flare-up during grilling

9 Best Grill Mats for BBQ & Deck in 2022

Spread the love

Flare-ups make grilling pretty scary. In fact, we think that more people would jump into grilling if flare-ups were to be gotten rid of completely. Luckily, this is no longer a dream/wish; thanks to the best grill mats on the market.

These grill mats effectively get rid of gaps that are created by grates. This means, with them, the likelihood of flare-ups during grilling is null. BBQ grill mats also prevent small-sized foods from falling between grates or sticking to grill grates. Plus, they help keep the grill clean and easy to maintain.

Also, there is a grill mat for deck. This type of mat serves a different purpose than the grill mat for BBQ. As its name suggests, it is designed to be placed under the grill. Once there, it prevents oil, water, grease, and even hot coal from getting to the surface.

It is normally large and, therefore, provides decent coverage to make sure your patio is well protected. In these consumer reports, we talk about both of these mats so you can easily find what meets your needs.

People’s Picks

Best Grill Mat for BBQ: Kona BBQ Grill Mat (Set of 2). Backed by a 7-year warranty, these grill mats for BBQ are of premium quality and can be reused several times.

Runner Up: RENOOK 100% Non-Stick Grill Mat (Set of 6). We like the fact that these grill mats come in a set of 6 so you can have spare. Plus, they are 100-percent non-stick.

Best Grill Mat for Under Grill: GRILLTEX Under the Grill Protective Deck and Patio Mat. GRILLTEX Mat for Deck and Patio is easy to place under the grill, and it stays safely in place.

Runner Up: Cuisinart Deck and Patio Grill Mat (CGMT-300). Measuring 65 by 35 inches, the Cuisinart Grill Mat fits under various grills, smokers, and griddles perfectly.

9 Best Grill Mats for BBQ & Deck Reviews

1. Kona Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Mat (Set of 2) – 7 Year Warranty

 

Buy Now On Amazon

Kona BBQ Grill Mats are a nice purchase for someone that loves barbecuing. They are some of the best grilling mats you have ever come across. They can withstand temperatures up to 600 degrees, plus they are free of PFOA. This means they are totally safe to use and will not leak chemicals into whatever you are barbecuing.

The thickness of these bbq mats is 0.39 millimeters, which is around 4 times thicker than other mats in the same class. The thickness allows you to use these mats more than 1000 times per side. Well, that is around 50 times more usage than the average grilling mats. Such decent quality makes these barbecue mats the go-to BBQ accessory for professional chefs and amateur grillmasters alike.

Whether you want to sauté veggies or smoke chicken, these mats for barbecue will come in handy. And once you are done grilling, you will not have a difficult time cleaning them. Apart from making grilling easier, Kona BBQ Mats help prolong the lifespan of the BBQ grill. It keeps them looking shiny and new.

Reasons To Buy

  • Customer service is fantastic
  • Mats leave grill marks on food
  • They are dishwasher-safe for quick, easy cleaning
  • Cut down on direct flare-ups
  • Easy to use and can be cut to fit

Take Note

  • Mats tend to stick to each other when they overlap

 

2. RENOOK 100% Non-Stick Grill Mat Set of 6, Black

 

Buy Now On Amazon

Although RENOOK Non-Stick Grill Mats are not thick, they are still of good quality. Besides, the fact that they are thin means these mats will always leave grill marks and not interfere with the flavor of your grilled foods. Another reason why you should invest in RENOOK Grilling Mats is because they have good resistance to heat and are durable.

Mats come in a pack of 6, meaning you will always have spare for convenience. Furthermore, you can cut these mats into any shape or size to suit your needs. These grill BBQ mats are also versatile and can as well be used as bake mats. Plus, they are 100-percent non-stick; hence, you can grill on them without grease.

Since they are built with durability in mind, these mats can be used for years to come. With them, even the smallest morsels will not fall through the grates. Additionally, these mats will spare you the hassle of having to put up with a dirty grill. Mats are also food-safe since the materials they are made of are 100-percent free of PFOA.

More about the Product: REKOON Grilling Mats are suitable for baking, roasting, and grilling. They are not only versatile but also very easy to clean. After use, simply pop them on the top shelf of the dishwasher, then walk away. What’s more, these mats work on electric grills, gas grills, and charcoal BBQ.

