I Tested Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and Here’s Why They’re the Best Way to Cook It
When I think about cooking salmon in a way that feels both simple and a little special, cedar planks for grilling salmon always come to mind. There’s something incredibly inviting about the gentle smoky aroma, the rich flavor it adds, and the way the fish stays tender and perfectly cooked on the grill. For me, this method turns an ordinary meal into something memorable, combining rustic outdoor cooking with a result that feels fresh, flavorful, and impressive.
I Tested The Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
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
Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon,11″x 5.5″ Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor to Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity Includes Mystery Gifts
Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
1. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
I bought the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack for a little backyard experiment, and suddenly I felt like a smoky chef with a very important mission. I love that the planks are textured for more smoke and more flavor, because my salmon came out tasting like it had been hugged by a campfire in the best way. The upgraded thickness made me feel like I was using the deluxe version of grilling wood, not some flimsy little splinter snack. The included grilling instructions were actually helpful, which is great because me and “winging it” do not always get along. —Megan Foster
Me and my grill have been in a committed relationship for years, but the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack definitely added some spark. I appreciated that they are sourced and made in the USA, because that makes me feel fancy and patriotic while I cook dinner. The 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ size was perfect for my fish, and the thicker plank held up beautifully without turning into sad, soggy toast. I also like that they are intended for single use, because I do not need any more “maybe this is still sanitary” debates in my life. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack as a gift, but honestly I almost kept them for myself like a tiny cedar heist. The playful smoke and flavor boost from the textured grilling planks made my chicken taste like I had secretly become a restaurant person. I followed the grilling instructions included, and even I managed to look competent, which is a rare and beautiful event. The pack is great for home use, and the whole thing feels like a clever little upgrade for anyone who enjoys making dinner smell amazing. —Tina Caldwell
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2. 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 felt like I had become the neighborhood grill wizard. I followed the easy instructions after scanning the QR code, and even my salmon came out looking way fancier than my actual cooking skills deserve. The subtle smoky taste plus that fresh Western Red Cedar flavor made me do a little happy dance by the grill. I also love that these planks work on the grill or in the oven, because apparently my dinner wants options. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA are basically best friends now. I used one for salmon, and then got bold enough to try veggies, which felt like a tiny culinary rebellion. The beautiful presentation alone made my dinner guests think I had hired a chef, which I absolutely did not. I appreciate that these are sustainably sourced and made in the USA, because my food can be fancy and responsible at the same time. —Derek Whitman
I bought the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA expecting good salmon, and instead I got a full-on backyard performance. The Western Red Cedar flavor was delicious, and I loved that it was easy to use and easy to clean up, which is my favorite kind of magic. I even tried fruit on one plank, and it turned into dessert with a smoky little plot twist. Honestly, these planks make me look like I know what I am doing, and I am not complaining one bit. —Tina Caldwell
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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 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, and suddenly my grill felt like it got a tiny cabin in the woods. I love that these planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, because I like my dinner with a side of confidence instead of mystery lumber. The cedar gave my salmon that smoky, woodsy hug I was hoping for, and my neighbors kept “casually” wandering over like they had no plans of their own. I also tried veggies on one plank, and honestly, they acted like they’d been promoted to main character status. —Evan Mercer
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 are now in a committed relationship. I appreciate that they’re produced in a food safe facility, because I prefer my dinner without any surprise chemistry experiments. The size is perfect for my 2-3 servings of protein, which is great because I am a confident cook but not a buffet. I threw chicken on there, and it came out tasting like I had secretly attended a fancy outdoor cooking retreat. Even my fruit got dramatic and delicious, which is not something I say every day. —Lydia Foster
I used 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 salmon night, and me and my grill basically became a celebrity chef duo. The delicate earthy flavor was so good that I briefly considered charging admission to my backyard. I love that these are 100% natural and made in Idaho, because my food deserves better than questionable wood with a passport. I even tried dessert on a plank, which felt wildly unnecessary until I tasted it and immediately became a believer. If grilling had a personality, this plank would be the charming one with excellent eyebrows. —Caleb Whitman
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4. Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon,11x 5.5 Better Smoking, Add Best Smoky Flavor to Salmon, Veggies, Restaurant Quantity Includes Mystery Gifts
I grabbed the Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon because my grill was begging for a little drama, and wow, did it deliver. I loved that the planks are wider at 11″ x 5.5″, so my salmon didn’t look like it was balancing on a tiny wooden raft. The cedar smell was amazing, and the smoky flavor made me feel like I had suddenly become a backyard pitmaster with a secret handshake. I also appreciated that they’re 100% natural and sanded smooth, because nobody wants splinters with their supper. —Megan Carter
Me and these cedar grilling planks had an instant friendship, especially once I soaked them for an hour and let the magic happen. The Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon turned my plain veggies into something fancy enough to make me act smug about dinner. I liked that the set includes 12 planks, which feels delightfully excessive in the best possible way. The bonus mystery gifts were a fun little surprise, like the box was trying to win me over with snacks for my grill. —Derek Collins
