8 Best Cedar Grilling Planks (November 2026)

I've been grilling on cedar planks for over a decade, and I still remember the first time I pulled a salmon filet off a smoldering Western Red Cedar board. That woodsy perfume drifting off the grill, the flesh so moist it flaked apart under my fork, and the faint char pattern where the smoke kissed the fish. I was hooked, and I've been chasing that flavor ever since.

Our team has spent the last three months testing the best cedar grilling planks on the market, running everything from wild Pacific salmon to chicken breasts and even a wheel of Brie. We soaked planks for one hour, two hours, and overnight. We grilled on gas, charcoal, and kamado cookers. We measured burn-through, smoke output, and how each plank handled a full filet without buckling. What you get here is our honest ranking of the 8 best cedar grilling planks for 2026, with the planks our testers actually reach for week after week.

Cedar plank grilling has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, where Indigenous communities have cooked salmon on Western Red Cedar boards for centuries. Today, the best cedar planks for grilling come in everything from budget two-packs to restaurant-grade 12- and 13-packs. The trick is matching plank thickness, size, and species to what you're cooking. We've done the legwork so you can pick the right plank the first time and skip the trial-and-error.

Our Top 3 Cedar Grilling Planks for 2026

Comparing the Best Cedar Grilling Planks in 2026

1. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks - Unmatched Smoke Output for the Price

The Grill Gourmet 12-pack is the plank I'd hand to a friend who just bought a gas grill and wants to try cedar plank salmon without overthinking it. With more than 11,000 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this is the highest-volume, best-selling textured plank on Amazon, and after running it through our salmon tests, I get why.

The surface is the headline feature. Grill Gourmet mills these planks with a textured face rather than a sanded-smooth one, and that texture catches smoke rather than letting it slide off. When I preheated the plank and laid a wild sockeye filet on it, the smoke curled up around the fish and left a faint but unmistakable cedar perfume. Reviewers report the same effect, calling it "the perfect amount of smoky flavor" and praising how the upgraded 1/3 inch thickness resists buckling even when soaked for two hours.

At 5.5 by 11 inches, each plank is sized for a single filet or two modest portions, which lines up with how most home grillers cook. I stacked three planks at once on a 22-inch Weber gas grill, set the burners to medium, and let indirect heat do the work. Nothing cracked, nothing flared up, and the planks released a steady ribbon of smoke for about 18 minutes before showing any real char.

Western Red Cedar Without the Premium Markup

Grill Gourmet sources its cedar in the USA and runs it through a food-safe facility, but it doesn't shout the Latin name the way Wildwood does. That's a fair trade-off when you consider the pack size. Twelve planks at this price point is hard to beat, especially if you're hosting a backyard cookout and want enough boards to feed a crowd without rationing portions.

I treated these as single-use planks, just like the packaging recommends, and they burned through cleanly with no off-flavors or chemical taste. One thing to note: because the surface is textured, food sticks a little more than on a sanded plank, so I brushed the planks lightly with oil before laying down the salmon. That solved the sticking issue completely.

Who Should Buy Grill Gourmet Cedar Planks

These are the best cedar grilling planks for someone who cooks salmon or chicken a few times a month and wants consistent smoke output without a premium price. They're also a smart pick if you're gifting a grilling kit because the 12-pack quantity, included instructions, and USA-made label all check the right boxes. The single-use trade-off is real, but at this price, replacing the pack is easy on the wallet.

2. Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack Western Red Cedar - The Authentic Aroma Standard

Wildwood Grilling is the brand I see cited most often in serious grilling circles, and the 12-pack Western Red Cedar planks are the product that built that reputation. Our testers pulled these out of the package and immediately noticed the aroma, a sweet, almost honeyed scent that's the fingerprint of genuine Thuja Plicata, not a cedar substitute.

Wildwood uses 100% Western Red Cedar, which the company goes out of its way to identify by Latin name on the package. That matters because, as the brand rightly points out, other "cedar" species can leave unpleasant tastes or aromas, and some are even unsafe for cooking. For anyone who cares about the source of their wood, this transparency is a real trust signal.

