Cedar grilling planks add subtle smoke, earthy aroma, and a touch of sweetness to foods cooked on the grill. This guide highlights popular, USA-made cedar planks designed for salmon, beef, veggies, and more. Learn what to look for, compare sizes and packaging, and find smart options for home cooks and professional grills alike.
| Product | Brand | Size / Pack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More | Wildwood Grilling | 12 planks | USA-made; adds smoky cedar flavor; easy to use with QR instructions |
| Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack | Grill Gourmet | 12 planks | Textured surface for more smoke; 5.5″ x 11″ x 1/3″ thickness |
| Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Planks | Wildwood Grilling | 12 planks | Made in USA; food-safe facility; 2-3 servings per plank |
| Bigger 12 Pk Cedar Planks | CEDAR ALPHA | 12 planks | 11″ x 5.76″; soak 1–2 hours; 0.3″ thick; no chemicals |
| 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Planks | Wildwood Grilling | 6 planks | USA-made; 5×11″ size; food-safe |
Note: All selections emphasize USA-sourced cedar, food safety, and user-friendly preparation to help you grill with confidence. The following sections detail five top picks with direct links and visuals to help you compare at a glance.
Wildwood Grilling 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Salmon
These Western Red Cedar planks bring a subtle smoky note and a fresh wood aroma to seafood and other grill favorites. The pack includes twelve planks designed for easy use and cleanup, with a QR code on the packaging offering quick, step-by-step instructions. They’re presented to impress guests when serving salmon or other proteins directly on the plank, delivering flavor and presentation in one.
Grill Gourmet Cedar Planks – 12 Pack
Grill Gourmet’s textured planks are designed to produce more smoke and deeper flavor. The planks measure 5.5 inches by 11 inches by 1/3 inch, offering an upgraded thickness for durability during grilling. They are intended for single-use to maintain sanitation, making them a convenient choice for frequent grilling sessions without reusing planks.
Wildwood Grilling Signature Cedar Planks (12-Pack)
These USA-made planks from Wildwood Grilling emphasize safety and quality. Sourced from Western Red Cedar and produced in Idaho, they come from a food-safe facility with no added chemicals. The 5×11 inch size suits most standard portions, offering a balanced option for 2–3 servings per plank and a consistent grilling experience.
Bigger 12 Pack Cedar Planks (CEDAR ALPHA)
CEDAR ALPHA offers a restaurant-quantity package with 12 planks sized at 11 by 5.76 inches and 0.3 inches thick. The product emphasizes Alaskan Old Growth Western Cedar and a chemical-free composition. Soaking for 1–2 hours before use is advised to maximize moisture and aroma transfer to grilled proteins and vegetables.
Wildwood Grilling 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Planks
This six-pack from Wildwood Grilling focuses on safety and usability for beginners and experienced grillers alike. The planks are sized at 5×11 inches, aligning with single-serving portions and complementing fish, vegetables, or small cuts of meat. The product emphasizes food safety and USA sourcing, providing a reliable option for everyday grilling.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Cedar Plank Grilling
When choosing cedar planks for outdoor grilling, consider the following factors to optimize flavor, safety, and convenience.
- Wood Type and Sourcing: Look for Western Red Cedar from USA mills, as it is the traditional choice for its aroma and aroma retention. Avoid unknown or chemically treated woods.
- Size and Thickness: Planks around 5×11 inches and 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick balance handling, heat distribution, and flavor transfer. Larger fillets may benefit from longer planks (7×15 inches).
- Single-Use vs Reusable: Many planks are designed for one use to maintain sanitation. Reusable versions exist in some markets but require careful cleaning and oil-free surfaces.
- Pre-Soaking Requirements: Most cedar planks require soaking in water (often 1–2 hours) before grilling to prevent burning and to improve moisture release during cooking.
- Safety and Food-Grade Certification: Choose planks produced in food-safe facilities with no added chemicals or glues to ensure safe contact with food.
- Flavor Intensity and Texture: Textured or thicker planks tend to yield more smoke and stronger cedar aroma. Consider your protein and sauce pairing when selecting.
- Packaging and Portability: For home use, smaller packs (6–12 planks) are convenient, while restaurants may favor bulk options (50+ planks) for cost efficiency.
- Presentation: Planks designed for serving on the plank can enhance plating and guest appeal, especially for salmon and seafood dishes.
In summary, the best cedar planks for outdoor use align with USA sourcing, food safety, and practical sizing for common grill setups. For casual grilling, a 6-pack or 12-pack from a reputable brand provides reliable flavor without complexity. For larger gatherings or restaurant use, consider larger packs or restaurant-quantity options that maintain consistent quality and aroma across batches.