Best Grill Cleaners Recommended by Experts in March 2024 [Top 10 Picks]

Best Grill Cleaners Recommended by Experts [Top 10 Picks]

Do you want to be a grill master? Have everything you need, except the patience to clean up afterward? We understand your problem.

Getting the grime off of the grates is definitely a massively cumbersome task. But fortunately, best grill cleaners will help you.

No, not professional humans. We’re talking about chemicals. Polish sprays, stain removers, and scrubbing pads. But how do you know which ones to trust? The grime looks impregnable!

Well, to your advantage, we have created a list of all the kits that are a “hit” among users. After reading this article, you will be able to pick out the best barbecue grill cleaner for yourself. So, go on, keep reading.

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Our Top 10 Picks for the Best Cleaner for BBQ Grill

Editor's Choice

Why Use the Best Quality Cleaner for the Grill

A clean grill is definitely better than a gross, sticky one that has built up grime sticking to its corners, right?

Well, that means that there can be no neglect in choosing a cleaning product for your grill. Cleaning the grill has to be a routine procedure after every use. And in order to make this boring task a little less of a hassle, you need to get the best quality grill cleaner from the market.

Good cleaners will get your grill squeaky clean in only a matter of minutes. But more importantly, they will save you the muscle work. The cleaner liquid will be able to cut out the residual fat and the leftover mixture of seasonings much faster and much more efficiently.

Also, notice that the products which are cheap have a very strong chemical smell, that doesn’t leave the grill even after you have washed it properly. So just cut the chase, and get a good grill cleaner. Save yourself from the toxic and smelly trouble of cheap cleaners.

10 Best Grill Cleaners Review in 2020

Nowadays, you can never tell which products work until you use them first. Which is why we have taken the risk for you and looked into some of the good ones in the market ourselves.

Beware, this cleaning kit is only for your stainless steel grills, okay? This kit has everything you need in order to make your grill grates shine like they did when you first unwrapped them.

This is one product that must be on the list of the “BBQ Night” party preparations if you don’t want to lose your mind thinking about cleaning up later.

It can be used to scrub and clean the grates. It is a very gentle cleanser that will not hurt the delicate oxide layer on the surface of the steel. Since the company’s inception in 1893, it has always been trusted by customers. 

They make the perfect cleaning chemicals for all outdoor grills and grill accessories. Whether you have one of those crazy summer parties, or the calm and relaxing backyard parties, this will be your best friend when it comes to cleaning the grime and burnt residue.

The kit contains a stain remover of 6 ounces, a polish spray of 12 ounces, a grate cleaner of 16 ounces, two soft scrubbing pads set in default and one scrubber handle.

Along with these, you get not one, five six, or even 10 extra scrubbing pads, but a solid 15 of them! You can really use this kit for a long time without ever having to take the trouble of getting refills.

This weber grate grill cleaner is a perfect mix of powerful and delicate chemicals, and you will enjoy every moment of working with this.

Widely recognized grill masters vouch for this cleaning kit because it really has everything you can ask for in your big bag of cleaning equipment. 

Pros:

  • Comes with all the chemicals and scrubs you need
  • Features 15 free scrubber pads
  • Can clean everything from grill exteriors to deep fryers
  • Cleans from the inside as on the outside

Cons:

  • The stainless steel cleaner doesn’t work well
  • Scrubber pads are ineffective on difficult stains

Most cleaners in the market that work well come with a negative side-effect. There is usually a direct correlation between the harshness of the chemical and its efficacy. Now we don’t want to suffer ill consequences on our skin and health just for getting our utensils clean, do we?

Therefore, to avoid such a toxic endeavor, Weber has come up with a solution that is neither toxic nor flammable nor corrosive.

They have also ditched the toxic phosphate and have created their professional degreaser spray without it. In fact, many are calling this product the best spray cleaner out there. 

Now, after all has been said and tested, the formula for this product has been acclaimed with a USDA certification which has increased sales for this product drastically. It is a simple, yet powerful cleaner that everyone trusts and loves.

Another great usability point to its favor is that it saves your time and efforts. With most cleaners, scrubbing works better when the grill is warmed up before the wash. This is an extra step that you will need to incorporate in order to get your grill thoroughly cleaned.

