Traditionally made of wood, grilling planks were used to hold food being grilled on open fire. Today, the wooden planks also find use in the kitchen or
outdoor barbecues. They’re popular for their capability to infuse smoky flavor on various foods. The use of the planks isn’t limited to grilling meat only. You can enjoy barbecuing potatoes, mac and cheese, brie cheese, and peaches the same way you’d grill pork, mutton, beef, and other meats.
Soak the grilling plank in your favorite flavor to enjoy a tasty grilled meal. You are not limited to specific types of wood when it comes to grilling planks. Since different woods produce distinct flavors, you have the chance to be innovative when grilling food. If you’re an adventurous cook, you can create various flavors with the same food but using different planks.
When you have many types of food to barbecue, you can use one grilling plank to prepare various foods at the same time. This is a great way for you to save time and resources. The flavors from different foods will infuse together to create unique tasting dishes. What’s more, wood doesn’t conduct heat, so you don’t have to worry about your hands getting burnt.
Grilling planks are also made in attractive designs and styles. Display them next to your
grill brushes and other grill accessories in the kitchen, when not in use, for an appealing look and natural touch indoors. Whether you intend to grill your food over open fire, on a
gas grill, or cook it in an electric oven, we hope this guide can help you make an informed buying decision on the best grilling plank for you.
Price
The price of a grilling plank depends on its type, size, pack size, and usage. Prices may also vary from one brand to another, hence the need to make comparisons before opting for one. Most grilling planks will cost you anywhere from $10-$20 all the way up to $30-$50.
If you’d like a good deal, buy planks sold in packs. And keep in mind that cheap grilling planks might be made from poor-quality wood and might not last or even withstand the heat from your grill. Opt for a high-quality plank you can depend on whenever you need to barbecue. If possible, buy from popular brands to be sure you’re spending money on a decent plank.
Features
Grilling planks add value to your cooking. Apart from holding food being grilled, a grilling plank adds a moist smoky flavor to your food as well as preserves the nutrients within the food. They’re also aesthetic for display in your kitchen as wood can be carved into various shapes, designs, and styles. You need to look out for the accessories your preferred grill plank comes with such as recipes, booklets, and bags.
Here are some features to look out for in grilling planks:
- The type or grade of plank you prefer such as 1st and 2nd grade
- A suitable size for your intended use
- The number of planks available in a pack
- A plank meant for single or versatile use
- Any extra items the plank is sold with such as storage bags and recipes
With the right grilling plank, you can expect to barbecue your favorite foods whenever you want and still get to display them in your kitchen when not in use.
Construction and Design
Are you in need of a grilling plank for home or commercial needs? Here are some factors to consider before purchasing one:
Type – There are various types of grilling planks on the market, graded based on the type of wood they’re made from. Although Alder, cherry, apple, oak, and cedar are the most common woods, you’ll also find planks made from Birch, beechnut, hickory, maple, mesquite, pecan, and walnut. Alder is the most popular and can be used on all meats, including salmon and poultry. It gives meat a subtle and sweet taste.
Cedar grilling planks are ideal for all food types such as meat, fish, poultry, and vegetables. It gives food an aromatic flavor and comes in red or white cedar.
For a subtle, sweet, and fruity flavor on your chosen meat, use cherry or apple grilling planks. Black cherry is the most popular and commonly used wood on planks. Oak is one of the readily available hardwoods frequently used to make planks for grilling. It adds a mild flavor to grilled food.
Size – Choose the size of a grilling plank that matches your intended use or application area. Go for a bigger size if you intend to use your plank for commercial purposes or to barbecue food for a large family or party. Although small sizes are suitable for home use, opt for larger planks if you want to grill various food types at one time. While most grilling planks measure 13 by 7 inches, they actually come in all sorts of sizes to choose from.
Quantity in a Pack – Buy more than one grilling plank if you’ll be grilling food with various flavors. Choose a pack with the right number of planks you need. It’s always cheaper buying things in bulk rather than in singles.
Usage – Grilling planks are designed for single or multiple use. You can buy a versatile plank for use in the kitchen other than just holding barbecue food. Choose thick planks for sturdy and durable use.
Extras – Look out for the extra items a grilling plank comes with such as recipe booklets and storage bags. Choose planks with the items you need but keep in mind that extras can increase the price of any given plank.
Performance and Ease of Use
Buy a grilling plank made from untreated wood. The presence of chemicals and pesticides can introduce toxins to your food, making it unsuitable for human consumption. Hardwoods are pest resistant and can be used naturally without the need for treatment. Buy your grilling plank from a known brand with a good reputation. This can guarantee you a smooth and clean plank, free of loose debris or splinters.
Trusted companies use kilns to dry wood planks to eliminate biologic agents before cutting them into final pieces. Submerge it in water for an hour before use to increase its durability and prevent it from burning as you grill your food. You can add a flavor of your choice to the soaking water and cover the planks with the food you want to grill. Finally, in order to prevent the growth of mold, clean and dry your planks before storage in a dry place.
Armed with top secrets on how to select grilling planks, we’re going to examine the highlighted features of the selected top five grilling planks from trusted brands on the market. It’s important to consider what you want to use the grilling planks for before buying them. We hope the highlighted features of each featured product will help you make an informed choice.
Before buying grilling planks, you must consider what wood flavor you are looking for and the type of food you want to cook. These factors will be key when selecting the best grilling planks for you. Our hope is that you will start your search by looking at our list of top five grilling planks by leading brands on the market and get an option that works for you. In case you want something different, check out our other grill reviews.
