7 Best Cedar Planks for Grilling in 2026

Cedar plank grilling is an easy way to add a mild, wood-fired character to food without using a smoker. The plank creates a protective surface between the food and the heat, helping delicate ingredients cook gently while absorbing the cedar’s natural aroma.

Although cedar planks are closely associated with salmon, they can also be used for shrimp, chicken, pork, vegetables, soft cheese, and fruit. The best cedar planks for grilling should be untreated, food-safe, properly sized, and thick enough to produce steady smoke without burning too quickly.

Best Cedar Planks for Grilling at a Glance

Cedar plank	Pack size	Best for
Wildwood Western Red Cedar Planks	2	Best overall
Grill Gourmet Cedar Planks	12	Best value pack
Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks	2	Salmon and versatile grilling
Big Green Egg Cedar Planks	2	Kamado grills
CedarCraft Large Cedar Planks	24	Large portions
Wildwood Small Cedar Planks	2	Individual servings
Jaccard Premium Cedar Planks	5	Versatile grilling

1. Wildwood Western Red Cedar Planks – Best Overall

Wildwood’s standard planks are a dependable option for most backyard cooks. Each plank measures approximately 5 by 11 inches, providing enough room for several smaller fish portions, chicken pieces, or a generous serving of vegetables.

The planks are made in the USA from Western Red Cedar and produce a mild, slightly sweet aroma that complements food instead of overpowering it. Their 3/8-inch thickness also gives them a substantial feel compared with thinner disposable boards. They can be used on a grill or in an oven. Wildwood Grilling recommends them particularly for salmon, seafood, and vegetables.

Pros:

• Food-safe Western Red Cedar
• Useful standard size
• Thick, sturdy construction
• Suitable for grills and ovens

Cons:

• Only two planks in the package
• Not large enough for every whole fillet

Best for: Home cooks who want a balanced combination of size, wood quality, and flavor.

2. Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – Best Value Pack

Grill Gourmet is a practical choice for anyone who uses cedar planks regularly. The package contains 12 planks, making the cost per use lower than most two-plank sets.

Each board measures approximately 5.5 by 11 inches and is around one-third of an inch thick. The surface is textured to encourage smoke production, while the medium size can accommodate two or three small portions. The manufacturer intends these planks for single use, so the larger package is helpful for parties and frequent grilling.

Pros:

• Twelve planks included
• Textured cooking surface
• Good size for several portions
• Attractive price per plank

Cons:

• Intended for one-time use
• May be too short for a large salmon side

Best for: Frequent grillers looking for a budget-friendly multipack.

3. Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks – Best for Salmon

Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks are made from natural Western Red Cedar and measure approximately 5.5 by 11.5 inches. The size works well for salmon portions, seafood, chicken, meat, and vegetables.

The planks add a mild smoky flavor while helping food stay moist and protected from direct flames. They work with gas, charcoal, and pellet grills. Soak the plank according to the manufacturer’s instructions before grilling.

Pros:

• Natural Western Red Cedar
• Suitable for different foods
• Works with most grill types
• Convenient size

Cons:

• Only two planks included
• Requires soaking before use

Best for: Salmon, seafood, and everyday family grilling.

4. Big Green Egg Western Red Cedar Planks – Best for Kamado Grills

These 11-inch planks are made from food-grade Western Red Cedar and are well suited to the enclosed cooking environment of a kamado grill. The wood creates aromatic smoke while the ceramic cooker retains steady heat around the food.

The planks can be used for fish, poultry, vegetables, and other foods that benefit from indirect, moisture-preserving heat. According to Big Green Egg, the wood comes from certified sustainable sources.

Pros:

• Food-grade Western Red Cedar
• Sustainably sourced
• Convenient 11-inch size
• Excellent match for ceramic grills

Cons:

• Two planks per package
• Larger foods may need to be trimmed

Best for: Big Green Egg and other kamado-style grill owners.

5. CedarCraft Large Cedar Grilling Planks – Best Extra-Large Option

Measuring approximately 7.25 by 16 inches, CedarCraft planks offer considerably more cooking space than standard 11-inch models. Their size makes them useful for whole salmon, several chicken portions, or a family-sized vegetable arrangement.

They are sold in a large 24-plank package, making them most suitable for enthusiastic grillers, restaurants, events, or regular outdoor entertaining. However, buyers should measure their grill before choosing these oversized boards.

Pros:

• Generous cooking surface
• Holds whole fish and large portions
• Economical bulk package
• Useful for parties and events

Cons:

• Requires considerable storage space
• May not fit compact grills

Best for: Large grills, whole salmon, and frequent group cooking.

6. Wildwood Small Cedar Grilling Planks – Best for Individual Portions

Not every meal requires an oversized plank. Wildwood’s compact version measures 5 by 8 inches and accommodates approximately one or two servings.

