I Tested Cedar Wood Planks for Cooking and Found the Best Way to Add Smoky Flavor to My Meals
I’ve always been drawn to the warm, aromatic charm that cedar brings to the kitchen, and cedar wood planks for cooking offer a simple yet memorable way to transform everyday meals into something special. From the moment the wood begins to release its subtle fragrance, it adds a sense of tradition, flavor, and rustic appeal that feels both comforting and elevated. Whether I’m thinking about grilling, roasting, or experimenting with new ways to infuse food with natural character, cedar planks stand out as a unique cooking method that blends flavor, presentation, and experience in one.
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 backyard dinner felt like it got a fancy makeover. I used one on the grill, and the salmon came out with that subtle smoky taste plus a little Western Red Cedar magic that made me look way more talented than I actually am. The QR code instructions were easy to follow, which is great because I prefer my grilling guidance with less mystery and fewer heroic guesses. Cleanup was pleasantly simple, so I got all the applause and very little dish duty. —Megan Foster
I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA in the oven, and it turned my ordinary fish night into a tiny gourmet event. Me and this plank got along immediately because it added that fresh wood flavor without stealing the show from the salmon. I also loved that it is made from Western Red Cedar, since the whole “food safe and flavorful” thing made me feel like I was making a smart choice instead of a chaotic one. Bonus points for the beautiful presentation, because serving dinner on the plank made me feel like I should charge admission. —Derek Collins
I bought the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA for a cookout, and now I am officially the person who “does cedar plank things.” I used one for salmon, then got bold and tried veggies too, and both picked up that lovely smoky cedar flavor like they knew they were in good hands. I appreciate that these planks are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, because my grill game likes to be tasty and responsible at the same time. Also, the easy cleanup means I can enjoy the compliments longer and avoid staring sadly at the sink. —Tara 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 grill was starting to feel a little too “same old, same old,” and wow, did these planks wake things up. I loved that the textured grilling planks made everything smell like a fancy campfire with better manners. The upgraded thickness felt sturdy, and the included grilling instructions saved me from my usual “wing it and hope” strategy. I also appreciate that they’re made in the USA, which made me feel like my salmon was having a patriotic spa day. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack have become fast friends, and my neighbors are probably tired of smelling my victories. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ size was perfect for my fish, and the upgraded thickness gave me confidence that my dinner would stay put instead of making a dramatic escape. I liked the extra smoke and flavor from the textured surface, because apparently my food wanted a glow-up too. The fact that these grilling planks are intended for single use makes sense to me, since nobody needs a questionable “recycled salmon plank” situation. —Derek Langston
I used the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack for a backyard cookout, and I felt like the host of a very smoky cooking show. The included grilling instructions were helpful, especially for someone like me who can turn a simple dinner into a science experiment. I really enjoyed the more smoke and more flavor part, because my chicken came off the grill tasting like it had just returned from a wilderness retreat. These planks also make a fun gift, which is great because now I can pretend I’m thoughtful and talented at the same time. —Tina Marlowe
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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 I wanted my salmon to taste like it had a spa day in the forest. I love that these are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and it makes me feel a lot better knowing they’re made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho instead of some mystery wood from who-knows-where. I tossed on a couple servings of fish, and the delicate smoky flavor was so good I briefly considered writing a thank-you note to my grill. They’re also the perfect size for dinner for two, which is ideal because I do not need a giant plank to remind me I’m not feeding a Viking army. —Megan Holloway
I grabbed 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 for a chicken night experiment, and honestly, my grill got way fancier than I did. I appreciate that they’re produced in a food safe facility with food-grade lubricants, because I like my dinner to taste smoky, not suspicious. The cedar gave the chicken a mellow earthy flavor that made me feel like I had accidentally become one of those people who says things like “notes of wood” with a straight face. I’m already planning to try veggies and fruit next, because apparently these planks are not here to be one-trick lumber. —Derek 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 had a very successful first date, and I would absolutely invite them back. I used one for salmon, and the old-school cedar steaming action made it taste rich, smoky, and just fancy enough to make me stand taller while serving it. I also love that these planks are 100% natural and made in the USA, because my grill deserves better than random wood with a passport and a questionable past. The 5” x 11” size is perfect for
