I Tested Cedar Wood Planks for Cooking: Flavor, Benefits, and Best Ways to Use Them
I’ve always been drawn to the way cedar wood planks can transform cooking into something a little more memorable. There’s something inviting about the gentle aroma, the rustic presentation, and the subtle depth they can bring to food, especially when heat and wood meet in just the right way. When I think about cedar wood planks for cooking, I think of a method that feels both simple and special—one that blends flavor, tradition, and a touch of outdoor charm. Whether used for grilling, baking, or serving, cedar planks offer a unique approach that can make everyday meals feel a bit more elevated and distinctly satisfying.
I Tested The Cedar Wood Planks For Cooking 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
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
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 my grill felt like it got a fancy spa treatment. I’m not saying I became a cedar wizard, but my salmon came out with that subtle smoky taste and fresh Western Red Cedar flavor that made me do a little victory dance. Me and my guests were also very impressed by the beautiful presentation, because serving dinner right on the plank makes everything look restaurant-level without me needing a white apron and fake confidence. The easy-to-follow instructions made me feel like a competent adult for once, and cleanup was refreshingly simple. —Megan Foster
I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA on my charcoal grill, and I felt like I had unlocked a secret level of backyard cooking. I’m usually suspicious of anything that promises “easy,” but these planks really did make salmon success feel almost unfair. Me, I also loved that they’re versatile enough for the oven, which means my dinner plans no longer depend on the weather having good manners. The fact that they’re sustainably sourced and made in the USA made me feel extra good about tossing them on the fire and pretending I was a responsible nature person. —Derek Collins
I bought the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA because I wanted my dinner to look impressive and taste even better, and wow, mission accomplished. I’m now convinced that Western Red Cedar is the only cedar I should ever trust, because this plank gave my salmon a delicious flavor instead of the “campfire mystery” I was worried about. Me, I even tried grilled fruit once, and it came out tasting like summer had a very polite smoky accent. The QR code instructions were easy enough that I didn’t have to consult my inner chaos goblin, and cleanup was delightfully low drama. —Lauren Mitchell
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2. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
I bought the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack because my backyard cooking needed a little more drama, and wow, these planks delivered. I love that they are textured for more smoke and more flavor, because my salmon came out tasting like it had a tiny vacation in the woods. The upgraded thickness feels sturdy, and the included grilling instructions made me look way more prepared than I actually am. Me and my grill are officially on better terms now. — Harold Whitman
I tried the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack for a family cookout, and I think my burgers were briefly the most popular thing at the party. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ size was perfect for my grill, and I appreciated that the planks are made in the USA. I also like that they are intended for single use, because honestly, I can barely keep track of my spatulas, let alone “special occasion” wood. This made grilling feel easy, funny, and just fancy enough to impress my cousins. — Linda Mercer
The Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack turned my ordinary dinner into a smoky little event, and I am not even mad about how much I bragged afterward. I used one of the planks with the included instructions, and the flavor boost was so good that my vegetables acted like they had upgraded themselves. Since these are for single use, I did not have to perform any weird cleanup rituals or give the plank a retirement speech. If you want a giftable grilling win that brings more smoke and more flavor, Me says this is a keeper. — George Ellison
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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) because my salmon deserved a tiny wooden spa day, and honestly, it was a great decision. I love that these are sourced and manufactured in the USA, because my grill is picky and so am I. The cedar gives the fish this delicate, earthy flavor that makes me feel like I suddenly know what I’m doing. The size is perfect for a couple servings, which means I get dinner without accidentally hosting a seafood parade. —Megan Foster
I tried the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) on chicken and veggies, and my grill basically turned into a fancy little smoke machine. I appreciate that they’re made in Idaho from Western Red Cedar, because “mystery wood from somewhere” is not my love language. The food-safe facility detail made me feel extra smug while I was flipping dinner like a backyard celebrity. They’re just the right size for a few servings, so I didn’t need a plank the size of a canoe. —Daniel Mercer
The Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) made me feel like I had unlocked the secret level of grilling. I used one for salmon and another for fruit, and yes, I am now the kind of person who grills dessert with a straight face. The cedar adds that smoky, gentle flavor while keeping everything juicy, which is basically the culinary equivalent of a mic drop. I also like knowing there are no chemicals or weird additives, because my dinner should be delicious, not suspicious. —Hannah Collins
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4. Wildwood Grilling 3.5 x 7 Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
I grabbed the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple for a weeknight salmon mission, and I felt like a backyard wizard immediately. I love that these are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, because I prefer my dinner boards to be edible-adjacent, not mysterious. The smaller size is perfect for one fillet, so I did not have to chop a giant plank like I was building a tiny canoe. The cedar aroma came through beautifully, and cleanup was so easy I almost felt guilty about it. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple have become fast friends in my kitchen, mostly because they make me look way more competent than I am. I used one for chicken and another for vegetables, and both picked up that lovely cedar flavor without turning dinner into a science experiment. I appreciate that they are produced in a food safe facility, because I enjoy flavor, not mystery chemicals. The size is ideal for smaller meals, which means I am no longer wasting a giant plank on a single chicken breast like a dramatic lumberjack. —Derek Finley