But surprisingly, this spray works just as well on cool surfaces as on hot ones. In fact, you can get even better results at the cost of a smaller hassle.

There’s no hurry with this cleaner. Keep your grill set laying around on the night of the party and wake up in the morning with renewed strength to get the crusty grease out of your precious grates.

Additionally, this spray is also environmentally friendly. Fuel-saving is a noble deed, and with this cleaner, you will be able to save the extra fuel by not having to warm up the grill.

This is a multi-purpose one that can work on smokers, microwaves, ovens, and cookers. The bottle comes with a user-friendly pump, which sprays just the perfect amount of liquid with every spray. One bottle of spray will last you a long time.

Pros:

  • No extra heating required
  • Works 100% effectively on cool grates
  • It's a multipurpose tool
  • Ergonomic spray nozzle
  • USDA certified
  • Non-flammable, non-toxic and non-corrosive

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work on difficult stains
  • Some of the bottles may leak with use

Refresh your senses with the smell of the sweet scent of citrus as you get down to work on the nasty hardened grease. Washing is a tedious task for most people.

And when it comes to washing things that won’t cooperate with you, it’s a nightmare. However, Citrusafe comes straight to your rescue.

No, the cleaner won’t wash the grates for you (despite it being one of the best grill grate cleaners available), but it will definitely make your task a lot easier. It will distract you from the unpleasantness of the grime, by encompassing you in the beautiful tangy smell of summer fruits. 

But the citrus is not only for engaging your senses, oh no. In fact, a chemical called d-limonene is responsible for creating the citric essence. This chemical not only pleases the senses, but it’s also effective in cutting out the grease and speeding up the cleaning process.

Additionally, this spray is free of phosphates; a very harmful element often found in cleaning chemicals. However, not in this. This spray poses no conceivable threat to the healthy maintenance of your body.

Every pump of the nozzle will make you realize that meager tasks can be joyful as well. All the chemicals used to make this are non-flammable and non-toxic.

They will clean your grates delicately and get you the best results with a very little scrubbing and scouring. The spray works for a multitude of purposes. It can help with cleaning the microwave, cookers, grills, and the oven as well.

Overall, with this product, you will have a fun and smooth experience of washing the grates after every party.

Pros:

  • Smells fresh, like citrus
  • Very strong cleaning ability due to the citric component
  • Environment-friendly and phosphate-free
  • Cleans cool grates as well
  • List Element

Cons:

  • The smell of citrus might put some people off

Catchy name, isn’t it? If you have a baby at home, don’t let them hear about it. They will get too fascinated with the name. However, after using it, you too will become fascinated with it.

The name given to it is rather fitting to its purpose and strength. And this thing will remove all your worries about getting the stubborn grease off of the grates.

Its liquid is actually a gel-based chemical which binds to the chemical structure of the grease and pulls it away from the grates. If this has brought questions of safety to mind, then rest assured.

Because even though it has a binding property, it will not contaminate your food. It will only bind with the grease and oil. 

The manufacturers have ensured this by testing the spray thoroughly before production. And the USDA certification stands in testament to that. You can now get your grates clean without having to pay a great non-monetary price for it. Know what I mean?

Moreover, the grill cleaner and the grease remover work in pairs to create the best combination to remove the oiliness and also the grease from your grill and grates.

Also, if you are concerned about the environment, you will be extra happy to know that this gel is completely biodegradable. This chemical will work on anything and make it look new.

Whether you have baked-in food, or butter deposits or carbon and grease, you can clean all of it up without using any extra chemical.

But keep one thing in mind - you cannot use this on aluminum or synthetic stainless steel product. The cleaner chemical is made for tougher materials like metals, racks, cooking grates, drip pans, and so on.

It simply is a life-saving chemical. Besides removing the grease and oil, it also removes stains caused by smoke flare-ups. 

