The 10 Best Grill Cleaners of 2024, Tested & Reviewed

There isn’t a caked-on mess that this heavy-duty wire brush can’t handle. Made from three rows of thick, high-quality stainless steel bristles, it toes the line between stiff and flexible, making it the perfect tool for removing charred food and getting into all the nooks and crannies. You’ll even find a solid scraper on the flip side of the brush, with sharp edges and a notch on each side that nestles over the top of an individual grate to make quick work of any stuck-on messes. 

Throughout testing, we were impressed by how effective this brush was — and how little elbow grease we needed to put in. The unique angled head helps you gain leverage when scraping against stuck-on messes, and the long handle ensures your hands and arms stay far away from any residual heat coming off your grill. The width of the brush head means your scrubbing tackles a few rows of grates at a time, and we were very impressed by the ingenious notches on either side of the scraper blade, which helped to clean individual grates. For best results, wet the brush frequently while scrubbing your grill, and look for any loose bristles that can fall off and make their way into your next batch of grilled seafood.

“I love the rounded grooves for getting under the grates where it’s harder to reach. The bristles and flat scraper edge both offer great coverage. The brush wipes over a few grates at once, so it ends up being a quick process. It also has a comfortable grip that resists heat.” – Mary Claire Lagroue, Commerce Editor

Type: Brush | Size: 18 inches

A great heavy-duty remover in your cleaning kit is essential, especially when you grill frequently. Goof Off’s Heavy Duty Remover is formulated to tackle some of the toughest messes, from asphalt and tar to adhesives and grill grime. The convenient spray bottle makes it easy to target the area you want, and the solution leaves no oily residue or harsh chemical smells.  

During our testing, this spray was a standout, especially for cleaning the gunk that can make its way onto the surfaces on either side of your grill, where many people prep their food or store proteins. It cuts through grease and removes grime on different surfaces, from grill tops to stainless steel side panels. That said, heavier messes may necessitate a bit of a soak, which can be tough if you’re trying to clean your grates; for that reason, this is best for flat, solid surfaces.

“I often forget to cover my grill, so when it gets gunk on the side tables, this Goof Off Heavy Duty Remover is great for cleaning those surfaces. I’m guessing most people neglect those little prep surfaces, but they can get pretty gross!” – Jason Horn, Senior Writer

Type: Liquid | Size: 22 fluid ounces

If you’re squeamish about using a metal bristle brush on your grill (some users worry about the bristles dislodging and ending up in food), then you’ll want to look for a scraper that has a sponge scrubbing head. This brush was designed to work with water to create a steam bath that frees grime from your grates, and a deceptively sturdy scrub head that can be replaced.

We were impressed by how well this padded head worked on different grill surfaces, all without the need for too much force. As a perk, the head of this brush can even be put in the dishwasher to clean in between uses. We also loved the long, curved neck on this scrubber, though we were surprised that it doesn’t have a loop or notch on the end that allows you to hang in on the side of your grill. Head replacements can be purchased for $25 with a scraper blade at the tip for even more cleaning power. 

“After getting spooked about the dangers of grill brushes with bristles, I bought the Grill Rescue BBQ Replaceable Scraper Cleaning Head. Instead of a brush, the cleaner has a padded head soaked in water before hitting the grill. The concept is that you steam clean, and the head is heat-resistant. When you are done, you can throw it in the dishwasher, and the heads are replaceable once you’ve worn it out. It cleans well with little force and works on all grill types.” – Jennifer Zyman, Testing Editor 

Type: Brush | Size: 16 inches long

You’ve probably seen this viral Dawn dish spray making the rounds on social media, where it’s lauded for its ability to clean everything from soap-scum-covered showers to crayon scribbles on the well. Well, it should come as no surprise to learn that it’s also great at tackling the stuck-on grease that lingers on your grill. The powerful trigger sprayer helps you direct the solution to exactly where it needs to go, while the foaming consistency means it’s better at clinging to vertical surfaces, like grill grates and the dome of your lid. 

This solution works particularly well on smaller grill parts. It quickly cuts down on grease, removes tough stains from charcoal grills, and gets tools and grill brushes back into fighting shape. The Dawn Powerwash solution is most effective if allowed to sit for a few minutes, and you may have to do a few rounds of cleaning especially stuck-on messes. Your grill parts can have a lingering fragrance if not washed completely, so rinse until no suds or residue remains. 

“I use dish soap and water to clean the grease from my portable grill, grill brush, and tongs. I have the Everdure Cube, and the parts are small enough to wash in the sink. I store it in my laundry closet and don’t want it to retain a smell, and Dawn dish soap is as effective as any grilling-specific cleaning agent. For larger grills, you could also fill an empty drip bucket with water and a bit of dish soap.” – Mary Claire Lagroue, Commerce Editor

Type: Liquid | Size: 16 fluid ounces

Fans of the iconic Big Green Egg will love this durable and effective grill scrubber from the brand, which can be used on any number of grills and surfaces. Designed with an extra long handle (no burns here!) and a replaceable scrubber head, it works to break down charred-on food and grease lingering on your grill grates. On the top edge, there’s a stainless steel blade that can chip off any stubborn food that remains burnt on your surface. 

