There’s a small heartbreak unique to grilling: watching a perfectly good shrimp, a slice of pepper, or half your diced veggies tumble through the grates into the fire below. And then there’s the slower heartbreak of looking down at the permanent grease constellation your grill has stamped onto the deck. Grill mats solve both — but they’re actually two completely different products that happen to share a name, and knowing which one you need is half the battle.
The first type is a non-stick grill topper mat: a thin, heat-resistant sheet (usually PTFE-coated fiberglass) you lay right on the grates and cook on top of. It stops small or delicate food from falling through, keeps marinades and cheese off the grates, and makes cleanup a wipe instead of a scrub. The second type is an under-grill / deck mat: a thick, flame- and grease-resistant floor mat that sits beneath the grill to protect your patio, deck, or garage floor from splatter, drips, and heat. They’re not interchangeable, and plenty of grillers happily own both.
We pulled together the picks we love across both categories — the cooking mats that turn your grill into a griddle for the fiddly stuff, and the floor mats that keep your deck looking like you didn’t just host a barbecue every weekend.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The 7-piece count is genuinely generous compared to most competing sets that include only 2 to 5 mats.
- PFOA-free materials address a common safety concern buyers have with non-stick coatings on high-heat surfaces.
- Dual-sided usability and 100-plus uses per side make these mats cost-effective over repeated use.
- Compatibility with dishwashers removes the friction that makes most grill accessories feel like more trouble than they are worth.
Cons
- Mats must stay off direct charcoal contact, which limits placement flexibility on traditional kettle or kamado grills.
- With zero verified reviews at this listing, buyers cannot confirm real-world durability claims beyond manufacturer specifications.
Details
These copper-coated grill mats solve the two most common outdoor grilling frustrations: food falling through grates and greasy grill cleanup after cooking.
The non-stick surface handles up to 500°F and works on gas, charcoal, and electric grills, making them a single solution across multiple setups.
Each mat measures 15.75 x 13 inches and can be trimmed to fit any grill shape. The set includes 7 mats, each rated for 100-plus uses per side.
Direct contact with charcoal will damage the mats. On charcoal grills, position them above the grate level, not resting on coals.
Best for frequent backyard grillers who cook a wide range of foods and want cleanup to take minutes, not scrubbing sessions.
Best Uses
These mats handle delicate foods that standard grates cannot. Use them for fish fillets, shrimp skewers, sliced vegetables, and eggs where direct grate contact would mean losing food to the fire.
They double as a baking surface for campground cooking. Pancakes, bacon, and flatbreads cook evenly on the mat without requiring a pan or cast iron skillet.
Cut a mat to fit smaller portable grills or park grills where fixed grate sizes would otherwise leave gaps. The trimmed edges do not fray or compromise the non-stick layer.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Six mats in one pack give you enough coverage for large grills or backups when some are in the wash.
- Genuinely non-stick surface releases food cleanly without scraping or soaking.
- Dishwasher-safe design saves the tedious work of hand-scrubbing baked-on grill residue.
Cons
- Temperature must stay under 400°F for short cooking and 260°F for sessions over 30 minutes, which limits high-heat searing.
- Mats are thin enough that sharp grill tools or metal spatulas can puncture them if you press too hard.
Details
RENOOK grill mats are reusable non-stick sheets that sit on grill grates to catch small or delicate foods while letting heat and smoke flavor pass through.
The PTFE-fiberglass coating releases fish, veggies, and marinated meats without sticking, and the 15.75 x 13-inch size covers most standard grill surfaces or cuts down to fit smaller grills and oven racks.
Each mat weighs less than an ounce and flexes enough to roll for storage. The black finish hides stains, and both sides are usable.
Heat tolerance caps at 400°F for brief cooking and drops to 260°F for longer sessions, so these work better for medium-heat grilling than high-temperature steaks.
Best for grillers who cook seafood and vegetables often and want to skip the grate-scrubbing ritual after every cookout.
Cooking Tips
Preheat the grill with mats in place for two minutes so they grip the grates and lie flat during cooking. Flip food with silicone or wooden tools to avoid puncturing the surface.
Layer multiple mats side by side on wide grills to cook large batches of skewered vegetables, chicken wings, or bacon strips without rotating pans.
For oven baking, place a mat on a cookie sheet under sticky glazed salmon or roasted Brussels sprouts to eliminate parchment paper waste and simplify cleanup.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- At 0.39mm, the mat is noticeably thicker than most competitors, which translates to longer usable life and fewer mid-session failures.
