I Tested Cedar Plank Grilling Boards: The Best Way to Add Smoky Flavor to Grilled Food
I’ve always loved the way cooking over an open flame transforms simple ingredients into something memorable, and few tools capture that feeling better than Cedar Plank Grilling Boards. There’s something especially inviting about the gentle aroma of cedar mingling with the heat of the grill, adding a rustic, smoky character that makes every meal feel a little more special. Whether I’m preparing seafood, vegetables, or other favorites, cedar planks bring a unique balance of flavor, presentation, and tradition that turns everyday grilling into an experience worth savoring.
I Tested The Cedar Plank Grilling Boards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon
Wildwood Grilling 8-Pack 7×15 Cedar Grilling Planks for Whole Salmon Filet
Bigger 13 PK, Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor To Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity
1. 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 it had a tiny vacation in the woods. I’m happy to report that my salmon came off the grill smelling amazing, with that subtle smoky cedar flavor doing a little happy dance all over it. Me, I also loved how easy it was to use, and the cleanup was way less dramatic than my usual grilling experiments. The QR code instructions were simple enough that I did not have to summon my inner caveman. —Megan Foster
Me and the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made have become a surprisingly classy little team. I tried one on the grill with salmon, and the beautiful presentation made me look like I knew what I was doing in front of guests, which is always a bonus. I also love that these are made from Western Red Cedar, because I like my dinner to be flavorful, not suspicious. The fact that they work on gas grills, charcoal grills, or even in the oven means I can keep pretending I am a versatile chef. —Derek Collins
I used the Wood Fire 12-Pack Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, Beef & More – USA-Made for salmon and even a few veggies, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level of grilling. The cedar flavor was fresh and smoky without bullying the food, which is exactly how I like my dinner to behave. I appreciate that they are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, because my steak should be delicious and my conscience should be calm. Also, the whole thing was easy to use, so I got flavor, style, and fewer dishes, which is basically my love language. —Hannah Mercer
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2. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
I bought the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA for a backyard dinner, and I immediately felt like a campfire wizard. I love that the planks are textured for more smoke and more flavor, because my salmon came out tasting like it had just returned from a very fancy forest vacation. The upgraded thickness at 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ made me feel like I was grilling on something sturdy instead of a sad little twig. The grilling instructions included were easy to follow, which is great because I can barely follow a recipe without negotiating with it. —Megan Foster
I tried the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA on chicken, and I am now emotionally attached to cedar smoke. Me and my grill had a moment, because the textured grilling planks really did bring more smoke and more flavor without any extra drama. I also appreciate that they are sourced and made in the USA, which makes me feel like my dinner is doing its part for the team. The single-use note is actually helpful, since I prefer my grill accessories fresh and not living a second life like a questionable sofa. —Derek Collins
I grabbed the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA as a gift for myself, which is the most honest kind of gifting. The size is perfect, the upgraded thickness feels premium, and the whole thing made my shrimp taste like it had a tiny spa day over an open flame. I laughed when I saw the grilling instructions included, because even my confidence needs a little coaching sometimes. These planks are perfect for home use, and I’m already plotting my next “accidentally impressive” dinner party. —Laura Bennett
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3. 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, and I think my grill is now acting like it has a spa membership. I used one for salmon, and the cedar gave it that smoky, gently steamy magic that made me look way fancier than I actually am. I also liked that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, because I prefer my dinner to have a hometown accent. The size was perfect for a couple servings, which is great because I am not trying to feed the entire neighborhood unless they bring dessert. —Megan Holloway
I tried the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon, and I am pretty sure my chicken felt honored. These planks are made in Idaho from Western Red Cedar, and I love knowing they come from a food safe facility with no weird chemical drama. I used one for salmon first, but then I got adventurous and threw on some veggies, which turned out suspiciously delicious. The convenient size is excellent for my normal-sized appetite, which is to say “enough for me and maybe one very lucky guest.” —Derek Whitman
The Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Signature 5”x11” Cedar Grilling Planks for Salmon turned me into the kind of person who says things like “notes of cedar” without laughing too hard. I followed the salmon tradition, and the flavor was smoky, tender, and just fancy enough to make me feel like I had my life together. I also appreciate that these planks are great for chicken, fruits, and even desserts, because apparently my grill now has range. Since they are made in the USA and clear of chemicals or additives, I felt good about serving them to my very judgmental taste buds. —Laura Bennett
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4. Wildwood Grilling 8-Pack 7×15 Cedar Grilling Planks for Whole Salmon Filet
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 8-Pack 7×15 Cedar Grilling Planks for Whole Salmon Filet because I wanted my backyard grill to feel a little fancier and a lot less like a science experiment. Me and these large Western Red Cedar planks got along immediately, and the smoky aroma made my salmon taste like it had a spa day in a forest. I also love that the 7″x15″ size is generous enough for a full filet, so I was not playing Tetris with dinner. The pack of 8 means I can keep pretending I am a grill master for multiple weekends in a row. —Megan Foster
