Under the Grill or On the Grate? Best Grill Mat Choices for Decks and Cooking

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“Grill mat” means two different products, and the best grill mat for you depends on which one you need. An under-grill mat lies on the deck or patio beneath the grill to catch grease, sauce and stray embers. A cooking mat is a thin, nonstick sheet that sits on the grates so fish, shrimp and chopped vegetables don’t stick or fall through.

We compared seven listings: four under-grill mats, from a PVC Cuisinart pad to large fiberglass mats, and three cooking mats, including a copper set. For deck mats, we look at size against your grill’s footprint, the material and any fire-resistance claim. For cooking mats, we quote each brand’s maximum temperature exactly as listed, because going past it is the main way these mats fail.

One point up front: no mat changes where a grill can safely sit. It still belongs well away from the house, railings and overhangs.

Our Top Grill Mat Picks at a Glance

Price key: $ under $50 · $$ $50–$100 · $$$ $100–$175 · $$$$ $175+. Prices change often; check Amazon for today’s price.

1. UBeesize 65 x 48 Under Grill Mat: Best Under-Grill Mat Overall

UBeesize’s under-grill mat is a 65 by 48 inch sheet of fiberglass coated on both sides with high-temperature silicone. It lies flat beneath a grill, smoker or fire pit and catches what drops: grease, sauce, food scraps and, according to the brand, sparks and embers. The listing calls it fireproof, waterproof and oil-resistant.

Fire resistance is the headline. UBeesize describes the fiberglass as fire retardant and says the mat withstands heat up to 2000°F without sticking, tearing, curling or cracking. Those are the brand’s claims; the listing names no test standard. The edges are stitched, which UBeesize says adds durability, and it pitches the same mat as a welding blanket, a fireplace hearth pad and a camping ground cover.

Day to day, cleanup is a rinse with soap and water, a spray from the garden hose, or a wipe with a damp cloth. When grilling season ends, it folds down into the included storage bag. At 65 by 48 inches it covers far more than most grill footprints, which leaves room for the drip zone in front of the lid where the cook stands and flips food.

It suits homeowners with a wood or composite deck, a larger gas or charcoal grill, or a fire pit that throws sparks, who want one mat to cover several jobs.

Why we like it

• Generous 65 x 48 inch coverage
• Stated 2000°F heat claim
• Folds into a storage bag

Watch out for

The size and weight fields are empty in the product specs, and the fire claims are the brand’s own, so treat the mat as a catch for drips and sparks rather than a reason to move the grill closer to anything.

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2. Cuisinart CGMT-300 Grill Mat: Best Rubber Deck Mat

Cuisinart’s CGMT-300 is a heavy rubber-style mat for the deck or patio, made from 100% PVC and sized at 65 by 36 inches. It goes under a grill, griddle or barbecue setup and works like a doormat for drips: grease, spills and sauce land on the mat instead of soaking into your boards or staining concrete.

Cuisinart’s pitch is protection and staying put. The listing says the mat’s substantial weight and non-slip design keep it in place under grills and griddles, and that it is compatible with wood, composite and concrete surfaces. It is described as weather-resistant, built to handle rain, sun and heavy use through the seasons.

What the listing does not mention is fire or heat. There is no heat rating and no fire-resistance claim, so this is a grease and stain mat, not an ember shield. Cleanup is a quick rinse with water. The specs list the thickness as 0 inches and leave the weight field empty, so neither is stated in usable form.

It suits gas grill and flat-top owners who cook over a closed firebox, worry mostly about grease stains on a deck, and like the idea of a mat that lies heavy and flat rather than a thin fabric sheet.

Why we like it

• Heavy, non-slip design
• Weather-resistant PVC
• Rinses clean with water

Watch out for

The listing makes no fire or heat claim, so it isn’t the pick for a charcoal grill, smoker or fire pit that sheds embers.

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3. GRILLTEX 39 x 72 Deck and Patio Mat: Best Mat With a Drip Zone

GRILLTEX makes a deck and patio mat with one design idea at its center: a drip zone. The 39 by 72 inch mat extends further at the front of the grill, which the listing calls the area where it is needed most, since that is where you open the lid, flip food and carry plates.