- The anti-scratch nonstick coating holds up through repeated use and dishwasher cycles without flaking or peeling.
- Works across gas, charcoal, electric, and portable camp grills, so one purchase covers multiple setups.
- PFOA-free construction means no harmful chemical off-gassing at high temperatures, a meaningful consideration for food-contact surfaces.
Cons
- With zero verified reviews available, real-world longevity and long-term nonstick performance cannot be independently confirmed beyond manufacturer claims.
- Cooking on a mat reduces direct flame contact, which limits smoke penetration and may produce a milder char flavor compared to grate-only grilling.
Details
GRILLART Grill Mats lay flat over any grill grate to create a solid, nonstick cooking surface that prevents food from falling, sticking, or leaving cleanup messes on the grates themselves.
The 600°F heat rating supports high-heat searing, and the 0.39mm thickness maintains even heat transfer while resisting tears that thinner mats are prone to under direct flame.
Constructed from PFOA-free nonstick material, the mats are dishwasher-safe and cuttable to fit any grill shape or size, including round kamado and compact portable units.
These mats reduce smoke contact with food, so buyers who prioritize deep smoky flavor from direct charcoal exposure may find the barrier a tradeoff worth noting.
Best for grillers who cook delicate or small foods regularly and want a reusable, low-cleanup solution that works across multiple grill types.
Best Uses
Use the mats for foods that would otherwise fall through grates: shrimp, sliced vegetables, fish fillets, and eggs. The nonstick surface holds them flat and releases cleanly without tearing.
For larger cuts like steaks or chicken thighs, the mat delivers grill marks while containing juices, keeping the grate below clean and reducing flare-ups from dripping fat.
At campsites or parks with communal grates, lay a mat over the grate to avoid cooking on an unsanitary surface — the cuttable design fits irregular grate shapes easily.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Generous 65" x 36" size covers the footprint of most standard grills plus surrounding drip zones.
- PVC material repels grease and moisture without absorbing stains, so the mat looks clean after a simple rinse.
- Non-slip design prevents mat movement even when heavy grills or griddles are repositioned on top.
- Works on multiple surface types including wood decks, composite boards, and concrete patios without requiring adhesives or fasteners.
Cons
- At 65" x 36", the mat may fall short for oversized smokers or two-station grill setups that extend beyond that footprint.
- PVC mats can retain heat in direct sun, which may cause temporary surface softening on very hot days.
Details
This mat sits under your grill or griddle to catch grease drips and prevent stain damage on deck, patio, or porch surfaces before they soak in.
The non-slip backing holds the mat in position under heavy equipment, and the PVC surface sheds grease so a garden hose rinse restores it after each use.
Built from 100% PVC at 65″ x 36″, it covers the footprint of most full-size grills with room for side drips on wood, composite, or concrete.
Buyers with extra-large smokers or dual-grill setups may find the dimensions limiting for full coverage.
Best for homeowners with wood or composite decks who grill regularly and want surface protection without a cleanup commitment.
Best Uses
Place this mat under gas, charcoal, or pellet grills to intercept grease before it reaches deck boards. It also works under flat-top griddles where oil runoff is heavier and more frequent.
Use it seasonally under smokers during long low-and-slow cooks where extended dripping creates the most staining risk on porous deck surfaces.
It doubles as a standing surface in front of prep stations on patios, keeping shoe soles and surrounding concrete clean during high-traffic outdoor cookouts.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dual-sided fiberglass construction provides verified heat resistance up to 2000°F, protecting wood decks and grass from embers and drips.
- Oil- and waterproof silicone coating makes cleaning straightforward — food residue and grease wipe or rinse off without scrubbing.
- Foldable and portable design makes storage simple and extends use to camping, fire pits, and indoor fireplaces.
Cons
- Direct contact between an open flame and the mat surface is not recommended, which limits placement flexibility for certain fire pit setups.
- At 48×30 inches, the mat may not extend far enough on both sides for larger cabinet-style or offset smoker grills.
Details
The rumlick grill mat sits under your outdoor grill to catch grease drips, block radiant heat, and stop flying embers from scorching your deck or killing your grass.
Fiberglass core with dual-side heat-resistant coating tolerates up to 2000°F, so brief ember contact and grease splatter won’t compromise the mat’s structure.
Silicone surface coating on both sides repels oil and water, keeping residue on top where it’s easy to rinse rather than absorbed into the material.
At 48×30 inches it fits most standard kettle and gas grills, but buyers with large cabinet smokers should measure their grill footprint before purchasing.