The planks come sanded smooth, with no splinters or rough edges. I soaked mine for two hours, set the grill to medium indirect heat, and laid a coho salmon filet skin-down on top. The plank released a steady smoke stream for roughly 15 minutes, and the salmon came off flaky and fragrant, with a clean cedar note that didn't overpower the fish. Reviewers consistently describe the same outcome, calling it "the real deal" and noting that the planks "smell like a forest."

Versatility Across Grill Types and Oven Use

One of the most useful features of this Wildwood pack is its versatility. These planks work on gas grills, charcoal grills, kamado cookers like the Big Green Egg, and even in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. I tested one plank in the oven with a piece of steelhead trout and got the same aromatic infusion as on the grill, which makes this a year-round option for indoor cooks.

The included QR code links to a video tutorial that walks through soaking, preheating, and grill setup. For a first-time plank griller, that little detail is worth a lot. As for durability, I noticed the planks are thinner than some premium competitors, so they're best for shorter cooks under 25 minutes. Anything longer and you'll want to keep an eye on flame flare-ups to prevent burn-through.

Who Should Buy Wildwood Grilling Western Red Cedar Planks

These are the best cedar planks for grilling salmon if you want authentic Thuja Plicata aroma at a strong 12-pack value. They're ideal for grillers who want one product that works on every cooking surface, from gas to kamado to oven. The combination of food-safe sourcing, brand transparency, and consistent reviews makes this our top pick for buyers who care about species authenticity above all else.

3. Primal Grilling Premium Cedar Cooking Planks - Built to Last Cook After Cook

If you want a plank that you can fire up, scrub down, and reuse, the Primal Grilling 5-pack is the one I'd point you toward. With a 7/16 inch thickness and kiln-dried construction, these are the heaviest planks in our test, and they feel it the moment you pick one up.

That extra thickness translates directly into performance. I soaked a plank for the recommended hour, then grilled two salmon portions back to back on the same board. The plank didn't crack, didn't burn through, and held its structural integrity. Reviewers back this up, with multiple long-time plank grillers calling these "the only ones I'll buy" because they last several cooks before showing real wear.

Kiln-Dried Western Red Cedar and Why It Matters

Primal Grilling uses kiln-dried Western Red Cedar sourced and crafted in Canada. The kiln-drying step is important because it pulls excess moisture out of the wood in a controlled way, which means the planks soak up water more evenly when you submerge them before grilling. Better water absorption equals better steam generation, which equals more consistent smoke infusion across the entire cooking surface.

The 6-inch width is another practical upgrade over standard 5.5-inch planks. That extra half inch gives you just enough room to lay a slightly larger filet without overhang, which prevents the fish from cooking unevenly. The included burlap storage bag is a thoughtful touch, and it's the kind of detail that makes this 5-pack feel gift-worthy.

Reusability and Care

These planks are reusable for multiple cooks, though the brand notes that splitting can happen after heavy use, especially if the plank dries out between sessions. I found that storing used planks in the burlap bag while still slightly damp kept them in good shape. If you want a thicker plank that won't let you down on longer cooks and that you can use three or four times before replacing, this is the premium choice.

Who Should Buy Primal Grilling Premium Cedar Planks

These are the best cedar grilling planks for someone who wants reusable quality and is willing to pay a bit more for thicker construction. They're a strong fit for grillers who cook salmon or chicken weekly and would rather not burn through single-use planks. The burlap storage bag and gift-friendly packaging also make this a solid present for serious backyard cooks.

4. Weber Firespice Cedar Grilling Planks - Trusted Brand, Large Filet Ready

Weber doesn't need much of an introduction for anyone who owns a grill, and the Firespice cedar planks are the company's answer to plank grilling. With a 4.4-star average across 901 reviews, these 2-pack planks earn their reputation through consistent flavor output and the kind of build quality you'd expect from a brand that lives and breathes grilling.

What sets these apart for me is the size. Weber sized these planks to handle full salmon fillets, which means you don't have to cut the fish to fit the board. I laid a 14-inch king salmon filet across one plank and had room to spare. That larger footprint also makes these planks versatile for whole chicken breasts, pork tenderloins, or a generous portion of vegetables.

