When the weather is great and cookout fans are calling, the last thing you may want to worry about is whether your grill is clean enough to use. Stuck-on pieces of fat and clinging grease can ruin the taste of any food cooked on a dirty grill. To keep burgers, steak, and other fare tasting great, clean the grill before and after every use.
A handy grill brush can take care of most of the mess after the grilling is done, though for the worst messes, it’s a good idea to use a grill cleaner as well. A combination of the two is the best option for keeping the grill clean and rust-free, ensuring your backyard barbeques can continue to be a neighborhood hit.
For the most avid backyard barbecue masters, only the best grill brush will do, but since there are different types available, it can be challenging to pick the right product. The grill brushes listed below exemplify some of the top grill brushes in their categories to help you with cookout cleanup and improve your backyard grill game. Keep reading to learn about the most important features to consider when shopping for a grill brush.
- BEST OVERALL: Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Cuisinart Stainless Steel Grill Cleaning Brush
- BEST BRISTLE: Grillart Stainless Steel 3-in-1 Grill Brush
- BEST BRISTLE-FREE: Grillart Bristle-Free Brush & Scraper
- BEST AUTOMATED: Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot
- BEST STAINLESS STEEL: Weber 12-Inch 3-Sided Grill Brush
- BEST BRASS: Grillaholics Essentials Brass Grill Brush
- BEST NYLON: Char-Broil Safer Replaceable Head Nylon Grill Brush
How We Chose the Best Grill Brushes
We researched the most sought-after grill brushes in their respective categories and discovered that the best models are determined by their design, construction, ease of use, and other special features included by top brands.
After extensive product research, we included grill tools in our list of top picks that were made with stainless steel, plastic, and brass for ample durability and long-term use. Many of these grill brushes also boast ergonomic handles; long designs to keep users away from the heat; built-in scrapers for hard, stuck-on residue; and hanging hooks for storing.
Some of the brushes included in our lineup have soft bristles to avoid damaging ceramic, porcelain, and cast-iron grates while cleaning. Finally, some of our top picks come with dishwasher-safe constructions for added convenience after grill cleaning.
Our Top Picks
There are many grill brushes on the market, so to make the search easier, we’ve sought out and described some of the best products in different categories.
Photo: amazon.com
Got gunk on the grill? The Kona 360 Clean grill brush features a three-in-one brush design that surrounds the top, sides, and bottom of each grate with stainless steel bristles. This design is intended to prevent bristles from coming free during cleaning. Plus, the Kona’s sturdy 18-inch handle lets you get a firm hold with one or two hands for rigorous cleaning, whether the grill is hot or cold. Pro tip: While cleaning a hot grill, dip the brush in water to steam-clean the surfaces.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Length: 18 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- 18-inch handle provides ample maneuverability and is long enough to keep users away from any residing heat
- 3-in-1 design surrounds each grate for efficient, complete cleaning
- Stainless steel bristles provide ample durability and long-term use
- Can be used to clean a cold or hot grill
Cons
- The brush must be hand-washed; cannot be cleaned in the dishwasher
- May be awkward to handle; slight learning curve for novices
Get the Kona grill brush at Amazon or Kona BBQ Store.
Photo: amazon.com
Getting the grill clean as a whistle needn’t be pricey. This affordable bristle-style grill brush from Cuisinart has a completely stainless steel design, including the handle, shaft, head, wire bristles, and even the scraper at the front. The scraper is typically used to help remove stuck-on food, sauce, and other debris from grill grates. This good grill brush also has a hanging loop at the end for convenient storage when the tool is not in use.
It is 16.5 inches in length, allowing you to reach every corner of a typical-size grill with ease. The sleek stainless steel is a snap to clean by rinsing with water and scrubbing with a sponge when needed, but this Cuisinart grill-cleaning brush is considered dishwasher-safe.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel
- Length: 16.5 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: Yes
Pros
- Stainless steel handle, shaft, head, wire brushes, and a scraper for tough stains and residue
- Hanging loop for ease of storage on a grill or in a kitchen
- Long handle allows you to clean a hot grill safely
Cons
- The brush may be smaller than some comparable options
Get the Cuisinart grill brush at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Tractor Supply Co.
Photo: amazon.com
The unique design of this Grillart stainless steel grill brush purports to clean a surface area five times greater than the average grill brush. This 18-inch-long grill brush is made up of three traditional grill brushes rotated 360 degrees lengthwise for significantly faster cleaning.
The tightly woven stainless steel bristles won’t rust or break off and can be used on gas, charcoal, smoker, porcelain, or infrared grills. This brush is topped by a strong scraper for easier cleaning of stubborn, stuck-on grease.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Length: 18 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- Cleans 5 times more grill surface area than competitive brushes
- Rust- and corrosion-resistant construction; built to last through many seasons of tough cleaning
- Suitable for banishing stubborn, stuck-on grease and food residue
Cons
- Design is not suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
- May be hard for first timers to use; takes a learning curve
Get the Grillart 3-in-1 grill brush at Amazon or Grillart.
