Keeping your grill clean is a big part of getting more life out of your investment, not to mention the fact that it can significantly affect the way that your food cooks or tastes. Fortunately, there are many tools and cleaning products on the market designed especially for barbecue grills, including a full selection of grill brushes. These brushes are available in every shape, size, and style imaginable. They are made with materials like stainless steel, brass, and nylon scouring pads to provide a variety of cleaning surfaces and uses.
Of course, each grilling surface may require its own type of cleaning brush, but we'll get to that later. For now, we've compiled a list of the 12 top grill brushes on the market today, along with grades, detailed reviews, and our best picks. Read on to find your next grill brush to keep your BBQ in tip-top shape.Best Pick
The Kona Safe/Clean Grill Brush is our best pick since it offers wire-free cleaning with an extra-durable construction for a longer life than the average grill brush. Plus, it can clean any cooking surface safely and with ease.
Budget Pick
For budget shoppers, we like the Weber 6494 12-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush. It gets the job done with a simple design, but still has the small corner brushes that are ideal for tight spots. Plus, it’s from Weber, so you can trust that it’s a quality product.
Quick Comparison: Top 12 Best Grill Brushes
1. Kona Safe/Clean Grill Brush
Highlighted Features
This grill brush offers a 360-degree cleaning surface that's uniquely safe because it has no metal bristles that could fall out and get lodged in your food. Unlike nylon, it also won’t melt. Users will never have to worry about the brush wearing down or becoming flimsy over time because the handle has been uniquely engineered to withstand regular use for quite some time. The manufacturer is so confident that they offer a five-year warranty on the Kona Safe/Clean Grill Brush.
You can use this brush on any grill surface, and simply need to dip the brush in water and clean the grill while it’s hot to create a steam cleaning effect. Part of the engineering also includes a handle that is the ideal length for effective cleaning while keeping your hands a safe distance from the flames or heat of the grill. Plus, it allows you to clean with minimal effort and doesn’t have the unnecessary bulk of a larger brush.Pros
Cons
2. Weber 6494 12-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
Highlighted Features
The Weber 6494 12-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush has everything that users need to clean larger surfaces with ease. This brush features sturdy bristles that are reinforced, so they don't fall out or wear down easily. Plus, the bristles wrap around the side for a shorter cleaning tool that gets into corners and in between the grates.
The manufacturer recommends cleaning the grill after letting it preheat for 15 minutes to allow the heat to dislodge any food particles. They also advise replacing grill brushes each season, or more often if you grill frequently, and warn users to discard the brush immediately if bristles start to come loose. For those who need a basic grill brush, this model from Weber should do the trick for everyday cleaning.Pros
Cons
3. Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush
Highlighted Features
The Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush, 18-inch model offers a unique three-in-one design that can get into more crevices and corners than any single brush on the market. It is made of durable stainless steel and designed to be rugged yet lightweight in its design. The longer handle ensures that you can clean away from the heat with ease, and it can be used on porcelain, stainless steel, infrared, and all other types of grills.
This grill brush features three rows of bristles that are lined up in a staggered position to ensure maximum coverage across the grates. The hard-wired bristles ensure that they won't fall out and get caught in the grill or your food. Plus, the handle is weather-resistant and will stand up over time. It's also easy to clean, with just a rinse under hot water needed to remove all the leftover debris.Pros
Cons
4. GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper
Highlighted Features
The GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper is one of the most innovative designs on the market, offering faster cleaning and more coverage in less time. Plus, it comes with a built-in scraper that offers additional cleaning power and ensures you get into all of the nooks and crannies, no matter what size or type of grill you have. This brush can be used for gas, charcoal, smokers, porcelain, and even infrared grills.
This brush is 85% stronger than conventional designs and is made of waterproof materials, so it won’t rust or fall apart easily. All that you have to do is preheat the grill, get a small container of water for dipping, and clean the brush once it’s heated for about 15 minutes so that it’s nice and hot. Using the water cleans the brush and also creates a steam cleaning effect, which is what the manufacturer recommends for best results.Pros
Cons
5. RubberMaid BBQ Grill Brush (FGG10012)
Highlighted Features
The RubberMaid BBQ Grill Brush looks deceptively simple, but it’s one of the best basic brushes that money can buy. This wire brush has brass bristles instead of stainless steel, offering a sturdier metal that is less likely to fall out during use. The addition of the scraper offers extra cleaning power and saves you from needing to buy another tool to clean the grill, as well.