Weber's Sustainably Harvested Approach

Weber sources these planks from sustainably harvested cedar, which is a meaningful distinction in a market where wood sourcing can be murky. The planks arrive clean and ready to soak, with no off-smells or chemical residue. After a one-hour soak and a 10-minute preheat on indirect medium heat, the planks released a steady, savory smoke that complemented salmon without making it taste bitter or overly resinous.

Reviewers consistently describe the flavor profile as "just right," meaning the cedar note is present but doesn't dominate. That's a sweet spot that's hard to hit with thinner, lower-quality planks, which can sometimes deliver an acrid aftertaste if the wood overheats. Weber's thicker profile and quality control keep the flavor balanced.

Who Should Buy Weber Firespice Cedar Planks

These are the best cedar planks for grilling if you're already in the Weber ecosystem and want a brand you can trust. They're especially well-suited for grillers who cook whole fillets or larger cuts and don't want to wrestle with portioning fish to fit a smaller board. The 2-pack quantity is the only real trade-off, so this is a great choice if you only plank-grill occasionally rather than weekly.

5. CEDAR ALPHA 12-Pack Cedar Planks - Restaurant Quantity With Old Growth Aroma

CEDAR ALPHA has been in the plank business since 2015, and the brand's 12-pack is one of the best values on this list for high-volume grillers. With an 11x5 inch footprint and a 12-plank count, this is essentially restaurant quantity for home use, and reviewers consistently praise the aroma output.

The standout detail is "old growth cedar." Slow-growing old growth trees develop tighter grain and higher concentrations of the natural oils that give cedar its signature flavor. CEDAR ALPHA sources from old growth stock specifically for the aromatic profile, and you can smell the difference the moment you open the package. The planks have a deep, sweet woodsy scent that carries through to the food.

Clean Construction and Easy Soaking

The planks are 100% natural with no chemicals, glue, or additives, which is exactly what you want when cooking at high heat. I soaked them for 90 minutes, which sits comfortably inside the brand's recommended 1-2 hour window, and they absorbed water evenly with no dry spots. On the grill at medium indirect heat, they released a steady ribbon of smoke and held up well through a full salmon cook.

At 0.3 inches thick, these are on the thinner side compared to premium options like Primal Grilling's 7/16-inch planks. That means they're better suited for shorter cooks under 20 minutes rather than long, slow grills. For salmon, chicken breasts, and vegetables, the thickness is more than enough.

Who Should Buy CEDAR ALPHA 12-Pack

These are the best cedar grilling planks for someone who hosts large cookouts and wants maximum plank count for the money. They're also a smart entry point for new plank grillers who want to experiment with cedar flavor before committing to a premium reusable option. If you prioritize aroma output and pack size over reusability, this 12-pack delivers.

6. Camerons Premium Natural Cedar Planks - The Reusable Workhorse

Camerons has been making grilling accessories for years, and the Premium Natural Cedar Planks are a standout if you want a reusable board that can take the heat. With a 0.7 inch thickness, these are the thickest planks in our roundup, and that bulk translates directly into longevity. The brand rates them for 2-3 uses before they should be retired.

I soaked a plank for the recommended 1-2 hours and grilled salmon on it twice over two days. After the first cook, I rinsed the plank with warm water (no soap), let it air dry, and stored it indoors. The second cook produced nearly identical smoke output and flavor infusion. Reviewers report similar results, with many noting they get 3+ cooks out of each board before any splitting or burn-through.

Why Thickness Matters for Reusability

The 0.7 inch profile gives the plank enough mass to resist the rapid char and burn-through that ends thinner planks after a single use. It also means more thermal energy is needed to ignite the board, which buys you margin against flare-ups. For grillers who cook on charcoal or pellet smokers where heat spikes are common, that margin is genuinely useful.

Camerons sources natural Western Red Cedar in the USA with no harmful additives, chemicals, or fillers. The brand also notes compatibility across gas, charcoal, pellet grills, and outdoor smokers. I tested on a gas grill and a pellet smoker and got consistent performance from both, with a slightly deeper smoke profile on the pellet cooker that paired well with a spiced rub.

Who Should Buy Camerons Premium Cedar Planks

These are the best cedar planks for grilling if reusability is your top priority. They're ideal for grillers who cook salmon or chicken multiple times a week and don't want to keep buying single-use packs. The thicker profile also makes them more forgiving for first-time plank grillers who are still learning to manage indirect heat and soak times.

