I Tested Cedar Plank Grilling Boards: The Best Way to Add Smoky, Restaurant-Quality Flavor to Grilled Food
I’ve always loved the way a simple cooking method can completely transform a meal, and Cedar Plank Grilling Boards are a perfect example of that magic. There’s something especially inviting about the subtle smoky aroma cedar brings to the grill, turning everyday ingredients into something that feels a little more memorable and a lot more flavorful. Whether I’m thinking about seafood, vegetables, or even experimenting with new grill ideas, this approach adds a rustic charm and a distinctive taste that makes outdoor cooking feel both easy and elevated.
I Tested The Cedar Plank Grilling Boards 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 Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
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 my backyard turned into a fancy seafood lodge. I used one on the grill for salmon, and the subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor made me look like I knew what I was doing. The QR code instructions were super easy to follow, which was great because my usual grilling method is basically “hope and vibes.” Cleanup was a breeze, and the fish came off looking so beautiful that I almost took a picture before eating it. —Megan Foster
Me and my oven have been through a lot, but these cedar planks made us friends again. I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA with salmon and even threw on some veggies, and everything picked up that delicious woodsy flavor without tasting like I licked a campfire. I really liked that these are the only food safe and flavorful cedar they recommend, because I prefer my dinner to be exciting, not suspicious. The presentation was so gorgeous that my guests acted impressed, and I let them believe I had culinary training. —Derek Collins
I bought the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA because I wanted to level up my grill game, and now I am apparently the “cedar plank person” in my friend group. The fact that they are sustainably sourced and made in the USA made me feel good, and the planks worked perfectly on my charcoal grill. I loved the easy use and easy cleanup, because I enjoy gourmet results far more than I enjoy scrubbing things. Bonus points for making salmon look so elegant that even my most skeptical dinner guest stopped talking for a full minute. —Tina Marshall
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2. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
I bought the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack because I wanted my backyard dinner to taste like it had a tiny campfire and a chef’s approval. Me and my salmon had a very dramatic moment, and the textured grilling planks really did seem to bring more smoke and more flavor. I also liked that the upgraded thickness felt sturdy instead of flimsy, which made me trust them with my food and my ego. The grilling instructions included were easy to follow, so I didn’t accidentally turn dinner into a science experiment. —Megan Foster
I tried the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack on a whim, and now I feel like I’ve been promoted from “person with a grill” to “outdoor flavor wizard.” I love that these are sourced and made in the USA, because my ribs deserve patriotic support too. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ size worked perfectly for my fish, and the thicker planks held up nicely while making everything smell amazing. I also appreciate that they are intended for single use, because I already have enough chores and I do not need to negotiate with a soggy plank afterward. —Derek Holloway
Me and the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack had a surprisingly successful first date, and the results were deliciously smoky. I used the included grilling instructions and felt like I was following a secret recipe handed down by a very cool lumberjack. These textured grilling planks gave my chicken a big flavor boost, and the upgraded thickness made me feel like I was cooking on something serious. I would absolutely keep these around for home use or give them as a gift, especially if you want to look thoughtful and slightly grill-obsessed. —Tina Caldwell
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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 bought the 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 because my grill needed a little drama, and wow, it delivered. I loved that these are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and the fact that they’re made in a food-safe facility made me feel like I was not just winging it with wood and hope. I used one for salmon, and it came out with that cozy smoky vibe like it had been hanging out in a cabin all weekend. The 5 x 11 size was perfect for a couple servings, which is great because I do not need a cedar plank the size of a canoe. —Megan Holloway
I tried the 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 on chicken and veggies, and I am officially suspicious of how fancy my backyard dinner looked. I appreciated that the planks are 100% natural and made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho, because I like my grill accessories with fewer mystery ingredients than my snack drawer. The wood gave everything a delicate, earthy flavor that made me feel like I had become a person who says things like “notes of smoke.” They are also a really convenient size for 2 to 3 servings, which is perfect for me because I am cooking dinner, not hosting a medieval feast. —Caleb Whitman
Me and the 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 are now basically best friends with my grill. I used one for fruit, and it turned dessert into something that felt weirdly elegant, like the pineapple had put on a blazer. I also love that these planks are made in the USA and clear of chemicals or additives, because I prefer my dinner to taste like food and not like a lab experiment. If you want an easy way to make salmon, seafood, chicken, or even dessert taste like you know what you are doing, these are a
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4. Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
I bought the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit for salmon night, and I felt like I had unlocked some fancy backyard chef powers. The cedar gave my fish that smoky, earthy vibe without turning dinner into a campfire science experiment. I also love that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, because I prefer my grilling accessories to have fewer mystery ingredients than my leftovers. The size was perfect for a couple servings, which meant I got dinner on the table without needing a full parade of seafood. —Evelyn Hart
Me and the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit had a very successful first date on my grill. I used one plank for chicken and one for veggies, and both came off tasting like they had just returned from a relaxing spa retreat in the forest. I appreciated that they are produced in a food safe facility with no chemicals or additives, because my dinner deserves better than questionable wood drama. The convenient size was spot-on for 2-3 servings, and I did not have to wrestle a giant plank like I was building a tiny log cabin. —Marcus Bell
