9 Best Grill Brushes, Tested and Reviewed
These grill brushes let you clean your grates with less elbow grease.
Reviewed by Nicole PapantoniouKitchen Appliances Lab Director
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A recent study by Good Housekeeping revealed that more than a third of the 500 respondents consider cleaning the grill to be their least favorite part of the grilling process — but using a good brush can make that easier. Grill brushes are essential for keeping grates clean, but we know that all brushes aren't created equal: There are many different brush styles for varying levels of cleaning.
To begin, let's clarify the different types of grill cleaning. There are two main methods: hot cleaning and cold cleaning, which are exactly as they sound. Some brushes are designed for use while the grill is still hot, while others should only be used after the grill has cooled down. Additionally, there are various styles of brushes available, including metal bristle brushes, bristle-free brushes and nylon brushes.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances Lab, we tested 30 grill brushes over the past few years. After cooking burgers, we evaluate each brush's ability to clean grates and test how well the brush fits into corners and tight spaces. We also factor in versatility, such as whether the brush has a scraper and if it feels balanced and sturdy. Our team at GH also puts some of these brushes to the test at home to provide long-term feedback and user experience. Whether you're looking to clean a pellet, gas or charcoal grill, these are the best grill brushes.
Pros
- Round handle and overlapping bristles allow for easy cleaning
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Bristles may come loose
Dimensions: 17" x 8" x 5" | Material: Stainless steel | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
Grillart's brush and scraper aced our tests. We like the large, comfortable handle that makes the tool easy to use with one hand. The design of the bristles — arranged in three side-by-side columns — allows them to cover a lot of surface area, hugging the grates to clean the top and sides with minimal effort.
We also like that you can flip the brush over to scrape grates. You can tackle larger swaths with the wide edge of the scraper or use one of the scalloped edges to clean single grates. The one caveat with this brush style is that some bristles may come loose, which can pose a hazard if one gets into food. We recommend replacing these brushes as soon as they start to wear and checking for loose bristles before using them.
This brush is one of Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab Director Nicole Papantoniou's go-to brushes, "I've used this brush for about three years, and it held up well. It's still the easiest to use, and it cleans all parts of the grates".
Pros
- Short head and handle offer stability
- Rounded bristles get around individual grates well
- Horizontal design cleans many grates at once
Cons
- Short handle makes it harder to clean hot grills
Dimensions: 12" x 7.1" x 1.1" | Material: Stainless steel | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
This short-handled brush from Weber stood out in our tests: It felt sturdier than some of its longer counterparts, which can feel too flexible to thoroughly clean without using two hands. We could get a firm grip during cleaning, and the wide shape maneuvered around the grates well. The design allows you to get close for a good scrub.
We liked how easily the brush rotated to access tight corners. The brush covers a large surface area and makes for quick and easy cleanup, but the short handle means your hand is closer to the grill, so be cautious when using it while the grill is hot. "I love how much control I have when using this grill brush," says one of our kitchen appliance analysts. "The handle on this updated version of the Three-Sided Grill Brush from Weber not only looks good but feels nice."
Pros
- Bristle-free design
- Head is removable and replaceable
Cons
- Heavier than some other brushes
Dimensions: 2.5" x 5" x 20.05" | Material: Stainless steel | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
We liked this brush's thick handle and comfortable silicone padding on the top and bottom. But what was most impressive was the unique design with a bristle-free stainless steel mesh atop silicone padding. It gives the mesh support while allowing it to be flexible. In our test, the brush head cleaned the grill well, and the sturdy stainless steel scraper on the flip side got any bits the head did not.
The brush head is both removable — making it easier to clean, even in the dishwasher — and replaceable, extending the handle's life and reducing waste. The one downside is that we did find the brush heavier than others we've used.
Pros
- Bristle-free design
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Didn't clean up burger residue as well as bristle brushes
Dimensions: 17.5" x 4" x 10" | Material: Stainless steel | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
Kona's bristle-free design removes the risk of loose bristles remaining on the grill, potentially contaminating food. It features three rows of stainless steel coils for a stable and effective design.
We liked the thick handle, which includes a finger grip that encourages a comfortable grasp. The brush is both flexible and sturdy and designed to stay cool. In our tests, this grill brush wasn't the best at scraping off burger residue or getting into corners, but it eventually got the job done.
Pros
- Nylon bristles are well suited to cleaning coated grates
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Cannot be used on hot grill
Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.5" x 17.5" | Material: Nylon | Best for hot or cold grill: Cold
A nylon brush can be great for coated grill grates and nonstick grill pans. Though we have not tested it in the Lab, we've recommended Char-Broil grills and like the design of this brush, which has bristles across the bottom and up the sides for use at different angles. The 17.5-inch length can help you get leverage when cleaning.
The brand notes that the nylon bristles are reinforced with ceramic grit for more thorough scrubbing. But note that this brush is not designed to clean a hot grill.
