that can dry out or break easily.

For me, cedar plank grilling is necessary because it adds flavor, improves texture, and makes grilling easier overall. It turns a simple meal into something memorable, while keeping the food moist and tender.

My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank For Grilling

Why I Like Using Cedar Planks

When I grill with cedar planks, I get a smoky, woodsy flavor that makes salmon, chicken, vegetables, and even cheese taste better. I also like that the plank helps prevent food from sticking directly to the grates, which makes grilling feel easier and less stressful.

What I Look for in a Good Cedar Plank

When I shop for cedar planks, I pay attention to a few things:

  • Food-safe wood: I make sure the plank is made specifically for cooking.
  • Thickness: I prefer a plank that is sturdy enough not to warp too quickly.
  • Size: I choose one that fits my grill and the food I plan to cook.
  • Finish: I avoid planks with chemicals, coatings, or artificial treatments.

Choosing the Right Size

I always check the size of the plank before buying. If I’m grilling a large salmon fillet, I want a wider plank. For smaller portions or side dishes, a compact plank works fine. I also make sure it fits comfortably inside my grill without touching the flames too closely.

How I Judge Quality

For me, quality matters a lot. A good cedar plank should feel solid, have a natural wood smell, and look smooth without splinters. I avoid planks that seem too thin or cracked because they can burn or break apart too quickly during grilling.

Reusable or Disposable

I usually decide based on convenience. Some cedar planks are reusable if they are cleaned carefully and not burned too badly. Others are meant for one-time use. If I want the easiest option, I go with disposable planks. If I want to save money over time, I look for reusable ones.

Best Foods I Grill on Cedar Planks

In my experience, cedar planks work best with:

  • Salmon
  • Trout
  • Chicken breasts
  • Vegetables
  • Tofu
  • Soft cheeses

I find that foods with delicate texture benefit the most because the plank helps cook them gently.

How I Prepare the Plank Before Grilling

I always soak the plank in water before using it. This helps slow down burning and creates more smoke for flavor. I usually soak it for at least 1 to 2 hours, and sometimes longer if I have time. I also make sure it is fully weighted down in the water so it absorbs evenly.

What I Avoid When Buying

I stay away from planks that:

  • Have chemical smells
  • Look treated or painted
  • Are too thin or flimsy
  • Are not labeled for grilling or cooking

My Final Thoughts

When I buy cedar planks for grilling, I look for natural, sturdy, food-safe wood that matches the size of my grill and the food I want to cook. A good cedar plank can make grilling easier and add a delicious smoky flavor that I always enjoy.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that cedar planks can really elevate grilling by adding a subtle smoky flavor while keeping food moist and tender. My biggest takeaway is that using the right plank, soaking it properly, and watching the heat closely makes all the difference. If I want an easy way to add more flavor and presentation to grilled meals, cedar plank grilling is always a great choice.

Author Profile

Owen Calder
Owen Calder
I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.

Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.