Pros:

  • The can is biodegradable
  • Can be get rid of burnt deposits from ages back
  • This gel-based cleanser removes grease more effectively
  • Can be used both on grill exterior and interior
  • Able to clean both cool and warm surfaces

Cons:

  • Can only be used to clean metals

Using a chemical cleaner and steel wool is fun. But have you ever tried a scrubbing stone cleaner for your grill before? If yes, kudos to you. If not, you are missing out on all the fun.

Scrubbing stones are faster and much better at getting those pesky chunks of the grime away. Not only are they convenient to use, but they are actually recommended by professionals.

This is because the stone has bactericidal properties which kill all the bacteria on the surface. It can diminish bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella. It can also get rid of certain microorganisms that roam freely in the air but can prove to be harmful to the human body if ingested.

The structure of the scrubbing stone has been designed very intricately to mimic the texture of volcanic pumice stones. These stones are lightweight, but they have tenacious properties which allow them to scour away all the germs and microbes, without losing their shape or soaking up moisture.

Also, the mechanism of the pumice stone dictates that it will sacrifice itself while cleaning your grates. So, don’t be worried if it’s your first time working with one of these; the disintegration of the stone is completely normal.

You actually need to be very careful if you choose to start working with this stone. The stone wears down very quickly with use. The more pressure you apply, the faster it will wear off.

More importantly, if you apply too much force on it, then the stone might scratch the surface of the grill. In order to understand how to use it properly, you have to get used to the texture of the stone and find out the amount of pressure that will give you optimum results.

Be careful when applying the pressure. Do it properly, and for your next grilling session, not only will the grates be clean from the outside, but they will also be clean from the inside.

Pros:

  • Fast and effective
  • Has antibacterial properties
  • Gives a very rigorous clean
  • Cleans away permanently hardened grime as well
  • Becomes a better cleaner as it slowly wears away
  • Can be used twice on very dirty grills, and up to 8 times for maintenance cleaning

Cons:

  • Leaves a lot of white residues that have to be washed away meticulously

Whether you ever needed an oven cleaner or not, you have definitely heard about Mr. Muscle. The adverts for this cleaner have been around since ages!

Mr. Muscle is still in business, and it is one of the most effective ovens and grill cleaners of all time. This blue can of Mr. Muscle cleaner has 19 ounces of the very able liquid washer, and a small drop goes a long way.

It works on everything, starting from small grills and ovens at home, to the big commercial oven and grills in restaurants. With this cleaner, there is no need to take the trouble of warming up the oven beforehand. 

It boasts a formula that has been mastered through the years to deliver the best results regardless of whether the grill or oven is hot or cold, disgustingly dirty or just a little dirty.

The power of this cleaner is a result of the magnetic bond that it shares with the dirt. It clings to dirt with great tenacity and pulls at it until all the dirt and grime softens and comes away with just a rub-down.

This cleaner will be as effective on baked-on grime and grease, as on surface grease. You have to use a more traditional approach with the usage of this chemical. Pour it onto the surface and leave it on for a particular amount of time.

You can use this on a variety of appliances, for example, grills, broilers, oven, ventilating hoods, steam-table tops, pots, fryers and so forth the list goes.

Basically, this is at once both a gentle washer and a strong washer, depending on how hardened and tough the grime on the grill is. You can stock this liquid up and use it as a degreaser or a cleaning agent as long as the product doesn’t get expired.

Pros:

  • Has a fast working time
  • No scrubbing or scouring need
  • Leaves no residue, so no worry of contamination
  • Melts away the encrusted grime and dirt effectively

Cons:

  • Poor container design - a good amount of liquid stays trapped and unusable 
  • Gives out very strong and toxic fumes

True to its name, this professional oven and grill cleaner is what you may have been looking for. This thing is a very powerful spray that can cut through all degrees of hardened, encrusted grease, and stains.

It can be a tough job to clean stains that have been on your grill for ages. Therefore, it is recommended that you clean your grates thoroughly after every use.

This Easy Off cleaner is delicate on the grill, but it is very powerful. You will never want to use any other spray cleaner if you use this once.

This cleaner is made for cleaning ovens, broilers, pans and any other equipment that has been built with stainless steel.

One of the most convenient factors of powerful spray cleaners like this is that you don’t have to measure out a certain amount of liquid according to area proportions.