While this brush was tested on a Big Green Egg grill, we found it effective at cleaning on many different grill surfaces, making quick work of the remains from saucy wings, juicy steaks, and tender veggies. We loved the firmness of the bristles, which swap traditional metal for safer palm, so they won’t be harmful if accidentally ingested. The ergonomic handle helps you get leverage behind each scrub, so removing tough stuck-on messes is easy without ending up with sore muscles. 

“Whether you have an Egg or not, this brush does an excellent job. It has natural bristles instead of traditional metal ones, as well as a long enough handle to keep you away from the heat. I’ve cooked everything from saucy wings to marinated steaks and highly seasoned vegetables on its surface, and this brush always easily scrapes away any unsavory residue, no extra scrubbing required.” – Dana Fouchia, Senior Commerce Editor

Type: Brush

Blackstone owners will tell you that owning one of the popular grill tops is a way of life, making this cleaning kit a must-have for protecting your investment. Instead of a bristled brush, this design relies on a paddle shape and natural pumice stone, which makes quick work of charred food and grease without leaving any harmful residue or wire pieces. Pros agree that pumice stones — or grill bricks — are one of the best ways to clean a flat-top grill like the Blackstone, but they’re also useful for scrubbing traditional grill grates. 

We love how well this hefty stone cleans your surface, likening its effect to sandpaper on wood. While it’s not required to lubricate the grill top with anything before cleaning, many experts agree that a small bit of oil can help loosen debris and allow the stone to glide more effectively over the surface. That said, the pumice stone will leave behind a residual slurry (especially when dust from the stone mixes with any of the oils left on your grill), so you will need to scrape off the leftover goop and wipe the surface clean with paper towels once cool. 

Type: Stone | Size: 11.6 x 4.7 inches

You can clean your grill all you want, but to keep your gear in tip-top shape, you’ll want to protect it from the elements. A great cover goes a long way toward making sure your grill stays rust-free, critter-free, and debris-free. This Weber Genesis grill cover fits all Weber Genesis 3 burner gas grills and a few other models on the market. Made from durable polyester, it’s weather-resistant and will shield your grill from sun, rain, sleet, and snow. 

We love this cover so much that it made our list of the best grill covers, thanks to its UV-resistant protection that holds up to any weather condition. The handy straps on the side even provide a more secure fit, ensuring that a rogue gust of wind doesn’t lift the cover off. Our only gripe? The cover doesn’t have a handle, which makes removing it a hefty maneuver. 

Type: Cover | Size: 58 inches wide

Never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned scrub sponge. Scotch-Brite has been a mainstay in kitchens for years, and it’s just as useful for getting tough messes off the surface of your grill. Each sponge’s “scrub” side is made from 100% recycled materials and is safe for cleaning cast iron, stainless steel, non-coated cookware, wood, and more. You’ll typically want to pair this sponge with a grill cleaning solution, but the steam created from a hot grate and water can be just as effective. 

Are you looking for a trusted and versatile cleaning solution for all your grill parts? We recommend you start with a quality scrub sponge. Its versatile nature means you can use it across the board, from your grates to your spatula and tongs. The sponge’s curved shape makes it easy to hold in hand (even through a bulky grill glove) and the scrub side will last up to three weeks, even with regular use. The fibers from the scrub side of the brush can occasionally snag on burnt-on food; while not harmful, this can be avoided by teaming your clean with a stainless steel scraper. 

Type: Sponge | Size: 2.1 x 7.8 inches

You may associate mess primarily with the inside of your grill, but that doesn’t mean the exterior can’t use a little TLC, too. Because most grills have stainless steel exteriors, adding a stainless steel cleaner to your kit specifically designed for the finish is a good idea. Weiman’s Stainless Steel Wipes offer convenience and effectiveness in one easy package, with a textural finish that helps you scrub any tough stains.

We love how easily these wipes achieve a shiny, like-new grill — all without the mess of a spray bottle. Simply clean your grill’s exterior with the wipes, then follow up with buffing from the included microfiber cloth for a pristine, streak-free shine. While these wipes are great for tackling modest grime and grease, they likely won’t be enough for larger spills or sticky burnt honey barbecue sauce that has been caked on for weeks. 

Type: Wipes | Size: 30 Sheets

For stuck-on messes that won’t seem to budge, we nominate Goo Gone for the job. This heavy-duty spray cleaner is geared toward ovens and grills, two notoriously gunky, grimy, food-covered surfaces. The penetrating foam formula works fast to dissolve sticky messes (think: honey from your homemade barbecue sauce, or the remnants of marinated chicken) without harmful chemicals or strong odors. 

If you keep up with your regular cleanings on your grill, you won’t have to break out this spray very often, but we love it for its effectiveness, and it’s great to have on hand. The surface-safe formula is completely biodegradable and made without any industrial-strength cleaners. You can use it worry-free on everything from your grates to your grill pan.

Type: Spray | Size: 28 fluid ounces