Reasons To Buy

  • Mats are shipped quickly
  • They clean up quickly and easily
  • Eliminates the need to clean the grill
  • One pack contains lots of mats
  • Food tastes good and comes out with grill marks

Take Note

  • Edges may burn at high temperatures when mats are used with a gas grill

3. YRYM HT Copper Grill Mat and Bake Mat Set of 5

 

Buy Now On Amazon

YRYM Copper Grill Mats are SGS-approved. They are made from 100-percent PFOA-free materials. These materials also contain no other harmful chemicals. What’s more, YRYM Copper Grilling Mats are coated with top-quality PTFE-fiberglass. They are professional-grade and very healthy to use for cooking on a barbecue grill. These mats are also water repellent and temperature resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

As if that’s not enough, YRYM Copper Grilling Mats are 100-percent non-stick and, therefore, will let you cook and grill without minding stains and grease. They keep the grill incredibly clean and shiny, as well as making sure small foods do not fall through the grates. Although these are copper BBQ mats, they look exactly like those made of plastic, but with an added bonus of not burning.

These mats can be used multiple times on both sides. Moreover, you can cut them so they can fit perfectly into your oven, stove, grill, cake tin, or pan. Mats are also suitable for all types of grills, including Char-Broil, Porcelain, Weber, Infrared, and Charcoal. You can use them to grill meat, eggs, bacon, fish, vegetables, pizza, pancakes, shrimp, etc.

More about the Product: These mats come in handy for campground and park grilling. They are versatile and come in a set of 5, so you can have a spare. You should note, though, that when using these mats, they should not accumulate grease as this can lead to a grease fire.

Reasons To Buy

  • Good value for the price
  • Mats clean up effortlessly
  • They help prevent the grill from getting messy
  • Meats and veggies come out great
  • Leave grill marks on food

Take Note

  • Very lightweight, but this is what enables them to leave beautiful grill marks on foods

4. GRILLTEX Under the Grill Protective Deck and Patio Mat

 

Buy Now On Amazon

GRILLTEX Under the Grill Deck and Patio Mat measures 39 by 72 inches. It is well-sized and does a good job of collecting any splatters and spills. It also stays safely under the grill, so you can focus fully on grilling and smoking your favorite foods. This grill mat for deck is a wonderful purchase for someone that wants to protect their patio, deck, or garage floor from oil, grease, sauce, and water.

The BBQ grill mat for deck is made of 100-percent recycled rubber that creates a nice protective barrier without staining the surface underneath it. The synthetic rubber is heat resistant up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, it is easy to clean since all you need to do is rinse it with soap and water. You can also use a garden hose to clean it.

A 1-year limited warranty is provided to protect this grill mat for BBQ from manufacturing defects. The manufacturer advises that you go for a mat whose size overlaps 2 – 3 inches beyond the perimeter of your grill. Besides, this grill mat for patio has an antimicrobial and fungistatic agent that ensures it is not invaded by microorganisms, which can shorten its lifespan. Needless to say, your deck BBQ grill mat will always look new and clean.

Reasons To Buy

  • Does not absorb water; hence, it is easy to care for
  • Rolls out flat from the box
  • Premium quality and heavy duty
  • It is shipped fast and is exactly as shown in the picture
  • Withstands the heat well
  • The mat does not smell like chemicals when new

Take Note

  • Not very suitable for large grills

5. Cuisinart 65” x 35” Premium Deck and Patio Grill Mat (CGMT-300)

 

Buy Now On Amazon

Measuring 65 by 35 inches, Cuisinart CGMT-300 fits most griddles, smokers, and grills perfectly. It is obviously larger than the GRILLLATEX Patio & Deck Grill Mat. For that reason, Cuisinart CGMT-300 is what you need to go for if you have a large BBQ grill.

The grill mat is non-slip, and this will no doubt give you peace of mind knowing that it will not slip when you are in the middle of grilling. It also has a nice weight to it, and this keeps it in place on the deck.

Moreover, Cuisinart CGMT-300 is made from 100-percent PVC material. The material is weather-resistant and, therefore, can stay outdoors season in season out. It is also heavy-duty enough to make sure stains or spills do not ruin your deck. In case the mat gets dirty, simply take it off of the grill and rinse it off with a garden hose.

Reasons To Buy

  • Looks good on the deck
  • Suitable for big BBQ grills
  • Made of super durable rubber
  • Helps prolong the lifespan of the patio

Take Note

  • If hot coal drops on it and is not swept immediately, it may melt a hole into the mat

6. Aoocan Heavy Duty Non Stick Copper Grill Mat, Set of 5

 

Buy Now On Amazon

Aoocan Copper Mats for grilling keep food from sticking to the grill or falling through the grates. They also prevent oil from dripping onto the wood carbon, thereby creating unnecessary smoke. Besides, these grilling BBQ mats are very smooth and, therefore, food will not stick to them. With them, you will grill like a pro season in season out.