The spray nozzle is of very high quality, and it expels out a consistent amount of chemical with each pump. Its application, as you can see, is simple. You just have to spray it on to the area you want to sparkle. Then leave it for 5 minutes.

All types and amount of grease will be broken down within 5 minutes. After the time has elapsed, use a wet sponge or cloth to gently rub the area. All the dirt will come right out, leaving the area clean and fresh.

You only need to do this once to get the results that you hope for. The usability is very convenient for this fast and effective cleaning agent.

It gives you deep cleaning without using up too much of your muscle energy. You can use this on both warm and cool ovens. The difference is in personal preference. Clean with this in whichever way you are comfortable with.

The instructions for warm and cool applications are different, and they are clearly stated in the can. Using this spray cleaner is super easy. But it won’t be effective on age-old dirt and grime that has gotten encrusted in the oven.

You need to work with this cleaner on a regular basis, which really is not a hassle at all because it gets the dirt off very easily.

Pros:

  • Gives a very thorough cleaning
  • Cleans anything just within 5 minutes
  • The spray nozzle expels a steady amount of liquid
  • Removes the black accumulation from the bottom of the pans
  • The fresh scent of the chemical leaves the appliance smelling fresh as well

Cons:

  • Is only effective on new stains and grime
  • Has corrosive elements

Using this cleaner is just as fresh a breeze as it was with its predecessor. The Easy-Off Professional cleaner is a two-in-one product; it is both a cleaner and a polisher. It cleans everything from grease, oil, and smears, to the fingerprints of its users.

This cleaner is very gentle to use, and it also contains a lot of multi-purpose benefits that allow it to go a long way. This cleaner can be used to clean grills and ovens, as well as the refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove.

The spray contains nothing that might harm or discolor the texture and paint on the surfaces that are being cleaned. It is a professional cleaner that delivers what it promises. 

No matter how toughened the grime has become, it will be able to wash it away without any extensive scrubbing or scouring. It doesn’t look that fancy when compared to the other ones in the market, but it definitely surpasses many of those fancy ones in terms of efficacy.

If you are using this to clean your grill, note that it is not necessary to warm up the appliance in order to have this cleaner work better. First, wipe off any extra grime from the surface of the grates, and then spray the chemical on the surface.

Leave it on to work on the grime for a few minutes. Then use a big towel to rub all the dirt away. Use long wipes along the grain of the steel for the best results.

It has a very high clinging capacity, and they are more suited to the restaurant and such other commercial food spaces than at your house.

This spray bottle will also bring out the natural shine of your appliance by really cutting through all the grime, dust, and stains that have been accumulating on it for ages.

Pros:

  • This spray cleans the appliance as well as restores its natural shine
  • Foams up if the bottle is shaken before spraying
  • Removes every little speck of dirt, including settled dust and stains
  • Contains no odor 
  • Leaves the surface resistant to fingerprints and watermarks in the future
  • Can be used in commercial food spaces as well as at home

Cons:

  • Doesn’t remove the blackness on the bottom of the stainless steel pans

It’s fun to barbecue with friends outside in the summer. Better on the wintry days. But regardless of the weather, it’s a massive drag to clean up after the party, isn’t it? That is why you need the best barbecue cleaner, which can make your task a lot easier for you.

You need something that will cut right through all the greasy, grimy build upon the crevices of the grates. A product like the CLR PB Grill Cleaner is what you need. It is easy to use and easy to clean with.

Inside the container is a water-based chemical, which contains no harmful or toxic substances that might be sticking to the grill grates even after the wash. It does not contain any acid, or petroleum solvent. Which is why it has never been reported to cause any harmful effect on the body. 

The application is very simple. Whether the grill is inside or outside, spray directly on it. Then wait for the chemical to get its work done. Don’t worry; you won’t have to stand for long - this machine works fast. Just within 2-3 minutes, and all the grease will be worked off of the surface of the grates.

Then take a wet cloth or sponge and wipe away firmly. You will see that all the grime and grease has come off on to the cloth.

Next, wash with plain cold water, and you will see that all the stains and burnt up residue has also been wiped off. It really is a very satisfying feeling when you get down with it.

