An under-grill mat is not a cooking mat. It never touches food. It lies on the deck or patio under the grill and catches what falls: grease from the drip tray, a splash of marinade, a dropped burger, ash from a charcoal kettle. On a wooden deck, a pale concrete patio or composite boards, that is the difference between a quick rinse and a stain that stays.
Our guide to the best grill mats is mostly about the other kind, the thin nonstick sheets that go on the grate, and it reviews just two floor mats (Weber’s Floor Protection Mat and a RESILIA rectangle). This page is only about the mats that go under the grill, with seven different picks, and it reads every fire and heat claim exactly as the maker states it.
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Quick verdict: which under-grill mat to buy
For most gas and charcoal grills, the DiversiTech 60 x 30-inch Grill Mat is the one to buy: it is long enough for a full-size grill, DiversiTech rates it to 600 degrees Fahrenheit, says it is made in the USA and backs it with a 10-year warranty. On a composite deck, look at the Cuisinart 65 x 36-inch PVC grill mat, which Cuisinart lists for wood, composite and concrete. For a charcoal kettle that throws sparks, the Fireproof Pros 36-inch round mat is the only pick built from fiberglass layers. No mat replaces the clearances in your grill’s manual.
Below: five mats side by side, all seven reviewed, then how to choose and what the fire-safety rules actually say.
Five under-grill mats side by side
Five of the seven mats, one per kind of grill and surface. Heat and fire claims are quoted as each maker states them; none names a test standard on its listing.
| Mat | Best for | Size & material | Heat claim (maker) | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DiversiTech 60 x 30-inch Grill MatBest overall
|
Full-size gas and charcoal grills | 60 x 30 inches; material not stated on listing | 600°F | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart 65 x 36-inch Grill MatBest for composite decks
|
Wide setups, composite boards | 65 x 36 inches; 100% PVC | Not stated | View on Amazon |
Drymate XL Absorbent Grill Mat, 36 x 59 inchesBest absorbent mat
|
Griddles and greasy cooks | 36 x 59 inches; absorbent fabric, waterproof middle layer | Not stated | View on Amazon |
RESILIA Round Under Grill Mat, 36-inchBest round mat
|
Kettles and kamados on wood or concrete | 36-inch round; propylene, 0.075 inch | “Flame-retardant”; 18-inch clearance required | View on Amazon |
Fireproof Pros 36-inch Round Fire MatBest for embers
|
Charcoal kettles that drop sparks | 36-inch round; three fiberglass-based layers, 6 mm | Withstands an 1800°F coal for about 2 minutes | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Heat and fire claims are the makers’ own; we found no test standard named on any of these listings.
Our picks for the best under grill mat
The seven mats split into three kinds. Solid rubber and plastic mats shed grease and rinse clean. An absorbent fabric mat soaks up drips instead of letting them run. A layered fiberglass mat is built to take a hot coal. Each review says what the maker claims about heat and fire, what it says the mat should not be used for, and which deck surfaces it names. The two under-grill mats in our grill mats guide, Weber’s Floor Protection Mat and RESILIA’s 36 by 48-inch rectangle, are not repeated; RESILIA appears here only with its round mat, which fits a kettle’s footprint in a way the rectangle does not.
1. DiversiTech 60 x 30-inch Grill Mat – Long Coverage, 10-Year Warranty
DiversiTech is better known for the pads that air conditioners sit on, and its grill mat comes from the same idea: a flat, weatherproof base that protects the surface underneath. At 60 by 30 inches, model UGM-6030 is long enough to reach past the side shelves of a typical three- or four-burner gas grill and to give a charcoal grill room on all sides.
DiversiTech rates it to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and calls that its “highest rated heat protection”, saying it will not crack, tear or curl. The listing does not name a test method or standard behind that figure, so read it as the maker’s rating rather than a certified one. The listing also does not state the material; retailers that carry it describe it as rubber. Cleaning is a rinse or a gentle scrub.
The safety note on the listing is unusually direct. DiversiTech says you must leave a 12-inch gap between the mat and the bottom of a fire pit and should not set units directly on top of the mat. A grill on legs or a cart already stands well above its base, but the note tells you the mat is not a hearth.