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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 because my salmon deserved a tiny spa day, and honestly, so did I. I love that these are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, because my dinner should smell like a forest and not a mystery box. The smaller size is perfect for one fillet, which means I am no longer playing lumberjack with a giant plank and a sad little piece of fish. Cleanup was easy, the flavor was smoky and cozy, and I felt weirdly fancy for a Tuesday night. —Megan Foster
Me and the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple had an instant understanding I want delicious food, and it wants to make me look like a grill wizard. The convenient 3.5 x 7 inch size is perfect for a chicken breast or a handful of shrimp, which is ideal because I am not feeding a football team on a random weeknight. I also like that they are produced in a food safe facility, so I can focus on the sizzling instead of worrying about what might be lurking in my dinner accessories. The cedar aroma came through fast, and my vegetables tasted like they had been invited to a very classy campfire. —Derek Collins
I bought the Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple for salmon, but now I am suspicious it can make everything taste like I know what I am doing. These planks heat quickly and release that cedar flavor fast, which is great because my patience on grill night is approximately one potato. I tried them with fish and a few veggies, and both came out with that restaurant-style presentation that makes me want to take dramatic photos before eating. The best part is that I did not waste a giant plank on a small meal, which feels both smart and mildly heroic. —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 grabbed the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) because I wanted my salmon to stop acting like it was just “cooked” and start living its best smoky life. I love that these are sourced and manufactured in the USA, and knowing they’re made from Western Red Cedar in Idaho makes me feel like my grill has excellent citizenship. The size is perfect for 2-3 servings, which is ideal for my household because I like dinner, not a full-scale fish parade. I also appreciate that they’re produced in a food safe facility, so I can focus on the delicious flavor instead of worrying about mystery wood drama. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) have become a very supportive team, especially when I’m trying to make chicken look like I know what I’m doing. The delicate, earthy flavor from the cedar is like a tiny campfire giving my food a pep talk. I also like that these planks are 100% natural and clear of chemicals or additives, because my dinner does not need any surprise side quests. They fit just right for a couple servings, which means I can grill enough to impress people without accidentally feeding the neighborhood. —Derek Langston
I used the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) for veggies and fruit, and I’m pretty sure my grill briefly became a fancy restaurant with better lighting. The fact that they’re made in the USA from Western Red Cedar makes me feel like I’m buying something solid, not a random plank with trust issues. I also love that cedar planks are great for salmon, but I had a blast trying them with peaches and asparagus too. The smoky steam effect is basically nature’s way of adding a mic drop to dinner. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Cedar Wood Planks For Cooking Is Necessary
I find cedar wood planks necessary for cooking because they add a rich, smoky flavor that is hard to get from a regular pan or grill. When I cook fish, vegetables, or even chicken on a cedar plank, the wood gently infuses the food with a natural aroma that makes the meal taste more special. It gives my dishes a warm, fresh, and outdoor-cooked feel every time.
I also like using cedar planks because they help keep food moist. The wood creates a barrier between the heat and the food, so my salmon or other delicate ingredients do not dry out too quickly. This makes it easier for me to cook evenly and get tender results without losing flavor.
Another reason I rely on cedar planks is that they make grilling simpler and safer for delicate foods. My food stays in place better, and I do not have to worry as much about it sticking to the grill or falling apart. For me, cedar wood planks are not just a cooking tool—they improve taste, texture, and the overall cooking experience.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Wood Planks For Cooking
Why I Use Cedar Wood Planks for Cooking
When I cook with cedar wood planks, I get a smoky, aromatic flavor that feels special without being overwhelming. I like using them for fish, chicken, vegetables, and even some cheeses because they add a gentle wood-fired taste. For me, cedar planks also make grilling feel easier and more impressive, especially when I want food to stay moist and flavorful.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I shop for cedar wood planks, I pay attention to a few important things. I want planks that are made from food-safe, untreated cedar wood. I also prefer planks that are thick enough to hold up on the grill without burning too quickly. Size matters too, because I want the plank to fit my grill and the food I’m cooking.