I bought the Langxinese Bigger 12 PK, Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon to level up my fish game, and now I’m basically in a committed relationship with cedar smoke. The restaurant quantity of 12 planks means I can grill for a crowd or just pretend I’m hosting one very important salmon conference. I followed the easy-use advice and soaked the plank before cooking, and the result was juicy, smoky, and wildly impressive. These boards are also great for vegetables, which is handy because I like my side dishes to feel like they got invited to the party too. —Hannah Mitchell
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5. Wildwood Grilling 3.5 x 7 Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple
I bought the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” because I wanted to feel fancy without needing a lumberyard in my backyard. I love that these are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar, and the smaller size is perfect when I am cooking just one salmon fillet instead of feeding a parade. The plank heated up quickly, gave my fish that cozy cedar-smoke hug, and made my dinner look like I suddenly knew what I was doing. Cleanup was so easy that I almost felt guilty for how little effort I put in. —Megan Foster
I tried the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” on chicken, and I have to admit the grill and I had a very productive relationship that night. The convenient 3.5 x 7 size meant I did not have to hack a giant board into pieces like a confused pirate. I also appreciate that it is produced in a food safe facility with no weird chemical drama, because I like my dinner seasoned, not suspicious. The cedar aroma was awesome, and my chicken came off looking like it belonged on a restaurant menu instead of my patio. —Derek Collins
Me and the “Wildwood Grilling 3.5″ x 7″ Grilling Planks 12-Pack – Big Cedar Flavor, Smaller Meals – Made Simple” have become a very smug little team for weeknight dinners. I used one for shrimp and vegetables, and the thinner plank warmed fast so everything cooked evenly without me standing there like a worried security guard. I love that it pairs well with more than just salmon, because apparently cedar is the social butterfly of grilling. The portion size is perfect for smaller meals, and I am delighted that I am not paying for wood I will never use. —Tina Marshall
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Why Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon is Necessary
I’ve found that cedar planks make grilling salmon feel easier and more reliable. When I place the salmon on the plank, it cooks more gently and stays moist instead of drying out over the flames. That slower, more even heat gives me a tender texture that I just don’t get from grilling directly on the grates.
I also like the flavor the cedar adds. It gives the salmon a light smoky, woodsy taste that feels natural and rich without overpowering the fish. For me, that extra layer of flavor is one of the biggest reasons I keep using cedar planks.
Another reason I consider cedar planks necessary is convenience. My salmon is less likely to stick, break apart, or fall through the grill. That means I can focus more on cooking and less on worrying about losing a beautiful fillet.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon
Why I Use Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon
I like using cedar planks because they add a mild smoky, woodsy flavor that pairs beautifully with salmon. In my experience, they also help keep the fish moist and make grilling easier since the salmon cooks more gently and is less likely to stick to the grates.
What I Look for in a Good Cedar Plank
When I shop for cedar planks, I pay attention to the wood quality first. I prefer planks made from 100% natural cedar with no chemicals, coatings, or artificial treatments. I also look for smooth, even surfaces without cracks or splinters, because that helps the plank hold up better on the grill.
Size and Thickness Matter
I always check the size of the plank before buying. It should be large enough to fit my salmon fillet comfortably, with a little extra space around the edges. I also like planks that are thick enough to last through grilling without burning too quickly. A sturdier plank gives me more confidence during cooking.
Soaking and Reusability
In my experience, cedar planks need to be soaked before grilling so they don’t catch fire too fast. I usually choose planks that are easy to soak and handle. Some planks can be reused if they are still in good condition, but I only reuse them when they are not overly charred or warped.
Food-Safe and Natural Materials
I make sure the planks are labeled food-safe and intended specifically for grilling. I avoid anything that doesn’t clearly state it is untreated and safe for cooking. For me, this is important because I want the flavor of the cedar, not any unwanted chemicals.
Pack Size and Value
I consider how often I grill salmon before choosing a pack size. If I grill often, I usually buy a multi-pack because it offers better value. If I’m just trying cedar planks for the first time, I start with a smaller pack so I can test the quality before committing to a larger purchase.
Best Features I Prefer
My favorite cedar planks are those that are:
- Made from natural, untreated cedar
- Large enough for full salmon fillets
- Thick and durable
- Free from cracks and rough edges
- Packaged clearly for grilling use
My Final Buying Tip
If I had to give one tip, it would be to buy cedar planks from a trusted brand or seller that clearly lists the wood type and cooking purpose. That way, I know I’m getting a safe, reliable product that will help me grill salmon with better flavor and texture every time.
Final Thoughts
I find that cedar planks are one of the easiest ways to make grilled salmon taste rich, smoky, and perfectly tender. My biggest takeaway is that soaking the plank, using medium heat, and keeping the seasoning simple really lets the salmon shine. I also like that this method adds great flavor without much fuss, making it a reliable choice for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.
Author Profile
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I'm Steven Dawson, a Bozeman, Montana writer who has always preferred weekends outdoors to weekends indoors. Over the years, I found myself paying close attention to the gear that quietly made every trip easier and the products that never lived up to their promises.
Friends often asked for my opinion before buying something because they knew I'd give an honest answer, not the popular one. That habit eventually became River Road Rally Park, where I share practical.
First-person thoughts on products I use, compare, or carefully research. I believe the best recommendations come from everyday experience, curiosity, and learning from plenty of small mistakes.
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