A big part of every grilling enthusiast’s responsibility is to have an effective cleaning and maintenance regimen. At its core is the best grill cleaner available today.
You would not want to serve stray pieces of gunk along with the burgers or barbeques that you painstakingly cooked. Aside from ruining the taste, it could make someone physically sick.
The question is which of the many products to use. There are many options to choose from, and picking just one can be challenging. We have done the heavy lifting for you by gathering all the information you need to make the right decision.
Comparison Chart
Grill Cleaner Reviews
1. Traeger All Natural Grill Cleaner
Joe Traeger developed the technology for the first pellet grill in 1985 then patented it the following year. Today, the Traeger name continues to blaze the trail for other brands.
After many years in the business, the American company now has a wide selection of products, including grill accessories. The Traeger All Natural Grill Cleaner is one of its bestsellers. It is formulated for Traeger grills but is also effective for other brands.
Product Highlights
Traeger is one of the biggest names in pellet grills and has churned out premium products for almost four decades. You can expect the same level of quality from the All Natural Grill Cleaner.
It comes with many features that will make your grilling life much easier. Here’s a closer look at the most notable ones.
- All-Natural Formulation
This cleaner comes with a grease-cutting formula that can take care of gunks and other forms of mess without leaving harmful chemicals. It is non-toxic and biodegradable, perfectly safe for all food surfaces. It is also gentle to the environment.
- Industrial Strength Cleaner
Despite being safe for both humans and the environment, the Traeger All Natural Grill Cleaner means business. It can take on stubborn grill residues that brushing alone could not remove.
Use it to regularly keep your grill and accessories clean and make them look as good as when you bought them.
- Easy To Use
This cleaner is very effective yet easy to use. Simply wait for your grill to cool down, spray it with the cleaner, and let it sit for a few minutes.
After this, you can start scrubbing with a high-quality brush. Finish things up by wiping the grill with a moist rag to remove all remnants.
Follow these simple steps, and you can keep your grill looking squeak-clean and ready for your next barbeque party. Just make sure that you preheat with steam clean before you use it.
The Good
What we like most about the Traeger All Natural Grill Cleaner is it does not use harmful chemicals. You can get the job done without worrying whether it will leave toxic substances on your grill or the environment. This feature is extremely important since your grill regularly comes into contact with the food you eat.
The Bad
One thing you have to look out for when using this cleaner is that it is optimized for Traeger grills. While you can still use it if you have a non-Traeger grill, you should test it out first just to be safe. As much as possible, pick an inconspicuous spot when you do this.
Pros:
- Uses natural ingredients
- Very effective cleaner
- Easy to use
Con:
- Designed for Traeger grills
2. Parker and Bailey Grill and Surface Cleaner and Degreaser
Parker and Bailey has a rich history and can trace its roots as far back as 1879. Its long journey began when a furniture maker named Mr. Bailey and a wax expert named Mr. Parker combined their talents. From selling furniture with free polish cream, they have completely shifted their focus on cleaning accessories over the years.
The company now has an extensive selection of cleaners and polishes for wood and other surfaces. The Parker and Bailey Grill Surface Cleaner is one of its mid-tier offerings. It is formulated for all types of grills but can be used for many other surfaces.
Product Highlights
You can use this cleaner for multiple applications. Here’s what you can expect if you decide to use it.
- Suitable for Grills and More
One of the Parker and Bailey grill cleaner’s biggest draws is its versatility.
First of all, you can use it to clean all types of barbeque grills, including all the inner and outer surfaces. Even better, it is equally effective on glazed tiles as it is on stainless steel. You can even use it to clean a wide variety of kitchen countertops.
- Streak-Free Formula
The oily residue is among the most annoying problems you’ll encounter when you clean grills and other surfaces. It makes surfaces slippery and can affect the quality of the food it comes to contact with. It won’t be an issue with the Parker and Bailey Grill and Surface Cleaner.
It features a streak-free formula that won’t stick, keeping your grill and countertop squeaky clean. What is more, it does not leave any bad smell that could ruin your appetite.
- Effective Cleaning Agent
The Parker and Bailey Grill Cleaner can loosen even the toughest and stickiest materials that find their way to your grill.
All you have to do is spray it on the surface and let it sit for two minutes. When the time is up, all it would take is one swipe of a cleaning brush to remove the burned gunk. After this, you can finish things off with a quick rinse.
