The best wood plank for grilling fish depends on the size of your fillet, how many people you’re feeding, and how much cedar flavor you want. A plank gives fish a bed for cooking on the grill and can add a smoky aroma, while helping keep a delicate fillet together as you handle it. The options below range from compact Western Red Cedar boards to extra-large planks for family meals. Compare their size, quantity, and listed materials to find the best fit for your grill.
| Product | Size | Pack | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wildwood Grilling Cedar Planks | 5 x 11 inches | 12 planks | Small meals and US-made cedar |
| Woodland Goods Cedar Planks | 11 x 5.5 inches | 12 planks | Full salmon fillets and flexible use |
| GRETJOB XL Cedar Planks, 6-Pack | 15 x 6 inches | 6 planks | Large fillets and thicker boards |
| Landical XL Cedar Planks | 15 x 5.5 inches | 6 planks | Large fish portions and family grilling |
| GRETJOB XL Cedar Planks, 12-Pack | 15 x 6 inches | 12 planks | Stocking up on extra-large boards |
Table of Contents
Our Picks: Best Wood Plank For Grilling Fish reviews
Wildwood Grilling Cedar Planks: A compact, US-made option
These 5-by-11-inch planks are made from Western Red Cedar and produced in Idaho, according to the product details. The maker says the wood is processed in a food-safe facility without chemicals or additives. That sourcing information may appeal if you want to know more about the wood and how it was prepared.
The size is intended for roughly two to three servings, making this a practical choice for a small dinner rather than a large whole-fillet presentation. Cedar is a familiar match for salmon, and the product is also described for use with other proteins, vegetables, fruit, and desserts. Its smaller footprint may be easier to fit on a crowded grill than an extra-large plank.
The tradeoff is capacity: a large fillet or several portions may not fit comfortably. If you regularly cook for a group, consider one of the 15-inch options below. The listing also points shoppers who want to cook an entire filet toward a larger size.
Pros:
- Made from Western Red Cedar, with US sourcing and manufacturing stated in the listing
- Food-safe production and no added chemicals or additives are specified
- Compact size suits smaller meals
- Listed for use with foods beyond fish
Cons:
- Smaller cooking surface than the XL options
- May be limiting for a large fillet or group meal
Verdict: Choose these planks if you value stated US sourcing and usually grill a few portions at a time.
Woodland Goods Cedar Planks: A 12-pack sized for salmon fillets
Woodland Goods supplies twelve kiln-dried Western Red Cedar planks, each measuring 11 by 5.5 inches. The listing says this footprint can fit a full salmon fillet, two steaks, or vegetables. Kiln-dried wood is described as soaking evenly and giving off a steady cedar smoke.
The planks are listed for gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, as well as oven use. The manufacturer says they may be reused up to twice if they have not charred through or cracked; inspect each board before considering another use. The package is also described as including grilling instructions.
At 11 inches long, these boards are not as spacious as the 15-inch choices. Check the dimensions against your fish and grill before buying, especially if you usually cook a large fillet. The stated Canadian sourcing and PEFC certification may also matter to shoppers comparing wood sources.
Pros:
- Twelve planks in the pack
- Kiln-dried Western Red Cedar
- Listed for several grill types and oven use
- Possible light reuse if the wood remains intact
Cons:
- Shorter than the 15-inch XL choices
- Reuse depends on the plank’s condition after cooking
Verdict: This is a versatile choice if you want a dozen cedar boards and the 11-inch length works for your typical fish portions.
GRETJOB XL Cedar Planks, 6-Pack: Extra room for bigger fish
This set includes six cedar planks measuring 15 by 6 inches and 0.3 inch thick, according to the listing. The larger surface is designed for big salmon fillets and family-sized meals. The product description also presents the boards for use with fish, meat, vegetables, and other foods.
The listing says the planks can be used on gas and charcoal grills, pellet smokers, or in an oven. Its suggested method is to soak the plank for 30 minutes, add the food, then cook on a preheated grill; follow the package directions for temperature and timing. The maker describes the boards as reusable when properly maintained, but the actual condition of the wood should guide whether you use it again.
The wide, long shape gives you more room than the compact and 11-inch options, but the six-board pack is smaller than the 12-count XL set from the same brand. The product description makes broad performance claims, so treat those as manufacturer guidance rather than a guarantee for every grill or cooking session.
Pros:
- Large 15-by-6-inch cooking surface
- Listed 0.3-inch thickness
- Designed for several grill types and oven use
- Useful for large fillets and more than fish
Cons:
- Only six planks in the pack
- Large dimensions may be awkward on smaller grills
Verdict: Pick this set if your priority is extra cooking space and you do not need a larger pack of XL boards.
Landical XL Cedar Planks: A thick board for full-size portions
Landical’s set has six boards measuring 15 by 5.5 inches, with a listed thickness of 0.3 inch. The size is intended for a full king salmon fillet or several smaller portions. The maker says the thicker design releases cedar aroma gradually and is meant to provide a steadier cooking surface than thinner planks.
The description gives a simple preparation outline: soak the plank for 30 minutes, place the food on top, then cook it on a preheated grill. It lists gas and charcoal grills as well as oven use. Fish is the main focus, but the product is also presented for other foods, including vegetables and poultry.
Compared with the GRETJOB XL boards, this plank is half an inch narrower while retaining the same listed length and thickness. That difference may matter if you want to place a wide fillet or several pieces side by side. The pack count is six, so frequent plank grilling may call for a larger set.
