We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The Best Grill Mats to Make After-Cookout Cleanup a Breeze

These mats have got you covered

Best grill mats collaged against green striped background

The Spruce Eats / Amelia Manley

If you’re tired of constantly cleaning your grill grates or watching food fall between them, you may want to seek out a grill mat. Not only is this grilling accessory known for making cleanup much easier, but it also affords you the option to cook smaller foods without skewering them or worrying that they might fall into the fire. The kind of grill you have and the types of food you’re looking to cook on it should factor into your purchasing decision. We researched the best grill mats on the market and have a tried-and-true favorite, but there are also options in a variety of categories to set you up for grilling season.

What We Like
  • Flexible

  • Nonstick

  • Reusable and reversible

  • Versatile

What We Don't Like
  • Must allow mat to cool completely before cleaning

If you're on the fence about whether you need this particular grill accessory, Yoshi grill mats will change your mind. Reversible and reusable, the mats transform your grill into a nonstick surface and prevent small foods from falling through the grates. We've tested the mats with everything from flaky fish and sourdough pizza to skewers of scallops and cherry tomatoes and found them to be the key to easy, zero flareup cooking. Infused with copper and able to withstand heat as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you can use them in the oven as baking mats as well.

They're flexible and roll up for easy storage, which is great if you want to throw them in a picnic basket to use on public grills or take them camping. They measure 15.75 x 13 inches but can be cut to fit whatever shape or size needed so you aren't limited if you want to use them on a small portable grill. Our tester likes to take them sailing—in a pinch where she forgot her skillet, she was able to scramble eggs directly on the mat with no problem.

We love how easily cooked food slides right off the mats, and cleanup is a breeze. After letting them cool (which we figured out is key after a little trial and error), you can either handwash them or throw them in the dishwasher.

A tester flips green peppers on a Yoshi copper grilling mat over a charcoal grill.

The Spruce Eats / Julie Laing

Material: Copper, PTFE | Dimensions: 15.75 x 13 inches | Maximum Temperature: Up to 500 degrees

What We Like
  • Safe up to 600 degrees

  • Thicker than most mats

  • 7-year warranty

What We Don't Like
  • Requires trimming to fit smaller grills

One of the biggest variances between grill mats is thickness. If your mat is too thin, heat is conducted through quickly and can burn your food. Too thick and you'll always need to make sure you have enough heat to properly cook your food.

That said, we find the thickness of this grill mat from Kona to be just right. Comparatively, this mat is anywhere between two to four times thicker than other mats, which makes it much more durable and heavy-duty, allowing you to use it for longer. The thicker material also allows for it to be safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit. With a nonstick, dishwasher-safe surface, reviewers love how easy it is to clean these mats and how much they’re able to use them without the quality degrading. If you need a bigger size, there's also the 25 x 17-inch XL mat; both are backed by a 7-year warranty.

Material: PTFE fiberglass cloth | Dimensions: 16 x 13 inches | Maximum Temperature: 600 degrees

What We Like
  • Sturdier and thicker than some mats

  • Safe up to 600 degrees

  • Versatile

What We Don't Like
  • Can be difficult to clean

Not all grill mats can withstand high heat, but these are recommended for temperatures up to 600 degrees, which tends to be the maximum temperature suggested for any of these products. In addition to the maximum temperature, what we really like here is the design. The mesh allows more circulation of smoke, yet it prevents small food items from falling through the grates. This makes these extremely versatile—you can use them for smoking meats, making jerky, or infusing your favorite nuts with smoke flavor. Like the other Kona grill mats we recommend, these are dishwasher safe and have a 7-year warranty.

Material: PTFE-coated mesh | Dimensions: 16 x 13 inches | Maximum Temperature: 600 degrees

What We Like
  • Mesh allows more smoke to penetrate foods

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Black and copper options

What We Don't Like
  • Can be difficult to clean

If you’re looking for a mesh mat, this is a great option from Cook Time. By opting for mesh, your food will be much more exposed to the smoke and flame from your grill, but the food will still not come into direct contact with your grill grates, making cleaning the grill an easy task. These mats are food safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and are totally compatible with gas, electric, pellet, and charcoal grills. While they're nonstick and dishwasher safe, reviewers remark that lots of nooks and crannies can make it difficult to thoroughly clean the mesh—which is why we love that these are offered as a set of three at a reasonable price.

Material: PTFE-fiberglass coating | Dimensions: 15.75 x 13 inches | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees

What We Like
  • Dishwasher safe

  • Thin enough to leave grill marks

  • Wonderfully nonstick, even after many uses

What We Don't Like
  • Comparatively expensive

For a super flat, level, and nonstick mat, this Grillaholics model is a fan favorite. If you cook a lot of delicate foods on your grill, like fish, this mat is a great way to ensure that you don’t run into any sticking issues. It’s thick and sturdy enough to protect the fish from any intense flavors but will still allow for that signature grilled flavor. Users love the option to cook smaller foods, like crumbled sausage, eggs, and veggies. These mats fall on the slightly pricier side, but for such great quality, they do warrant a few extra dollars.