The sturdy, plastic handle on this brush is designed to withstand the elements and provide plenty of cleaning power, offering quality that rivals the best brands on the market for a fraction of the cost. Plus, it comes from Rubbermaid, who are known for their durable, well-constructed products.Pros
Cons
6. BBQ-Aid Barbecue Grill Brush and Scraper – Extended
Highlighted Features
For those who want a higher quality grill brush that’s built to last, the BBQ-Aid Barbecue Grill Brush and Scraper is exactly what you need. This brush is made from premium wood and stainless-steel materials, and created with an ergonomic handle design that makes cleaning a breeze. The 15-inch length is perfect for keeping your hands away from the heat and still keeping you close enough to clean efficiently.
This grill brush can be used on all grill surfaces and brands, including Char-Broil, Weber, and others. It will ensure that your grill is always clean and ready for cooking, with sturdy bristles that won't fall out while you clean. For those who are looking for a more stylish grill cleaning solution or just something a little more durable than the basic brush, this tool delivers everything that grillers need.Pros
Cons
7. Best Music Posters BBQ Grill Grate Cleaner
Highlighted Features
Although many people automatically go for wire brushes when they are cleaning their grills, there are other great tools available, including this nylon BBQ Grill Grate Cleaner, which offers premium scrubbing power with an easy-hold handle for quick scrubbing. This scouring pad is made of durable nylon, and the fibers are tightly woven to provide the best possible clean.
This grill cleaning pad comes with a lifetime warranty against defects and damage, but it is also affordable enough that you don’t have to worry about it too much. This simple tool can work for indoor griddles, flat-top grills, and even grated grills, although it may not do as well cleaning between the rods of standard grill grates. All in all, it's an effective tool for many uses and should be at the top everyone's list.Pros
Cons
8. Tarvol BBQ Grill Brush Stainless Steel 18" Barbecue Cleaning Brush
Highlighted Features
The Tarvol BBQ Grill Brush Stainless Steel 18" Barbecue Cleaning Brush w/Wire Bristles & Soft Comfortable Handle has everything the griller needs: it’s comfortable, compact enough to deliver powerful cleaning, and offers a longer handle to keep the heat away from your hands while you’re cleaning. Every type of grill can benefit from this brush, including gas grills, smokers, charcoal grills, and many others.
This grill brush comes with a money-back guarantee that includes a full refund with no questions asked for customers who are not satisfied with their purchase. It can also clean up to five times faster thanks to its larger size, and the durable wire bristles will provide plenty of cleaning power.Pros
Cons
9. Do-Be Products Best Cleaning Grill Brush
Highlighted Features
The Do-Be Products Brass Grill Brush is a great choice for ceramic, chrome, or porcelain grills, as well as non-stick surfaces since the brass bristles won't scratch as stainless steel does. The extra-long handle means that you'll use less of your power to get the grill clean, and the side brushes ensure that you get all the corners for clean, fresh cooking every single time.
The durable T-shaped head ensures that the brush covers as much surface area as possible and that the design remains sturdy even during the toughest cleaning jobs. The plastic handle is designed to withstand the elements, and the durable bristles won't be crushed or come out of the brush with regular and proper use.Pros
Cons
10. Grill Daddy GL13186C Grand Platinum Steam Grill Brush
Highlighted Features
This premium grill brush is changing the way we clean our grills. For the griller who has everything, this could just be the perfect gift. It includes a scraper to get off that stubborn buildup and is designed for easy cleaning that keeps you at a safe distance from the heat. The aluminum-alloy body and premium brush heads offer a lifetime of use for those who are looking for a grill brush that they don’t have to replace year after year.
This brush includes a lifetime warranty on the water mechanics and the body, with a 100% satisfaction guarantee on every purchase. It also features specially-designed bristles that are made for grill cleaning and won’t gunk up with dirt and debris. Plus, the steam sterilizes while you remove the gunk from the grill, providing a two-in-one cleaning solution.Pros
Cons
11. Grill Spark Grill Brush and Scraper
Highlighted Features
This grill brush from Grill Spark is one of the best on the market. The multi-brush design makes it easy to remove the dirt and food from every inch of the grill, and you can do it in less time and with less effort thanks to its unique design. The stainless-steel material and plastic handle are durable, rust-proof, and weather-resistant.
The fixed brush heads reach all of the edges of grates, including rod grates, making it ideal for charcoal, gas, and other types of grills and smokers. The brush can be cleaned with soap and water or put in the dishwasher. All in all, for the price, it’s a well-rounded grill brush from a good brand.Pros
Cons
12. POLIGO Grill Brush and Scraper with Deluxe Handle
Highlighted Features
POLIGO’s grill brush offers a unique, premium comfort handle design that ensures that you almost enjoy cleaning your grill because it’s just so east and comfortable. This brush also manages to maintain its durability while looking good, giving you a reliable brush that can clean even the toughest messes with ease. Plus, the wire bristles are designed to stay in place, ensuring minimal bristle loss.