Best for homeowners who grill regularly on wood decks or maintained lawns and want a reusable, low-maintenance barrier that handles more than one season.
Best Uses
Place the mat centered under your grill grate during any cookout to catch grease and block ember scatter — it handles gas, charcoal, and pellet grills without issue.
Use it under a fire pit on a patio or deck where direct flame contact with the surface is avoided, keeping the mat intact and your surface protected across multiple uses.
Fold and pack it for camping trips or tailgates where you need ground protection without carrying bulky equipment — it stores flat and weighs little.
How We Evaluated These Picks
This guide is research-based, not a hands-on test. We did not buy, cook with, or measure the products above. What we did compare: manufacturer specifications, materials and construction, capacities and wattages, and the patterns that repeat across large volumes of verified owner reviews — especially the complaints that only surface after weeks of use, like coatings failing, motors weakening, controls drifting, or a design proving awkward to clean and store.
Where this page describes how something performs, it is reporting what the specifications state and what owners consistently report — not a result we produced ourselves. Prices and availability change constantly, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects which products we include or how we rank them.
The Picks We Love
RENOOK Grill Mat, Set of 6 — Best Cooking Mat Overall
The crowd-pleasing topper set, and the one we’d hand most grillers first. Six 100% non-stick, reusable mats work on gas, charcoal, or electric grills, and the generous count means you can cover a big grilling surface or cut them down to custom sizes (they trim easily with scissors). Lay one on the grates and suddenly you can grill diced vegetables, shrimp, eggs, pancakes, or delicate fish without anything falling through or sticking — your grill basically becomes a griddle. Cleanup is a wipe or a run through the dishwasher. It’s the versatile, do-everything cooking mat that makes the most frustrating grill foods easy.
GRILLART BBQ Grill Mats, Non-Stick 600°F Heavy Duty — Best for High Heat
The pick when temperature is your concern. GRILLART’s heavy-duty mats are rated to a higher 600°F threshold than many toppers, which gives you more headroom for the kind of medium-high grilling most people actually do, and the heavier construction holds up better to repeated use and the occasional spatula scrape. Like all good toppers they’re non-stick, reusable, and trimmable. If you’ve burned through flimsier mats or you push your grill hotter, the extra heat rating and durability here are worth it. Just remember that no topper mat is meant for full-blast searing — 600°F is the ceiling, not the target.
WIBIMEN Copper Grill Mats, Set of 7 — Best Value Multipack
The best deal if you want plenty of mats to cut, cover, and replace freely. Seven copper-colored, 100% non-stick, PFOA-free mats at a friendly price means you’re not precious about trimming them to fit a basket, a side burner, or an oven rack — and you’ve got spares for when one eventually wears out. The copper finish is mostly aesthetic, but the performance is the standard topper deal: small food stays put, cleanup is easy, and they’re reusable across gas, charcoal, and electric. A great low-commitment way to try grill mats or to keep a well-stocked drawer of them.
Cuisinart Premium Deck and Grill Mat, 65 x 36 — Best Under-Grill Protector
This is the other kind of mat — the one that saves your deck, not your dinner. At a generous 65 by 36 inches, this non-slip rubber floor mat sits under the grill (or griddle) to catch grease splatter, drips, and sparks before they stain or scorch your patio, deck, or garage floor. The Cuisinart name brings reliable build quality, the non-slip backing keeps it from sliding around, and it’s easy to hose off. If you grill on a wood deck or a finished surface you care about, this is the unglamorous purchase you’ll be grateful for every cookout. It does nothing for your food — and everything for your flooring.
rumlick Under Grill Mat, 48 x 30, Double-Sided Fireproof — Best Budget Floor Mat
The value pick for deck protection. This 48-by-30-inch under-grill mat is double-sided fireproof and both oil- and water-resistant, so it shrugs off grease drips and the occasional ember while protecting the surface beneath. The double-sided design means you can flip it when one side gets grimy, extending its life, and it’s sized for most standard grills and smokers without the larger footprint (or price) of the Cuisinart. Hose it off or wipe it down between uses. A smart, affordable way to keep a patio or garage floor clean if you don’t need the extra-large coverage.