The warranty is 10 years and DiversiTech says the mat is made in the USA. It also comes in 48 by 30 inches for smaller grills.
Why we like it
- 60 by 30 inches, long enough for most full-size grills
- Rated by DiversiTech to 600°F
- Will not crack, tear or curl, per the maker
- 10-year warranty
- Made in the USA, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | UGM-6030 |
|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 30 inches (also 48 x 30) |
| Material | Not stated on listing (retailers list rubber) |
| Heat or fire claim | 600°F, “highest rated heat protection” |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Deck and patio |
| Warranty | 10 years |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits most owners of a full-size gas or charcoal grill on a deck or patio who want one long mat that should outlast the grill.
Skip it if you have a composite deck and want the maker to say so; this listing names decks and patios but not composite, while DiversiTech’s 30-inch Ultra mat (pick 7) does.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Long coverage
- 600°F maker rating
- 10-year warranty, made in the USA
Cons
- Material not stated on the listing
- No test standard named
- Composite decks not mentioned
2. Cuisinart 65 x 36-inch Grill Mat – Wide, Heavy and Composite-Safe
Cuisinart’s CGMT-300 is the widest solid mat here at 65 by 36 inches, enough to sit under a grill and a side table or a griddle and its prep cart. Cuisinart lists it for wood, composite and concrete surfaces, which makes it the clearest choice for composite boards among the solid mats.
The mat is made from 100 percent PVC. Cuisinart says its weight and non-slip design keep it in place under grills, griddles and barbecue setups, and that it stands up to rain, sun and heavy use through the seasons. Grease and grime rinse off with water.
What the listing does not give is a heat or fire rating. Cuisinart sells it as a shield against grease, spills and stains, and that is how to use it: under a gas grill or griddle where drips are the problem. Under a charcoal grill that can drop a live coal, a mat with no stated heat rating is the wrong tool; see pick 5 for that. The warranty is one year limited.
Why we like it
- 65 by 36 inches, the widest solid mat here
- Cuisinart names wood, composite and concrete
- Weight and non-slip design keep it in place
- Rinses clean with water
Key specifications
| Model | CGMT-300 |
|---|---|
| Size | 65 x 36 inches |
| Material | 100% PVC |
| Heat or fire claim | Not stated (sold for grease, spills and stains) |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Wood, composite, concrete |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits gas grill and griddle owners on composite decks who want wide coverage from a maker that names composite outright.
Skip it if you cook over charcoal; Cuisinart gives no heat rating, so it is a grease mat, not an ember mat.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very wide coverage
- Composite named by the maker
- Stays put by weight
Cons
- No heat rating given
- One-year warranty
- Heavy to roll up and store
3. Drymate XL Absorbent Grill Mat, 36 x 59 inches – Soaks Up Drips
Drymate takes the opposite approach to the rubber mats. Instead of a hard surface that grease runs across, its mat is an absorbent fabric with a waterproof layer in the middle. Drymate says the fabric soaks up and holds oil, grease, sauce and marinade, while the middle layer stops liquid from reaching the deck below. The fabric is reversible, charcoal on one side and brown on the other.
At 36 by 59 inches, the XL size covers a full grill or a flat-top griddle, which is where an absorbent mat earns its place: a griddle sheds a lot of oil off its edges and out of its grease cup. Drymate says it is designed to protect wood, composite and stone, and that you can cut it to a custom size.
It is the easiest mat here to store. At 0.13 inch thick it folds or rolls up, and Drymate says to hose it off, power wash it with soap, or machine wash it on its own on a delicate cycle and hang it to dry, with no bleach or dryer. Drymate says it is made in the USA with at least 50 percent recycled fiber.
There is no heat or fire rating on the listing, and fabric holds grease, so keep it for gas grills and griddles, not for charcoal.
Why we like it
- Absorbent fabric with a waterproof middle layer
- Drymate names wood, composite and stone surfaces
- Machine washable on delicate, per the maker
- Can be cut to size
- Made in the USA
Key specifications
| Model | GMC3659 |
|---|---|
| Size | 36 x 59 inches, 0.13 inch thick |
| Material | Absorbent fabric, waterproof middle layer; at least 50% recycled fiber |
| Heat or fire claim | Not stated |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Wood, composite, stone; decks, patios, driveways |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | USA |
Why we recommend it
It suits griddle cooks and gas grillers whose main problem is oil and sauce running off a hard mat onto the deck.