Photo: amazon.com
Bristle-free brushes are quickly becoming a popular option for cleaning the grill, and with products like the Grillart bristle-free brush, it’s easy to understand why. Stainless steel coils replace traditional bristles, giving peace of mind that no stray bristles will stick to the grill where they could get on food. A hollowed-out design on the scraper makes it more flexible and lightweight for faster cleaning.
The stainless steel coils won’t rust or wear down, so the brush will last up to five times longer than the average grill brush. This generous 17-inch handle keeps hands safe from the heat of the grill.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Length: 17 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- Bristle-free brush head cleans effectively without leaving any stray bristles on the grill
- Hollowed-out design is flexible and lightweight for maneuvering and adding pressure while scaping
- Stainless steel construction is rust-resistant; suitable for long-term use
- Long 17-inch design keeps users away from any residual heat
Cons
- Not suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
- May not be as effective as the brushes that have bristles
Get the Grillart bristle-free grill brush at Amazon or Grillart.
Photo: amazon.com
Even the best manual grill brush requires some elbow grease. Those who prefer an automated alternative might want to consider the Grillbot automatic grill-cleaning robot, which uses three rotating nylon bristle brushes to clean grill grates with the push of a button. After grilling, simply hit the button and let the Grillbot’s CPU chip control the speed and direction of the bristles. An alarm sounds when the grill is clean, and the Grillbot will turn off automatically so the cook can focus on friends, family, and fun.
Product Specs
- Materials: Plastic and nylon
- Length: N/A
- Dishwasher-safe: Yes (nylon brushes only)
Pros
- Rotating nylon bristle brushes automatically clean the grill with the push of a button
- Adjustable timer is built-in for fully automated cleaning
- Brushes can be removed for cleaning; can be placed in the dishwasher if desired
Cons
- May not be ideal for some grills; some users have reported poor cleaning power
Get the Grillbot grill brush at Amazon or Grillbot.
Photo: amazon.com
Smaller backyard grills need a thorough cleaning but can be challenging to work on with a long-handled brush. Fortunately, this 12-inch model by Weber, one of the best brands in grilling, boasts a sturdy stainless steel design with thick bristles. Its ergonomic handle provides optimal control and leverage for cleaning dirty grates, while the wide brush head cleans larger surfaces quickly. The brush doesn’t have any fancy bells and whistles, but it doesn’t have a high price tag either.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Length: 12 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- Thick metal bristles and an ergonomic handle for durability and effective cleaning
- 3-inch brush head is suitable for cleaning small to large grill surfaces
- Hanging hook on the bottom of the handle for ease of storage when not in use
Cons
- Not suitable for cleaning in the dishwasher
- May take a lot of elbow grease to remove stubborn residue
Get the Weber grill brush at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Weber.
Photo: amazon.com
The brass bristles of this Grillaholics grill brush are softer than stainless steel but more effective than nylon at cleaning stuck-on grime from cast iron, porcelain, and ceramic grill grates. Plus, the angled design of the bristles allows you to apply pressure evenly with the entire surface of the brush. (Uneven, unbalanced pressure can remove the protective coating from the grill while leaving other parts still dirty.)
The brush is 18 inches long to keep the grill chef’s hands far from the heat while the flexible design reaches the top, sides, and bottom of each grill grate. Such ease of use helps ensure that grill cleaning will occur before and after every use.
Product Specs
- Materials: Brass and plastic
- Length: 18 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- Ergonomic angled design and brass construction provide durability and ease of use
- Safe to use on sensitive grill grates like ceramic, cast iron, and porcelain
- Long 18-inch design keeps your hands away from any residual heat
- Brush head can reach all around the grill grates for excellent cleaning
Cons
- May not be suitable for very tough grate varieties and stuck-on messes
Get the Grillaholics grill brush at Amazon or Grillaholics.
Photo: amazon.com
This bristle-style grill brush is made with soft nylon that’s ideal for cleaning sensitive porcelain and ceramic grates as well as chrome wire grids. The nylon bristles are angled to increase the cleaning ability between and under the grill grates. Take note, however, that nylon brushes should only be used on cool grill surfaces to avoid melting or otherwise damaging them.
Two scrapers at the front of the brush can be used right side up or upside down to remove burned sauces, vegetables, and other grill debris. The 7.4-inch-long brush has a curved plastic handle with a stainless steel hanging hook for simple storage.
Product Specs
- Materials: Stainless steel and plastic
- Length: 7.4 inches
- Dishwasher-safe: No
Pros
- Curved plastic handle provides ample leverage for heavy-duty scraping
- Built-in metal scraper is suitable for stuck-on residue
- Soft nylon bristles can be used on sensitive grate varieties
Cons
- Construction is not suitable for placing in the dishwasher
- Should not be used on very hot grates; nylon bristles could melt or become damaged
Get the Char-Broil grill brush at Amazon or Char-Broil.