The Wildwood Grilling 8-Pack 7×15 Cedar Grilling Planks for Whole Salmon Filet turned my ordinary grilling night into a tiny outdoor food festival. I tried the cedar planks with salmon first, then got adventurous and used one for burgers, and I felt weirdly proud of myself the whole time. The natural flavor enhancer part is no joke, because everything came off the grill with that rich, smoky depth that makes people ask, “What did you do?” while I act mysterious. Me, I appreciate that these Western Red Cedar planks are made in the USA and come from a company that has clearly been doing this since 1995. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Wildwood Grilling 8-Pack 7×15 Cedar Grilling Planks for Whole Salmon Filet, and now I am the kind of person who casually says “I’m using cedar planks tonight” like I own a lodge. The authentic grilling experience is real, and the salmon came out so flavorful that I briefly considered giving my grill a name. I also love that there are 8 planks in the pack, because one plank is fun, but eight planks is a full-on summer personality. These big 7×15 planks are perfect when I want dinner to taste smoky, look impressive, and make me seem far more skilled than I actually am. —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 I had been promoted to backyard chef royalty. I love that the planks are 11″ x 5.5″, because my salmon no longer looks like it is trying to escape the grill. The cedar smell is wonderfully smoky, and the fact that they are 100% natural and chemical free makes me feel like I am being responsible while still pretending I am on a cooking show. I also appreciated that they were sanded smooth, because nobody wants dinner with a side of splinters. —Megan Foster
Me and these cedar grilling planks have become a very serious relationship, mostly because they make my veggies taste like they went to a fancy spa and came back delicious. 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 does live up to the “restaurant quantity” part, since I feel like I could host a small army of hungry cousins. I soaked one for about 1-2 hours like the instructions said, and the grill gave me that perfect smoky magic without any drama. Even my salmon looked extra smug when it came off the heat. —Daniel Mercer
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 gift to myself, which is honestly the best kind of gift. The set of 12 cedar grilling planks is a fantastic deal, and the thicker 0.3” build made me feel like I was handling serious grilling equipment instead of tiny wooden pancakes. I used them for fish and vegetables, and both came out with that cozy smoky flavor that makes people ask, “Who taught you this?” I am still laughing at how easy they were to use, because all I had to do was soak, grill, and accept compliments. —Tara Whitman
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Why Cedar Plank Grilling Boards Is Necessary
I find cedar plank grilling boards necessary because they add a flavor that I simply cannot get from a regular grill grate. When I place fish, chicken, or vegetables on a cedar plank, the wood gently infuses the food with a smoky, aromatic taste that feels richer and more natural. It makes my meals taste special without needing a lot of extra seasoning.
My experience has also shown me that cedar planks help keep food moist and tender. Instead of drying out over direct heat, the food cooks more evenly and stays juicy. I especially like using them for delicate foods like salmon, because the plank gives me better control and helps prevent sticking or burning.
I also appreciate how cedar plank grilling boards make grilling feel easier and cleaner. My food stays supported, and I do not have to worry as much about pieces falling through the grates. For me, they are a simple tool that improves flavor, texture, and presentation all at once, which is why I consider them necessary for better grilling.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank Grilling Boards
Why I Use Cedar Plank Grilling Boards
I like cedar plank grilling boards because they add a smoky, wood-fired flavor that makes fish, chicken, vegetables, and even cheese taste better. In my experience, they also help keep delicate foods from sticking to the grill or falling apart. When I want a simple way to make grilled food feel more special, cedar planks are one of my favorite tools.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for cedar plank grilling boards, I pay attention to a few important things. I want boards that are made from 100% food-safe cedar, have a good thickness, and are sized correctly for my grill. I also check whether the boards are reusable, how many come in a pack, and whether they are kiln-dried or untreated for better grilling performance.
Size and Thickness
I always consider the size of the plank first. A board that is too small won’t hold enough food, while one that is too large may not fit my grill. Thickness matters too. In my experience, thicker boards last longer and are less likely to burn too quickly, especially during longer cooking times.
Wood Quality and Safety
I make sure the cedar plank is made from natural, untreated wood. I avoid products with chemicals, coatings, or artificial finishes because I only want clean smoke and safe cooking. Good-quality cedar should have a fresh wood smell and a smooth surface without splinters or cracks.
Single-Use vs. Reusable Boards
Some cedar planks are designed for one-time use, while others can be reused a few times if cared for properly. I usually choose based on how often I grill. If I’m cooking casually, single-use boards are convenient. If I grill often, I prefer thicker reusable boards because they offer better value over time.
Best Foods to Grill on Cedar Planks
In my experience, cedar planks work best with foods that benefit from gentle heat and smoky flavor. Salmon is the classic choice, but I also like using them for shrimp, scallops, chicken breasts, asparagus, zucchini, and brie. I avoid foods that need very high heat or long direct flame exposure.
How I Prepare a Cedar Plank
Before grilling, I always soak the plank in water for at least 1 to 2 hours. This helps prevent it from burning too quickly. Sometimes I soak it in juice, wine, or cider for extra flavor, but water works perfectly well. I also like to weigh it down so it stays fully submerged while soaking.
Grill Compatibility
I check whether the plank fits my charcoal grill, gas grill, or pellet grill. Most cedar planks work on all three, but I make sure there is enough space for air circulation and indirect heat. If my grill runs very hot, I keep a close eye on the plank so it doesn’t char too fast.
Flavor and Aroma
The main reason I choose cedar planks is the flavor. A good plank gives food a mild, smoky, woodsy aroma that enhances the natural taste without overpowering it. I prefer cedar over stronger woods when I want a balanced flavor that works well with seafood and vegetables.
Price and Value
I compare price based on how many planks come in the package and how thick they are. Sometimes a slightly more expensive set is worth it if the boards are larger, sturdier, and reusable. For me, value is not just about the lowest price—it’s about performance and how much better my food turns out.
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to choose just one tip, I would say to buy cedar planks from a trusted source and make sure they are food-safe, untreated, and the right size for your grill. When I choose carefully, I get better flavor, better cooking results, and a much more enjoyable grilling experience.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that cedar plank grilling boards are a simple way to add rich, smoky flavor while keeping food moist and tender. My biggest takeaway is that they make grilling feel a little more special without requiring much extra effort. If you want an easy upgrade for fish, chicken, or vegetables, I think cedar planks are definitely worth trying.
Author Profile
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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.
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