Imagine biting into a perfectly grilled salmon, its flaky texture infused with a subtle, smoky sweetness. Or perhaps a juicy steak, tender and bursting with flavor. If this sounds like your dream BBQ, then it’s time to talk about a secret weapon: cedar planks. But let’s be honest, staring at a wall of different cedar planks can feel a little overwhelming. Which ones are best? How do you even use them? You want amazing grilled food, but the choices can leave you scratching your head.
That’s where we come in! This guide is here to take the guesswork out of choosing the right cedar planks for your next grilling adventure. We’ll break down what makes a good plank, what to look for, and even give you some tips to make sure your food turns out absolutely delicious. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your grilling skills, all thanks to the magic of cedar.
Our Top 5 Cedar Planks For Grilling Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cedar Planks For Grilling Detailed Reviews
1. 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
Rating: 8.7/10
Level up your grilling game with this 12-pack of Western Red Cedar planks. They’re made right here in the USA and are perfect for adding amazing flavor to your favorite foods. You’ll get a wonderful smoky taste and the fresh scent of cedar with every bite.
What We Like:
- Adds a delicious smoky flavor and fresh cedar aroma to your food.
- Works great on salmon, pork, and even fruits and veggies.
- Super easy to use and clean up afterward.
- Comes with a QR code for simple, step-by-step instructions.
- Makes your food look beautiful when served right on the plank.
- Made from real Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata), which is the only safe and flavorful type for cooking.
- You can use them on your grill (gas or charcoal) or in the oven.
- Sustainably sourced and proudly made in the USA.
What Could Be Improved:
- You might need to soak the planks before use, which takes a little extra time.
- These are single-use planks, so you’ll need to buy more for future grilling sessions.
These cedar planks are a fantastic way to make your meals taste and look special. They’re a simple yet effective tool for any home cook looking to impress.
2. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to take your grilling game to the next level with these Cedar Grilling Planks! This 12-pack is made right here in the USA. They’re designed to add amazing smoky flavor to your food. Imagine juicy salmon or tender chicken with a delightful cedar aroma. These planks are a simple way to impress your friends and family with delicious, restaurant-quality meals right in your backyard.
What We Like:
- The textured surface creates extra smoke for a richer flavor.
- These planks are made with an upgraded thickness (1/3 inch) for better performance.
- They come with easy-to-follow grilling instructions.
- This pack is perfect for gifting to your favorite grill master or for your own home BBQs.
- Proudly sourced and made in the USA!
What Could Be Improved:
- These planks are intended for single use only, which means you’ll need to buy more for future grilling.
These cedar planks are a fantastic addition to any grilling enthusiast’s toolkit. They deliver exceptional flavor and are made with quality in mind.
3. Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate
Rating: 8.6/10
Ready to elevate your grilling game? The Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) are here to help! These planks are made right here in the USA from 100% natural Western Red Cedar. They infuse your food with a subtle, woodsy flavor that’s perfect for everything from salmon to veggies. You can trust that these planks are made in a food-safe facility, so you don’t have to worry about anything harmful getting into your meal.
What We Like:
- Made in the USA from safe, natural Western Red Cedar.
- Produced in a food-safe facility, so your food stays pure.
- Perfect size for grilling 2-3 servings, great for salmon and seafood.
- Adds a delicious, delicate, earthy flavor to food.
- Works well with chicken, vegetables, fruits, and even desserts.
What Could Be Improved:
- If you’re cooking for a crowd or a large piece of fish, you might need the larger plank size.
These cedar planks are a fantastic way to add a unique and natural flavor to your grilled dishes. Give them a try and taste the difference!
4. Langxinese Bigger 12 PK
Rating: 9.5/10
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the Langxinese Bigger Cedar Planks! These planks are designed to bring that amazing smoky flavor right to your backyard. They’re perfect for salmon, but you can use them for all sorts of veggies and other foods too. Imagine serving up restaurant-quality dishes right from your own grill!
What We Like:
- These planks are bigger, measuring 11″ x 5.75″, giving you more cooking space.
- You get a generous pack of 12 planks, so you’re ready for plenty of grilling sessions.
- They are made from 100% natural cedar, which means they are healthy and chemical-free.
- Each plank is sanded smooth for a better grilling experience.
- They are super easy to use – just soak them in water for a couple of hours before grilling.
- These planks make a fantastic gift for anyone who loves to grill.
What Could Be Improved:
- Soaking the planks for 1-2 hours can take some planning ahead.
- The thickness of 0.3″ is good, but some grillers might prefer a slightly thicker plank for longer cooks.
These Langxinese cedar planks are a simple way to add incredible smoky taste to your favorite grilled foods. They offer great value and are a must-have for any grilling enthusiast.
