Instead of spending time washing your deck or yard to remove grease and stains from your grill, simply buy a grill mat to put underneath. Like table mats, grill mats are a smart way to prevent messes. Plus, they’re easy to clean and relatively inexpensive. A quality mid-size grill mat can be purchased for around $40 or less, while the largest, most luxurious grill mats cost under $100. Here are our recommendations for the best grill mats to put underneath your grill.
To buy the right mat for your equipment, you’ll first need to measure the footprint of your grill. A general rule of thumb is to leave at least 4 inches of extra space around the grill; if you’re undecided between two sizes, it’s best to go with the slightly larger size for better coverage.
Additionally, your decision will likely depend on your budget. Higher-quality grill mats are usually made of durable, waterproof PVC, and there are a wide variety of BPA- and phthalate-free mats on the market. If you’re looking for a more eco-friendly mat, look for an eco-friendly mat made from recycled materials. Regardless, most mats have a non-slip backing, and some have a pattern on the top that provides traction. There are also mats that act as a thermal barrier to protect the surface underneath, ensuring safe grilling.
Every grill mat we feature has an average customer rating of over 4.5 stars and has received unanimous praise from many customers. The grill mats listed below come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and the options we’ve included cover a wide range of prices, from affordable models for $15 to high-quality mats for up to $60. We’ve also highlighted all the most notable features listed above for each mat we’ve featured and provided specifications, including weight and dimensions.
This durable grill mat from Cuisinart may be a little more expensive than other grill mats of similar size, but for the quality, it’s definitely worth the money. It’s a great choice that consistently gets praise from shoppers: More than 5,900 shoppers have given it an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars, with some noting that it’s well-made and a good value for the money. The thick, durable PVC mat weighs over 10 pounds and features a non-slip tread to keep your grill in place.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive (and machine-washable) grill mat, this one costs about $15 at the time of writing. It’s also eco-friendly, made from 50 percent recycled fiber and has a three-layer construction to resist oils and stains.
The mat has an absorbent material on top, a waterproof layer in the middle, and a lining on the back that prevents the mat from sticking to the deck. If the mat gets dirty, you can rinse it with a stream of water from a hose – this will quickly clean it and the mat will dry quickly.
This grill mat is another customer favorite and is suitable for protecting decks, as well as wood and composite decks. It measures slightly larger at 3 x 4 feet and is made from high-quality polyester with a PVC backing, making it durable, waterproof, and oil-resistant.
This grill mat is easy to clean with a garden hose or by hand with soap and water, and rolls up into a compact package for easy storage during the off-season.
A whopping 93% of shoppers gave this durable grill mat a rating of four stars or higher. It’s made by Resila, a well-known brand that makes high-quality mats, and is made from BPA- and phthalate-free PVC, making it both flexible and durable. In addition to being waterproof and fire-resistant, this mat also features a diamond pattern on the top and non-slip backing on the sides for extra grip.
It’s available in black and the bright silver pictured here in smaller sizes and is said to be made entirely in the USA.
This 3-foot round grill mat is ideal for small charcoal grills and smokers with a leg span of 32 inches or less. This fire-resistant, waterproof mat is made from 100% recycled PVC and is phthalate and BPA free. It is designed to protect cement and stone decks, as well as wood and composite decks, and has a non-slip layer on top to keep your grill in place.
However, please note that this mat is not recommended for use with above-ground fire pits or portable grills.
If your grill is small and rectangular, this highly rated GrillTex grill mat (average 4.7 stars from over 9,700 customers) is the perfect choice. It measures 4 x 2.5 feet and is made of non-absorbent, antimicrobial material with a synthetic recycled rubber backing that provides heat resistance up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Wipe up spills with an all-purpose household cleaner and a microfiber cloth, or rinse with a garden hose. This mat is available in several other sizes, including a smaller round mat than the one pictured above.
If you have a large grill, you’ll love this 6-foot-wide mat for added protection on your patio or deck. It’s made from durable PVC that’s BPA and phthalate-free, flexible, fire-resistant, and made from recycled materials. There’s also a lip on the side to catch spills, as well as a non-slip textured backing and diamond pattern on top.
The grill mat comes in sandstone, silver, and black, and 93% of shoppers give it an average rating of four stars or higher.
This mat is perfect for city dwellers who need a portable grill in a small outdoor space. It folds flat and features a layer of aluminum foil and a layer of silicone-coated fiberglass that create a heat-resistant barrier between the grill and the surface underneath. The mat is waterproof, extremely lightweight — less than 1 pound — and comes in three sizes: 24-inch, 30-inch, and 36-inch round.
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Kylie McGuigan is the Associate Business Editor at Hearst Magazines Fan Group. She has written content for brands like Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Bicycle, and Runner’s World. Kylie graduated from Penn State in May 2020 with a degree in Journalism and a minor in French. She spent most of her undergrad writing for VALLEY Magazine, Penn State’s only student-run fashion and lifestyle magazine, eventually becoming its editor. She creates content covering all aspects of beauty and wellness, lifestyle, and self-improvement. After four years in the happiest valley (State College, Pennsylvania), she moved back to South Jersey, also known as the famous “outside of Philly” area. Kylie is often found working at the local Starbucks with her best friend, a cup of iced tea in hand, and countless hours of music playlists to get her through the day. When she’s not working, she’s likely taking daily walks around the neighborhood, watching Orangetheory, binge-watching Sex and the City or Gossip Girl, visiting local coffee shops, or trying out new bars and restaurants in town with friends and family.
Rachel is the deputy reviews editor at Hearst Hobbyist & Wellness Group, where she contributes to Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Best Products. She comes from a background in journalism, and spent her early years as a daily newspaper reporter and book editor. She has worked as an editor and writer at TripAdvisor and Penguin Random House for more than a decade, and her writing has appeared in Time Out New York, the New York Daily News, and New York Magazine. When she’s not working, Rachel enjoys planning her next trip, visiting museums and galleries, and walking Central Park with her wire-haired dachshund, Leopold.