From foams and sprays to even automatic brushes, we've got you—and your grill—covered with the best grill cleaners.
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Best Grill Cleaning Sprays, Brushes, and Heavy-Duty Cleaners of 2024 to Tackle Grease
Updated on Oct. 21, 2024
Long, sunny days mean barbecue season is here and grills are working overtime. Whether you have a charcoal grill, gas grill or smoker, the best grill cleaner makes sure all the food tastes just right—and that yesterday’s grilled fish doesn’t contaminate tonight’s veggie burgers.
Maintaining your grill between uses is important not only for safety reasons, but for extending its longevity. We selected a variety of the best grill cleaners to keep your machine in pristine condition. Grab your spatula, serving plate and other grilling tools, and get ready to fire up some tasty hot dogs and veggies all summer long!
Automatic Grill Brush
Grillbot Automatic Grill Brush
For the cook who deserves a break from flipping burgers, this is the best grill cleaner that works hard so you don’t have to. Simply place the Grillbot automatic grill brush on the grates, hit the push-button starter and close the lid. The Grillbot beeps when it’s finished cleaning and has an automatic shutoff (in case you’re out of reach).
Featuring three spinning brushes that work simultaneously, this automatic grill brush is compatible with cast iron, steel and porcelain grates, and has a handy storage case. And if you choose to run the Grillbot after cooking, an alarm sounds when the grill needs to cool down (below 250 degrees Fahrenheit.) With everyone out buying grills for summer, put this one at the top of your list.
On Sale
Grill Grate Cleaner
Weber Grill Grate Cleaner
This food-safe grill cleaner from Weber is a no-fuss grilling accessory that’s easy to use. Simply spray it onto the grates, wait a minute and then scrub off grease and grime using a basic grill brush. This formula works on standard grills and smokers. Because it’s non-toxic and phosphate-free, it’s safe to use directly on cooking grate surfaces, as well.
On Sale
Super-Strength Grill and Grate Cleaner
Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner
When your neglected grill is in desperate need of a rigorous cleaning and simple sprays won’t do, this grill and grate spray is one tough cleaner. The foam formula clings to grill grates and surfaces to remove grease and carbon, yet it’s biodegradable and environmentally friendly. In addition to tackling caked-on food deposits (we’re looking at you, well-done burger), this cleaner also works on pellet and electric smokers.
Grill Cleaner
Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner
You probably already use this brand for deep-cleaning your oven after a Thanksgiving feast, but did you know there’s a heavy-duty version formulated for grills? Dissolve the toughest stains with this barbecue grill cleaner. Remove the grill cover, open the lid and spray the cleaner directly onto the grill grates. Let it sit for a few minutes and then wipe away gunk and grime. Easy-Off is both kosher and National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)-certified.
On Sale
Steam Cleaner Brush
Cuisinart CCB-1000 Grill Renew Steam Cleaner Brush
Behold the power of the best steam grill cleaner. Unlike sprays and foaming cleansers, this steam cleaner brush from Cuisinart relies on heat supplied by your grill (and some good, old-fashioned elbow grease) to de-gunk your grill. Preheat the grill on the low seating for five minutes, soak the brush’s cleaning head in cool water and brush away.
The scraper blade removes hardened grease while the side of the brush head gets all those hard-to-reach places, like in between the grates. We might need to add this to the best grill lover’s gift ideas. Oh, and if you’re looking for more options, you can also consider this steam-powered Grand Grill Daddy grill cleaning brush.
On Sale
Bristle-Free Grill Brush
GrillArt’s Bristle-Free Grill Brush
If you’re concerned about the wear and tear of traditional metal bristles on barbecue cleaners, GrillArt’s bristle-free grill brush is a safer alternative. The sturdy design features three rows of coils, boasting triple the cleaning action of standard brushes. For best results, dip this tool in water repeatedly and watch the grease and grime disappear from your smoker or grill.
Type of Grill Cleaners
When choosing a grill cleaner, consider the type that best suits your needs:
- Chemical cleaners are powerful options that break down grime, grease and burnt-on food. They work fast but can contain harsh ingredients that require careful handling. You’ll also need to rinse your grill thoroughly after cleaning to ensure no residue.
- Natural cleaners are a safer, eco-friendly alternative to chemicals. They can use ingredients like vinegar, baking soda or plant-based chemicals to clean a grill. They’re generally gentler on the surface, so they may require a little more time and elbow grease to get the same results as chemical cleaners.
- Steam cleaners blast away grime using high-temperature steam. They’re ideal for a deep clean without using a potentially harmful chemical.
