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Grilling outside on your deck is one of the best parts of your home, but without the right care and attention, over time, grilling can destroy your deck with grease and sauce stains.
A deck grill mat is a crucial component of any grill station to help lengthen the life of your deck and maintain its cleanliness. There are many different types of decks and grills, so make sure you find the right deck grill mat for your needs.
In this article, we’re going to examine what a Deck Grill Mat is, what makes a good deck grill mat, and the pros and cons of owning one.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Grill Mat for Decks
- OUR TOP PICK: Montana Grilling Gear Grill Mat
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: The Gas Grill Splatter Mat
- The Original Grill Pad Gray Grill Pad
Comparison of the Best Grill Mats For Your Deck
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What is a Deck Grill Mat?
A Deck Grill Mat is a tool used to protect your deck from grease, sauce, or other liquids that can splatter on your deck while grilling. The mat goes on the deck below the grill and, depending on which mat you purchase, it will protect your deck one of two ways.
What is a Deck Grill Mat Best For?
The number one best use for a Deck Grill Mat is to protect the area directly under your grill from grease splatter. Grease stains are very tough to remove, and can end up being a larger financial burden than the initial cost of a Deck Grill Mat.
What Should You Look For in a BBQ Grill Mat?
Before diving into the market of grilling mats, you should check out the basic features of one. The following are the features to look for in order to get the best grilling mat. Keeping these in mind will aid you in buying the most compelling product.
Sizing
Make sure you have sized your grill because if you don’t, you might end up with a small or extra-large mat. A couple of inches extra on your mat will help you a lot while you’re grilling; however, a size smaller than that of your grill can be problematic.
Absorbent
Since it’s an outdoor mat, you should look for ones that are highly absorbent as well as leak-proof. A mat that soaks through will stain your deck and discolor it as well, making cleaning a much more difficult task than it has to be.
Protection
Grilling on your deck is a great prospect, but there are many hurdles. Grilling mats takes away half of your stress by protecting your deck. It protects your deck from oil stains, coal sparks, and grease marks.
Heat Resistant
Again a must-have feature, a grill mat should be heat-resistant, should have rubber finishing, and should resist up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit of heat.
Willy's Top Picks - Best Grill Mats For Decks
Here are the top 3 best grill mats for decks:
Review of the Best Grill Mats For Decks
Now that we've covered what a grill mat is and some qualities of a top of the line model, we're going to take a look at some of our top picks.
We're going to review each product's main features, then dive into their pros and cons. Let's get started!
Best Overall:
Premium Grill Mat by Montana Grilling Gear
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
The customer reviews are more on the positive side than negative; many people loved the size as well as the color. Many buyers have reported that the mat provides adequate protection for their deck. While there were some complaints about it soaking up water, most users are satisfied with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us due to the low price as well as the key factor of being highly absorbent. Not only is it absorbent, but also leak-proof, so that your deck stays protected from grease and oil stains. A bonus of this mat is that it is easy to clean with just one powerful spray of water and a bit of soap.
This large, absorbent mat works for both gas and electric grills. It works by soaking up grease splatter and preventing them from leaking through the other side.
Clean-up is easy: simply spray with the hose or rinse with water. This mat lays flat and won’t curl up; this will keep your deck protected and maintain an aesthetically pleasing environment.
Who Will Use This Most
It’s perfect and practical for people who use their grill all year long as you don’t need to move the mat at all. It is non-slip as well as non-leak. This makes it perfect for people who live in a wet climate, where it rains and snows a lot, making grilling a slight hassle.
Bottom Line
All in all, it’s a great product that helps you grill better and longer. You can reuse it by just washing it with water and soap. The most brilliant point is the water-absorbing feature, which makes cleaning easier by tenfold.
If you have a gas or electric grill and want a lightweight layer of protection, this mat will work great for you. Be sure to find another option if you have a charcoal grill, and if you live in an area with heavy rainfall, it may become worn.
Best for the Money:
The Gas Grill Splatter Mat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Outdoor grilling comes with a lot of mess, and this mat keeps that mess at bay. There are a lot of things that people appreciate about it. For instance, it has a large enough size that can cover most grills, so if you have multiple grills at home, there’s no need to invest in different mats for each of them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The mat is designed with layering technology that absorbs the water and keeps it trapped without staining the deck. This is a must-have quality in an outdoor grilling mat, as there is a lot of spillage of both oil and water. The size is also a big plus as it accommodates most average-sized grills.
This reversible absorbent mat can protect your outdoor surface from grease splatters, without anything leaking through.
The fabric is composed of non-woven fibers that will not stick to your composite decking. It comes in two lengths, 48” x 30” and 60” x 30”, to fit your specific grilling needs.
Who Will Use This Most
Outdoor grilling and BBQ lovers should benefit from this mat to a great extent. They can grill all year round without worrying about their wooden, cement, or stone decks being ruined. People who love to have friends over and have a BBQ should have a couple of these under their grills for sure.
Bottom Line
The product is pretty smart with its water trapping features, but it doesn’t specify how much water the mat will absorb without soaking through. Despite that, it does a pretty decent job of keeping the mess at bay to make cleaning easier for you.
This product is not suited to the elements, but if you’re in an area with very low rainfall, this highly absorbent mat will soak up all splatter that gets on it. It’s environmentally friendly and versatile, but not durable in unpredictable weather.
3. The Original Grill Pad Gray Grill Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
More than half of the buyers are satisfied with the mat’s performance; they have reported that it works great with oil spills and coal sparks. While some of them complained about discoloration, they were willing to overlook the fact because of how great it was at ensuring mess-free grilling.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Outdoor grilling on a wooden deck comes with many quirks like fire. This mat stands out to us as it takes care of this very problem by absorbing coal sparks. It’s also great for protecting any kind of deck like wood or cement from oil and water spillage during grill sessions.