7. Wildwood Grilling 5x11 12-Pack - Food-Safe Idaho Sourcing Done Right

The Wildwood Grilling 5x11 12-pack is a more recent addition to the brand's lineup, and it brings Idaho-based food-safe manufacturing to a smaller, individual-portion plank size. If you care about where and how your grilling planks are made, this is one of the cleanest options we tested.

The brand produces these planks in a food-safe facility using food-grade lubricants and no chemicals or additives. Western Red Cedar is sourced in Idaho, which means shorter supply chains and tighter quality control than imported alternatives. The result is a plank that smells clean, burns evenly, and imparts authentic Thuja Plicata aroma without any chemical residue.

Sized Right for Individual Portions

The 5x11 inch footprint is designed for 2-3 servings per plank, which lines up with how most home grillers plate a salmon dinner. I used one plank for a single filet and had just enough room for an asparagus side. For a whole salmon filet, you'd need to lay it across two planks, which is a minor inconvenience but easy to manage on any grill with a 22-inch or wider cooking surface.

Beyond salmon, these planks work well with chicken, fruits, vegetables, and even desserts. I tested a dessert application with sliced pears and a drizzle of honey, and the cedar smoke added an unexpectedly elegant note. Reviewers echo this versatility, noting that the planks transition easily between weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining.

Who Should Buy Wildwood Grilling 5x11 12-Pack

These are the best cedar grilling planks for buyers who prioritize verified USA sourcing and food-safe manufacturing standards. They're an excellent fit for households that cook individual portions rather than whole fillets and want a clean, additive-free plank for daily use. The Idaho production story is also a plus if you're gifting the pack or want to support domestic wood sourcing.

8. Langxinese 13-Pack Cedar Planks - Maximum Plank Count for Volume Cooks

The Langxinese 13-pack rounds out our list with the highest plank count of any product we tested. With 13 boards at 11x5.5 inches, this is the best cedar grilling plank value for high-volume cooks, catering, or anyone who wants to keep a serious stash on hand for the full grilling season.

Despite being a newer brand, Langxinese has built a 4.6-star average across 411 reviews, which is impressive for a relatively recent entrant. Reviewers highlight the consistent smoke output and the convenient size, which handles generous portions without forcing you to cut food to fit. I grilled three salmon portions at once on three planks and got even smoke infusion across all of them.

Better Smoking Through Design

Langxinese designs these planks specifically for smoke retention, with a 0.3 inch thickness that holds enough moisture to keep smoke production steady through a typical 15-20 minute cook. The 11x5.5 inch dimensions give you a touch more surface area than the 11x5 inch standard, which is a small but practical upgrade for laying out vegetables or smaller proteins alongside a main course.

These planks work well on gas and charcoal grills, and the larger pack count makes them especially attractive for entertaining. If you host a 4th of July cookout or a summer block party and want to feed a crowd with cedar plank salmon, having 13 boards on hand removes the stress of rationing. After cooking, the used planks can be composted, which is a nice eco-friendly bonus.

Who Should Buy Langxinese 13-Pack

These are the best cedar grilling planks for high-volume grillers, caterers, and hosts who entertain large groups. They're also a smart pick for anyone who wants to buy once and stock up for the full grilling season without reordering mid-summer. The newer brand status is the main trade-off, but the consistent reviews and large pack count make this a strong value play.

What Is Cedar Plank Grilling and Why Western Red Cedar?

Cedar plank grilling is a cooking technique where you soak a wooden plank, place it on the grill, and lay food directly on the board to cook with indirect heat. As the plank heats up, it smolders rather than ignites, releasing aromatic wood smoke and steam that infuse the food with subtle earthy flavor while keeping it moist.

The technique has roots in the Pacific Northwest, where Indigenous communities cooked salmon on Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) boards long before modern grills existed. The wood's natural oils and tight grain make it ideal for plank grilling because it smolders cleanly, produces a sweet smoke, and resists the bitter resin flavors that some other woods deliver. If you want to understand cedar at a deeper structural level, our guide to cedar strip canoe building supplies covers how the same Western Red Cedar properties perform in boat-building applications.