The smaller surface works well for an individual salmon fillet, shrimp, vegetables, cheese, or fruit. It also makes it possible to prepare separate portions with different seasonings. Like the company’s larger planks, this model uses Western Red Cedar and is suitable for grilling or oven cooking.

Pros:

• Convenient for one or two servings
• Easier to fit on a small grill
• Suitable for individually seasoned portions
• Can be used in an oven

Cons:

• Too small for whole salmon
• Less economical for large meals

Best for: Couples, compact grills, and individual portions.

7. Jaccard Premium Cedar Grilling Planks – Best for Versatile Cooking

Jaccard Premium Cedar Planks come in a five-piece package, offering a useful middle ground between two-board sets and large bulk packs.

The Western Red Cedar provides a smooth cooking surface for seafood, beef, chicken, pork, vegetables, and other ingredients. These planks are compatible with gas, charcoal, and ceramic grills. The boards also help prevent small or fragile ingredients from slipping between the grates. Jaccard identifies them as single-use planks made with cedar from certified forests.

Pros:

• Five planks included
• Works on several grill types
• Suitable for meat, seafood, and vegetables
• Cedar sourced from certified forests

Cons:

• Intended for single use
• Exact fit should be checked before purchasing

Best for: Cooks who want one plank for several different types of food.

How We Selected the Best Cedar Grilling Planks

The products were compared using factors that affect both cooking performance and value. These included wood type, food-safe construction, dimensions, thickness, pack quantity, sourcing information, grill compatibility, and the types of food each plank can accommodate.

Preference was given to products that clearly identify the wood and intended culinary use. Construction lumber was excluded because it may contain treatments, adhesives, or other substances that are unsuitable for cooking.

How to Choose Cedar Planks for Grilling

Select untreated, food-safe wood

Only purchase planks specifically marketed for cooking. Avoid boards from hardware stores unless they are clearly documented as untreated and food-safe. Ordinary lumber may have been chemically treated or stored near unsafe materials.

Match the size to your food

A 5-by-8-inch plank works for one or two portions. Standard 11-inch boards are more versatile, while planks around 15 or 16 inches are better for whole salmon. Remember to compare the dimensions with the usable area of your grill.

Consider plank thickness

A thicker board usually takes longer to char and can produce smoke more gradually. Extremely thin planks may heat quickly, so they require closer attention during cooking.

Compare package quantities

A two-pack is reasonable for occasionally preparing salmon. Larger multipacks generally offer better value for frequent use, although they require more storage space.

How to Use Cedar Planks on the Grill

Follow the directions included with your chosen product because soaking recommendations can vary. Many manufacturers advise fully submerging the plank in water for approximately one hour.

Preheat the grill to moderate heat. Place the soaked plank over the heat until it begins to warm and release a cedar aroma. Some instructions recommend heating both sides before adding food. Position the seasoned food on the plank, close the grill lid, and cook until it reaches a safe internal temperature.

Stay near the grill throughout cooking. Keep a spray bottle of water available for small flare-ups, and use heat-resistant gloves or long-handled tools when moving the plank.

Can Cedar Grilling Planks Be Reused?

Reuse depends on the manufacturer’s instructions and the condition of the wood. Some companies specify single-use cooking, while Weber states that certain planks may be used twice if they are cleaned thoroughly and remain structurally sound.

Discard a plank if it is deeply charred, cracked, contaminated, or difficult to clean. Never reuse a board when the manufacturer specifically labels it as disposable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cedar is best for grilling?

Food-grade Western Red Cedar is the most common choice. It creates a mild, aromatic flavor that pairs especially well with salmon and seafood.

How long should cedar planks be soaked?

Many planks require approximately one hour of soaking, but directions vary. Follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer rather than assuming every product needs the same preparation.

Can cedar planks be used on a gas grill?

Yes. Most cooking planks work on gas, charcoal, pellet, and ceramic grills. Use moderate heat and supervise the plank throughout cooking.

Can cedar planks go in the oven?

Some products, including Wildwood planks, are suitable for oven use. Verify this on the packaging before putting a particular plank in the oven.

Do you put food directly on the plank?

Yes. Once the soaked plank has been prepared according to its directions, the seasoned food is placed directly on its cooking surface.

How do you keep a cedar plank from catching fire?

Soak it as directed, avoid excessively high temperatures, close the lid, and watch for flare-ups. A plank will normally char around its edges, but it should not be left unattended.

Final Verdict

Wildwood Western Red Cedar Planks are the best overall choice for their useful dimensions, substantial thickness, and food-safe construction. Grill Gourmet offers better value for frequent cooking, while Weber Firespice is particularly convenient for a whole salmon fillet.

For bigger meals, CedarCraft’s extra-large boards provide more cooking space. Whichever product you choose, confirm that it is untreated, food-safe, and appropriately sized for your grill.