The listing is short. It says the mat protects decks, patios and garage floors from sauce, grease and oil, and that it won’t stain wood or paver stones. Cleaning is a wipe with a paper towel and household cleaner, or a spray from the garden hose. The specs list Dimex as the manufacturer.

Two details come from the specs rather than the bullets: the mat is 0.11 inches thick and weighs 8.8 pounds, which suggests a substantial mat that lies flat. The listing does not name the material and makes no claim about heat or fire resistance, so it should be treated as a grease and spill mat. Check your grill’s manual for any guidance on what can sit beneath it.

It suits gas grill owners on a wood deck or paver patio who want more coverage at the front of the grill than at the back, and who are mainly protecting against grease and marinade drips.

Why we like it

• Front drip-zone design
• Substantial 8.8 lb weight
• Hoses clean

Watch out for

Material and any heat or fire rating are not stated, so don’t rely on it to stop embers from a charcoal grill.

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4. rumlick 79 x 39 Under Grill Mat: Best Long Under-Grill Mat for Flat Tops

rumlick’s 79 by 39 inch mat is built for long cookers. The title names Blackstone griddles, and the listing says it fits most family-sized grills, which matters when a flat top with two side shelves stretches well past five feet. It is a fiberglass mat with a heat-resistant coating on both sides.

The brand claims heat resistance up to 2000°F and says the mat protects wood surfaces and pavers from flying embers and hot grease. It also adds a sensible note: fire sources should not come into direct contact with the mat if you want it to last. That is a useful reminder that a heat claim on a deck mat is about drips and sparks, not about setting hot coals on it.

The silicone surface is described as oil-proof and waterproof, so food residue, grease and dust sit on top. Hose off stuck-on grease or wipe with a damp cloth. It folds for storage, and rumlick suggests it for camping, fire pits, fireplaces and tailgates as well. The specs list it at 0.04 inches thick and 5.18 pounds.

It suits flat-top griddle owners and anyone with a wide grill on a deck who wants the most length of any mat here, with a stated heat claim.

Why we like it

• 79-inch length for long cookers
• Stated heat and ember claims
• Hose-off cleanup

Watch out for

The warranty field is empty, and rumlick itself says to keep fire sources from touching the mat directly.

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5. Grillaholics Reusable Grill Mats, Set of 2: Best Cooking Mat Overall

Grillaholics makes a two-pack of thin cooking mats that lie directly on the grill grates. Each mat is 15.75 by 13 inches and made from what the listing calls premium heat-resistant PTFE-fiberglass coating. Food sits on a flat, nonstick surface, so shrimp and asparagus can’t slip through and fish doesn’t tear on the bars.

The rated limit is 500 degrees Fahrenheit; the listing says the mats can withstand temperatures up to that point and will not burn. Grillaholics says it tested several thicknesses before settling on one thin enough to leave grill marks and flavor but thick enough for heat resistance and durability. The mats work with gas, charcoal, electric grills and smokers, can be cut to any shape, and double as bake mats.

After cooking, wipe the mats with hot water or put them on the top rack of the dishwasher. The brand claims they can be reused up to 1,000 times per side. Grillaholics pitches them for breakfast on the grill, grilled cheese, eggs and delicate fish, and says they keep grates clean between cooks.

They suit cooks who grill fish, eggs and chopped vegetables often and want a reusable nonstick surface, as long as they keep the grill at or below the stated 500°F.

Why we like it

• Nonstick for fish and eggs
• Dishwasher safe
• Lifetime warranty field

Watch out for

At a 500°F rating, these mats aren’t for a grill running full blast; keep the heat moderate and follow the label.

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6. Demiwise Copper Grill Mats, Set of 6: Best Copper Grill Mats

Demiwise sells its copper grill mats in a set of six, each 15.75 by 13 inches. Copper describes the color of the finish; the listing says the mats are made from heavy-duty PTFE-coated material that is nonstick and PFOA free. Laid side by side, several mats can cover most or all of a standard grate.