Washing the grill no longer remains to be that meager task that it used to be. With this fast and powerful cleaner, all is easy and fast. Also, the company is concerned about the state of the environment, which is why they have gone green with all its products.

This can is biodegradable and not harsh to the environment. With this non-toxic, non-corrosive chemical compound, you will be able to clean away all the dirt from the grill within just a few minutes.

Pros:

  • The liquid oozes out with a powerful foaming action
  • The water-based formula helps the chemical to bind with all the grease more readily
  • The liquid washer doesn’t contain any abrasive or corrosive elements
  • Doesn’t affect grass, plants or pets

Cons:

  • The can is of poor quality and might get leaks

Everyone loves barbecue, don’t they? Have you been wanting to throw a BBQ party but have not just been able to think of the amount of work that you will have to do before and after?

Well, we don’t know about them before, but we can definitely help you out with the after. Cleaning is a troublesome task. But not when you have this grill cleaning kit from the trusted Citrusafe.

In this kit, you get everything you will need in order to get your grill grates glistening again. The kit includes a grill cleaner, industrial scrubber pads, a scrubber handle and also an exterior grill cleaner. All of these chemicals are safe to use.

They are not flammable or corrosive. They also do not contain any toxic chemicals in their making. You will be able to use them in areas where there are plants or pets without worry. But it would be safer not to spray it with any food laying around.

After you spray it onto the grates, don’t go in immediately. Wait for about 3 minutes for the chemicals to start cutting through the stubborn molecular bonds of the grime.

Then use a wet cloth to wipe the area. To your satisfaction, all the sludge will come right off! You will look forward to such effective cleaning after you use this product once.

This is a complete grill cleaning kit that will clean your grill thoroughly and also protect from accumulating too much dust and debris in the future.

Another plus point of this chemical cleaner is that it doesn’t smell like chemicals at all. There is only a very slight scent of citrus in the chemical. This slight scent will neutralize the odors of food, and keep the grill and grates smelling fresh for long.

Moreover, the refreshing smell of the cleaner will keep your spirits up as you go about with the cleaning. It really is a very friendly cleaner to be working with. Oh, and don’t worry about warming up the oven. This cleaner works equally well in high and low temperatures.

Pros:

  • Smells refreshing
  • Very effective at getting all the sludge off
  • Contains everything you need for a thorough clean-up of the grates
  • Not flammable, not corrosive
  • The product is environment-friendly
  • Does not contain toxic chemicals like phosphate

Cons:

  • The scrubbing pads are not very helpful
  • Needs a lot of scrubbing to get the grime off

Types of Grill Cleaner 

There are several types of grill cleaners available in the market. Let’s look at all of them. 

  • Stainless Steel Grill Cleaner: Stainless steel pans may be resistant to corrosion, but they are not immune to scratches and dents. In fact, they are quite vulnerable to them. That is why these cleaners are softer and gentler than the others.
  • Soft Cleaner: These are just wiping fluids. Soft cleaners are not made to give thorough cleanliness to the grills from the depths of the grime and sludge. Not for getting into all the dirty details of the pan; rather, these chemicals are made for a rub-down. Use a damp cloth to slowly rub the grills with these soft cleaners and give them a sparkly freshness.
  • Heavy-Duty Cleaner: These are the real deal as they will make the surface look new. Regardless of the layers of grime and sludge coating the surface, you will be able to fight through it all if you just have such a powerful cleaner at your disposal.
    Take necessary precautions while working, for example, get yourself a pair of gloves and a mask to keep the harsh chemicals off of your area. 
  • All-Rounder Cleaner: Finally, the last and far from being the least, these are the most popularly used in the market. These are gentle yet powerful enough to work on all sorts of metals. However, these are not recommended for you if the grates on the grill you use are grated. 

Before You Buy a Best Barbecue Grill Cleaner, What to Look for

You need to choose from a wide range of chemical cleaners, all of which look just as effective as the other. But in order to make the right pick for yourself, you have to look more closely into certain factors.

After all the factors have been looked into, you need to take some personal preferences into account. For example; you might have a pet at home. In that case, you have to look for a product that is pet-friendly.

