Once in a great while, I come across a product that makes me think, “How did I ever live without this??” That’s exactly what happened when I heard about grill mats for the first time! If you’re unfamiliar with grill mats, they’re thin sheets made from heavy duty PTFE (PFOA Free) coated fabric that are non-stick and can withstand high temperatures. The name suggests they’re only good for grilling, but that’s actually just the tip of the iceberg!
I became so infatuated with these amazing mats that I wanted to share just a few of the reasons why I think they are so great! My hope is that by the end of the post, you’ll think these mats are just as amazing as I do! 🙂
9 Reasons Why Every Kitchen Should Have Grill Mats
1. Clean
One of my favorite things about these grill mats is that they can help make post-meal cleanup a lot easier! Cut your grill mats down to fit inside your baking pans, baking sheets, the bottom of your oven, or even underneath your stove burners. The mats are easy to wipe down when they get dirty, and it’ll save you the effort of having to scrub annoying, stuck-on messes!
2. Convenient
Not only can grill mats save you the effort of cleaning, but you’ll be saving a lot of time, too! Use the time you would have spent scrubbing dishes to explore a new hobby, or catch up on all those shows taking up space on your DVR.
3. Sanitary
Communal grilling stations at parks and campsites are convenient, but who knows how often those things are actually cleaned?! Bring your grill mats along and you won’t have to worry about it! Using a grill mat, your food never has to touch that questionable grate, so you can enjoy your meal (and some peace of mind!)
4. Versatile
You can cook just about anything on a grill mat. And I mean anything! You can make steaks, pancakes, and even scrambled eggs! The surface is essentially its own pan or griddle, which makes them great for camping. Put a few in with your camping supplies to revolutionize your cooking experience on your next outing!
5. Washable
Reuse your grill mats again and again and again! Just toss them into the top rack of your dishwasher, or wipe them down with a soapy sponge. Easy!
6. Safe
These mats are tough, and can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees. Standard grilling happens between 300 and 400 degrees, so there’s no need to worry about the mats accidentally breaking down or melting. And they’re BPA-free, too!
7. Healthy
The non-stick surface of the grill mats can reduce the amount of fats or oils you need when cooking. It’s a heathy choice that’s easy to make!
8. Flavorful
When you’re grilling, the grill mat will keep the juices or sauces from dripping off your meat. Keep all of that delicious flavor, AND you can still get those beautiful grill marks!
9. Adaptable
Use your grill mat on any size cooking surface, or cut it down to whatever size you need.
And while you can do just about anything you want to with these mats, there are a few do’s and don’ts to follow if you want them to last…
Grill/Oven Mat Do’s And Don’ts
- DO wash on the top rack of your dishwasher only.
- DON’T use over a direct flame. (Feel free to use it over fire, just make sure the flame doesn’t actually touch the mat!)
- DON’T layer mats on top of each other when cooking.
- And finally, DON’T use metal utensils, as they can damage the mats.
What’s your favorite way to use grill/oven mats, or which would you like to try?