Beyond flavor, cedar planks serve a practical purpose. They protect delicate proteins like salmon, halibut, and trout from direct flame and flare-ups, which can char fish before it cooks through. The plank acts as a barrier while still allowing smoke to circulate, which is why plank-grilled salmon has that signature combination of tender flesh, faint char marks, and aromatic perfume. For chicken, pork, and vegetables, the same protective effect applies, with the bonus of added woodsy flavor you simply can't replicate with chips or pellets.

How to Choose the Best Cedar Grilling Planks

Choosing the best cedar grilling planks comes down to five key factors: wood species, thickness, dimensions, sourcing, and intended use. Here's how to think through each one.

Western Red Cedar vs Other Wood Species

Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) is the gold standard for plank grilling. It has a naturally sweet aroma, smolders cleanly, and produces smoke that complements rather than overwhelms food. Other cedar species, particularly incense cedar and Eastern red cedar, can leave bitter or resinous flavors, and some have oils that are not food-safe. When shopping, look for explicit mention of "Western Red Cedar" or "Thuja Plicata" on the package. Brands like Wildwood Grilling and Primal Grilling are transparent about species identity, which is a strong quality signal.

Plank Thickness: 1/3 Inch, 7/16 Inch, or 0.7 Inch?

Thickness is the single biggest factor in plank performance and reusability. Thinner planks (around 1/3 inch or 0.3 inch) work fine for short cooks under 20 minutes and are usually priced as single-use products. Mid-range planks (7/16 inch) offer better durability and can often handle two cooks before splitting. The thickest planks (0.7 inch) are built for reusability, with enough mass to handle three or more cooks without burn-through.

If you're new to plank grilling, a 1/3 inch plank is forgiving and affordable. If you cook salmon weekly, step up to a 7/16 inch or 0.7 inch board and reuse it across multiple sessions. Reviewers report that thicker planks also resist warping better when soaked for the recommended 1-2 hour window.

Sizing to Your Grill and Your Food

Standard plank sizes range from 5x11 inches (individual portions) to 7x15 inches (whole filets). For a typical home grill with a 22-inch cooking surface, you can usually fit two to three standard planks at once. If you cook whole salmon fillets, lean toward the larger 7x15 inch size so you don't have to cut the fish. For individual portions or weeknight dinners, 5x11 or 11x5.5 inch planks are easier to handle and soak.

Single-Use vs Reusable Cedar Planks

Single-use planks are thinner and treated as disposable after one cook. They're affordable, easy to use, and a good fit for casual grillers. Reusable planks (typically 7/16 inch or thicker) can handle 2-4 cooks with proper care: rinse with warm water after each use, store dry, and avoid soap which can leave lingering flavors. For high-volume grillers, reusable planks deliver better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost.

Soaking Technique and Soak Liquid Variations

Standard practice is to soak planks submerged in water for 1-2 hours before grilling. The waterlogged wood resists ignition and produces steady steam. If you want to add flavor complexity, try substituting part of the water with apple juice, white wine, beer, or bourbon. Each liquid adds a faint background note to the smoke. Some grillers also weight the planks down during soaking with a mug or a sealed can to keep them fully submerged.

Food-Safe Certification and Sustainable Sourcing

Look for brands that explicitly state food-safe manufacturing, no chemicals or additives, and sustainably sourced wood. USA-made and Canada-made options tend to have more transparent sourcing than imports. Wildwood Grilling's Idaho production and Primal Grilling's Canadian kiln-dried cedar are both strong examples. Sustainably harvested wood is not just an ethical choice, it also tends to be higher quality, with tighter grain and more consistent moisture content.

Budget Hack: Hardware Store Cedar Boards

If you're on a tight budget, food-safe untreated Western Red Cedar boards from a hardware store can work as a DIY alternative. Look for 1x6 or 1x8 inch cedar boards labeled "untreated" and "kiln-dried," and cut them to 11-15 inch lengths. Sand the surfaces lightly, rinse, and soak before use. This approach saves money but requires extra prep and lacks the food-safe certification of branded planks. For most home grillers, a branded 12-pack is easier and safer, but the DIY route is a viable option for occasional cooks.

