In what situation is it advisable to use a grill mat?

Using a grill mat is advisable primarily when grilling on a surface that can be stained. This is because grill mats act as a protective barrier between the grill and the surface below, preventing any grease, food residue, or potential stains from damaging patios, decks, or lawns. They are designed to withstand high temperatures and make cleanup easier while safeguarding your outdoor surfaces from messes that could lead to staining.

In addition to protecting surfaces, grill mats offer other benefits such as providing a non-stick cooking surface, which can help in food preparation and maintaining temperature control. However, it is the specific function of preventing stains that highlights the best context for their use.

While grilling on uneven surfaces, during heavy rain, or at night may present challenges, those situations do not specifically require the use of a grill mat for effective grilling. Uneven surfaces might necessitate different arrangements for stability, heavy rain may require more substantial weatherproofing, and nighttime grilling is often more about visibility than surface protection. Each of these scenarios may have other appropriate solutions aside from the use of a grill mat.