Let’s take a look at what these factors are that we should keep in mind. 

1. Type of Chemicals

Some chemicals are strong; some are weak. Some are eco-friendly while some exude toxic fumes. But there are 4 different types here that might give you some insight into the whole thing. 

  • Surfactants: These chemicals foam up and clean the grease and sludge from the grates thoroughly. They are rumored to be harmful; however, recent studies on them have lifted all the allegations.
  • Solvents: These are the chemicals that contain certain special binding chemicals. They are not known to be harmful.
  • D-limonene: Some chemicals smell like citrus, right? This d-limonene is responsible for that.
  • pH Adjuster: This compound is mostly found in degreasers. This is an absolute must if you are buying heavy-duty cleaners that might harm the surface of the appliance. 

2. Food-Friendly Chemical

You are going to spray this onto surfaces where you keep your food and heat them up. Heat makes the food components more permeable to chemicals. Therefore, this is quite an important factor to take into account.

Get chemicals that are labeled non-toxic and phosphate-free.

Chemicals that have natural compounds like the friendly d-limonene ensure the best of the food-friendliness. These chemicals often have very low toxicity even when compared to chemicals that don’t have such natural compounds.

Additionally, put gloves and a mask on when you use the spray. You never know when you might start to find difficulty in breathing.

3. User-Friendly Cleaner

Most of these cleaners need to sit for a few minutes before they are able to break down the grease and grime. If you want a faster cleaner, you have to ask for it specifically.

4. With or without the Scent? 

Some cleaners come with a slight citric smell, while others don’t. It is better to use the cleaners that have a slight scent because this scent will neutralize the odors of the grates that are a result of the burnt food or the dried out stains and grease.

However, this depends entirely on your personal preference.

Best Grill Cleaner Reviews

5. Effectiveness

If you clean your grates regularly, get a mild cleaner. And if you clean it after long intervals, then buy an industrial spray which will help to yank out the tougher stains and sludge.

6. Price

It’s important to keep the price in mind while purchasing as you don’t want to pay too much for an average product. So, it’s important that you set a budget in your mind before starting to shop. It will help you to remain within budget and find your ideal pick.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

It’s not every day that you clean your grills. So, you need to do it properly, and not be confused about the process. Here are some of the questions people often ask about cleaning their grates. Take a look!

Q1. What kind of cleaning pads should I use for my grill?

You should use a nylon scrubbing pad to clean your grill. Although the commonly used ones made of steel wool or wire wool clean faster, they tend to leave scratch marks on the surface of the steel.

Q2. Can I clean rust off of my grills?

It is a misconception that stainless steel does not rust. The wrong type of scrubbing pads and the wrong type of chemical cleaner can leave your stainless steel appliance vulnerable to the rusting process.

Use a cleaner which is non-abrasive and non-corrosive in order to get protection against the rust. Also, avoid the products that have bleach or chlorine compounds.

In order to add a layer of protection, rub the surface of the grates with a stainless steel polish regularly.

Q3. How do I keep the plastic parts safe from the accumulating grease? 

When doing a thorough clean up, wash the plastic parts with soapy water, rub gently, and then wipe them dry. Do not use any other chemical for this, as it might damage the surface of the plastic.

Q4. Which direction should I scrub in? 

You have to rub in the direction of the brushed finish. Going against the finish might leave the surface rough.

Q5. What do I do about the carbon deposits? 

The carbon deposits you see on the corners are non-toxic. Nevertheless, they need to be removed. Just use a brass brush to brush them away.

Final Words: Cleaning the grill is a boring task. However, by using the right kind of cleaner, you can make this task fast and also very interesting.

We hope that by reading our article, you will be able to find the best grill grate cleaner for your work. Best of luck with the purchase!

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Theresa Lori
 

Hi, I'm Theresa. My passion for grilling delicacy gradually built during the time I was living with my parents. My family members especially my mother was a great fan of grilled dishes to and from the love of food. I started preparing smoked food with my mom. This bonding helped me to know more and more about to smoke, grill what always I share on SmokeGears.com. So, in two words you can call me a BBQ lover.

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