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Introduction
Cedar grilling planks can add smoky, aromatic flavor to salmon, other fish, and vegetables while helping food stay moist and reducing direct flare-ups. This comparison-first guide looks at four cedar plank grilling options—Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch (Best overall), Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack (Best budget), Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack (Best premium), and Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling (Best alternative)—to help you choose based on size, pack quantity, and cooking plans.
Quick comparison: cedar grilling planks at a glance
- Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch, 2 Count (Wildwood Grilling) — Best overall (editorial)
- Size: 5 x 15 inches
- Quantity: 2 count
- Material: cedar (grilling plank)
- CTA: Try the Wildwood 5 x 15 cedar planks here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786HGTWG?tag=aytxx-20
- Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack – Cedar Grilling Planks 11.75 x 5.5 x 3/8 Inches — Best budget (editorial)
- Quantity: 80 pack
- Size: 11.75 x 5.5 x 3/8 inches
- Wood: Western Red Cedar (as listed)
- CTA: Stock up with the Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLAXR5S?tag=aytxx-20
- Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack (Grill Gourmet) — Best premium (editorial)
- Quantity: 24 pack
- Made in USA (as listed)
- Product type: cedar grilling planks
- CTA: See the Grill Gourmet 24 Pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9PMYG37?tag=aytxx-20
- Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling (Landical) — Best alternative (editorial)
- Available pack sizes (example: 3/6/10/13/20 pcs listed)
- Thicker / XL/XXL plank options
- Intended use: grilling salmon, fish, veggies (as listed)
- CTA: Choose larger or thicker planks with Landical XL/XXL options: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJZPZMB?tag=aytxx-20
Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch — Best overall
Brand
Wildwood Grilling
Product
Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch, 2 Count
What you get
- Size: 5 x 15 inches
- Quantity: 2 count
- Material: cedar (grilling plank)
Why it’s the Best overall
Classic, common grill-plank size that fits many grills and handles medium fillets. Sold as a 2-count—suitable for occasional grilling or trying the plank technique without a bulk purchase.
Pros
- Familiar size (5 x 15 inches) fits many salmon fillets and standard grill racks.
- Two-pack is simple to store compared with large bulk options.
Cons
- Only a 2-count means you may need to repurchase for frequent entertaining or large gatherings.
Good for
Home cooks who want a commonly sized cedar plank to grill salmon and everyday fillets without buying in bulk.
Get the Wildwood 5 x 15 planks here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786HGTWG?tag=aytxx-20
Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack – Cedar Grilling Planks 11.75 x 5.5 x 3/8 Inches — Best budget
Brand
Steve’s Gift Shoppe
Product
Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack – Cedar Grilling Planks 11.75 x 5.5 x 3/8 Inches
What you get
- Quantity: 80 pack
- Size: 11.75 x 5.5 x 3/8 inches
- Wood: Western Red Cedar (as listed)
Why it’s the Best budget
Large bulk pack with compact-sized planks to support parties, catering, or heavy seasonal grilling without repeatedly ordering single packs.
Pros
- Huge 80-pack is helpful for frequent grilling, events, or meal prep.
- Western Red Cedar is the wood type listed in the product details.
- Mid-length (11.75 x 5.5 inches) offers more coverage than some shorter planks while remaining easy to handle.
Cons
- Requires storage space and may be more than casual users need.
Good for
People who host barbecues, caterers, or anyone who wants to stock up on cedar plank grilling supplies.
Stock up for backyard parties with the 80-pack budget option: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLAXR5S?tag=aytxx-20
Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack — Best premium
Brand
Grill Gourmet
Product
Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack
What you get
- Quantity: 24 pack
- Listed as Made in USA
- Product type: cedar grilling planks
Why it’s the Best premium
Mid-size pack marketed as Made in USA—may appeal to buyers prioritizing U.S.-sourced products and those who want a quantity between single packs and bulk.
Pros
- 24-pack strikes a middle ground between single-count and very large bulk options.
- Listed as Made in USA for shoppers who prefer domestic-sourced items.
Cons
- Quantity may still be more than a casual user needs if you only want one or two planks.
Good for
Buyers who want a U.S.-listed option and a sensible mid-sized quantity for seasonal grilling.
Explore the Grill Gourmet 24 Pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9PMYG37?tag=aytxx-20
Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling (multiple pack options) — Best alternative
Brand
Landical
Product
Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling (multiple pack options)
What you get
- Available pack sizes (example: 3/6/10/13/20 pcs listed)
- Thicker / XL/XXL plank options
- Intended use: grilling salmon, fish, veggies (as listed)
Why it’s the Best alternative
If you need larger or thicker planks for big fillets, whole fish, or wider coverage on a grill, Landical offers XL/XXL sizes and multiple pack options to choose from.
Pros
- Multiple pack sizes let you pick the quantity that fits your needs.
- Thicker and XL/XXL options are intended for larger fillets and heavier grilling use.
- Product listing mentions suitability for salmon, fish, and veggies.
Cons
- Larger or thicker planks may take up more storage and could be excessive for small fillets or single meals.
Choose larger or thicker planks for big fillets: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJZPZMB?tag=aytxx-20
How to choose cedar grilling planks: size, thickness, and pack quantity
Choosing the right cedar plank grilling option depends on three main factors: the size of the fillets you cook, how often you grill, and whether you prefer domestically listed wood sources.
Size
- Small-to-medium fillets: Wildwood’s 5 x 15-inch planks are a common fit for many single salmon fillets and standard grill racks.
- Wider coverage: Steve’s 11.75 x 5.5-inch planks offer more length and surface area for longer fillets or doubled portions.
- Extra-large fillets/whole fish: Landical’s XL/XXL options are intended for larger pieces and thick cuts.
