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The best cedar planks for grilling are untreated, evenly cut and thick enough to smolder rather than burst into flame. They protect delicate fish from the grates and add a gentle, woody smoke that pairs especially well with salmon.
We compared six planks and packs on Amazon US by wood type, size, thickness and price per plank.
Quick Answer: The Best Cedar Planks for Grilling
- Best OverallOld Mill Trading Co. Western Red Cedar 5 x 12 in. Grilling Planks
- Best ValueWestern Cedar Grilling Planks, 12-Pack
- Best SmallEast Coast Cedar Small Planks for Grilling Salmon
- Best LargeLandical 6 Pcs Large Rounded Corner Cedar Planks XL
- Best Mild AromaJapanese Cedar Grilling Planks, 5 Pack, 15 x 8 x 3/8 in.
- Best StandardNatures Cuisine NC004-210 Cedar Grilling Planks, 5.5 x 11 in.
Old Mill’s western red cedar planks are our top pick for their classic aroma and handy size. The western cedar 12-pack is the best value, East Coast Cedar’s small planks suit single servings, Landical’s XL planks fit a whole side of salmon, Japanese cedar planks give a milder smoke and Natures Cuisine’s standard planks fit most grills.
Best Cedar Planks for Grilling Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Mill Western Red Cedar | Best Overall | Cedar grilling planks | 5 x 12 in. western red cedar | Check Price |
| Western Cedar Planks (12) | Best Value | Cedar grilling planks | 12-pack cedar planks | Check Price |
| East Coast Cedar Small Planks | Best Small | Cedar grilling planks | Small single-serve planks | Check Price |
| Landical XL Cedar Planks (6) | Best Large | Cedar grilling planks | XL planks with rounded corners | Check Price |
| Japanese Cedar Planks (5) | Best Mild Aroma | Cedar grilling planks | Wide Japanese cedar | Check Price |
| Natures Cuisine Cedar Planks | Best Standard | Cedar grilling planks | Standard size planks | Check Price |
6 Cedar Planks for the Grill
Ranked by wood quality, size and value.
1. Old Mill Trading Co. Western Red Cedar 5 x 12 in. Grilling Planks
1. Red cedar.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Classic cedar aroma
- Good size for two fillets
- Untreated wood (maker)
Cons
- Single use for most cooks
- Must soak first
📄 Detailed Review
- Wood: Western red cedar
- Size: 5 x 12 in.
- Use: Salmon, veggies
Classic western red cedar planks.
Our top pick.
2. Western Cedar Grilling Planks, 12-Pack
2. 12-pack.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big pack
- Even thickness
- Good value
Cons
- Soak time needed
- Can char through on high heat
📄 Detailed Review
- Wood: Western cedar
- Pieces: 12
- Use: Fish, meat, veggies
A 12-pack for regular plank grillers.
Best value.
3. East Coast Cedar Small Planks for Grilling Salmon
3. Single serve.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Perfect for single fillets
- Serve right on the plank
- Made in USA (maker)
Cons
- Too small for whole sides
- Many needed for groups
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: Small
- Use: Single portions
- Wood: Cedar
Small planks for single servings.
Best small.
4. Landical 6 Pcs Large Rounded Corner Cedar Planks XL
4. XL.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits a whole side of salmon
- Rounded corners
- Thick
Cons
- Needs a big grill
- Long soak
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: XL
- Pieces: 6
- Wood: Cedar
Extra-large planks for whole fillets.
Best large.
5. Japanese Cedar Grilling Planks, 5 Pack, 15 x 8 x 3/8 in.
5. Japanese cedar.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide and thick
- Milder aroma
- Fits big fillets
Cons
- Different scent from red cedar
- Pricier per plank
📄 Detailed Review
- Wood: Japanese cedar
- Size: 15 x 8 x 3/8 in.
- Pieces: 5
Wide Japanese cedar for milder smoke.
Best mild aroma.
6. Natures Cuisine NC004-210 Cedar Grilling Planks, 5.5 x 11 in.
6. 5.5 x 11 in.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Standard size fits most grills
- Long-running product
- Easy to stock
Cons
- Thinner planks char faster
- Soak needed
📄 Detailed Review
- Size: 5.5 x 11 in.
- Wood: Cedar
- Use: Fish, chicken
A standard plank that fits most grills.
Best standard.
How We Chose the Best Cedar Planks for Grilling
To build this guide to the best cedar planks for grilling, we compared grill accessories listed on Amazon US by material, grill fit, heat limits and cleanup, using product details from the listings and makers. We then looked at common praise and complaints in buyer feedback for sticking, warping, wear and how easy each one is to use. Ratings and prices change often, so check the current listing before you buy.
Follow each maker heat limit, keep grease cleaned up and cook food to safe temperatures, following USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service cleanliness guidance. Our method is explained on the How We Test page; this is a research-based guide, not a lab test.
Buying Guide: Cedar Planks
Wood
Western red cedar has the classic bold aroma; Japanese cedar is milder.
Untreated
Only use planks sold for cooking.
Thickness
Thicker planks char less and may be reused.
Size
Match the plank to the food, with a little border.
Soak
Soak at least an hour so the plank smolders.
Tips for Grill Accessories
- Check the maker heat limit before you cook.
- Clean grease after each cook to prevent flare-ups.
- Match inserts to your grill model.
- Preheat griddles before adding food.
- Store accessories dry to prevent rust.
Quick answers to common questions about the best cedar planks for grilling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best cedar planks for grilling?
Old Mill’s western red cedar planks for most cooks.
How long should I soak cedar planks?
At least an hour; longer for high heat.
Can you reuse cedar planks?
Lightly charred thick planks can be reused once or twice if cleaned and dried.
What temperature for plank grilling?
Medium heat, around 350–400°F, with the lid closed.
Final Verdict
Our pick for the best cedar planks for grilling is Old Mill western red cedar. For regular use, choose the western cedar 12-pack.
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Prices and availability change often. Check the current listing on Amazon before you buy.
