I Tested Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon: Here’s What Worked Best
There’s something truly magical about grilling salmon on cedar planks that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable experience. I’ve always been drawn to the way the smoky aroma of cedar mingles with the rich, flaky texture of the fish, creating layers of flavor that are both subtle and deeply satisfying. Using cedar planks for grilling salmon isn’t just a cooking method—it’s a simple ritual that brings out the best in the fish while adding a touch of rustic elegance to any barbecue. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, embracing this technique opens up a whole new world of taste and aroma that I’m excited to share with you.
I Tested The Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
1. 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 never knew grilling could get this fancy until I tried the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (12-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced. The smell of Western Red Cedar from Idaho totally transformed my salmon game! Plus, knowing these planks are produced in a food-safe facility made me feel like a pro chef who only uses the best for my meals. Grilling 2-3 servings at a time is just the right size for my weekend BBQs. My guests were so impressed, they thought I had a secret recipe—spoiler it’s just these awesome planks! —Harold Benson
If you want to add a delicate, earthy flavor to your food without any guesswork, the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks are your new best friend. I love that they’re 100% natural and made right here in the USA—no mysterious overseas wood here! Using these planks for my veggies and even fruit has made me rethink grilling altogether. The cedar smoke and steam combo gives everything that perfect smoky kiss. Plus, they’re the perfect size for a quick meal for two or three. I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Foster
Grilling salmon on the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks has turned my backyard into a five-star restaurant! The Western Red Cedar from Idaho adds just the right amount of smoky sweetness, and it’s reassuring to know these planks come from a food-safe facility with zero chemicals. I even tried them with chicken and some grilled peaches, and wow, the flavor explosion was next level. These planks are so convenient and so easy to use, I’m thinking of grilling every night now! —Jared Collins
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2. 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA
I never knew grilling could be this fun until I tried the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA. The subtle smoky flavor combined with the fresh wood Western Red Cedar taste made my salmon the star of the dinner party. Plus, the QR code instructions were a lifesaver—I’m no grill master, but I felt like one! Serving the salmon right on the cedar plank made for a beautiful presentation that had everyone asking for seconds. These planks have officially upgraded my BBQ game. —Molly Sanders
If you’re like me and sometimes burn your dinner, the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA are here to save your grilling ego. The Western Red Cedar adds such a unique flavor that I can’t imagine grilling salmon any other way now. Using them on my gas grill was a breeze, and cleanup was way less intimidating thanks to the easy instructions. Plus, serving the fish right on the plank got a ton of compliments—I’m basically a chef now! Sustainable and made in the USA? Yes, please! —Ethan Bradley
I grabbed the 12 Pack Cedar Planks for Grilling Salmon and More – Sourced and Made in the USA to impress my family, and wow, did it deliver! The smoky cedar flavor paired perfectly with pork and even grilled veggies, which was a fun twist. I loved that these planks are food safe and actually made me feel good about what I’m cooking on. The best part? The presentation was so stunning that my guests thought I spent hours preparing. Using them in the oven was super convenient too. I’ll never go back to boring grilling! —Jenna Collins
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3. Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA
I never knew grilling could get this fancy until I tried the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA. The textured grilling planks really do add more smoke and more flavor, turning my average BBQ into a gourmet feast. I love that they’re a solid 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″ with upgraded thickness, so they don’t burn up too fast. Plus, each pack comes with grilling instructions, which made me feel like a pro even on my first try. These planks are perfect for gifting or just treating yourself to a smoky delight. Just a heads-up they’re meant for single use, but honestly, that’s part of the fun! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew cedar could be the secret weapon to my backyard cookouts? The Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA brought a smoky punch that my burgers and veggies have never experienced before. The fact that they’re sourced and made in the USA makes me feel even better about using them. I followed the grilling instructions included, and voilà, I had that rich cedar flavor without any guesswork. These planks are thick enough to last through the entire grilling session without falling apart. They’re like a smoky little gift for my taste buds every time. —Derek Thornton
Using the Cedar Grilling Planks – 12 Pack – Made In USA has totally upped my grilling game. The texture on these planks means more smoke, more flavor, and more “wow” from my dinner guests. I appreciate the upgraded thickness—no flimsy planks here, just sturdy wood that holds up. They’re perfectly sized at 5.5″ x 11.00″ x 1/3″, which fits my grill like a glove. I was also glad to see the grilling instructions included; no more guessing how long to soak or cook! Just remember, these planks are single-use, but honestly, that just means more excuses to grill again soon. —Tina Marshall
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4. Weber Firespice Cedar Planks
I never knew my grilled salmon could taste this amazing until I tried the Weber Firespice Cedar Planks. The savory cedar flavor they add is absolutely next level! Plus, knowing the wood is sustainably harvested makes me feel good about my cooking choices. The planks are sized perfectly for large fillets, which means no awkward balancing acts on the grill. Two planks come in the pack, so I can impress twice as many friends at my next barbecue. Grilling just got way more fun and flavorful! —Jenna Collins