Material: PTFE-fiberglass coating | Dimensions: 15.75 x 13 inches | Maximum Temperature: 500 degrees

What We Like
  • Dishwasher safe

  • Set of 8

  • Safe up to 600 degrees

  • Size is limiting

These round grill mats are perfect for keeping your grill clean when cooking burgers specifically, and they'll help maintain their juices for a flavorful finished product. They're heat resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, reusable, and can be thrown in the dishwasher. And while they're perfect for burgers, you can use them for small veggies, crab cakes, and even eggs. They are 6 inches in diameter and the set comes with eight.

Material: PTFE-fiberglass coating | Diameter: 6 inches | Maximum Temperature: 600 degrees

Final Verdict

The Yoshi Copper Grill and Bake Mats are our top pick because they're versatile, easy to clean, and can be cut down to whatever size you need. If you're looking for a thick, durable mat that will last for years to come, go with the Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat.

What to Look for in Grill Mats

Size

It’s definitely important to measure the size of your grilling area before buying a mat to ensure that the mat will fit without any cumbersome overhang. Though you can always cut your grill mat once you have it to fit the size and shape of your grill, it’s easier to start with a mat that’s in the ballpark of your grill. If you have a circular grill, like a kamado, it will certainly be helpful to buy a circular mat. Instead of buying a huge mat for a small grill, save your money and opt for something smaller.

Temperature Capacity

It’s important to know the highest temperature that your grill mat can withstand. Most mats are safe up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but you should double check before purchasing. If the temperature capacity is anything lower than 500 degrees Fahrenheit, you run the risk of your mat melting or potentially being degraded during usage. If you want a mat that can withstand hotter temperatures, you’ll likely need to opt for a thicker mat. All grill mats are made of heavy-duty PTFE, a nonstick coated fabric, but the thickness of these mats vary, which directly indicates how high of temperatures they can withstand.

Material

Grill mats are made from a PTFE-fiberglass cloth, but they can be coated in copper, which is great for even grilling and also makes it easier to see the food than with a solid black mat. You can also find mesh PTFE-fiberglass cloth or mats with holes, which allow more smoke to get through to the food.

Price

The price range for grill mats is pretty narrow—you’ll likely spend anywhere from $10 to $25, so you don’t need to worry about a huge price difference between separate models. That said, you’re much better off opting for a higher quality mat with a thicker design that can withstand high temperatures, especially because a higher quality mat is not much more expensive than a basic one.

FAQs

How do you clean a grill mat? 

To clean your grill mat, start by rinsing and soaking it in warm, soapy water. If there is any stubborn food debris, you can also use the soft side of a scrub pad to loosen up the food. Never use any scratchy metal objects to clean these mats, as it will damage the nonstick coating and could potentially ruin the mat. Some grill mats are dishwasher safe, so check to see if yours is and run it through your dishwasher accordingly.

How do you use a grill mat? 

To use your grill mat, lay the mat down directly onto your preheated grill grates. Using a grill mat will prevent you from needing to clean your grates after grilling and you don’t have to use as much oil on your food to grill. By using the grill mat, you also don’t need to worry about smaller food items falling between the grates. Instead of skewering veggies, you can just throw them directly on the mat, and if you want to prepare breakfast items like eggs, pancakes, or French toast over the grill, now you can. When you’re done using the grill mat, let it cool down before removing and cleaning.

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Sara Tane has written nearly a dozen buying guides for The Spruce Eats, understanding what consumers and cooks need to consider before making a new purchase for their outdoor culinary adventures. She is a professionally trained chef in addition to an outdoor cooking enthusiast. With many weekends of cooking elaborate, delicious meals outside on a grill, she is no stranger to what it takes to have a successful bout of grilling. After researching different grill mats and their materials, she can help you find the best model for your grilling lifestyle. 

This roundup was updated by Arricca SanSone, who has been grilling since she owned her first tiny hibachi in college. She’ll grill anything, but her favorite food to grill is homemade pizza with fresh tomatoes and herbs from her garden. She is a health and lifestyle writer for Prevention, Country Living, Veranda, House Beautiful, PureWow, and many others

Additional reporting by
Arricca SanSone
Aaricca SanSone
Arrica Sansone is a health and lifestyle writer with a focus on home and garden.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Article Sources
The Spruce Eats uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Radulovic L,  Wojcinski Z. PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene; Teflon®). Encyclopedia of Toxicology (Third Edition). 2014; 1133-1136. doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-386454-3.00970-2

Continue to 5 of 6 below.