The heat rating comes with a time limit. The listing says the mats can withstand temperatures up to 500°F (260°C) without burning, and asks you not to sustain 500°F for more than 30 minutes, to protect both the food and the mat. For charcoal grills, Demiwise says to keep the mats about 7 inches from the burner so they don’t touch the coals.

Day to day, the mats sit on the grate and catch small foods, marinades and drips, and Demiwise says they leave grill marks and flavor intact. Steak, chicken thighs, vegetables, shrimp and fish are all named. Afterward, wash them in the dishwasher or rinse with soap and water. They work on gas, charcoal and electric grills.

They suit families and hosts who grill several things at once and want a full grate of nonstick surface, and who are willing to keep the heat within the stated limits.

Why we like it

• Six mats in the box
• Clear temperature and time limit
• Dishwasher safe

Watch out for

Demiwise asks you not to hold 500°F for more than 30 minutes and to keep the mats about 7 inches from charcoal, so these aren’t for searing over high flame.

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7. GRILLART 600°F Grill Mats, Set of 2: Best High-Heat Cooking Mat

GRILLART’s grill mats come as a set of two, each 16 by 13 inches, and the brand’s pitch is heat. The title calls them 600-degree mats, and the listing says that is one of the highest heat resistances on the market, which the brand ties to faster grilling.

Thickness is the other selling point. GRILLART lists the mats at 0.39 millimeters and compares that with ordinary mats at 0.2 to 0.25 millimeters, saying the extra thickness keeps grill marks while reducing the chance of tears. The brand also describes a newer anti-scratch nonstick coating, though the listing does not name the coating material.

Use is straightforward: lay a mat on the grate, cook, and wash it in the dishwasher or with soapy water. The mats can be cut to size, and GRILLART suggests them for steak, chicken, fish fillets, small vegetables and fried eggs, plus campground and park grills. The listing says they contain no PFOA or other dangerous chemicals.

They suit cooks who want a nonstick mat with more temperature headroom, and who like a thicker sheet that is less likely to tear when scraped with a spatula. As with any coated mat, the listed limit is the most it should see, so keep burners below full when it is on the grate.

Why we like it

• 600°F stated rating
• Thicker 0.39 mm mat
• Cut-to-size and dishwasher safe

Watch out for

The listing doesn’t name the coating material, and 600°F is still a ceiling, not a target; keep the mat off direct high flame.

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How We Chose the Best Grill Mats

We kept under-grill deck mats and on-grate cooking mats in separate groups, limited our picks to listings in stock and sold by Amazon.com or the brand’s own store, and compared what each listing says:

• Type and placement: under the grill on the deck, or on the grates under the food.
• Size: deck-mat dimensions against typical grill footprints, and cooking-mat size and count.
• Heat and fire claims: quoted as each brand states them, and flagged when a listing makes none.
• Material: PVC, coated fiberglass or PTFE, or “not stated.”
• Care, warranty and popularity: cleaning method, the warranty field and Amazon sales rank.

Grill Mat Buying Guide

Best Under Grill Mat: Match the Size to Your Grill

Measure the grill’s full footprint, including side shelves, then add room at the front, where drips land as you flip and serve. Among our picks, the UBeesize (65 x 48 inches) has the most area by our math, the rumlick (79 x 39 inches) is the longest, and the GRILLTEX (72 x 39 inches) adds a front drip zone. The Cuisinart (65 x 36 inches) is the narrowest. If you’re still choosing the grill itself, our best gas grill guide lists each model’s size.

Best Grill Mat for Deck Protection: Grease vs. Embers

Deck mats fall into two camps. PVC or rubber-style mats like the Cuisinart, and the GRILLTEX (whose listing doesn’t name a material), are built to stop grease and sauce stains, and their listings make no fire or heat claim. Coated fiberglass mats like the UBeesize and rumlick claim heat resistance up to 2000°F and protection from embers. Those are brand claims with no test standard named, and rumlick itself says fire sources shouldn’t touch the mat directly. For a charcoal grill, smoker or fire pit, the fiberglass type is the better match.