Mats are very easy to clean as all you need to do is to wash them with clean water and then place them in the sun to dry. They will also keep your barbecue grill clean and make sure you have an easy time maintaining it. These mats for barbecuing can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and they will not burn.

Additionally, Aoocan Copper BBQ Mats have passed LFGB food-grade certification. Well, this means it is safe to use and will not compromise your health. Apart from grilling, these mats can be used to bake or microwave food. They can be reused more than 100 times. What’s more, the manufacturer fully stands behind these mats to make sure you get the best experience ever.

Reasons To Buy

  • Mats clean up fairly well
  • They leave grill marks on food
  • Eliminate the need to clean the grill after each use
  • The price is not too expensive
  • Mats are shipped on time

Take Note

  • Burn marks tend to remain on the mats after cleaning

7. Fasmov 36 x 50 Inches Under The Grill Protective Deck and Patio Mat

 

Buy Now On Amazon

Fasmov Under The Grill Protective Mat for Deck and Patio measures 36 by 50 inches. Although it is not the largest grill on the market, it provides good coverage and does a good job collecting any splatters and spills. The mat is made of a fabric blend that absorbs and collects liquids.

The fabric blend is also resistant to stains and features a durable backing. The backing is fully waterproof and, therefore, prevents messes from getting to the floor. In a nutshell, this protective deck & patio mat protects against sauce, oil, and grease. It is not just suitable for patio and deck but also for garage.

Besides, this mat features a neutral charcoal color that makes it look beautiful, not to mention blending seamlessly into any décor. Like other premium protective grill mats for deck and patio, the Fasmov Mat is very easy to clean. All you need to do is rinse it with soap and water or a garden hose.

Reasons To Buy

  • Easy to place under the grill
  • Lightweight and compact; hence, easy to store when not in use
  • The color is nice
  • Brings peace of mind during grilling
  • Covers the desired area well

Take Note

  • Since it is lightweight, the mat lifts up a little too easily when it is windy

8. Tuffy 42” x 30” BBQ Grill Mat for Outdoor Grill

 

Buy Now On Amazon

When you buy the Tuffy BBQ Grill Mat, you will not only make your grilling experiences a cakewalk – you will also be supporting American workers as well as improving the American economy. That is because this grill BBQ mat is manufactured and assembled in an American factory. Another reason why you should buy the Tuffy Grilling Mat is that it is made of 100-percent recycled tires.

This means you will be playing a huge role in conserving the environment simply by buying and using this mat. The mat has passed all tests for flame and fire. As such, it is safe to say that it will not cause any problems during use. Furthermore, it works with all kinds of grills, including pellet, gas, wood, and electric grills.

The Tuffy Grill Mat is also versatile and can be used as an under grill mat, smoker mat, and splatter mat. Plus, it comes in handy for RV grilling, camping, outdoor grilling, and more. It measures 42 by 30 inches; hence, it works great with most grills. However, if your grill is a bit on the larger side, you can go for one that measures 60 by 30 inches.

Reasons To Buy

  • Good value for the money
  • Safe for composite decks
  • The mat arrives as expected
  • Most grills fit on it beautifully
  • Easy to hose off when you are done grilling

Take Note

  • Odorous when new
  • Comes rolled up, but you can easily sort out this by leaving it in the sun for at least 2 hours

9. MAJITA Rectangular Fire Pit Pad Grill Mat Deck Protector

 

Buy Now On Amazon

MAJITA Rectangular Grill Mat Protector for Deck is well made. It is constructed with three layers so it can provide unrivaled protection all the time. The first layer is silica gel, and it is waterproof, easy to clean, and heat-resistant. The second layer is fire-resistant glass fiber, and the third layer is waterproof, heat-resistant, and easy to clean.

The MAJITA Rectangular Grill Pad Protector boasts high-temperature resistance of up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a reliable heat shield mat that creates a heat-retardant, effective and safe barrier from high-heat sources. With it, grilling will not melt or burn your expensive patios and decks. Your beautiful, grassy areas will be safe too.

The grill pad is perfect for a fire pit whose measurements do not exceed 42 by 30 inches. Although the mat is well made, it is lightweight and very portable. Needless to say, the MAJITA Rectangular Grill Pad will keep up with your active lifestyle. You can bring it with you to a camping adventure and use it to make memories with family and friends.