Pros:
- Long 15-inch size for larger portions
- Listed 0.3-inch thickness
- Six planks included
- Described for grill or oven use
Cons:
- Narrower than the 6-inch-wide GRETJOB XL options
- The listing does not specify a wood certification
Verdict: Consider Landical if you want a thick, long plank for a full fish fillet and do not need the widest available board.
GRETJOB XL Cedar Planks, 12-Pack: A larger supply of wide boards
This version of the GRETJOB XL plank comes with twelve boards, each listed at 15 by 6 inches and 0.3 inch thick. It offers the same large footprint as the six-pack but doubles the number of boards in the set. That can be convenient if you often grill fish for a group or want more planks on hand.
The product description says these boards are intended for gas and charcoal grills, pellet smokers, and ovens. It also suggests soaking the wood for 30 minutes before use. Check the package instructions and keep an eye on the grill while cooking; the listing itself advises monitoring the grill and keeping water nearby.
The main consideration is availability: the supplied listing data marks this option unavailable. Availability can change, so check the listing before planning a purchase. If it remains unavailable, the six-pack provides the same listed plank size, though with fewer boards.
Pros:
- Twelve extra-large boards in the set
- 15-by-6-inch surface for large portions
- Listed 0.3-inch thickness
- Described for several cooking setups
Cons:
- Supplied listing data marks it unavailable
- Large boards may not fit every grill comfortably
Verdict: This is a strong size-and-quantity match if the listing is available and your grill can accommodate 15-by-6-inch planks.
How to Choose a Wood Plank for Grilling Fish
Match plank size to your fish and grill
Check the board’s length and width against both your usual fillets and the cooking space on your grill. A compact 5-by-11-inch plank may suit a few servings, while a 15-inch board offers more room for a large fillet or multiple portions. Leave enough space around the plank for the grill lid to close properly, and make sure the board sits securely on the cooking surface.
Choose a wood and source you can verify
Cedar is the common wood in these picks and is described as adding a smoky, fragrant flavor. If sourcing and processing matter to you, compare the details provided by each maker. For example, Wildwood Grilling specifies Western Red Cedar made in Idaho, while Woodland Goods describes Canadian-sourced, kiln-dried cedar and notes PEFC certification. Not every listing provides the same level of sourcing detail.
Consider thickness and how often you grill
The two GRETJOB XL sets and the Landical set list a thickness of 0.3 inch. The other listings do not provide a thickness in the supplied product details. A thicker plank may be appealing if you want a substantial board, but it still needs proper preparation and attention over heat. For regular use, compare pack size as well as the maker’s reuse guidance; reuse should depend on whether the board remains intact and uncharred through.
Think about pack size and storage
A larger pack means you have more planks available for gatherings or repeat meals, while a smaller pack may be enough if you grill fish occasionally. The products here range from six to twelve boards. Also consider where you will store them and whether the board dimensions fit your grill. A large pack is less useful if the plank itself is too big for your setup.
Check cooking instructions and heat source
Some listings describe use on gas, charcoal, or pellet grills, and some also mention oven cooking. Check the instructions supplied with the specific product rather than assuming every plank has identical directions. Several product descriptions recommend soaking before grilling, but preparation times and cooking guidance can vary by maker. Keep the grill attended and follow safe grilling practices.
Decide whether versatility matters
If you want to use the plank for more than fish, look for a listing that names other foods and cooking methods. The products here are described for items such as vegetables, chicken, meat, cheese, or desserts, though specific uses vary by brand. If your main goal is cedar-plank salmon, a board that fits your fillet should matter more than a long list of extra uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wood is best for grilling fish?
Cedar is a popular choice for fish planks and is the wood used in all five options here. These products are described as adding cedar aroma and smoky flavor. Choose a plank made and sold for food preparation, and check its sourcing and care information.
Do you need to soak a cedar plank before grilling?
Several listings recommend soaking their planks before use, including directions for a 30-minute soak on some models. Follow the instructions supplied with the plank you buy. Preparation directions may differ between products.
Can you reuse a grilling plank?
Some manufacturers say their planks may be reused if they have not charred through or cracked. Let the board cool and inspect it carefully before considering reuse. Discard it if it is damaged or burned through, and follow the maker’s care instructions.
What size plank should I choose for salmon?
Use the listed dimensions as a starting point and compare them with your fillet. The 15-inch options offer more space for large portions, while the 11-inch boards may be a better fit for smaller meals. Also check that the plank fits your grill with room for the lid to close.
Can you use a grilling plank in an oven?
Some product descriptions specifically mention oven use, including the Woodland Goods and GRETJOB options. Check the instructions for your particular plank and appliance before using it indoors.
Can you cook foods other than fish on a cedar plank?
Yes. The product descriptions list other possible uses, including vegetables, chicken, meat, fruit, and some other foods. Cedar flavor may be more noticeable on mild foods, so consider whether it suits the ingredients you plan to cook.
Final Recommendation
For a compact board with clear US sourcing details, the Wildwood Grilling set is a sensible option for smaller meals. If you need more room for a large fish fillet, compare the 15-inch GRETJOB and Landical planks, keeping your grill dimensions in mind. The Woodland Goods set offers twelve mid-size boards with stated kiln-dried cedar, while the GRETJOB 12-pack may suit frequent grilling if it is available. Start with the board size that fits your fish and grill, then use sourcing, pack quantity, and care instructions to make your final choice.