What to Look for When Buying a Grill Cleaner
Compatibility
Perhaps the most important consideration when buying grill cleaner is to check your grill’s surface material first, then buy the right cleaner for that surface.
Different grills—like stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain-coated or ceramic—have unique surfaces that may react differently to certain cleaners. For example, chemical cleaners can be too harsh for porcelain-coated grates, leading to damage or discoloration, while natural cleaners may be gentler and safer for these surfaces.
Ease of Use
Grill cleaners come in spray or gel forms, each with different benefits.
- Spray cleaners are convenient and quick to apply, making them ideal for light to moderate grime. They can easily reach into crevices but may require multiple applications for tough buildup.
- Gel cleaners cling better to vertical surfaces and stubborn grime, providing a more concentrated clean. However, they may need more time to work.
You should also remember any additional tools you may need for the job, like a brush or a scraper. Some cleaners may prefer you use a specific tool, while others are fine with just a cloth or a sponge.
Safety and Chemical Composition
Some grill cleaners contain toxic chemicals, such as caustic agents or strong acids, which can effectively remove stubborn grease and grime but can be risky if inhaled or swallowed. When using these cleaners, it’s important to work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective equipment like gloves, masks and safety glasses to prevent skin contact.
If toxicity is a concern for you, natural or biodegradable cleaners offer a safer alternative. They minimize health risks while still providing effective cleaning power.
Effectiveness
We all want the grill cleaning process to be over as soon as possible, so an effective grill cleaner that works quickly with little scrubbing required is ideal for most people.
The action speed depends on the type of cleaner you’ve chosen. Some cleaners act quickly, breaking down debris in minutes, making them ideal for quick clean-ups. Others may require longer to penetrate tough buildup.
Tip: Small, consistent efforts with a light cleaner are usually enough to keep a grill sparkling clean, avoiding caked-on grease that takes forever to tackle. Don’t forget to clean your grill after cooking; it’s tougher to clean later!
Environmental Impact
Choosing a cleaner that meets environmentally sustainable practices helps protect your grill and the planet. When shopping, consider the packaging and opt for products that use recyclable or minimal packaging to reduce waste. The biodegradability of cleaners is also a key factor. An eco-friendly grill cleaner’s ingredients can break down naturally without leaving harmful residues behind, making them a little safer.
Residue and Odor
Some cleaners, especially ones that use strong chemicals, can leave a noticeable residue that can affect food taste if not rinsed off properly. This is particularly important for grills, where food directly interacts with the grates. Cleaners with strong chemical scents can also leave an unpleasant odor that lingers long after cleaning.
Look for cleaners with a no-residue finish and have low or no odor, especially if you’re sensitive to strong smells.
Cost and Quantity
When thinking about price, consider the quantity provided. Some cleaners come in larger bottles or bulk sizes, offering better value per use, while smaller bottles may be more convenient for occasional cleaning but could cost more in the long run. Consider your cleaning needs and how often you’ll use and clean your grill to find a balance between cost and quantity that fits your budget and usage.
Why You Should Trust Us
Pamela Brill has over 30 years of experience in print and digital publications. She’s written extensively on various topics, including retail, home design and renovation, consumer products and gear guides.
Paul Rankin edited and provided research for this article, drawing on his expertise as a product tester for Bob Vila. Paul has also written and edited hundreds of reviews of home and garden products.
How We Found the Best Grill Cleaners
To create our list of the best grill cleaners, we considered a range of factors to ensure quality and effectiveness. Brand reputation was a key consideration, so we focused on reputable brands known for their reliable and high-performing cleaning products. We also took time to assess customer reviews to help us gauge ease of use and potential issues. As always, price was a top priority for this list. We provide a range of products that offer great value for various budgets. Our recommendations include reusable tools and effective sprays and gels capable of tackling most grill-cleaning jobs.
FAQ
What is the best thing to clean a grill with?
This depends on the type of grill you have. Different materials have different cleaning requirements. For example, a metal scraping tool and a microfiber cloth work great for stainless steel grills, while porcelain grills can be cleaned effectively using soap and water.
What is the best degreaser for grills?
For tough grease, we like Goo Gone, which does a great job of cutting through the grime and using a biodegradable and eco-friendly formula.
What is the best cleaner for rust on a grill?
Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, then apply it to the grill with a sponge. Let it sit for around 30 minutes, and then scrub it off with warm water and a cloth. This should take away the rust. Rinse thoroughly afterward to remove the residue.