The Original Grill Pad is designed to work under gas and charcoal grills. Its fiber-cement makeup makes this pad heat and weather resistant, and it’s compatible with composite decking.
The Original Grill Pad requires hand washing, not hose or power washing. At 8 pounds, the pad is heavy enough to stay put on its own.
Who Will Use This Most
This practical mat is perfect for people who love to grill all year long, in any kind of weather. It is water and spill-proof, so your deck will have all the protection it needs. It’s most practical for homeowners with expensive decks or tenants who are worried that their landlord’s deck might get ruined.
Bottom Line
Overall, the mat will save your deck from coal sparks and small oil spillage. What makes it a great purchase is the fact that it can work in different weather and is the best for homeowners. In addition, it’s great at preventing water or oil from harming your deck.
Do not use this product if your grill is less than 24” tall. This is a product that will hold up against weather, but cannot be used for fire pits. It comes in many different colors, which allows you to personalize your deck space.
4. Tuffy Reversible BBQ Grill Pad
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
It’s a bummer to have a new deck stained or ruined due to grilling. However, if you have this mat, you won’t need to worry about that at all. The mat protects the deck and has the solid backing of its satisfied customers. It keeps coal sparks as well as all spills in check.
Why it Stands Out to Us
According to the reviews, the mat keeps everything neat and tidy while you grill contently. Whether you have a gas grill or a coal one, it is perfect for absorbing any kind of spillage and keeping your deck, stain proof. It’s a versatile piece of innovation that is also reversible.
This multi-use pad will work for your grill, smoker, and fryer. It’s heat resistant, but not suitable to use with a fire pit.
It’s made in the USA and suitable for composite decking. It’s a resistant style mat, meaning it will deflect grease and splatter, as well as rain. It’s composed of recycled rubber and actively contributes toward keeping tires out of our landfills.
Who Will Use This Most
Coal grill owners will benefit the most from this mat as these grills tend to spit out coal sparks a lot. This mat is good news for all outdoor grillers who love to entertain family and friends with a good grilling session. It’s also reversible, so one mat goes a long way.
Bottom Line
To top it off, this is a great mat that comes with a lot of recommendations from many satisfied customers. It’s reversible, so you get many uses before you need to wash it. It keeps the deck clean, protected from spillage, and staining. Plus, a strong tack keeps the carpet from slipping.
This water resistant pad is perfect if you live in an area with lots of rain, but it may become hard to work with in the colder months. Clean up requires only a quick rinse and a shake, making it incredibly easy to maintain.
5. Drymate Gas Grill Mat
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Grill scratches and oil spills can ruin a great looking deck in no time; however, this one efficiently protects your deck. Many customers have praised its quality of surviving cold and rainy weather. Though some complained about spills seeping through, all in all, it’s a smart product according to the majority and is a worthy investment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Being waterproof as well as non-slip makes the mat stand out to us. Made from recycled material, it is both practical as well as eco-friendly. Its skid-resistant material keeps your grill from moving a lot too. The price is pretty reasonable as well, so it’s a practical investment.
This fabric, absorbent mat is eco-friendly and USA made. It has a waterproof backing that prevents grease from leaking through, and will work on your deck, patio, or other outdoor surfaces. Its flexible, lightweight fabric makes it easy to transport and store.
Who Will Use This Most
The mat comes with a waterproof back that is best for renters who don’t want to ruin the landlord’s deck or homeowners with a brand new deck. It’s a practical product that folds, stores, and transports easily. It is also best for entertainers who like to have friends over for BBQ and fresh grill burgers.
Bottom Line
It’s a great investment that doesn’t take a lot, but it goes a long way. The size is perfect for all types of grills, and it adequately protects the deck from water, oil, and spillage of any kind. If you are one for grilling all throughout the year, this is just the thing for you.
An extra large, yet still lightweight option for your deck. The waterproof backing will prevent grease from leaking out, but the super absorbent top will hold water if left out in the rain. Great for gas or electric grills, but not charcoal.
Aspects of the Best Grill Mats
When looking at grill mats, a flexible material is going to give you the most versatile use; it will be easier to transport and set up. An absorbent material will be safer for deck use.
Repellent mats allow the grease to sit on top to be wiped down later, which could be hazardous for any children or pets running around.
It’s best to opt for a mat that’s slightly larger than what you might think you need. This will ensure that your deck is protected from any and all splatter that comes off your grill. Mats that resist tearing and curling under heat exposure are the best option for long-term use.
Conclusion
With all the different products, what’s most important is determining what your grilling needs are. Knowing what type of grill you have, how large it is, the type of deck, and your preferences is essential when choosing a deck grill mat.
There will be no denying when you find the mat that’s the best fit for you. Good luck!
People Also Ask
Grilling can be a lot of fun; having friends and family over is always exciting. However, if you are doing it for the first time, there must be a ton of questions in your mind. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding out door grilling and outdoor grilling mats.
Is it Safe to Grill on a Wood Deck?
Grilling on a wooden deck is fun, and absolutely safe if you take all the safety measurements.
Are Grill Mats Safe?
Yes, they are. Grilling mats are made along the lines of protecting all kinds of decks, so they are perfectly safe.
Can You Put a Grill on Composite Decking?
Yes, you can. All you need is a good grilling mat to protect your composite deck.
Are Grill Mats Reusable?
Yes, they are, they can be washed and reused many times.
Can You Cut Grill Mats?
Yes, there are some designs that can be cut into shapes to put under potted plants.