Weber Bamboo Grill Brush
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Sturdy
Cons
- Bamboo could show charring if used on hot grill
Dimensions: 2.37" x 2.12" x 17.72" | Material: Bamboo and stainless steel | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
This traditional bamboo brush is a strong tool to clean your grill. It's available in two different lengths — 12 and 18 inches — and now has an angled brush head to provide more distance from heat when cleaning. We tested the 18-inch version, which provided plenty of space for a sturdy, two-hand grip.
The handle is smooth, thick and comfortable to hold. In our tests, this brush proved effective in getting in the edges of grates. The now-discontinued version we initially tested had a scraper that allowed for precise cleanup of single grates. Although this version doesn't have a scraper, we still appreciate the control and precision you have when cleaning with the newest version, as shown here. You should also take note that the bamboo may show charring over time when used on a hot grill.
Proud Grill Company Q-Swiper BBQ Grill Cleaner Set
Pros
- Bristle-free design
- Includes 25 pre-moistened wipes
Cons
- Compact design means you should wait for grates to cool
Dimensions: 12.75" x 6" x 6" | Material: Stainless steel scrubber with fabric wipe overlay | Best for hot or cold grill: Cold
The Q-Swiper is a unique grill cleaner that earned a Good Housekeeping Cleaning Award. It eschews the bristle design for a handled pad, a scraper and a set of disposable pre-moistened wipes that allow you to scrub the grates with a fresh, clean surface each time. You can also flip or angle down the pad to use the built-in scraper with a wide, flat edge and two scalloped edges for working between grates.
In our tests, this cleaner even handled barbecue sauce-coated grates with ease. We found that because of the short profile that places your hand close to the grill's surface, you should wait for the grill to cool before using it, as instructed by the manufacturer. The pre-moistened wipes come in handy for quick cleaning or small messes when you don't need to pull out your larger grill brushes.
The Great Scrape Woody Shovel
Pros
- Conforms to your grill over time
- Wide, comfortable handle
Cons
- Doesn't handle corners or tight spaces easily
Dimensions: 20" x 0.75" x 4.75" | Material: Hardwood | Best for hot or cold grill: Either
A wooden paddle is a great bristle-free option because it can conform to your grill's grates as it wears down over time. Our Lab director liked this one for the wide handle, which is good for getting leverage. It was long enough to use on a hot grill, and we liked the hanging strap for storage.
While the conforming over time helps cover more surface area of each grate, this brush has a harder time getting into corners and tight spots.
Grill Rescue Steam Cleaning Grill Brush
Pros
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
- Absorbs lots of water so you don't have to resoak as often as other models
Cons
- Cleaning sponge can be tricky to remove
Dimensions: 5" x 2.5" x 4.54" | Material: Plastic | Best for hot or cold grill: Hot
Steam cleaning is an effective way to eliminate stuck-on food and residue. When doing the most recent round of testing, this model from Grill Rescue stood out amongst others for its ability to absorb water efficiently and clean easily.
When testing it against other steam brushes, our analysts were surprised at how well it got rid of grease and grime that was burnt onto the grates. "After soaking the head of the brush in water, I was surprised to see just how much it absorbed compared to others in the same category," says a GH analyst. "It did a great job of cleaning burnt-on mess, though taking the head off was a bit of a challenge. I would still reach for this when doing steam cleanings."
Other grill brushes to consider
- Cuisinart Steam Cleaner Brush: We tested this steam brush from Cuisinart in our most recent grill brush evaluation. While it was comfortable to use and maneuver, we noticed that it didn't absorb enough water to get enough steam for a deeper cleaning, but using it for light cleaning is a good option. It also has a scraper to help get additional dirt and burnt-on bits.
- Scrub Daddy BBQ Daddy Grill Brush: The viral grill brush from Scrub Daddy lived up to the hype when used in the latest round of testing. The brush handles are easy to hold and give you lots of control when doing deep cleans. The brush head doesn’t soak up as much water as others tested, but the steam, in combination with the woven head, did a great job of removing burnt-on messes. It also has a hook that acts as a grate lifter, which came in handy while cleaning. Keep in mind that the brush is large and a little tricky to store for some.
- Grand Grill Daddy Steam Cleaning Grill Brush: This advanced grill brush from Grill Daddy is another steam clean option we are still testing. Unlike other steam brushes, you don't have to soak the head; the brush isn't bristle-free. The brush has two grill heads, one on the underside and the other on top. The grill should be preheated to achieve steam, and water can be added to the brush handle. Cleaning can begin once the water valve is switched to the on position. The downside is that it's pricey and bulky, so take note of that when considering storage.
How we test grill brushes
The experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested more than 30 grill brushes to find those that can help keep your grill clean and safe. We used each brush to clean the entire grill grate surface after cooking a batch of juicy burgers.
