This review dives into the Diamond Gourmet Grill Mats and Bake Mats, exploring their performance in grilling burgers, sausages, and baking cookies. We put these mats to the test, comparing results to traditional grilling methods to determine their effectiveness and overall value. From initial unboxing and preparation to the final cleanup, we meticulously documented our experience, evaluating both the advantages and disadvantages of using these versatile cooking aids. Our comprehensive assessment will help you decide if the Diamond Gourmet Grill Mats are a worthwhile addition to your kitchen arsenal.This review covers a comparative grilling and baking test. We assess the evenness of cooking, cooking time, char marks achieved, and most importantly, the ease of cleanup. We'll discuss the benefits of using grill mats for delicate foods, preventing flare-ups, and maintaining a cleaner grilling experience. Ultimately, we determine if the convenience and even cooking offered by the Diamond Gourmet Grill Mats outweigh the lack of traditional grill marks, providing a balanced perspective for potential buyers.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Diamond Gourmet Grill Mats arrived in a simple package. The set includes two mats, seemingly identical in appearance to the Yoshi grill mats I've reviewed previously. Each mat is rolled up and, upon opening, instructions advise washing with warm, soapy water before the first use – a plus, as it indicates they are also dishwasher safe.
Grilling Burgers: A Comparison
I conducted a comparative grilling test. One burger cooked directly on the grill, the other on the grill mat. The burger on the grill had noticeable grill marks and cooked faster. The burger on the mat, while cooking evenly, lacked the char marks and took significantly longer, and the mat itself showed a 'sludge' build up around the burger. While there were some grill lines apparent on the mat itself, none transferred to the burger.
Grilling Italian Sausages
Next, I grilled Italian sausages on the mat. The sausages cooked more evenly, retaining their juices, unlike the direct-grill method where juices often drip onto the flames. The cooking time was slightly longer, but the resulting sausages were juicy and evenly cooked. Cleanup involved wiping and then dishwashing the mat, revealing that while the majority of the grease was removed, some marks remained.
Baking Cookies: A Surprisingly Good Result
Finally, I baked homemade cookies. The cookies baked evenly but required more time than the recipe suggested. Despite the extended baking time, the cookies slid off the mat easily, showcasing its non-stick properties, and leaving no residue. The mat cleaned up well, requiring only a quick wipe-down.
Overall Conclusion
The Diamond Gourmet Grill Mats and Bake Mats offer good value for their price. While they add extra cooking time and don’t produce the same char marks as direct grilling, they offer even cooking, prevent flare-ups, and make cleanup a breeze. The non-stick surface is excellent for baking. Overall, they are a useful addition to any grill enthusiast's collection, especially convenient for delicate foods or those wanting a cleaner grilling experience.
A significant benefit is the ease of cleanup—simply wipe down and toss into the dishwasher. While not perfect, the ease of cleaning is far superior to traditional grilling methods. For those who value convenience and even cooking over intense grill marks, these mats are an excellent choice.