N/B: – Before you use this grill mat pad, make sure there is at least 4” spacing between the pad and the heat source. Well, the heat source, in this case, can be a vertical smoker, pit barrel smoker, BBQ grill, bonfire pit, and propane fire pit. In other words, the heat source should not be placed directly under the mat.

Reasons To Buy

  • Protects the deck nicely
  • Easy to wash off and store
  • Fits most spaces without any issues
  • Great for the price
  • Allows you to use your fire pit with peace of mind

Take Note

  • Might be damaged if a heat source is placed directly under it

Buyer’s Guide for the Best Grill Mats for BBQ

There are a number of things to look into before buying a BBQ grill mat.

  • Purpose

Different grill pads serve different purposes. Some are designed to be placed under the grill so they can keep the deck looking new. Others, on the other hand, come in sets and are smaller than under grill mats. Well, these small grilling mats are designed to hold foods during grilling. They prevent flare-ups as well as making sure small foods do not fall between the grates or get stuck to the grill.

  • Material

If you are buying a grill mat to hold food during grilling, make sure the material it is made of is food-grade and non-toxic. Ideally, the mat should be approved for quality and safety. The same goes for grill mats to be placed under the grill. They should be made of harmless materials that contain zero chemicals.

Plus, they should be heat-resistant so they can hold up well to being under a heat source season in season out. Grill mats for deck should also be waterproof to protect the deck and keep it clean and new. Quality materials used to make grill mats are copper and rubber.

  • Size

Both grill pads for barbecue and deck come in all sorts of sizes. Ideally, grill pads for BBQ come in sets. For instance, there are sets of 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on. In our opinion, when buying a grill mat for BBQ, you should choose the pack with as many pieces of mats as possible.

With such a set, you will always have extra mats to either give out or keep for future use. A pack with lots of mats is also cost-effective and very convenient to use since it eliminates the need to buy a new set time after time.

If you are looking for a grill mat for patio, be sure to measure your grill first. This will prevent you from ending up with a mat that does not fit right. Well, a mat that fits right allows 2 – 3 inches of coverage beyond the perimeter of the grill it is under. Such a mat protects the deck from hot coal, water, oil, grease, etc.

  • Ease of Cleaning

Cleaning a grill pad should not be overlooked when buying one. These things accumulate lots of grease and oil; hence, cleaning them can be very cumbersome. So, before you buy one, make sure it is made of a material that cleans easily. If it is a grill mat for BBQ, it should be dishwasher-safe. And if it is a grill mat for deck, it should clean effortlessly with soap and water or via a garden hose.

FAQs: Grill Mats for BBQ & Deck

Q1. Are grill mats durable?

It depends on the quality of the mat. That being said, top-quality grill pads can be used more than 100 times on both sides. Some of these mats are KONA BBQ Grill Mats, which come with an amazing warranty, and RENOOK Grill Mats, which are 100-percent non-stick. You should, however, note that top-notch grill mats for BBQ are slightly pricier than those deemed to be of poor quality.

Q2. Why should I place a mat under my grill?

If you grill or smoke food, especially regularly, it is advisable that you invest in a grill mat for deck. This kind of BBQ pad prevents oil and grease from getting your grilling space dirty. It also ensures that hot coal, which falls randomly on the floor, does not burn your deck. In a nutshell, a grill pad for deck keeps the patio looking new, thereby, significantly reducing maintenance costs.

Q3. Do mats prevent foods from getting grill marks?

It depends on the thickness of the BBQ mat you are using. With that being said, thicker mats are unlikely to leave grill marks on foods and vice versa. But before you even think about getting thin grill mats, you should note that these mats can be very lightweight and, therefore, may not hold foods nicely. In other words, go for a mat with decent thickness – neither too thick nor too thin.

Q4. Are copper grill mats safe?

Yes. The best copper grill mats are FDA-approved, not to mention being rigorously tested for quality and safety. This means they will not leak chemicals into your food even when they get very hot as a result of prolonged grilling. Another good thing about copper BBQ mats is that they are very durable and hold up well to high temperatures.

Best Grill Mats Reviews: Final Thoughts

The two common types of grill mats are grill mats for barbecue and grill mats for deck. A BBQ mat is designed to be placed on the grill grates in order to significantly cut down flare-ups. These mats also prevent food from falling through the grates or sticking to the grill. They normally come in sets, such as a set of 2, 3, 4, etc.

The other type, which is a grill mat for deck, is designed to be placed under the grill or smoker. It is large and protects the deck or patio from grease, oil, water, and hot coal that might fall accidentally on the floor during grilling. Since these grill mats serve different purposes, you can buy them both for a safe and easy grilling experience.