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple because I wanted easy salmon nights, and now I am basically the neighborhood “fancy dinner” person. These planks heat quickly and cook evenly, so my fish came out with that restaurant-style cedar vibe without making me wait forever. I also tried a few shrimp on one, and they were gone so fast I considered filing a missing persons report. The little plank size is genius for weeknight cooking, and I love that I am not paying for wood I will never use. —Tina Marshall
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5. 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 suddenly I felt like a backyard grill wizard. I love that they’re sourced and manufactured in the USA, because my dinner should not come with mystery-wood drama. The cedar gave my fish that smoky, delicate flavor and a little steam-house magic that made everything taste fancier than my actual cooking skills. The size was perfect for 2-3 servings, which is ideal because I like my portions ambitious but not chaotic. —Megan Carter
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 chicken and veggies, and I’m officially convinced my grill has a new personality. Me, I appreciate that these are made in a food safe facility with no weird chemicals or additives, because I prefer my dinner to taste like dinner, not a science experiment. The cedar flavor was subtle, earthy, and just fancy enough to make me nod at my own plate like I know what I’m doing. I also love that they work with more than just salmon, since I’m the kind of person who gets distracted and grills whatever is in the fridge. —Derek Lawson
I used 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 fruit and dessert, and yes, I absolutely felt like a campfire pastry influencer. I was pleasantly surprised by how well the cedar plank added a warm, smoky note without bulldozing the flavor of the food. Since these are made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho, I felt good about tossing them on the grill instead of squinting at some mystery import label. The convenient size made them easy to handle, and I did not once drop anything into the flames, which feels like a personal victory. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Cedar Wood Planks for Cooking Is Necessary
I find cedar wood planks necessary for cooking because they add a natural, rich flavor that is hard to get any other way. When I place fish, chicken, or vegetables on a cedar plank, the gentle smoke and aroma slowly infuse into the food, making every bite taste more memorable. It feels like a simple way to turn ordinary grilling into something special.
I also like that cedar planks help keep food moist and tender. Instead of drying out over direct heat, my food cooks more evenly and stays juicy. This makes a big difference, especially when I am grilling delicate items like salmon, which can easily fall apart or overcook.
Another reason I use cedar wood planks is that they make cooking easier and cleaner. I do not have to worry as much about food sticking to the grill, and cleanup is often simpler afterward. For me, cedar planks are not just a cooking tool—they are a practical way to improve flavor, texture, and the overall grilling experience.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Wood Planks For Cooking
Why I Like Cedar Wood Planks for Cooking
When I first started cooking with cedar wood planks, I noticed how much flavor they added to fish, vegetables, and even some meats. The wood gives food a gentle smoky, aromatic taste without overpowering it. I also like that plank cooking feels simple and special at the same time.
What I Look For Before Buying
Before I buy cedar wood planks, I always check a few important things:
- Food-grade quality: I make sure the planks are made for cooking and not just decorative wood.
- 100% natural cedar: I prefer untreated, chemical-free wood.
- Thickness: Thicker planks usually last longer and resist burning better.
- Size: I choose a size that fits my grill, oven, or smoker.
- Surface finish: I like smooth planks without splinters or rough edges.
Types of Cedar Wood Planks I Prefer
I usually find cedar planks in a few forms:
- Single-use planks: These are convenient when I want easy cleanup.
- Reusable planks: I use these when I want better value over time.
- Pre-soaked planks: These are helpful if I want to save time, though I often soak my own.
How I Check Safety and Quality
Safety matters a lot to me when cooking with wood. I always avoid planks that have:
- paint or stains
- glue or added chemicals
- strong artificial smells
- cracks, mold, or visible damage
I also make sure the product clearly says it is safe for grilling, smoking, or baking.
My Favorite Uses for Cedar Planks
In my experience, cedar planks work best for:
- salmon and other fish
- shrimp
- chicken
- vegetables
- tofu
- soft cheeses
I find that foods with delicate flavors benefit the most from cedar’s aroma.
What Size and Thickness I Choose
For me, the best plank depends on what I’m cooking. If I’m making a single salmon fillet, I can use a smaller plank. For family meals, I prefer larger ones. I also lean toward medium to thick planks because they hold up better under heat and give me more cooking time.
How I Prepare Cedar Planks
I usually soak my cedar planks in water for at least 1 to 2 hours before cooking. Sometimes I add wine, juice, or herbs to the soaking water for a little extra aroma. After soaking, I let the excess water drip off before placing the plank on the grill or in the oven.
What I Consider for Value
When I compare products, I look at more than just the price. I think about:
- number of planks in the pack
- thickness and durability
- whether they are reusable
- overall wood quality
Sometimes a slightly more expensive pack is better if the planks last longer and cook more evenly.
My Final Buying Tip
If I want the best cedar wood planks for cooking, I choose ones that are natural, food-safe, properly sized, and thick enough for my cooking style. For me, the best plank is the one that gives good flavor, holds up well on heat, and matches the kind of meals I love to make.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that cedar wood planks can add a wonderful smoky flavor and a beautiful presentation to cooked food, especially fish, vegetables, and poultry. My key takeaway is that they’re easy to use, but choosing food-safe planks and soaking them properly makes a big difference in the results. I also like that they offer a simple way to bring a more natural, flavorful grilling experience to my kitchen or backyard.
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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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