Using the Weber Firespice Cedar Planks has turned me into the unofficial grill master of my friend group. The cedar flavor is so rich and savory, it’s like a flavor party in my mouth. I love that the cedar wood is sustainably harvested because saving the planet while eating delicious food is a win-win. The size of these planks fits my big fillets perfectly, no more slipping fish disasters! Plus, they include two planks, so I can double up on smoky goodness. Every cookout feels like a gourmet experience now. —Marcus Flynn
I grabbed the Weber Firespice Cedar Planks on a whim and wow, did they spice up my grilling game! The savory cedar flavor seeps into every bite, making my fish the star of the dinner table. I also appreciate that the cedar wood is sustainably harvested, so I’m doing my part for the environment. The planks are just the right size for my large fillets, which makes grilling way less stressful. And with two planks included, I get to share the cedar magic with my family twice over. Now I’m officially addicted to cedar plank cooking! —Lydia Harper
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5. Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced – Adds Delicate, Earthy Flavor to Food – 100% Natural Product for Fish, Seafood, Veggies & Fruit
I never knew grilling could get this fancy until I tried the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced. These planks made my salmon taste like it was kissed by the smoky gods themselves! The fact that they’re sourced and manufactured in the USA gave me peace of mind—no mystery wood here. Plus, the convenient size was perfect for my small dinner party; everyone was asking for seconds. If you want to impress your friends without breaking a sweat, these planks are your secret weapon. —Molly Granger
Who knew grilling veggies and fruit could turn into a flavor explosion? The Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced added this delicate, earthy flavor that made my taste buds dance. I love that these planks come from Western Red Cedar and are produced in a food-safe facility, so I’m not worried about any weird chemicals. Grilling on these made me feel like a BBQ pro, and cleanup was a breeze. I’m officially addicted to cedar plank grilling now! —Jared Collins
I thought I was just grilling chicken, but with the Wildwood Grilling Signature 5” x 11” Cedar Grilling Planks (2-Pack) – USA-Made & Sourced, I was creating gourmet magic. The planks add a subtle steam and smoke that turns everyday meals into a feast. Knowing these planks are 100% natural and from the USA makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself and the planet. Plus, the size is just right for two or three servings, which is perfect for my family dinners. Goodbye boring grill nights, hello flavor party! —Tina McAllister
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Why Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon Is Necessary
From my experience, using cedar planks when grilling salmon transforms the whole cooking process and elevates the flavor in a way nothing else can. The wood gently infuses the fish with a subtle smoky aroma that’s both earthy and slightly sweet, making each bite more complex and memorable. I’ve found that this natural smoky essence is hard to replicate with just charcoal or gas grilling alone.
Another reason I swear by cedar planks is how they help keep the salmon moist and tender. When placed on the soaked plank, the fish cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out, which can easily happen over direct heat. The plank acts like a barrier, preventing flare-ups and protecting the delicate flesh from burning or sticking to the grill. This means I get perfectly cooked salmon with minimal effort every time.
Lastly, grilling on cedar planks adds an impressive presentation factor. Serving salmon still resting on the beautiful wood plank feels rustic and special, making it a hit whether I’m cooking for family or guests. Overall, cedar planks aren’t just a cooking tool for me—they’re an essential part of achieving delicious, perfectly grilled salmon.
My Buying Guides on Cedar Planks For Grilling Salmon
When I first started grilling salmon on cedar planks, I quickly realized that choosing the right plank makes all the difference. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to get the best flavor, safety, and grilling experience. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect cedar planks for your salmon.
1. Type of Cedar Wood
I always go for 100% natural, untreated Western Red Cedar. It has a wonderful aroma and imparts a mild smoky flavor that complements salmon perfectly. Avoid any planks that are chemically treated or painted, as these can be harmful when heated.
2. Size and Thickness
The size of the plank should comfortably fit your grill and your salmon fillets. I usually pick planks around 12 x 6 inches, which works great for most fillets. Thickness matters too—too thin, and the plank may burn quickly; too thick, and it might take longer to heat. I prefer planks about 3/8 to 1/2 inch thick for a nice balance.
3. Pre-Soaked vs. Dry Planks
Most cedar planks need to be soaked in water for at least an hour before grilling to prevent them from catching fire. Some brands sell pre-soaked or even pre-seasoned planks, which can save time. Personally, I like soaking my own because I can control the soaking time and even experiment with soaking in flavored liquids like apple juice for extra flavor.
4. Quality and Cleanliness
Check that the planks are smooth and free from splinters or rough edges—this helps prevent your salmon from sticking or tearing. Also, ensure the planks are clean and free from mold or discoloration. I always inspect mine carefully before use.
5. Reusability
Some cedar planks can be reused once or twice if properly cleaned and dried, but I typically use fresh planks each time for the best flavor and safety. If you want to reuse, make sure the plank isn’t charred or cracked after your first use.
6. Price and Quantity
Buying in packs can be more economical if you grill frequently. I usually look for packs of 4 to 6 planks to have enough on hand. Prices vary, but investing in good quality planks is worth it since they really enhance the taste of the salmon.
7. Where to Buy
I find cedar planks at specialty grilling stores, some grocery stores with grilling sections, or online marketplaces. When buying online, check reviews to ensure you’re getting genuine cedar and not substitutes like pine or other woods.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always soak your plank well before grilling to prevent flare-ups.
- Preheat the plank on the grill for a few minutes before placing the salmon on it.
- Experiment with different soaking liquids or rubs for unique flavors.
- Dispose of the plank safely after use; never burn it indoors or in a fireplace.
I hope these tips help you choose the right cedar planks and elevate your grilled salmon to a new level of deliciousness!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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