Best Cedar Planks for Grilling Decks: Top USA-Made Picks for Flavor
Cedar planks add a smoky, natural flavor to salmon, vegetables, and other meals while keeping proteins moist. The following five products are all USA-made, designed for grill use, and come from reputable brands. This guide highlights what to look for when choosing cedar planks and compares the options to help you pick the right size, thickness, and sourcing for your deck grilling setup.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More | Wildwood Grilling | Subtle smoky flavor with easy instructions |
| Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack | Grill Gourmet | Textured planks for more smoke |
| Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” (12-Pack) | Wildwood Grilling | USA-made, earthy flavor, food-safe |
| Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks, XL 7×15 | Wildwood Grilling | Large size for whole fillets |
| Landical 6 Pcs XL Cedar Planks | Landical | Extra-large, versatile, thick enough for robust grilling |
Note: All products listed emphasize 100% natural cedar, USA sourcing, and food-safe practices to support safe, flavorful grilling on your deck.
Wildwood Grilling: 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Salmon and More
These planks offer a balanced, subtle smoky flavor with notes of fresh Western Red Cedar. They’re suitable for salmon, pork, and even grilled fruits and vegetables. The package includes a QR code with quick, easy-to-follow instructions for first-time users, helping ensure a successful grilling session. The presentation on a cedar plank can enhance the serving experience, impressing guests while keeping fish and other foods moist during cooking.
Product features highlight American sourcing, simple use, and a visually appealing serving option. The 12-pack size supports regular grilling sessions and provides enough planks for multiple meals or family gatherings. Use on medium heat to prevent excessive charring and to maximize cedar-borne aroma.
Grill Gourmet: Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack
Grill Gourmet emphasizes a textured surface for enhanced smoke capture and more robust flavor. The planks measure 5.5 inches by 11 inches with a thickness of about 1/3 inch. Intended for single use, these planks are designed to impart a strong cedar aroma quickly while maintaining food safety by avoiding reuse. This size is well-suited for individual portions or small filets and pairs nicely with vegetables and fruit skewers for a complete deck-side feast.
Wildwood Grilling Signature: 5” x 11” Cedar Planks (12-Pack)
These boards are sourced and manufactured in the USA, using Western Red Cedar in Idaho. They are produced in a food-safe facility, with machinery kept free of chemicals or additives. The 5”x11” size suits two to three servings per plank, making them a practical option for weeknight grilling. For larger filets, consider a larger plank size to ensure even heat and flavor distribution across the surface.
Wildwood Grilling Western Red Cedar XL Planks – 7×15
The XL 7×15 planks are designed to accommodate a whole salmon fillet or larger cuts. They evoke a traditional Northwest grilling experience and are suitable for a wide range of foods, including fish, vegetables, and meats. The larger surface area helps distribute heat evenly and preserves moisture, delivering a more consistent cedar flavor throughout the cooking process.
Wildwood Grilling 6-Pack Western Red Cedar Planks
This 6-pack offers a perfectly portioned option for beginners and experienced grillers alike. The planks are certified food-safe and avoid Chinese or glued-wood concerns often cited in lower-quality products. With a 5×11 inch footprint, they suit 3-4 servings per plank, making them ideal for family meals or small gatherings. Use them on gas or charcoal grills for versatile deck cooking.
Wildwood Grilling Signature: 2-Pack Cedar Planks
Designed to serve two to three portions, this 2-pack focuses on the essentials for a quick deck-side grilling session. The planks are sourced and manufactured in the USA, using Western Red Cedar in Idaho, and produced in a food-safe facility. The 5”x11” size remains a versatile option for mid-sized meals, offering consistent aroma and moisture retention during grilling.
Buying Guide: Cedar Planks For Grilling On A Deck
- Size and thickness: Smaller planks (about 5×11 inches, ~1/3 inch thick) work well for single servings or small portions. Larger planks (7×15 inches) suit whole fillets or bigger cuts, ensuring even heat distribution across the surface.
- Sourcing and safety: Look for planks made in the USA from Western Red Cedar. Ensure products are certified food-safe and produced in facilities free of harmful chemicals or additives.
- Single-use vs. reusable: Most cedar grilling planks are designed for single use to maintain safety and flavor integrity. Reuse is generally not recommended due to sanitary concerns.
- Flavor impact: Cedar planks impart a gentle to moderate smoky aroma. Consider the plank thickness, which influences moisture absorption and flavor infusion during grilling.
- Pairing and versatility: Cedar planks pair well with fish (especially salmon), poultry, vegetables, and even fruit or pizza experiments. The textured surface can affect smoke capture and aroma.
- Grill compatibility: Suitable for gas and charcoal grills. Place planks over indirect heat to avoid direct scorching, and monitor cooking times to maximize flavor without burning.
Choosing the right cedar plank depends on your typical portion size, the type of grill you use, and whether you plan to cook whole filets or multiple smaller pieces. USA-made options emphasize safety, consistent quality, and authentic flavor that can elevate a deck-side barbecue to a memorable event.