Skip it if you grill over charcoal or wood; the maker gives no heat rating, and an oil-soaked fabric mat is no place for a dropped coal.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds drips instead of shedding them
- Washable and easy to store
- Made in the USA
Cons
- No heat rating
- No warranty term listed
- Not for charcoal grills
4. RESILIA Round Under Grill Mat, 36-inch – Shaped for a Kettle
A kettle, a kamado or a round smoker stands on three legs inside a circle, and a 36-inch round mat follows that footprint without corners sticking out into the walkway. RESILIA makes this one in Wheeling, Illinois, from propylene with a diamond-plate texture for traction, 0.075 inch thick. It is the round version of the RESILIA rectangle already in our grill mats guide; we include it because the shape suits round grills.
RESILIA calls the mat flame-retardant and lists the things it protects against: grease, oil, rust, charcoal and wear. Its limits are spelled out just as clearly. RESILIA says the mat is not for composite decking, where it may cause discoloration, not for use under fire pits, and that 18 inches of clearance is required. No test standard is named behind the flame-retardant claim.
It rinses clean with water, and RESILIA says it is made with as much recycled material as possible and is free from Prop 65-regulated contaminants. The warranty term is not stated.
Why we like it
- Round shape matches kettle and kamado footprints
- Diamond-plate texture for traction
- Clear limits: not for composite, not under fire pits, 18-inch clearance
- Made in the USA
Key specifications
| Model | Large, 36-inch round (listing part GGC_B_36) |
|---|---|
| Size | 36-inch diameter, 0.075 inch thick |
| Material | Propylene, diamond-plate texture |
| Heat or fire claim | “Flame-retardant”; 18-inch clearance required; not under fire pits |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Porch, patio, garage; not composite decking |
| Warranty | Not stated |
| Made in | USA (Wheeling, Illinois) |
Why we recommend it
It suits kettle and kamado owners on a wooden deck, porch or concrete who want a neat round mat from a maker that is candid about its limits.
Skip it if your deck is composite; RESILIA itself says the mat may discolor it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Round footprint for round grills
- Textured, non-slip surface
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Not for composite decks
- No warranty term listed
- Too small for a cart-style gas grill
5. Fireproof Pros 36-inch Round Fire Mat – Built to Take a Dropped Coal
Rubber and plastic mats deal with grease. A charcoal grill adds a different risk: a coal or a spark that falls through a vent or off the grate. Fireproof Pros builds its mat for that. It is three layers, 6 millimeters thick in all: an aluminium-fiberglass top layer that the maker says reflects most of the heat, a 5-millimeter middle layer of fiberglass-infused cotton, and a silicone-coated bottom layer. The seams are stitched with Kevlar thread so a coal on the edge does not unravel it.
The claims are bold, so here they are as the maker states them. Fireproof Pros calls the mat flame retardant, says the top layer reflects 95 percent of heat, and says it can withstand an 1800-degree Fahrenheit piece of coal or wood landing on it for about two minutes, enough time to find the tongs. The listing names no test standard for any of those figures.
At 36 inches round, the maker says it suits fire pits with 5 to 6-inch legs or a kettle barbecue. It is waterproof and non-slip per the listing, and comes with a carry bag. The silver top shows ash and grease more than a black mat would.
Why we like it
- Three-layer fiberglass-based build, 6 mm thick
- Maker says it withstands a dropped 1800°F coal for about two minutes
- Kevlar-stitched seams
- Sized for a kettle, per the maker
- Carry bag included
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (36-inch round fire pit protector) |
|---|---|
| Size | 36-inch diameter, 6.0 mm thick |
| Material | Aluminium-fiberglass top, fiberglass-infused cotton middle, silicone-coated bottom; Kevlar thread |
| Heat or fire claim | “Flame retardant”; withstands an 1800°F coal for about 2 minutes; reflects 95% of heat |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Grass, cobbles, timber |
| Warranty | Not stated on this listing |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits charcoal kettle owners on wood or grass who worry more about sparks and coals than about grease.