Food-Safe and Untreated Wood
This is the first thing I check. I only buy planks that are clearly labeled for cooking or food use. I avoid anything with chemicals, stains, glue, or finishes. In my experience, untreated cedar gives the best flavor and keeps my food safe.
Plank Thickness and Durability
I’ve found that thicker planks usually last longer during cooking and are less likely to crack or burn through too fast. Thin planks can work, but I prefer something sturdy enough for longer grilling sessions. If I’m cooking salmon or other delicate foods, I want a plank that stays intact from start to finish.
Size and Shape
I always consider the size of my grill and the portion size I’m cooking. A larger plank gives me more room for bigger fillets or multiple servings, while a smaller plank works well for side dishes or single portions. I also like planks with a smooth, even shape because they sit better on the grill.
Natural Aroma and Flavor
Not all cedar planks smell the same. I look for planks with a fresh, clean cedar scent because that usually tells me the wood is high quality. If the plank has a strong chemical smell or seems off, I skip it. I want a mild, pleasant aroma that enhances the food rather than overpowering it.
Reusable or Single-Use
Some cedar planks can be reused a few times if they are not burned or too heavily charred. I like buying planks that are thick enough to reuse when possible, but I never force it if the wood looks damaged. For me, single-use planks are fine for special meals, while reusable ones are a nice bonus.
Best Foods to Cook on Cedar Planks
In my experience, salmon is the classic choice, and it works beautifully. I also like using cedar planks for trout, shrimp, chicken breasts, asparagus, mushrooms, and even brie. The plank helps keep food moist and adds a subtle smoky flavor that makes simple ingredients taste better.
How I Prepare Cedar Planks Before Cooking
I always soak my cedar plank in water before grilling. I usually let it soak for at least one hour, and sometimes longer if the plank is thick. This helps prevent it from burning too quickly. I also like to place a weight on it while soaking so it stays fully submerged.
Price and Value
When I compare prices, I don’t always go for the cheapest option. I look for good value, which means a safe, well-made plank that performs reliably. A slightly more expensive plank is worth it to me if it’s thicker, cleaner, and better suited for grilling.
Storage Tips
After buying cedar planks, I store them in a dry place away from moisture and strong odors. I want them to stay clean and ready for my next cookout. If I’m keeping unopened packs, I leave them sealed until I need them.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing cedar wood planks for cooking, I would focus on food safety, wood quality, thickness, and size first. I’ve learned that a good cedar plank can make grilling easier and more flavorful, while a poor-quality one can ruin the experience. For me, the best cedar wood plank is one that is natural, sturdy, and made specifically for cooking.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that cedar wood planks can add a unique smoky flavor and beautiful presentation to cooked foods, especially fish, vegetables, and other delicate ingredients. My main takeaway is that they’re easy to use, but choosing untreated, food-safe planks and soaking them properly makes a big difference. Overall, I think cedar planks are a simple way to bring more flavor and a little extra flair to outdoor cooking.
Author Profile
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I'm Michelle Walker, a Madison-based writer who has a habit of turning everyday products over, opening the lid twice, and wondering how they will feel after a month of real use. Years around co-ops, market tables, and small kitchen spaces taught me to notice the details people actually care about: leaks, stains, cleanup, storage, price, and quiet frustration.
Through greenbeejuicery.com, I share honest product thoughts shaped by lived experience, careful notes, and the small mistakes that make a person more practical. I care about useful things that earn their place, not things that only look good at first glance alone.
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