Thickness
- Thicker planks (as noted for some XL/XXL options) can be sturdier and may take longer to burn, which can be helpful when grilling heavier items.
- Steve’s 3/8-inch thickness is noted in the listing; thickness can affect soak time and heat transfer.
Pack quantity
- Occasional use: Wildwood’s 2-count offers a low-commitment way to try plank grilling without bulk storage.
- Regular entertaining or events: Steve’s 80-pack is a budget choice for high-volume grilling.
- Middle ground: Grill Gourmet’s 24-pack balances quantity with convenience and a U.S.-listed origin.
- Custom quantities: Landical’s multiple pack options let you choose smaller or larger amounts depending on need.
Tip: Match the plank length to your grill grates and fillet size to avoid excessive overhang or insufficient coverage.
How to use cedar planks for grilling (soak, prep, and cook tips)
Cedar plank grilling is straightforward but a few preparation steps can improve results.
Soak the plank
- Soaking helps reduce charring and creates steam around the food. Submerge the plank in water (or a flavored soak like apple juice) long enough to saturate—many users soak anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours depending on plank thickness and grilling plan.
- Thicker and XL/XXL planks may benefit from longer soak time than thin planks.
Prep food and seasoning
Pat fillets dry, season or glaze as desired, and place directly on the soaked plank. For salmon, simple salt, pepper, and lemon often let the cedar aroma come through.
Grill setup
- Preheat the grill to medium and place the plank directly on the grates. Planks will smoke and char; some charring is common.
- Monitor flare-ups and move to indirect heat if flames intensify.
- Using a lid helps capture smoke and cook evenly.
Cooking times
Cooking time varies by fish thickness and grill temperature. Use a thermometer to check doneness if you prefer precision.
Pairings
Cedar planks work well for salmon and other fish, and can also be used for shrimp, shellfish, chicken, vegetables, and fruit.
Common safety and cleanup tips for cedar grilling planks
- Watch for excessive flames: Cedar planks are wood and will char. If flames flare up, move the plank to indirect heat or reduce grill temperature.
- Use tongs: To transfer hot planks off the grill, use long-handled tongs or heat-resistant gloves.
- Dispose or repurpose: After a heavy burn, discard used planks once cooled. Slightly charred planks can sometimes be cleaned and repurposed for non-food uses—check the product guidance.
- Clean around the grill: Char and ash from planks can accumulate—clean your grill grates periodically to prevent buildup.
Which one should you choose? Final recommendations by use case
Best for trying cedar plank grilling (single meals, occasional use)
Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch, 2 Count — the classic 5 x 15-inch size in a low-commitment 2-pack is suitable if you want to test cedar plank grilling or use planks only occasionally.
CTA: Try the Wildwood 5 x 15 planks: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786HGTWG?tag=aytxx-20
Best for frequent grilling and events (bulk, budget)
Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack — large 80-pack of Western Red Cedar planks in a compact 11.75 x 5.5-inch size is ideal for parties, catering, or heavy seasonal use.
CTA: Stock up with the 80-pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLAXR5S?tag=aytxx-20
Best for U.S.-sourced mid-size supply
Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack — choose this if you want a mid-sized quantity and a product listed as Made in USA.
CTA: See the Grill Gourmet 24 Pack: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9PMYG37?tag=aytxx-20
Best for large fillets and thicker planks
Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling — pick Landical if you need XL/XXL sizes or thicker planks and want multiple pack size options to match larger fillets or whole fish.
CTA: Choose larger or thicker planks with Landical XL/XXL options: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJZPZMB?tag=aytxx-20
Reminder before purchasing: Confirm product details and specifications on the Amazon listing before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cedar plank size is best for salmon?
For most single salmon fillets, a 5 x 15-inch plank (Wildwood) or the 11.75 x 5.5-inch planks (Steve’s Gift Shoppe) will often work. Choose XL/XXL Landical planks if you have very large fillets or whole fish.
How many planks should I buy for a party?
For frequent entertaining, a bulk 80-pack (Steve’s Gift Shoppe) covers many servings. For occasional parties, a 24-pack (Grill Gourmet) provides a middle ground between single packs and large bulk.
Are thicker planks better?
Thicker or XL/XXL planks can be sturdier and may burn more slowly, which can help when grilling larger or thicker items.
Do these planks specify wood type or origin?
Steve’s Gift Shoppe lists Western Red Cedar. Grill Gourmet is listed as Made in USA. Wildwood and Landical list their cedar grilling plank specifications in their product details—check each Amazon listing for the latest product information.
Final Verdict
Recommendation by buyer type and compatibility:
- Best overall for everyday grillers and those trying cedar plank grilling: Wildwood Grilling Plank Grill Cedar 5 x 15 Inch, 2 Count — choose this if you want a classic plank size without buying in bulk.
- Best for budget and heavy use: Steve’s Gift Shoppe 80 Pack — pick this if you need a large quantity for events or frequent grilling.
- Best premium / U.S.-listed mid-size option: Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks – 24 Pack — suitable if you want a mid-sized supply and a product listed as Made in USA.
- Best alternative for large fillets and heavier use: Landical XL/XXL Cedar Plank for Grilling — ideal when you need thicker or extra-large planks and multiple pack sizes.
Compare all four cedar plank options and pick the right fit for your grilling style: Wildwood (Best overall) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0786HGTWG?tag=aytxx-20; Steve’s Gift Shoppe (Best budget) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FLAXR5S?tag=aytxx-20; Grill Gourmet (Best premium) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9PMYG37?tag=aytxx-20; Landical XL/XXL (Best alternative) — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJZPZMB?tag=aytxx-20
