How to Use Cedar Planks for Grilling

On this page (9 sections)

1. How do you prepare cedar planks for grilling?
2. How do you heat a cedar plank before adding food?
3. How do you grill cedar planks on different grills?
4. Which foods work well on cedar planks?
5. How do you choose a plank size?
6. Do wood chips add more smoke to cedar-plank grilling?
7. How do you prevent a cedar plank from catching fire?
8. Can you reuse a cedar grilling plank?
9. What is the simplest way to use cedar planks for grilling?

To use cedar planks for grilling, soak an untreated food-grade plank, preheat it on the grill, then cook food on top with the lid closed. Keep the plank away from direct flames, watch for flare-ups, and use a food thermometer to check doneness.

Cedar adds a mild wood aroma while the board holds delicate foods above the grates. The method works on gas, charcoal, and pellet grills, but the heat source and grill layout affect where you place the plank.

How do you prepare cedar planks for grilling?

Soak the plank in water for at least 1 hour before grilling, unless its instructions give a different time. Use a clean container large enough to submerge the board, and weigh it down if it floats.

Choose untreated, food-grade grilling planks. Don't use construction lumber, painted wood, or cedar from an unknown source.

Drain the plank before it goes on the grill. Some boards may be soaked in a liquid such as wine or juice, but plain water is enough; added liquid does not replace checking the plank for cracks or damage.

How do you heat a cedar plank before adding food?

Heat the empty plank over the grill for a few minutes, then turn it over before adding food. This warms the wood and can bring out its aroma.

Keep the grill lid open while warming the board and stay nearby. If it starts smoking heavily or catches fire, move it to a cooler area with long-handled tongs.

Once you add food, place the plank over indirect heat and close the lid. A plank may darken or char during cooking, so keep a spray bottle of water nearby for small flare-ups, while avoiding spraying hot coals or electrical parts.

How do you grill cedar planks on different grills?

Set the plank over indirect heat and adjust its position to avoid direct flames. The same basic approach works across grill types, but each needs a slightly different setup.

How do you use cedar planks on a gas grill?

Use one burner to create a cooler cooking zone: turn on the other burner or burners, and place the plank over the unlit area. Preheat the grill with the lid closed, then open it to put the soaked plank on the grate.

Warm the plank briefly, flip it, add the food, and close the lid. If the plank sits over an active burner, its underside can char too quickly.

For salmon, see our guide to How To Cook Cedar Plank Salmon On Gas Grill?.

How do you use cedar planks on a charcoal grill?

Bank the charcoal to one side and set the plank over the side without coals. For fuel choices, compare natural charcoal briquettes.

Keep the lid vents open according to your grill’s usual setup so heat and smoke can circulate.

Avoid placing the plank directly over a chimney starter’s fresh coals. If you need help choosing fuel, compare charcoal briquettes and the options in our guide to what charcoal works well for grilling.

Can you use cedar planks on a pellet grill?

Yes, you can use a cedar plank on a pellet grill if it fits the cooking grate and the grill’s instructions allow it. Set the plank over the grate, leave space around it for airflow, and use the grill’s normal cooking setting for the food.

Pellet grills use wood pellets as fuel, not chips placed loose on the fire. For a maple, hickory, and cherry blend made for pellet grills, consider Camp Chef Competition Blend BBQ Pellets.

Which foods work well on cedar planks?

Choose foods that fit flat on the plank and can cook through without frequent flipping. Fish, vegetables, and smaller portions of poultry are practical options.

Arrange food in a single layer, leaving a little room around pieces so heat can move. Cut vegetables into similar sizes to help them finish at about the same time.

Cedar planks are especially useful for fish that could stick to or break apart on the grates. They are not a substitute for safe cooking temperatures, so check thicker pieces with a food thermometer.

How do you choose a plank size?

Pick a plank large enough to hold the food in one layer, with a little room around the edges. A board that is too small can let food spill onto the grates.

Measure the grill grate and the food portions before choosing a board. For a larger cooking surface or bigger fillets, compare best large cedar planks for grilling; for standard sizes, see best cedar planks for grilling.

Do wood chips add more smoke to cedar-plank grilling?

Wood chips can add a second smoke flavor, but they are optional because the cedar plank already contributes wood aroma. For another wood option, see oak smoking wood guide.

Use a small amount and avoid piling chips onto a hot flame.

Apple wood chips offer a mild, sweet, fruity smoke according to Mr. Bar-B-Q.

They are described for use with charcoal, gas, electric grills, and smokers.

For several wood flavors in one bundle, the Western BBQ Smoking Wood Chips Variety Pack includes apple, mesquite, hickory, and cherry flavors. For tube use, see wood chips in a smoker tube.

Use chips only in a way supported by your grill’s instructions.

If you use charcoal, place chips as directed for your grill and keep them from blocking airflow. On a gas grill, use a smoker box or another method approved by the grill maker.

How do you prevent a cedar plank from catching fire?

Keep the plank soaked, cook over indirect heat, and stay near the grill. Water helps slow burning, but it cannot make wood fireproof.

If flames appear, move the plank to a cooler part of the grill with long-handled tongs. Close the lid if it is safe to do so, and keep hands and face away from the opening.

Don't leave a hot plank unattended or carry it by hand. Use heat-safe gloves and tongs, and set the board on a stable, heat-safe surface after cooking.

Can you reuse a cedar grilling plank?

Reuse a plank only if it is still sturdy, clean, and not badly charred. A board that splits or burns through should be discarded.

After it cools, scrub the surface with hot water and a brush, then let it dry completely. Don't use soap if the plank’s instructions say to avoid it, and don't store damp wood where it can stay wet.

Use a fresh plank if the old one has deep cracks, heavy blackening, or food residue you cannot remove. When in doubt, replace it.

What is the simplest way to use cedar planks for grilling?

For how to use cedar planks for grilling, soak the board, warm it briefly, add food, then cook with the lid closed over indirect heat. Check the food with a thermometer and move the plank if it smokes heavily or flames.

Choose a standard plank for a few portions, or a larger board when cooking broader fillets or several vegetables together. Add wood chips only if you want another smoke flavor, and follow the grill maker’s directions for using them.

Frequently asked questions

How long should cedar planks soak before grilling?

Soak a cedar grilling plank for at least 1 hour, or follow the plank maker’s instructions. Keep it submerged so the wood can absorb water evenly, then drain it before placing it on the grill.

A longer soak can help the board resist catching fire, but it will still char during cooking.

Do you grill cedar planks on direct or indirect heat?

Use indirect heat for the food whenever possible, with the plank set away from the hottest burner or coals. You can briefly heat the empty plank over direct heat to warm it, then move it to a cooler part of the grill before adding food.

Keep the lid closed and watch for flames.

Can you reuse cedar planks after grilling?

Reuse a plank only if it remains thick, clean, and free of deep cracks or heavy charring. Scrub it with hot water and a brush, then dry it fully before storing.

Discard a board that is split, badly burned, or held raw meat juices that you cannot clean away.

What foods can you cook on cedar planks?

Cedar planks work well for foods that can sit flat on the board, such as salmon, other fish, vegetables, and small portions of poultry. Keep pieces in a single layer so heat can reach them, and use a thermometer for meat or fish that needs a precise doneness check.