Skip it if you want a mat for a big gas grill; at 36 inches round it is sized for a kettle, and the maker’s heat figures are its own, not independently certified.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Built for coals and sparks
- Thick, layered construction
- Carry bag
Cons
- No test standard behind the heat claims
- Silver top shows dirt
- Small for gas grills
6. GRILLTEX Under the Grill Mat, 39 x 72 inches – Extra Length at the Front
Most of the mess under a grill lands at the front, where you stand, flip and plate. GRILLTEX shapes its mat around that: the 39 by 72-inch mat has what the maker calls a drip zone, a front extension that adds coverage where it is needed most. GRILLTEX describes this as the original protective deck mat designed with that front extension.
GRILLTEX says the mat protects decks, patios and garage floors from sauce, grease and oil, and that it will not stain wood or paver stones. To clean it, wipe it with a paper towel and household cleaner or spray it with a garden hose.
The Amazon listing is thin on everything else. It does not state the material, a heat rating, or the surfaces it is safe on beyond wood and pavers; retailers describe it as recycled rubber. The warranty is one year from the manufacturer. Treat it as a grease and spill mat for a gas grill or griddle, and choose a mat with a stated heat rating for charcoal.
Why we like it
- 72 inches long with a front drip zone
- GRILLTEX says it will not stain wood or pavers
- Wipe or hose clean
- Protects decks, patios and garage floors
Key specifications
| Model | 9M-110-39C-6 |
|---|---|
| Size | 39 x 72 inches |
| Material | Not stated on listing (retailers list recycled rubber) |
| Heat or fire claim | Not stated |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Decks, patios, garage floors; wood and paver stones |
| Warranty | 1-year manufacturer |
| Made in | Not stated on listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits gas grill and griddle owners who make most of their mess at the front and want the longest mat here.
Skip it if you need a stated heat rating or a composite-safe claim; the listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Longest mat here
- Front drip zone
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Material and heat rating not on listing
- One-year warranty
- Composite decks not mentioned
7. DiversiTech Ultra Grill Mat, 30 x 30 inches – Small and Composite-Safe
Not every grill needs five feet of mat. A tabletop grill on a stand, a small kettle or a fryer fits on this 30-inch square, model UGM-3030, which DiversiTech sells as its Ultra Grill Mat. Like the larger DiversiTech, it is rated by the maker to 600 degrees, without a named test standard.
The difference is the deck. DiversiTech says this mat is specially designed to be secure for use on composite decks without causing damage, which the larger mat’s listing does not say. It is waterproof, shields the surface from grease, drippings, stains and sparks, and DiversiTech lists it for grills, fire pits, fryers and other outdoor appliances.
The warranty is described as decade-long. The listing title calls the color gray while the product details say black, so check the photos before you order if color matters.
Why we like it
- DiversiTech says it is safe on composite decks
- Rated by the maker to 600°F
- Waterproof; shields from grease, stains and sparks
- Decade-long warranty
Key specifications
| Model | UGM-3030 |
|---|---|
| Size | 30 x 30 inches |
| Material | Not stated; waterproof |
| Heat or fire claim | Up to 600°F |
| Test standard named | None |
| Surfaces named | Composite decks, patio, lawn |
| Warranty | Decade-long (10 years) |
| Made in | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of small grills, smokers and fryers on composite decks who want a maker-stated heat rating and composite compatibility in one mat.
Skip it if your grill is a full-size cart model; at 30 inches square it will not catch drips from the side shelves.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Composite-safe, per the maker
- 600°F rating
- Long warranty
Cons
- Too small for big grills
- Material not stated
- Color described two ways on the listing
How to choose an under-grill mat for your deck or patio
1. Size it past the grill’s edges
Measure the grill with its side shelves open, then look for a mat that extends beyond that footprint, especially at the front where you stand. A 60-inch mat suits most full-size gas grills; a 36-inch round mat suits a kettle; a 30-inch square suits tabletop grills and small smokers.
2. Match the mat to the fuel
Gas grills and griddles mostly drip grease, so a rubber, PVC or absorbent mat does the job. Charcoal and wood add sparks and coals. For those, choose a mat whose maker states a heat rating, and consider a layered fiberglass mat like the Fireproof Pros.
