Under Grill Mats

What Are Under Grill Mats?

Under grill mats, as the name suggests, are mats that are placed beneath your grill to catch drips, spills, grease, and food residue that fall during grilling. These mats are designed to protect your outdoor surfaces—whether it's a deck, patio, or lawn—from damage caused by hot grills, grease stains, and food waste. They are made from high-quality, heat-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or PVC, to withstand extreme temperatures and provide an extra layer of protection between your grill and the ground.

These mats have become increasingly popular due to their convenience, protection, and ease of use. Whether you're grilling on a wooden deck, a stone patio, or even a grassy area, an under grill mat will not only keep your surfaces clean but also prevent any long-term damage to your outdoor space.

Why You Need an Under Grill Mat

Grilling brings joy, but it also introduces a variety of messes and potential hazards. Here are several reasons why you should consider using an under grill mat:

1. Protection from Grease and Oil Spills

One of the most common issues when grilling is grease splatters. As fat drips down from meat, especially fatty cuts like burgers or chicken, it can make a mess on your grill surface and the surrounding area. An under grill mat catches those drips before they hit your deck or patio, preventing stubborn grease stains that are difficult to remove.

2. Preventing Permanent Stains

When grease and food juices spill directly onto your deck or patio, they can stain the surface, and in some cases, even damage it permanently. Over time, repeated exposure to these elements can wear down wooden decks or leave unsightly spots on concrete. Under grill mats act as a barrier between your grill and the ground, absorbing spills and preventing stains from seeping into your surfaces.

3. Safeguarding Your Deck or Lawn from Heat

Grills can generate intense heat, and while most people are careful, it's easy to forget that placing a hot grill directly on a surface could cause burn marks, discoloration, or even irreversible damage. Under grill mats are heat-resistant, which means they can protect your deck, patio, or lawn from the high temperatures produced by your grill, saving your outdoor investment.

4. Easier Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning up after a barbecue can be a hassle. When you don’t use an under grill mat, you may find yourself scrubbing away stains from your patio or deck, trying to remove grease, burnt food, and ash. With a grill mat in place, the mess is contained, and all you need to do is clean the mat itself—often with just a simple rinse or wipe-down. This makes the cleaning process quicker and more convenient.

5. Avoiding Pests and Insects

Another great benefit of using an under grill mat is that it helps reduce food waste that can attract pests like ants, flies, or rodents. Spilled food or sauces can easily draw pests, but when caught by a mat, the risk of attracting these unwanted guests is minimized. This is particularly important during summer months when grilling is at its peak.

6. Protecting the Environment

Grill mats are designed to catch food debris, grease, and liquid, helping to keep these harmful materials from seeping into the soil or water table. This reduces the impact on your outdoor environment, making your grilling practices more sustainable and eco-friendly.

Features to Look for in an Under Grill Mat

With various options available on the market, it’s important to know what features to look for when selecting an under grill mat. Below are some key attributes to consider:

1. Heat Resistance

Heat resistance is perhaps the most important feature of an under grill mat. The mat needs to be able to withstand high temperatures without warping, melting, or catching fire. Choose mats made from durable, heat-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or heat-treated PVC, to ensure your mat performs well even under the most intense grilling conditions.

2. Durability and Thickness

A thicker mat offers more protection against grease, heat, and physical wear. When looking for a durable under grill mat, choose one that is designed for long-term use and is made from tough materials that can handle repeated exposure to grill heat, grease, and food debris. Thicker mats also tend to be more resistant to punctures and rips, which can help extend their lifespan.

3. Non-Slip Surface

A non-slip surface is crucial to keep your grill in place and prevent the mat from sliding around during use. If the mat shifts, it can cause accidents, or worse, expose your deck or lawn to the heat or grease you were trying to protect against. Look for mats with a textured surface or a grip pattern to ensure they stay firmly in place beneath your grill.

4. Easy to Clean

Under grill mats can accumulate grease, food, and ash, so it’s essential that they are easy to clean. Many mats are designed to be hosed down, wiped with a damp cloth, or even washed in the dishwasher, depending on the material. A mat that requires minimal effort to clean will make your grilling experience even more enjoyable and hassle-free.

5. Weather Resistance

Your grill mat will likely be exposed to the elements, including rain, sunlight, and fluctuating temperatures. Choose a mat that is weather-resistant and won’t deteriorate over time due to exposure to these environmental factors. UV-resistant mats are especially important if you're grilling in direct sunlight, as they’ll resist fading or cracking.

6. Size and Shape

Under grill mats come in various sizes to accommodate different grill types. Before purchasing, be sure to measure the area where your grill will sit and choose a mat that offers adequate coverage. A mat that is too small might not protect enough of the surface, while a mat that is too large might be cumbersome to work with. Rectangular mats are the most common, but there are also customizable options to suit unique grill setups.

7. Eco-Friendly Material

If sustainability is important to you, look for grill mats made from eco-friendly materials. Some mats are constructed from recycled or sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious grillers.

How to Use an Under Grill Mat

Using an under grill mat is incredibly easy, but following a few basic guidelines will ensure you get the most out of your mat:

1. Place the Mat Under Your Grill

Once you’ve chosen the right size mat for your grill, simply place it on the surface where you plan to grill. Make sure the mat covers enough of the surrounding area to catch any potential spills or splatters. Ensure the mat is flat and even before you set your grill on top.

2. Position Your Grill Carefully

Once the mat is in place, position your grill on top, ensuring that the heat source is not directly in contact with any flammable materials beneath the mat. Allow for some airflow around the grill for safety, but ensure that the mat is properly positioned to catch spills.

3. Grill as Usual

Once your grill is set up on the mat, you can proceed to cook your food as usual. The mat will protect your surfaces from heat, grease, and food splatter while providing a cleaner, safer grilling experience.

4. Clean the Mat After Use

After your grilling session, allow the mat to cool down before cleaning it. Most grill mats can be cleaned with a simple wipe-down or rinse with soap and water. For more stubborn stains, some mats are dishwasher-safe or can be cleaned with a grill-safe cleaner.