What to Consider When Choosing a Grill Brush
Finding the perfect grill brush for a backyard chef can be challenging. There are many different options and features to consider for cookout cleanup. In addition to thinking about whether a bristle or bristle-free brush is best, also think about handle length, materials, and extra features. And these days, there are even automated grill brush machines to consider.
Bristle vs. Bristle-Free
When shopping for a new grill brush, few factors are more important than whether to choose a bristle brush or a bristle-free version. Lately, there have been negative reports about stray wire bristles found in cooked food, and injuries have occurred because these metal bristles were accidentally consumed.
If wire bristles can cause injury, it may seem like a pretty big argument in favor of bristle-free brushes; however, these issues do not occur if the brushes are cared for properly. To avoid this problem, regularly inspect the grill brush before use and throw out those that do not appear safe to use. Also, after using a bristle-brush on a grill, wipe the grill surface with a wet cloth to make sure it is clear of any bristles. Bristle brushes are efficient tools, but they should be replaced when the metal bristles become worn or warped to avoid this danger.
Since bristle-free brushes pose less of a hazard to health, they have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, resulting in several high-quality brushes hitting the market. These can do just as good a job at cleaning a grill as a bristle brush. However, just like the bristle brush, attention must be paid to the wear and tear. While it isn’t likely that a piece of a bristle-free brush will become lodged in food, ongoing wear can lead to rust buildup or a broken brush.
Material
Choosing the right material for the grill brush will depend on the style of grill and the cleaning style of the user. Stainless steel brushes are best for stainless steel grills. These brushes can be found in both the bristle-brush style and bristle-free style and can be used on a hot or cold grill.
Brass grill brushes are made of a softer metal and are great for cleaning both stainless steel and cast-iron grill surfaces, regardless of whether the surface is hot or cold. However, it can be very difficult to locate a bristle-free brush that comes in brass.
The third popular choice for material is nylon, though bristle-free nylon brushes are hard to come by. Without the danger of shedding metal wires, however, a nylon brush may be just what the grill needs. Nylon is a safer material for a grill brush and won’t damage the metal grates, but the softer material requires a bit more effort to get the grill clean. Plus, grill grates must be cool before cleaning with nylon, which can melt or become damaged from hot grates.
Handle Length
The handle length of a grill brush is only a real concern if the grill is larger than the standard backyard grill, which is about 400 square inches. For the average grill, a 12-inch handle is more than sufficient for reaching the corners of the grill without having to stretch under the second shelf grating. Many grill brushes come with an 18-inch handle that allows the grill cook to apply a more even force across a greater surface of the grill. For those who grill regularly, it may be beneficial to invest in a grill brush with a longer handle.
Also keep in mind that now there are automated robot grill brushes that don’t have a handle at all. They work in much the same way as automated vacuum cleaners, except they sit on the grates of the grill and clean it via rotating brushes under the base. Those looking for the set-it-and-forget-it method of grill cleaning may want to consider this option.
Dishwasher Safety
Cleaning the grill is a necessity, but it is also necessary to clean the grill brush itself. Whether that means washing by hand or in an automated dishwasher depends on whether the grill brush is deemed dishwasher-safe.
Most products state whether they are dishwasher-safe or not. If they are not safe for the dishwasher, the manufacturer can, and often will, provide instructions for how to clean the grill brush. While this won’t be a make-or-break feature for many grillers, if easy cleaning is important to you, then a dishwasher-safe brush may be the better option.
Additional Features
Grill brushes can come with several different features that can affect how efficiently and easily they clean the grill.
- 360-degree clean: One of the most popular features is the 360-degree clean brush. These brushes feature three different wire brushes in one that surround the grate to clean the top, sides, and bottom of the grate at the same time.
- Metal scraper: Many other brushes will offer a metal scraper on the back of the brush to quickly scrape large stuck-on gunk.
- Automated cleaning: For those looking to pick up a grill bot, these automated devices come with a carrying case and removable dishwasher-safe brushes.
FAQs
Now that you’ve learned about what to look for while shopping for the best grill brush, there may still be some lingering questions about specifics. Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.
Q. What kind of brush should I use to clean my grill?
Choose a grill brush that can clean your grill without damaging the grates. The style and material range from soft, bristle-free nylon to abrasive, stainless steel-bristle grill brushes. But the most effective material overall for tough or stuck-on stains and residue is stainless steel.
Q. What is the best grill brush for stainless steel grates?
If you regularly clean your grill, then nylon brushes are the best option to help prevent chipping, rusting, and corrosion. However, a brass or stainless steel brush may be necessary to remove burned food, sauces, and fat from a dirty grill.
Q. What can I use instead of a wire grill brush?
Clean a grill with a nylon bristle brush or a nylon bristle-free brush instead of using a wire grill brush. Some brands also offer brass bristles for especially delicate grill grates like ceramic or porcelain.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.
