There are mixed reviews when it comes to grill mats. Some people say that they are amazing and make grilling so much easier.
Others find that they don’t work well and prefer to stick with the traditional grilling methods straight on the grill, so are barbecue grill mats any good?
What are barbecue grill mats?
A grill mat is made from heat-resistant materials and normally comes in sheets of Teflon, copper, silicone, or other non-stick materials that are placed on the grates of a grill to prevent food from sticking.
Grill mats are mostly flexible and can be cut to fit any size grill. They can be reused many times and are easy to clean.
They help you achieve evenly cooked food without the food sticking or burning on the grates.
Grill mats also make clean-up a breeze – simply remove the mat and wash it in the sink. No more scrubbing burned-on food off your grill!
So how do you use a barbecue grill mat?
Barbecue grill mats are placed on top of your grill grates, and they act as a barrier between your food and the direct heat of the flames.
This means that you can cook delicate items like fish or vegetables without fear of them sticking to the grate or falling through the cracks.
And because the mat protects your food from direct contact with the fire, it also helps to prevent burning and charring.
Grill mats also make clean-up a breeze, when you are finished cooking and they have cooled down, simply remove from the grill and wash with warm soapy water.
Leave to dry and pack away ready for your next barbecue.
How to choose a good grill mat
When it comes to choosing a grill mat, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First, consider the size of your grill and choose a mat that will fit comfortably on top, or one that can be trimmed to size.
You’ll also want to think about the material the barbecue grill mat is made from. Barbecue mats are typically made from either Teflon, copper, or silicone.
Silicone mats are heat-resistant and easy to clean, but they can be more expensive than Teflon mats and not ideal for cooking at very high temperatures.
Teflon mats are also heat-resistant up to around 500°F and easy to clean, but they may not last as long as copper mats as they can tear over time with your tongs or scrapers.
You can buy Teflon mats on a roll as well which means you can just cut the barbecue mat to the size of your grill plate, easy peasy.
Copper barbecue grill mats are the strongest ones and transfer the heat better than the other grill mats. This allows grill lines to come through onto your food.
They are made of non-toxic food grade copper and are sturdier than the other grill mats.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and budget. Whichever type of mat you choose, make sure it’s durable and easy to clean so you can enjoy your barbecue without any hassle.
When it comes to grilling, there are a few key things to look for when choosing the perfect grill mat.
For starters, you’ll want to make sure the mat is made of PFOA-free Teflon or other non-stick FDA approved material. This will help ensure that your food doesn’t stick to the grill and that it cooks evenly.
Additionally, you’ll want to choose a grill mat that is flexible and can be easily trimmed to fit your specific grill.
Finally, be sure to look for a mat that is heat resistant, most are up to 500°F, so that it can withstand high temperatures of direct heat grilling without burning or melting.
The pros and cons of using grill mats.
PROS:
- Teflon grill mats make your grill easy to clean.
- They prevent food from sticking to the grill.
- They make it easy to move food around on the grill.
- They can be used on both gas and charcoal grills.
- They help to keep the grill clean.
- Copper mats do not have any chemical surface coatings.
CONS:
- Grill mats can be expensive.
- They can be difficult to find in stores.
- Teflon mats can sometimes be a bit flimsy and easily torn.
- Some people are not sure if they are safe to use on a grill.
- They can make it difficult to get a good sear on food.
- Silicone mats should only be used with low temperature cooking.
Conclusion: are barbecue grill mats any good?
So, are barbecue grill mats any good? The answer is yes! These mats are great for prevent flare-ups and sticking, and they make clean-up a breeze.
The strongest grill mats are made from copper but not as easy to clean as Teflon, whereas Teflon barbecue mats are super easy to clean but are prone to tearing at times with your tongs.
The silicone mats are way more suited to lower temperature cooking and can’t handle high heat as well.
So next time you’re at the store, pick up a grill mat and give it a try. You won’t be disappointed.