I tried the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit on fruit, and yes, I am now the kind of person who grills peaches and feels smug about it. The cedar flavor added a delicate, earthy note that made dessert taste oddly elegant, like it was wearing a little bow tie. I also liked knowing the planks are made in Idaho from Western Red Cedar, because that sounds both wholesome and grill-approved. These are small enough to be practical but fancy enough to make me act like I know what I am doing. —Natalie Brooks
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5. Wildwood Grilling 3.5 x 7 Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple because I wanted salmon to feel fancy without me acting fancy, and it totally delivered. I love that these are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, so I can grill with confidence instead of wondering what mystery tree I invited to dinner. The smaller size is perfect for one fillet, which means I am not out here cutting giant planks like I am building a tiny cedar deck. The smoky aroma, easy cleanup, and restaurant-style presentation made my weeknight dinner look suspiciously impressive. —Megan Foster
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple have become fast friends, mostly because they make me look like a grill wizard with very little effort. I used one for chicken, and the food-safe setup gave me peace of mind while the cedar flavor did all the heavy lifting. I also appreciate that these planks heat quickly, because I am patient in theory and hungry in practice. The size is just right for smaller meals, so I am not wasting wood or pretending I need a plank the size of a surfboard. Honestly, this is the kind of grilling shortcut I can get behind. —Derek Collins
I tried the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple with shrimp and vegetables, and suddenly I was acting like a backyard chef with a food network contract. These planks are perfectly portioned, so I can grill a single serving without feeling like I accidentally prepared for a neighborhood picnic. I love that they are sourced and manufactured in Idaho from Western Red Cedar, because that sounds way more trustworthy than random wood from who-knows-where. The quick, even cooking made everything taste smoky and delicious, and cleanup was so easy that I almost felt guilty. I will definitely be buying these again for salmon, chicken, and my ongoing quest to impress myself. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Cedar Plank Grilling Boards Is Necessary
I find cedar plank grilling boards necessary because they add a rich, smoky flavor that I simply can’t get from a regular grill grate. When I place my food on the cedar plank, it slowly absorbs the wood’s natural aroma, which makes salmon, chicken, and even vegetables taste deeper and more delicious. It feels like a simple way to turn an ordinary meal into something special.
I also like that cedar planks help keep my food moist and tender. The board creates a gentle cooking surface that protects delicate items from direct flames, so my fish doesn’t fall apart and my vegetables don’t dry out. For me, that means better texture and less stress while grilling.
Another reason I use cedar plank grilling boards is the easy cleanup and better grilling control. I don’t have to worry as much about food sticking to the grill, and the plank helps distribute heat more evenly. In my experience, it makes grilling easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable every time.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Plank Grilling Boards
Why I Use Cedar Plank Grilling Boards
When I first started using cedar plank grilling boards, I quickly noticed how much they improved the flavor of my food. The wood adds a light smoky, earthy taste that works especially well with salmon, chicken, vegetables, and even some cheeses. I also like that the plank helps keep delicate foods from sticking to the grill grates or falling apart.
What I Look for in a Good Cedar Plank
For me, the most important thing is that the plank is made from 100% natural cedar with no chemicals, glues, or coatings. I always check the thickness too, because a thicker board usually lasts longer on the grill and is less likely to burn too quickly. I also prefer boards that are smooth and evenly cut, since that helps them sit better on the grill and cook more consistently.
Choosing the Right Size
I make sure the plank is large enough for the food I plan to cook. If I’m grilling a whole salmon fillet or several portions of vegetables, I go with a larger board. For smaller meals or side dishes, a medium-sized plank works fine. I like having a few sizes on hand so I can match the board to the meal.
Checking the Wood Quality
Not all cedar planks feel the same to me. I look for boards that smell fresh and natural, not overly processed or artificial. The grain should look clean and the surface should be free from cracks, splinters, or rough edges. A well-made board gives me better results and feels safer to use.
Reusable or Disposable
I decide based on how often I plan to grill. Some cedar planks can be reused a few times if they are cleaned properly and not too badly charred. Others are meant for one-time use. I usually prefer reusable boards when I’m cooking often, but I keep disposable ones around for convenience when I’m hosting guests.
Pre-Soaked or Ready-to-Soak
Some cedar plank grilling boards come pre-soaked, but I usually buy dry boards and soak them myself. That way, I know they’re fully saturated before they go on the grill. I soak mine in water for at least an hour, and sometimes longer for thicker planks. This helps prevent the board from burning too fast and gives me better control while cooking.
Best Foods to Grill on Cedar Planks
In my experience, cedar planks work best with foods that benefit from gentle heat and added aroma. My favorites are:
- Salmon
- Trout
- Chicken breasts
- Asparagus
- Zucchini and peppers
- Brie or other soft cheeses
I find that foods with marinades or simple seasoning work especially well because the cedar flavor shines through.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose a set, I look at:
- Material: 100% natural cedar
- Thickness: thicker boards for better durability
- Size: enough room for my usual meals
- Quantity: packs with multiple boards offer better value
- Reviews: feedback on burn resistance and flavor quality
These details help me avoid wasting money on boards that won’t perform well.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying cedar plank grilling boards today, I would choose natural, untreated cedar boards that are thick, smooth, and sized for the meals I cook most often. I would also buy a pack with multiple planks so I always have extras ready. For me, the best cedar planks are the ones that make grilling easier, add great flavor, and hold up well from start to finish.
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 favorite part is how they turn everyday grilling into something a little more special without much extra effort. If you enjoy flavorful, low-fuss cooking, cedar planks are definitely worth trying on your next grill night.
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Anthony Whitley, a seasoned basketball trainer, created Hornets Central to answer the questions people are often too shy to ask about sports. Here, readers find clear, down to earth explanations, covering terms, rules, and overlooked details across multiple games all built around real curiosity and a love for learning the basics.
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