Easy Off Grill Cleaner Review: Does it Live Up to the Hype?

Is Easy Off Grill Cleaner worth the hype? This review dives deep into the performance of this popular grill cleaning product, covering everything from the initial purchase and application process to the final cleaning results and overall value. We detail our experience using Easy Off, including unexpected delivery challenges and the product's effectiveness on different types of grill grime. We'll explore whether it truly lives up to its promises and if it's a time-saving solution for maintaining your grill.Our testing involved a thorough assessment of the application method, dwell time, and the final clean. We'll discuss the product's scent, ease of use, and limitations, offering a balanced perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, we provide a definitive score reflecting the overall effectiveness and value of Easy Off Grill Cleaner, helping you decide if it's the right choice for your grilling needs. We'll also weigh its cost against its performance, considering if the convenience justifies the purchase.

Pros And Cons

Easy Off Grill Cleaner BBQ
  • Inexpensive (less than $5)
  • Relatively easy to use; requires minimal elbow grease after soaking.
  • Gets the top of the grill pretty clean.
  • Cannot be used on the grill exterior, interior, or components (only the top grill surface).
  • Instructions unclear regarding rinsing frequency.
  • Directions misleading; requires twice the soaking time (80 minutes total) to clean both sides of grill.
  • Doesn't clean all areas effectively (some residual grime remains).

Read more: 10 Amazing Scotch-Brite Grill Cleaning Hacks

Initial Impressions and Packaging

The Easy Off Grill Cleaner arrived in standard packaging. Unfortunately, my first order was stolen, highlighting a potential vulnerability in the delivery process. The replacement arrived without issue and cost just under $5, although pricing fluctuates on Amazon.

Dirty grill grates before cleaning
Dirty grill grates before cleaning

The can itself is compact and easy to handle, and the instructions are printed on the back. Initial inspection suggests a standard aerosol can design.

Easy-Off BBQ grill cleaner can
Easy-Off BBQ grill cleaner can

A quick check of the instructions reveals that it's only suitable for the grill's cooking grates, specifically. This is disappointing as it excludes the exterior and internal components.

Application and Waiting Time

Application is straightforward. The instructions recommend spraying the cleaner 9 to 12 inches away from the surface, allowing it to foam for approximately 40 minutes. The cleaner has a pleasant citrusy scent.

BBQ grill cleaner instructions
BBQ grill cleaner instructions

I used readily available packaging paper in lieu of newspapers. I applied the cleaner to the grill grates, ensuring even coverage. While the instructions mention rinsing into grass, this isn't environmentally friendly.

BBQ grill cleaner instructions
BBQ grill cleaner instructions

The 40-minute wait time allowed for thorough soaking of the grill grates. The strong smell was initially off-putting but I found it to be pleasant eventually.

Grill grates cleaned with foaming cleaner
Grill grates cleaned with foaming cleaner

Cleaning Process and Results

After 40 minutes, I began cleaning. The initial cleaning results were impressive. Most of the grime lifted quite easily. However, the backside of the grates required an additional 40 minutes of soak time.

Cleaning dirty grill grates with spray
Cleaning dirty grill grates with spray

Even with the extended time, some stubborn stains remained. The cleaning was significantly easier than scrubbing with water alone. Despite the additional time, the final result was quite satisfactory.

Cleaning dirty grill grates with water.
Cleaning dirty grill grates with water.

It didn't completely remove all the baked-on grease, but it made the cleaning process dramatically easier. Given the low price and time saved versus scrubbing, it's still a considerable improvement.

Cleaned grill grates after soaking
Cleaned grill grates after soaking

Final Verdict

Overall, the Easy Off Grill Cleaner earns a 6.9 out of 10. It's effective for removing most grime, but stubborn stains may require extra effort and time.

The misleading instructions regarding the need to clean both sides added to the time commitment. However, the $5 price point and the ease of cleaning make it a good option for light cleaning and maintenance.

For a quick clean-up before guests arrive or a simple between-use cleaning, this product is a solid choice. It’s not suitable for deep cleaning but offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for lighter tasks.