Firelight Gourmet Grilling Mats Review: Non-Stick Grilling Perfected?

This review dives into the Firelight Gourmet grilling mats, exploring their performance and ease of use. Initial testing presented a learning curve, involving a minor flare-up due to excessive charcoal during bacon cooking. However, this mishap highlighted the importance of careful heat control when using the mats on a charcoal grill, a crucial point for optimal results. Subsequent grilling experiences showcased the mats' remarkable non-stick properties.From perfectly grilled, super cheesy chicken to delicate tilapia fillets and steamed asparagus, the mats consistently delivered exceptional results. The ease of flipping delicate foods and the effortless cleanup, even with sticky sauces and melted cheese, proved invaluable. The absence of any plastic taste or smell, even after high-heat exposure, further solidified their impressive performance. Overall, the Firelight Gourmet grilling mats offer a convenient and effective way to elevate your grilling game.

Pros And Cons

Fire Light Gourmet Grill Mats
  • Completely non-stick
  • Easy to clean (wipes clean with a paper towel)
  • Dishwasher safe
  • Suitable for charcoal and gas grills up to 500°
  • No taste transfer
  • Allows for easy flipping of delicate foods like fish
  • May cause bacon grease to catch fire if grill is too hot (user error)
  • Did not produce grill marks in one instance (possibly due to user error)

Read more: 10 Must-Have Cookina Grill Mats

Initial Impressions and Bacon Mishap

The Firelight Gourmet grilling mats arrived, and I was eager to test them. Early attempts, however, involved a learning curve. We used them while cooking bacon, and due to the high heat of our charcoal grill, the bacon grease ignited. This wasn't the fault of the mats, but rather our oversight in using too much charcoal.

Close-up of the Firelight Gourmet grilling mats
Close-up of the Firelight Gourmet grilling mats

The intense heat of the charcoal grill caused a flare-up with the bacon grease. This highlighted the importance of using significantly less charcoal than usual when employing these mats on a charcoal grill – perhaps one to two layers at most. It is crucial to monitor the heat closely to prevent similar incidents.

Bacon grease catching fire on the grill
Bacon grease catching fire on the grill

Super Cheesy Chicken Success and Easy Cleanup

Despite the initial hiccup, the mats proved invaluable in cooking our super cheesy chicken. Without them, achieving that level of cheesy goodness directly on the grill would have been impossible. The non-stick surface allowed for effortless food removal.

Super cheesy chicken being removed from the grill mat
Super cheesy chicken being removed from the grill mat

The cleanup was remarkably easy. Melted cheese, sugary barbecue sauce, and other sticky residue wiped away effortlessly with a dry paper towel. Although dishwasher-safe, I haven’t yet tried that method, opting for quick hand-washing instead.

Cleaning the grill mat with a paper towel
Cleaning the grill mat with a paper towel

Second Attempt: Tilapia and Asparagus Triumph

Our second attempt using the Firelight Gourmet mats was a resounding success. We marinated tilapia fillets in homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled them. The mats made it easy to flip the delicate fish without sticking or tearing.

Marinating tilapia fillets
Marinating tilapia fillets

We also grilled asparagus alongside the fish. After removing the fish, we spread the asparagus across the mat, covered the grill, and essentially steamed them. Both the tilapia and asparagus came out perfectly cooked and flavorful.

Asparagus cooking on the grill mat
Asparagus cooking on the grill mat

No Taste Transfer and Overall Durability

One of the biggest wins is the lack of taste transfer. There was no plastic-like taste or smell imparted to the food, even during our initial high-heat mishap. The mats remain intact, showcasing their resilience.

Asparagus being removed from grill mat
Asparagus being removed from grill mat

The mats are easy to clean, and though dishwasher safe, a quick rinse and wipe-down is sufficient. Their non-stick surface is a game-changer, especially when dealing with delicate foods or sticky sauces.

Cleaning the grill mat
Cleaning the grill mat

Final Verdict and Special Offer

While the initial high-heat experience was a learning curve, the Firelight Gourmet grilling mats ultimately impressed. Their non-stick surface makes cooking delicate items like fish easy, and cleanup is a breeze. The absence of taste or smell transfer is a significant plus.

Images of various foods cooked on the grill mats
Images of various foods cooked on the grill mats

Considering their ease of use, superior non-stick properties, and simple cleanup, these mats are a worthwhile investment. Don’t forget to take advantage of the 50% off discount code provided for a limited time!

Close-up shot of the grilling mats with pricing information
Close-up shot of the grilling mats with pricing information