How to Choose
First, decide which job you’re solving, because the two mat types don’t overlap. If small or delicate food keeps falling through your grates or sticking, you want a cooking topper mat (RENOOK, GRILLART, WIBIMEN); if you’re protecting a deck or floor from grease and heat, you want an under-grill floor mat (Cuisinart, rumlick). For cooking mats, check the heat rating — most top out around 500°F, with heavy-duty ones like GRILLART rated to 600°F — and confirm they’re PFOA-free; buy a multipack so you can trim them to size with scissors. For floor mats, prioritize size (measure your grill’s footprint plus a margin for splatter), a non-slip backing, and genuine fireproof/grease-proof material rather than a thin rubber sheet. Many grillers end up owning both — a stack of cooking mats for the fiddly foods and one floor mat parked permanently under the grill.
Care and Use
Care differs by type. Cooking mats are low-fuss: let them cool, then wash with warm soapy water or run them through the dishwasher (top rack), and store them flat or loosely rolled — never folded, since hard creases can crack the coating over time. The single most important rule is heat: keep them at or below their rated temperature (most ~500°F, heavy-duty ~600°F) and never use them for high-heat searing or directly over open flame, which degrades the non-stick surface and shortens their life. Don’t cut on them with knives or scrape with sharp metal. Floor mats are even simpler — hose them off or wipe them down to remove grease, let them dry before storing so they don’t trap moisture, and flip double-sided ones to even out wear. Both types last far longer when you clean them after each cookout rather than letting grease bake on.
Pairing and Ideas
Cooking mats quietly expand what your grill can do — once you have them, try the foods you’d normally never put on grates: scrambled eggs and pancakes for a backyard breakfast, stir-fried diced vegetables, shrimp and scallops, sliced halloumi, even hash browns. They turn the grill into an outdoor griddle, which pairs naturally with flat-top and griddle cooking. For the rest of your grilling setup, a good instant-read or leave-in thermometer is the other upgrade that most improves results — see our guide to the best wireless meat thermometer and the broader best meat thermometer picks. If you’re cooking indoors when the weather turns, an electric griddle covers the same fiddly foods.
Reader Q&A
What’s the difference between a grill mat and an under-grill mat?
They’re two different products. A grill (or grill topper) mat is a thin, non-stick, heat-resistant sheet you lay directly on the grates and cook food on top of — it stops small or delicate food from falling through and makes cleanup easy. An under-grill mat is a thick, fireproof floor mat that sits beneath the grill to protect your deck, patio, or garage floor from grease splatter, drips, and heat. One protects your food, the other protects your flooring.
Are grill mats safe to cook on?
Yes, when used as directed. Quality cooking grill mats are made from PTFE-coated fiberglass and should be PFOA-free; they’re safe as long as you stay within their rated temperature (typically around 500°F, or 600°F for heavy-duty versions) and don’t use them for high-heat searing or directly over open flame. Overheating any PTFE surface can degrade it, so keep the grill at moderate temperatures when using a mat, and replace mats that are badly scratched or damaged.
Do grill mats ruin the grilled flavor or grill marks?
It’s a trade-off. Cooking on a mat means food doesn’t get direct contact with the grates, so you lose the char and sear marks that come from flame contact — and some of the smoky flavor. In exchange, you gain the ability to grill foods that would otherwise fall through or stick, like diced vegetables, eggs, and delicate fish. Many grillers use mats only for those fiddly foods and grill steaks and burgers directly on the grates for maximum sear.
How do you clean grill mats?
For cooking topper mats, let them cool, then wash with warm soapy water or run them through the dishwasher on the top rack, and store them flat or loosely rolled rather than folded to avoid cracking the coating. For under-grill floor mats, hose them off or wipe them down to remove grease, then let them dry fully before storing. Cleaning both types after each use, rather than letting grease bake on, significantly extends their life.
Can you cut grill mats to size?
Yes — most non-stick cooking grill mats can be trimmed with scissors to fit your specific grill, a grill basket, a side burner, or even an oven rack, which is one reason multipacks are popular. Cutting them to size lets you customize coverage without buying different products. Under-grill floor mats are generally used at their full size for maximum protection, though some can also be trimmed; check the specific product before cutting.
The Last Word
Grill mats are two solutions wearing one name. If your problem is food falling through the grates or sticking, a non-stick cooking topper is the fix — RENOOK for an all-around set, GRILLART when you push higher heat, or the WIBIMEN multipack for value and spares. If your problem is a grease-stained deck, an under-grill floor mat is what you want — the large Cuisinart for premium coverage or the budget-friendly rumlick. Plenty of grillers end up with both. Whichever you buy, keep cooking mats under their heat rating and clean everything after each cookout. To round out your grilling kit, see our picks for the best wireless meat thermometer and the best budget pellet smoker.
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