Keeping your grill sparkling clean shouldn't be a chore. This year's top grill cleaners offer a range of solutions to tackle even the most stubborn burnt-on grease and grime, from everyday spills to post-barbecue messes. Whether you prefer the power of chemical cleaners, the convenience of a spray-on formula, the eco-friendly approach of natural scrubbing bricks, or the versatility of steam cleaning, there's a perfect option to restore your grill to its pristine condition. This comprehensive review analyzes six leading contenders, comparing their effectiveness, ease of use, and suitability for different grill types and messes.We've rigorously tested and compared each cleaner, taking into account factors like dwell time, scrubbing effort, overall cleaning power, and safety. From high-powered degreasers designed for the toughest jobs to gentler solutions suitable for everyday maintenance, this guide provides detailed insights into each product's strengths and weaknesses. By the end, you'll be equipped to choose the best grill cleaner to match your grilling style and keep your outdoor kitchen sparkling clean all season long.
Pros And Cons
- Dissolves hamburger grease and burned-on food easily.
- Easy to use: spray, let sit, wipe, and rinse.
- Not explicitly designed for outdoor grills, although it worked well in testing.
- Effectively cleans barbecue grates.
- Can be used for various grill cleaning tasks.
- Easy to use handheld attachment.
- Performed well on stainless steel and porcelain grates.
- Spray foam clings to grates for better penetration.
- Requires 40 minutes of dwell time.
- Requires protecting surrounding surfaces.
- Easy to use for cleaning grill surfaces.
- Scrubs both sides of the grill safely.
- Naturally wears down grease and oil.
- Not a complete solution; good for quick cleaning.
Read more: 10 Amazing Scotch-Brite Grill Cleaning Hacks
Dawn Powerwash Spray Starter Kit
Dawn Powerwash Spray, initially designed for dishwashing, surprisingly excels at cleaning grill pans and indoor grills. Its ease of use is a major advantage; simply spray, let it sit, wipe, and rinse. The formula effectively dissolves grease, even stubborn burnt-on residue, making cleanup a breeze. This product earned a Good Housekeeping Seal.
While not explicitly designed for outdoor grills, testing proved its efficacy on burnt-on hamburger grease on a skillet. This versatility makes it a convenient choice for multiple cleaning needs, but refills are necessary after the initial sprayer is emptied.
Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner
Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner effectively tackles both stainless steel and porcelain grates. Its spray foam clings to the grates, ensuring thorough penetration and cleaning. For optimal results, let it sit for the recommended 40 minutes before scrubbing.
Remember to protect surrounding surfaces with newspaper before application. While highly effective, the extended dwell time requires patience and preemptive floor protection. However, this ensures deep cleaning and eliminates stubborn grease and burnt-on food.
Wagner Spraytech On-Demand Steam Cleaner
The Wagner Spraytech steam cleaner proves that steam cleaning is a viable option for grill grates. Its high-powered steam effectively removes caked-on residue without harsh chemicals. The handheld attachment allows for precise and efficient cleaning of all grill parts.
Beyond the grates, this versatile steamer can clean the grill's upper lids and hard-to-reach areas. The ease of use and multi-purpose functionality make this a valuable addition to any grill cleaning arsenal. Distilled water is the only requirement.
Lazy Grill Griddle Cleaning Brick
The Lazy Grill Griddle Cleaning Brick (Kel Foiya) offers a unique approach using a four-pack of grill bricks and pumice stones. It provides a convenient method for scrubbing both sides of the grates. The natural abrasive action effectively removes grease and oil buildup.
While good for quick cleanups, this method may not be sufficient for extremely heavy messes. The natural wearing down of the bricks makes it environmentally friendly. Use of cooking oil beforehand is recommended to aid in the scrubbing process.
Zep Heavy Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner
Zep Heavy Duty Oven and Grill Cleaner is a powerful, professional-grade cleaner designed for tough stains. Its thick, foaming formula clings to surfaces, ensuring deep penetration and effective grime removal. It's safe for use on various surfaces, including stainless steel, porcelain, and ceramic.
This cleaner excels at removing stubborn messes from grills and other kitchen appliances. The clinging formula minimizes scrubbing effort and saves time. The versatility extends to ovens, pots, pans, and stovetops.
Kona Safe Clean Barbecue Grill Cleaner Spray
Kona Safe Clean Barbecue Grill Cleaner is a powerful degreaser that leaves grills sparkling. Its clinging formula cuts through tough grease, significantly reducing scrubbing time and effort. It's effective on both the interior and exterior of grills.
This cleaner effectively targets tough stains on grates, stainless steel, and other grill components. Use before cooking to ensure a pristine cooking surface for those juicy steaks. Its effectiveness and broad application make it a worthwhile investment.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Grill Cleaner
The best grill cleaner depends on your specific needs and preferences. Dawn Powerwash excels at easy cleanup on indoor grills and grill pans, while Easy-Off is strong for stubborn outdoor messes. The Wagner steamer is a versatile option, ideal for various grill parts and other cleaning tasks. For quick touch-ups, the cleaning brick is a convenient choice.
Zep and Kona are powerful options for tougher jobs, removing tough grease efficiently from various surfaces. Consider the type of grill, the severity of the mess, and your desired level of effort when making your selection. Overall, all options present varying levels of efficiency and ease of use depending on your specific grill cleaning needs.