What You Should Know Before Buying A Grill Brush

Summertime is synonymous with grilling and delicious barbecue. From afar, grilling can appear easy, but depending what you'd like to do, it has its intricacies. Using a charcoal grill isn't the same as using a smoker, the same way a smoker is different from an open pit.

For the most part, folks have either gas grills, charcoal grills, or a charcoal-gas combination grill. Regardless of what kind of outdoor grill you own, knowing what it needs so that it is properly cared for and lasts long is imperative (some grills can cost you a pretty penny).

One thing that holds certain for all outdoor grills (and small indoor ones as well) is that folks should never skimp on the cleaning process. Knowing the proper tools for cleaning your grill can be the difference that enables you to enjoy it for years to come. Those same tools can also prevent some potentially serious injuries. Something as simple as buying the wrong grill brush could prove to be very harmful if you aren't careful. For instance, a WSMV News report details the dangers of using grill brushes that are made with wire bristles, and how folks have accidentally swallowed them. So what should you look for when purchasing your next grill brush?

Look for brushes that are made with stainless steel bristles

According to Weber, grill brushes should be changed out every season — even more often, if you grill more than a couple of times throughout the summer. The blog post also suggests checking your brush to ensure that it is in tip-top order before using it again. Weber notes that the best grill brushes are those that have stainless steel bristles that are firmly attached to the brush head and handle (no loosey-goosies). The post also recommends looking for grill brushes with long handles that will keep you and your body far from the heat of the grill.

Something else to keep in mind is whether the brush you are looking at is the right one for your grill, per Food Fire Friends. The publication asserts that if your grates are porcelain or enamel-coated, you should look for brushes that are made with gentle metals like brass; if not, you'll risk chipping your grates and having to replace that instead of a brush every season. When it comes to stainless steel and cast iron grates, however, Food Fire Friends says you can get away with using any kind of brush.