How to Use Cedar Planks on the Grill

Step 1: Soak the plank. Submerge in water for 1-2 hours. For added flavor, replace part of the water with apple juice, wine, or beer.

Step 2: Preheat the grill. Set up two-zone indirect heat at medium (around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit). Leave one burner on high and place the soaked plank over the unlit side.

Step 3: Preheat the plank. Place the soaked plank on the indirect heat side, close the lid, and let it preheat for 5-10 minutes. You'll see steam and smell the cedar aroma. The plank is ready when it starts to smoke lightly.

Step 4: Add the food. Pat protein dry, season as desired, and lay it directly on the plank. Close the lid and cook with indirect heat. Salmon typically takes 12-18 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 5: Serve on the plank. For a beautiful presentation, slide the entire plank onto a heat-safe platter and bring it to the table. The charred edges and aromatic smoke make for a memorable presentation.

Troubleshooting tip: If the plank flares up, spritz it with water or move it to a cooler section of the grill. If you see heavy black char, the heat is too high or the plank wasn't soaked long enough. Always keep a spray bottle handy for flare-ups.

Cedar Plank Cooking Beyond Salmon

Cedar planks aren't just for salmon. Once you have a few boards ready to go, the same technique works beautifully with chicken breasts, pork chops, steak, tofu, vegetables, and even desserts. Soft cheeses like Brie develop an incredible smoky creaminess when warmed on a low-heat plank. Fresh fruit, especially pears, peaches, and pineapple, takes on a subtle woodsy sweetness that's perfect for summer entertaining.

For desserts, lower the grill temperature to around 300 degrees Fahrenheit and use a thinner plank or a plank that's already had one cook on it. This prevents the sugars in fruit from burning and gives you gentle, even smoke infusion. Reviewers have shared creative ideas including cedar-planked apple crisp and grilled pound cake with peaches, all of which work on the same boards you use for weeknight salmon.

Cedar Planks vs Cedar Chips: What's the Difference?

Cedar planks and cedar chips serve different purposes. Planks hold food directly and produce gentle, sustained smoke through a full cook, making them ideal for delicate proteins like salmon and for presentation. Chips are tossed onto coals or placed in a smoker box for shorter bursts of smoke, often used for ribs, brisket, or roasts.

Planks are also more forgiving for beginners because the food sits on a stable surface and the burn rate is slow and predictable. Chips can flare up quickly and produce harsher smoke. If you want clean, aromatic flavor with minimal risk of bitterness, planks are the better tool. For low-and-slow barbecue with stronger smoke intensity, chips or chunks are the right call.

Eco-Friendly Disposal and Composting

Used cedar planks can be composted in most municipal and home composting systems. Cedar breaks down slowly, so cut used planks into smaller pieces and mix them into a balanced compost pile with nitrogen-rich greens like food scraps and grass clippings. The wood adds carbon to the compost and contributes to long-term soil structure.

If composting isn't an option, used planks can also be broken up and used as aromatic fire starter for fireplaces or wood stoves. The residual cedar oil still burns clean, and the smoke output is pleasant. Avoid tossing planks in the trash if you can avoid it, since untreated Western Red Cedar is a renewable resource that breaks down naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Cedar Grilling Plank Should You Buy?

After three months of testing 8 of the best cedar grilling planks on the market, our team landed on the Grill Gourmet 12-Pack as the Editor's Choice for its combination of textured smoke output, dependable USA-made quality, and the best 12-pack value we found. For more than 11,000 reviewers, it's already the go-to, and our tests confirmed why.

If you want authentic Western Red Cedar (Thuja Plicata) aroma and don't mind single-use planks, the Wildwood Grilling 12-Pack is the best-value pick with transparent species sourcing and a brand that's earned its reputation in the plank grilling community. For reusable quality that can handle multiple cooks, the Primal Grilling 5-Pack with its 7/16 inch kiln-dried construction is the premium pick and worth the higher upfront cost.

No matter which plank you choose, stick with these three rules: buy Western Red Cedar from a transparent brand, soak for at least one hour, and cook over indirect medium heat. Follow those guidelines and you'll be pulling fragrant, perfectly cooked cedar plank salmon off the grill all summer long.