5. Bigger 12 Pack Premium Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the Bigger 12 Pack Premium Cedar Planks! These top-grade planks are designed to infuse your salmon, meat, fish, and veggies with incredible smoky flavor. They soak fast and offer more cooking surface, ensuring a delicious meal every time. You’ll get a generous set of 12 planks, each measuring 11″ x 5.75″ and a sturdy 0.3″ thick. Made from old-growth cedar, these planks deliver more aroma content for a truly premium BBQ experience.
What We Like:
- Generous Cooking Surface: You get more space to grill your favorite foods.
- Enhanced Flavor: The cedar wood adds a wonderful smoky taste.
- Fast Soaking: These planks are ready to use after just 1-2 hours of soaking.
- High-Quality Cedar: Made from old-growth, slow-growing cedar for maximum aroma.
- Restaurant-Ready: Perfect for serving impressive dishes at home or for a crowd.
- Natural and Safe: No chemicals or glue are used, making them 100% natural.
- Proven Value: Cedar Alpha has been providing great BBQ planks since 2015.
What Could Be Improved:
- Soaking Time: While they soak fast, 1-2 hours still requires some planning.
- Single Use: Like most grilling planks, these are designed for one-time use.
These cedar planks are a fantastic way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your backyard. They are easy to use and deliver amazing results for all your grilling needs.
Your Guide to Grilling with Cedar Planks
Grilling with cedar planks is a fantastic way to add smoky, delicious flavor to your food. It’s easy and makes your grilled dishes taste extra special. This guide will help you choose the best cedar planks for your next barbecue.
What to Look for in Cedar Planks
Key Features
- Thickness: Thicker planks (around 3/4 inch) generally last longer and provide more smoke.
- Size: Make sure the planks are big enough for the food you plan to grill. Common sizes work well for fish, chicken, and vegetables.
- Wood Type: Eastern Red Cedar is the most popular and gives a great flavor.
- Pre-soaking Instructions: Good planks come with clear instructions on how to soak them.
- Quantity: Planks often come in packs of 2, 4, or more. Consider how often you grill.
Important Materials
Cedar planks are made from 100% natural cedar wood. Look for planks that are free from chemicals or treatments. This ensures the purest flavor for your food.
Factors Affecting Quality
What Makes Them Great:
- Natural Wood: Planks made from good quality, natural cedar wood are best.
- Proper Drying: Wood that is dried correctly before being made into planks is less likely to warp.
- Smooth Finish: Planks with a smooth finish are easier to handle and less likely to splinter.
What to Avoid:
- Treated Wood: Never use planks that have been treated with chemicals.
- Cracked or Warped Planks: These won’t work well and can be a fire hazard.
- Thin Planks: Very thin planks burn too quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using cedar planks is simple. You soak them in water for about an hour before grilling. This prevents them from catching fire too quickly. Place your food on the soaked plank and put it on the grill. The cedar wood smokes and steams, infusing your food with a wonderful aroma and flavor.
Cedar planks are perfect for grilling fish, especially salmon. They also work wonderfully for chicken, pork, and even vegetables like asparagus and corn. You can even grill desserts like peaches on them!
The experience is rewarding. Your food gets a unique, smoky taste that you can’t get from grilling directly on the grates. It’s a healthier way to grill, too, as the plank acts as a barrier between the food and direct flame.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cedar Grilling Planks
Q: Do I really need to soak the cedar planks?
A: Yes, soaking is very important. It stops the planks from burning up too fast and makes them steam, which adds flavor.
Q: How long should I soak the planks?
A: Most instructions say to soak them for at least 1 hour. Some people soak them longer, up to 2 hours.
Q: Can I reuse cedar planks?
A: Cedar planks are usually for one-time use. They get pretty worn out after one grilling session.
Q: What kind of wood is best for grilling planks?
A: Eastern Red Cedar is the most popular and gives a great flavor. Other woods like alder can also be used.
Q: How do I know if the plank is ready for grilling?
A: The plank should be wet but not dripping. You’ll hear it sizzle and see steam when you put it on the grill.
Q: What foods taste best on cedar planks?
A: Salmon is a classic choice. Chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetables like asparagus and corn also grill very well.
Q: Can I use cedar planks on any grill?
A: Yes, you can use them on charcoal grills or gas grills. You can also use them in the oven.
Q: What if my plank catches fire?
A: A little flame is okay. If it flares up too much, move the plank to a cooler part of the grill or close the lid for a bit.
Q: Are there different sizes of cedar planks?
A: Yes, planks come in various sizes. Choose a size that fits your food and your grill.
Q: Where can I buy good quality cedar planks?
A: You can find them at most grocery stores, barbecue supply shops, and online retailers.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mette Morgan—a lifelong pet enthusiast and the heart behind PetNobs.com.. My journey with animals began at an early age, and over the years, I’ve gathered invaluable experiences and insights on everything from everyday pet care to the unique quirks each animal brings to our lives. Here at PetNobs, I share my genuine passion, practical tips, and personal stories to help you create a loving, well-informed environment for your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. Welcome to my little corner of the pet world—it’s a joy to have you here!