Wood planks add depth and aroma to grilled foods, from salmon to vegetables. This guide highlights five top cedar and non-cedar wood planks that deliver reliable smoke flavor, even heat, and simple setup. Each option blends moisture retention with robust flavor, helping you achieve juicy, restaurant-worthy results at home.
| Product | Brand | Wood Type | Pack Size | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks | Camerons | Cedar | 2 Pack | Rich smoky flavor; reusable 2-3 times |
| Primal Grilling Premium Cedar Planks | Primal Grilling | Cedar | 5 Pack | Thicker planks for moister results |
| Firebull Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks | FIREBULL | Western Red Cedar | 2-Pack | All-natural, versatile for grill and oven |
| Jaccard Ready 2 Grill Cedar Planks | Jaccard | Cedar | 2 Planks | Pre-soaked and ready to grill |
| Iconikal Hickory Wood Grilling Plank | Iconikal | Hickory | 4-Pack | Distinct hickory smoke for depth |
Camerons Cedar Grilling Planks – 2 Pack
Brand: Camerons. Wood: Cedar. Features: Premium Cedar Grilling Planks, 11.5″ x 5.5″ x 0.7″; soak 30 minutes to 2 hours; place food on plank over preheated grill; planks can be used 2-3 times before discarding. Cedar flavor pairs with salmon, seafood, beef, pork, lamb, vegetables, and cheese. The planks roast slowly, basting in natural juices for tender, flavorful results with minimal effort.
Primal Grilling Premium Cedar Planks
Brand: Primal Grilling. Wood: Cedar. Features: 5-pack 7/16″ thick planks designed for moisture retention and durable use; 100% Western Red Cedar; kiln-dried to improve moisture absorption for steaming and flavoring during grilling. Thick planks promote repeated use and robust smoky flavor, suitable for fish, meat, and vegetables. No additives; natural wood flavor.
Firebull Western Red Cedar Grilling Planks
Brand: FIREBULL. Wood: Western Red Cedar. Features: 2-pack, all-natural cedar planks; versatile use on gas, charcoal grills, and ovens; simple preparation—soak, place food on plank, and cook with lid closed to infuse smoky flavor. Designed for fish, chicken, pork, and vegetables, enabling aroma-rich results with minimal effort.
CEDAR ALPHA 12 Pk Cedar Planks
Brand: CEDAR ALPHA. Wood: Cedar. Features: Set of 12 planks, 11″ x 5″, 0.3″ thick; soak 1-2 hours; designed for more cooking surface and aroma. Old-growth, slow-growing cedar; no chemicals or glue. Provides extra smoke and flavor for salmon, meat, fish, and vegetables; restaurant-grade quantity and quality.
Iconikal Hickory Wood Grilling Smoking Plank
Brand: Iconikal. Wood: Hickory. Features: 12 x 5-inch planks; includes 4 planks; delivers Hickory smoke flavor to steaks, beef, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Suitable for BBQ or grill, providing a robust smoky profile that pairs well with hearty meats and bold flavors.
Camerons Alder Grilling Planks – 4 Pack
Brand: Camerons. Wood: Alder. Features: 4-pack planks, 11.5″ x 5.5″ x 0.7″; soak 30 minutes to 2 hours; mild alder flavor suitable for poultry, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Planks roast slowly, baste in juices, and help maintain tenderness with minimal effort.
Jonathan Alden Cherry Wood Grilling Planks
Brand: Jonathan Alden. Wood: Cherry. Features: Made in the USA; one smooth side for plating and one rough side for enhanced flavor; no additives; all-natural. Cherry wood offers a subtle, fruity sweetness that complements fish and poultry, while aiding presentation with a clean finish.
Buying Guide: Wood Planks For Cooking
- Wood type and flavor profile: Cedar is common for bold, smoky notes; alder offers a milder sweetness; Hickory provides strong, robust aroma; cherry adds a fruity finish. Choose based on the protein and desired flavor.
- Moisture management: Thicker planks (like 7/16″) tend to hold moisture longer and resist burning, ideal for longer cooks. Thinner planks can deliver quicker smoke but may char sooner.
- Size and fit: Ensure planks fit your grill grate and cooking vessel. Most common dimensions are around 11.5″ x 5.5″.
- Reuse and durability: Some planks are rated for multiple uses (2-3 times); others are single-use. Consider your budget and cleanup effort.
- Pre-soaking vs. ready-to-use: Some brands offer pre-soaked planks for convenience; others require soaking 30 minutes to 2 hours for best results.。
- Food compatibility: Cedar and alder pair well with seafood and poultry; hickory suits beef and pork; cherry complements lighter proteins and vegetables. Some planks are marketed as versatile across fish, meat, and vegetables.
- Safety and additives: Prefer 100% natural wood, free from glues or chemicals, to ensure a clean flavor and safe cooking experience.
- Storage and maintenance: Dry thoroughly between uses; store in a cool, dry place. Reuse planks according to manufacturer guidelines to maintain flavor integrity.