3. Check the deck surface the maker names
Composite boards are where makers disagree. Cuisinart, Drymate and DiversiTech’s Ultra mat name composite. RESILIA says its mat may discolor composite. If your deck is composite, buy a mat whose maker says so in writing, and check your decking maker’s care guidance too.
4. Read fire claims word for word
“Fireproof”, “flame-retardant” and “heat resistant” are not the same thing, and none of the makers here names a test standard behind its claim on its listing. A 600°F rating is the maker’s own figure. Treat any claim as a description of the mat, not as permission to move the grill closer to the house.
5. Think about cleaning and storage
Solid mats hose clean but are heavy to roll. Drymate’s fabric mat folds and can go in the washing machine. If you put the grill away for winter, a mat you can roll or fold is easier to live with.
Fire safety under the grill: what the manual and NFPA say
A mat protects the surface from grease and, in some cases, from heat. It does not change where the grill is allowed to stand. That comes from the grill’s own manual and from fire-safety guidance.
Weber’s owner’s manual for its Spirit E-330 gas grill is a good example of what a maker requires. It says not to use the grill within 24 inches of combustible materials, and spells out that this includes the top, bottom, back and sides of the grill. It also says not to use the grill in a garage, breezeway or other enclosed area, or beneath overhead combustible construction. A wooden deck is a combustible material, so read your own grill’s manual for what it says about decks before you rely on any mat.
The National Fire Protection Association’s grilling safety tips say the grill should be placed well away from the home and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. NFPA also advises keeping children and pets at least three feet from the grill area, cleaning grease and fat buildup from the grill and the trays below it, and letting charcoal cool completely before disposing of it in a metal container. You can read the tips on the NFPA grilling safety page.
Two of the mat makers add their own conditions. DiversiTech says to keep a 12-inch gap between its mat and the bottom of a fire pit, and RESILIA says its mat is not for use under fire pits and requires 18 inches of clearance. Follow whichever rule is stricter: your grill’s manual, the mat maker’s or your local fire code.
How we chose these seven mats
We looked only at mats made to go under a grill, from identifiable makers: an HVAC pad maker, a kitchen brand, two US mat manufacturers, a fire-mat specialist and a deck-mat brand. Every pick was in stock on Amazon when we checked. We read each listing for size, material, the exact heat or fire wording, the surfaces named and the warranty, and we report “not stated” where the listing says nothing. We left out the many look-alike fiberglass mats sold under little-known names with large temperature claims and no maker details, and the two under-grill mats already reviewed in our grill mats guide. We did not test these mats.
Under-grill mat questions, answered
What is the best grill mat for under a grill?
For most full-size grills, the DiversiTech 60 by 30-inch mat: long coverage, a 600°F maker rating and a 10-year warranty. For a charcoal kettle, a round mat like the Fireproof Pros or RESILIA fits the footprint better.
Do I need a mat under my grill on a concrete patio?
Concrete does not burn, but it stains. Grease and marinade soak into it and are hard to remove, so a mat is about keeping the patio clean. Any of the solid or absorbent mats here will do.
Is an under-grill mat safe on a composite deck?
Only if the maker says so. Cuisinart, Drymate and DiversiTech’s Ultra mat name composite decks; RESILIA says its mat may discolor composite.
Does an under-grill mat make it safe to grill on a wooden deck?
No mat changes your grill’s clearance rules. Weber’s Spirit manual requires 24 inches from combustible materials, including below the grill, and NFPA advises keeping the grill well away from the house and deck railings. Check your own grill’s manual.
Are fireproof grill mats really fireproof?
Treat the word as a maker’s description. None of the mats here names a test standard behind its claim on its Amazon listing, and makers’ figures vary widely.
Our final word on mats under the grill
Buy the mat for the mess you actually make: a long DiversiTech for a full-size grill, Cuisinart or Drymate on composite, a round fiberglass mat under a charcoal kettle. Then set the grill where its manual says it should be. For the mats that go on the grate, see our best grill mats guide; if you are still choosing the grill, start with the best charcoal grill or the best outdoor griddle. And on nights when nobody wants to stand at the grill, see the menu at Julia’s and call to order.