✔️ Ease of use: As we cleaned the grill, we evaluated each brush's handle: Is it comfortable to grasp — allowing enough leverage for a good clean — and does the length enable users to tackle a hot grill, or is it better suited to a cool grill?
✔️ Performance: We assess sturdiness and whether a brush is nimble enough to get into hard-to-reach spots. We note whether it has a scraper. For bristled brushes, our experts check for wear patterns and whether the bristles come loose, which poses a safety hazard. For brushes without bristles, we evaluate the method of scrubbing or scraping the grates and rate the performance.
For all styles, we like it when a brush has a loop, hook or another easy storage solution.
What to look for when shopping for grill brushes
When shopping for grill brushes, consider the following, but first check your grill manufacturer's manual for recommended cleaning tips or tools before purchasing any grill brush:
✔️ Bristle type: There are three common types of grill brushes that you can shop: metal, nylon and bristle-free:
- Metal bristles are heavy-duty: They work quickly and can handle hot temperatures. They can, however, scratch-coated grill grates, and they need to be monitored closely to ensure that bristles don't loosen and accidentally end up in food.
- Nylon bristles are more gentle, so they're better suited for cleaning coated grates and can reduce wear on metal grates. But they can melt if used over high heat and often don't clean as well or as quickly as metal bristles.
- Bristle-free brushes eliminate the risk posed by loose bristles on your cooking surface. They're typically strong and good at scraping, but some may not perform as well as bristled brushes.
Note: If using a bristle brush, check the grill for stray bristles that may have fallen or been pulled out. These can be ingested and cause harm if swallowed. We recommend replacing your bristle brushes every one to two seasons or any time you notice loose or missing bristles.
✔️ Bristle design and head shape: Rounded bristle configurations offer a more comprehensive clean, as rotating the brush can often help you clean edges, corners and hard-to-reach places. In our tests, we found that the shape of the head made a difference, too: Horizontal heads covered more surface area at once, while vertical ones tended to get deeper into grates because of the more evenly distributed weight.
✔️ Handle: Grill brush handles are typically made of plastic or wood; the grill brushes we tested with plastic handles were a bit more flexible and provided more give for the heads to surround the grates better. Our pros found that thicker handles with rounded edges were more comfortable to use. Brushes 12 inches long or shorter can generally be used with one hand; those 18 inches or longer often benefit from two-handed use.
✔️ Scraper: Many grill brushes come with scrapers that help loosen food. These proved useful in our tests, especially those with corners designed to get around individual grates. Scrapers also help increase the longevity of your brush by reducing the number of swipes required to clean the grates.
Hot vs. Cold Cleaning
There are two types of grill cleaning methods: hot and cold. It is best to see what your grill manufacturers suggest before doing either:
Hot cleaning: Hot cleaning requires heat, so your grates should be hot. When hot cleaning, you can use a bristle brush (that has a high heat resistance) to scrape off burnt food residue. You can also use a steam brush, which requires soaking in water, and once in contact with the hot grates, the bristle-free brush produces steam to help clean and loosen burnt-on messes. When hot cleaning, it is better to have a brush with a long handle to protect you from accidental burns.
Cold cleaning: Cold cleaning is just like it sounds: cleaning the grill while it is cold. You can use a brush or scraper to remove food and residue when cold cleaning. You can also use soap and water to help get the grates looking new again.
Why should I brush my grill?
A clean grill is a safe grill. When you use a grill brush to clean the grates after each use, you remove stuck-on food and greasy build-up that could lead to flare-ups — which could cause burns — during future cooking sessions.
Reducing the likelihood of flare-ups also helps ensure more even cooking because you won't have hot spots. And clean grates are less likely to transfer flavors from previous cookouts to your current meal.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Nicole Papantoniou is the director of the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she oversees all testing. She specializes in grill testing, reviewing all types of grills and grill accessories. She led the testing of these grill brushes.
Sarah Gregory is a deputy editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute. She is a trained cook and applies her culinary knowledge to product testing, including leading the test for grill thermometers.
Raena Loper is a contributing writer and analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute and wrote the latest update on this grill brush article. She has tested several categories for GH including, indoor smokers, air fryers and more. She works alongside Papantoniou to conduct tests on pellet grills, smokers and of course grill brushes.
Sarah (she/her) is a deputy editor in the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she tests products and covers the best picks across kitchen, tech, health and food. She has been cooking professionally since 2017 and has tested kitchen appliances and gear for Family Circle as well as developed recipes and food content for Simply Recipes, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Oxo and Food52. She holds a certificate in professional culinary arts from the International Culinary Center (now the Institute of Culinary Education).
Raena Loper (she/her) is a fashion journalist and product analyst based in New Jersey whose work has appeared in Forbes, Good Housekeeping and O, The Oprah Magazine. Raena is a graduate from Montclair State University where she earned a degree in fashion studies as well as gender, sexuality and women's studies. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, cooking BBQ and spending time with family.
Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.
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