Best Cedar Planks for Grilling: Top USA-Made Picks
Cedar grilling planks are a popular choice for infusing delicate smoky flavor into salmon, vegetables, and other proteins. This guide highlights highly rated, USA-made options that emphasize safety, quality, and convenient use. Each product section provides a quick overview of features, sized for different grilling needs, and a buying guide to help you choose the right plank for your cooking style.
Summary of Selected Products
| Product | Brand | Size | Made In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Pack Cedar Planks | Wildwood Grilling | Various (full pack) | USA | Great flavor, simple instructions via QR |
| Signature 5” x 11” Planks (12-Pack) | Wildwood Grilling | 5″ x 11″ | USA | Food-safe facility, easy 2-3 servings |
| Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack | Grill Gourmet | 5.5″ x 11″ x 1/3″ | USA | Textured for more smoke |
| Spanish Cedar Planks Pack | JGFinds | 12″ x 4″ x 1/4″ | USA | Solid cedar, versatile uses |
| XL Western Red Cedar Planks 7×15 | Wildwood Grilling | 7″ x 15″ | USA | Full filet capacity, rustic size |
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More
These Western Red Cedar planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, offering a balance of aroma and presentation. The package emphasizes added flavor, combining subtle smoky notes with bright cedar foregrounds suited for salmon, pork, and even grilled fruits and vegetables. A QR-based instruction guide on the packaging supports easy use and cleanup, helping cooks achieve reliable results. The overall presentation on serving boards or directly on the plank can elevate a salmon course for guests.
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Planks (12-Pack)
Made in the USA and sourced with Western Red Cedar, these planks are intended for safe food preparation in a dedicated facility. The 5” x 11” size is convenient for 2-3 servings of protein, making this option ideal for weeknight grilling. The product stresses a pure, natural composition with no additives, allowing the cedar to impart a gentle, earthy aroma. For larger filets, a bigger plank size is available in other options.
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
These planks feature textured surfaces designed to maximize smoke production and flavor retention. The 5.5″ x 11″ dimensions with a thickness of about 1/3″ provide a substantial grilling surface while remaining easy to handle. They are designed for single-use to preserve sanitation and flavor integrity, aligning with typical grilling best practices.
JGFinds 5 Pack Spanish Cedar Planks
These planks are solid Spanish cedar, without veneer or glue, making them suitable for aging cigars and similar uses as a robust wood base for grilling contexts. The 12″ x 4″ x 1/4″ size is versatile for trays, dividers, or small grilled portions. This 5-pack emphasizes value and quality, offering solid cedar boards for multiple projects beyond grilling.
Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks XL 7×15
This larger plank size is designed to handle a full salmon filet, offering a generous surface area for even flavor distribution. The product emphasizes authentic grilling experiences inspired by Native American traditions and highlights its versatility for fish, vegetables, and meats. The 7″ x 15″ plank is suited for those cooking whole filets or larger portions, delivering a robust smoke profile and a dramatic presentation.
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Planks (2-Pack)
This two-pack option focuses on USA-made sourcing and a clear stance on safety and purity. The cedar planks are produced in a facility that uses food-grade lubricants and free of chemical additives, aligning with consumer expectations for food safety. The 5” x 11” size remains a practical choice for 2-3 servings, ideal for families testing cedar grilling with a shorter cooking window.
6-Pack Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks
Described as 5×11″ planks, these are positioned for beginners and experienced grillers alike, offering a straightforward path to smoky flavor. The emphasis on natural wood and food safety, along with the recommended single-use approach, aligns with common grill-plank practices and helps maintain consistent results across multiple cooking sessions.
Buying Guide: Cedar Planks For Grilling
- Material and origin: Look for Western Red Cedar or Spanish Cedar sourced in the USA for quality control and safety. Avoid planks with unknown coatings or overseas suppliers lacking clear certifications.
- Size and servings: Planks commonly range from 5″ x 11″ for 2-3 servings to larger 7″ x 15″ for full-filet grilling. Choose based on your typical portion size and the number of people you cook for.
- Single-use vs reusable: Most grilling planks are designed for single use to minimize contamination and preserve flavor. Reuse is generally not recommended.
- Preparation: Soak planks in water (often 1–2 hours) before grilling to prevent burning and to maximize smoke absorption. Some products provide QR or printed instructions for preparation.
- Flavor and aroma: Cedar planks impart a mild, earthy smoke with hints of sweetness. For delicate proteins like salmon, lighter planks are ideal; for pork or vegetables, longer exposure can deliver stronger depth.
- Safety and cleanliness: Ensure the plank is free of chemical additives. Use a grill proper for indirect cooking when using larger planks, and discard plank after use to avoid cross-contamination.
- Storage and handling: Keep planks flat and dry in a cool place. Seal packs after opening to preserve moisture balance if reusing is allowed by the manufacturer.
- Value for money: Compare pack sizes and total board area per pack. A higher price can reflect US-sourced, food-safe facilities and certified processing.
- Use cases beyond grilling: Spanish cedar boards can be versatile for dividers, trays, or charcuterie components, expanding the plank’s utility beyond direct cooking.