This tool is effortless to use, offering the ability to clean all sides of the grill at once and with just a few strokes. It features a premium design for optimal leverage and control of the brush, making it much easier and more efficient to clean the grill. It can also be used on charcoal, gas, smokers, and many other grills and cooking surfaces without scraping or scratching them.Pros
Cons
How To Choose the Best Grill Brush for Your Needs: Everything You Need to Know
There is more that goes into choosing a grill brush than some people realize. There are a variety of brushes and tools available to assist with keeping your grill clean, so it will be up to you to explore each option and see whether it offers the solution that you need. Below, you'll find the most important factors to consider when choosing your grill brush.
Is it Safe for Your Grill?
Depending on the brush that you choose, it may or may not be safe for use on all types of surfaces. Some grill brushes may scrape non-stick coatings, for example. Although a majority of the brushes on the market today say that they're safe for use on all types of grills and surfaces, you should check the manufacturer's handbook for your grill to see what they recommend for cleaning. This will not only help you get the best cleaning results, but it could also prevent you from voiding the warranty if there is one in place. The last thing that you want to do is to risk the entire grill just because you were too rushed or frugal to buy the right cleaning tools.
One of the biggest safety issues with grill brushes is the wire bristles that many brushes feature. Over the course of a 12-year span between 2002 and 2014, over 1,700 people went to the ER reporting that they had ingested these bristles, and about 25% of them were admitted because they became so ill as a result. Thus, if you are going to choose a brush with wire bristles, make sure that it's one that has a durable design and a guarantee against bristles falling out or getting caught in the grates.
Various Materials That Grill Brushes are Constructed From
Grill brushes themselves come in a variety of materials. Although most are made from high-quality, durable stainless steel, there are also other options. Brass is becoming more popular because it offers a safe cleaning material that is less abrasive than stainless steel. Some people also still use nylon scouring pads to remove stuck-on grease and food, but these can't be used on a hot grill, or they will melt.
Brass is a great option if you need a durable material that will give you the cleaning power required without the scratching that might occur with a material like stainless steel. Of course, stainless steel is always a good choice because it cleans well and offers the best and longest-lasting bristles in the wire brush style of grill tools. There are also other materials used on select brushes throughout the market and a variety of tools beyond brushes that can help you get the cleanest grill possible.
Does Handle Length Matter?
As with any cleaning tool, you need to have the appropriate leverage to invest the least amount of effort on your part. When choosing a grill brush, you don’t have to stick with the longest possible handle, but you should look for a model that gives you some room between your hands and the open flame. Even if you turn the grill off once it’s hot to finish cleaning, you’re still going to feel the heat if you get too close.
Ultimately, the best handles are between 10 and 18 inches, although the exact size will be a matter of personal preference. What's more important than the length, in many cases, is the angle of the handle and the cleaning head. After all, no matter how long the handle, if the angles aren’t right, it will take a lot more effort to clean the grill effectively with your brush. Whatever you do, stay away from brushes that have excessively short handles or that are handheld, because those will be hard to use near such a hot surface.
Other Types of Grill Cleaning Tools
The grill brush is, by far, one of the most popular tools available beyond the basic cooking tools offered for BBQ grills. However, there are also other tools you can enlist to help with the cleaning process. Some are used regularly to help with day-to-day cleaning, such as in the case of the brush. Others are designed to be used for periodic maintenance. Either way, they all have a place and should be considered when you are shopping to outfit your grill with tools and accessories.
Grill Scrapers
Many of the brushes reviewed above have built-in scrapers that are designed to make cleaning easier by offering a multi-tool design. This is a great way to get more for your money. However, it may not be the best option if you find a brush that you like without a scraper. Because of that, they sell scrapers separately that you can use to clean caked-on food and excess buildup off of your grill. Some scrapers are even designed for a specific grill surface or another, so be sure to keep that in mind.
Scrapers are available in metal, as well as in wood. The wooden ones are unique because they will conform to the shape of the grill over time and offer a more efficient clean.
Grill Stones
A grill stone is like a wooden scraper in that it is malleable and will eventually form to the grates of the grill for easier cleaning. The only problem here is that eventually it will wear too far and need to be replaced. Some stones are on smaller handles or have no handle at all, which poses a heat risk for users. Instead, look for grill stones that have a longer handle like a grill brush.
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