Best Grill Mats for Cooking: PTFE Temperature Limits

Cooking mats are thin, nonstick sheets, usually PTFE-coated fiberglass, and each carries a maximum temperature. Grillaholics and Demiwise list 500°F, and Demiwise adds that you shouldn’t hold 500°F for more than 30 minutes. GRILLART lists 600°F. Treat the number as a ceiling: keep the mat off direct high flame, keep charcoal mats away from the coals (Demiwise says about 7 inches), and don’t preheat an empty mat on a grill running full blast. PTFE coatings can break down when overheated, so follow the temperature limit and instructions on your mat’s label.

Best Copper Grill Mats: What “Copper” Means

“Copper” on a grill mat listing usually describes the color. The Demiwise listing describes its mats as PTFE-coated material that is PFOA free, the same basic construction as black mats, so compare copper mats on temperature limit, size and count rather than color. For foods that need airflow and char, such as chunky vegetables or fish fillets, a grill basket is the alternative to a solid mat.

Cleaning and Storing Grill Mats

All three cooking mats are listed as dishwasher safe. Deck mats clean with a hose or a wipe-down, and the UBeesize folds into a storage bag. Clean deck mats regularly, because grease left on a mat is still grease near a flame. When the grill has fully cooled, a grill cover keeps rain off the grill; check your mat’s listing before leaving it out in all weather.

Grill Mat Safety: A Mat Doesn’t Change Grill Clearance

An under-grill mat protects the surface directly below the grill. It does nothing for the siding, railings or overhangs around it. The NFPA’s grilling safety page and the U.S. Fire Administration’s outdoor fire page list the habits that matter:

• Keep your distance. NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches, with or without a mat.
• No porches or balconies. USFA says not to store or use a grill on a porch or balcony.
• Clean the grease. NFPA says to remove grease or fat buildup from the grill and the trays below it; USFA says to clean the grill after each use to remove grease that can start a fire. Wipe the mat, too.
• Kid-free zone. NFPA recommends a kid-free zone of at least 3 feet around hot things like grills.
• Never unattended. USFA says not to walk away from a lit grill.

Deck Fires and Your Home Insurance

A grill fire that spreads to a deck or siding becomes a property claim, and a guest hurt at your cookout can raise a liability question. Homeowners policies generally address both, though limits and exclusions vary, and renters should check whether their lease allows grills on patios at all. Our Ohio homeowners insurance guide explains dwelling and liability coverage, and renters insurance costs in Ohio covers tenants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best grill mat for a deck?

For grease and embers, a coated fiberglass mat such as the UBeesize 65 x 48 inch mat, which claims heat resistance up to 2000°F and has the best sales rank among our picks. For grease and spills on a gas grill only, the Cuisinart PVC mat is heavy and non-slip, but its listing makes no fire claim.

Are grill mats safe to cook on?

They are designed for it within the temperature on the label. Grillaholics and Demiwise list 500°F, and GRILLART lists 600°F. Keep mats off direct high flame and away from coals, and follow each brand’s instructions, since PTFE coatings can break down if overheated.

Do I still need clearance from the house with an under grill mat?

Yes. A mat protects the surface beneath the grill only. NFPA says to place the grill well away from the home and deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.

Are copper grill mats better than black ones?

Not by the listings. The Demiwise copper mats are described as PTFE-coated and rated to 500°F, the same limit as the black Grillaholics mats. Compare temperature limits, size and how many mats come in a set.

How big should an under grill mat be?

Larger than the grill’s full footprint, including shelves, with extra room at the front where drips land. Our picks range from 65 x 36 inches (Cuisinart) to 79 x 39 inches (rumlick), and the GRILLTEX adds a front drip zone.

The Bottom Line

Decide first whether the mat goes under the grill or on the grate. Under a grill, the UBeesize 65 x 48 is the best grill mat for most decks, with the most coverage and a stated heat claim; the rumlick 79 x 39 fits long flat tops, the Cuisinart PVC mat handles grease, and the GRILLTEX adds a front drip zone. On the grate, the Grillaholics pair is our pick, the Demiwise copper six-pack covers a whole grate, and GRILLART lists the highest temperature limit. Whichever you buy, keep the grill well away from the house.

Grilling on a wood deck and wondering how your policy would handle fire damage? Call Jeff Smith’s State Farm office at (740) 354-7747 or get a free coverage review.