The Good
If you use the Parker and Bailey grill cleaner, the first thing that would jump out at you is its versatility. You can use it to clean inside and outside the grill, removing all the mess without leaving any streak. It is also relatively affordable and offers much value for your money, especially considering how much it can do.
The Bad
Some people who have experience using this cleaner complain that you have to apply a lot for it to be effective. It could be problematic for budget-conscious buyers who want every bottle to last long. Still, if you factor in its lower price tag, you would ultimately be getting more than what you pay for.
Pros:
- Versatile grill and surface cleaner
- Great value for money
- Does not leave streaks
Con:
- Might need to apply generously
3. Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner
Caron and Doucet is a family-owned business operating for a little less than a decade. Still, despite being relatively new, it has quickly carved its own space in the market. Its unique value proposition to its customers is that it relies exclusively on plant-based ingredients.
The Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner is no different. It is a cleaning oil designed to remove gunk and grease from stainless steel surfaces using materials derived from plants.
Product Highlights
Using the Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner comes with a long list of benefits. Here are some of the things that make it stand out from its competitors.
- Safe To Use
One thing that sets this cleaner apart is that it uses plant-based ingredients only. While other solutions are made of corrosive materials that should be nowhere near your food, it is perfectly safe. It is 100% natural, making it an ideal cleaning agent for things that you use to cook, like your grill.
- Cleans While Adding Flavor
The Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner is formulated to remove grease and prevent food from sticking to the surfaces. This feature makes it easier to clean your grill after each use.
On top of that, it naturally builds up a seasoning on the grate, enhancing the flavor of your food.
- Contains Coconut Oil and Essential Oils
This grill cleaner contains coconut oil, which does not go rancid for a very long time. It is a better option than canola oil or hemp seed oil, which some other products use. The formulation is enhanced by citrus essential oils, removing odors and leaving a pleasant but light smell.
The Good
If you are a big fan of everything natural, you will love the Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner. It uses plant-based ingredients and shies away from corrosive chemicals.
In addition, it has a proprietary blend of essential oils that will give your grill-cleaning experience a unique touch and smell.
The Bad
One drawback of using only natural, plant-based ingredients is they are harder to source. The Caron and Doucet BBQ Grill Cleaner is harder to produce with its more complex supply chain. As a result, it comes with a slightly higher price than some of its competitors.
Pros:
- Uses plant-based ingredients
- Leaves a pleasant smell
- Enhances the flavor of food
Con:
- A bit more expensive than other brands
4. Weber Grill Grate Cleaner
Weber is another name with a lot of history behind it. The company pioneered the iconic kettle grill in 1952 based on the structure of ocean buoys.
A lot has happened since, not only to their grills’ design but to the variety of products they offer. They now produce a wide range of grill accessories, including the Weber Grill Grate Cleaner. This cleaner straddles the mid-tier market of grill cleaning solutions.
Product Highlights
The Weber Grill Grate Cleaner has unique features that make it a great addition to your yard supplies. Some of the most notable ones are:
- Powerful Cleaning Solution
This citrus-based cleaner is very effective in cutting grease and removing burnt-on residues. It is designed to work even on a cool grill grate, allowing you to save on fuel during the cleaning process.
Compared to other cleaners where heating the grill is pretty much mandatory before brush cleaning, this cleaner is more cost-effective.
- Safe on the Skin
The Weber Grill Grate Cleaner is formulated to be non-toxic and safe on the skin.
It is odorless, which is a pleasant surprise considering how potent it is in removing gunk. What is more, it is non-corrosive, biodegradable, and free from phosphates. That means you can store it in your kitchen without having to worry about safety hazards.
- Multiple Applications
Aside from cleaning your grill grate, you can use this solution to clean your oven, smoker, microwave, and other similar equipment. It comes with a spray nozzle, so you can cover a wide area or a specific spot, depending on your need.
The Good
The Weber Grill Grate Cleaner is a great choice because it is tough on grease but not on the skin. It does its job without leaving any irritating chemical smell, which is a big plus for grilling enthusiasts. Finally, it is relatively affordable compared to some other brands of similar quality.
The Bad
While this cleaner is flexible in terms of application, it is not optimized for use on painted surfaces. That means there is a good chance that you can’t clean the grill exterior with it. Weber has another product for this purpose: the Exterior Grill Cleaner.
Pros:
- Powerful cleaning solution
- Safe on the skin
- Odorless
- Cleans multiple surfaces
Con:
- Not ideal for grill exteriors
5. Citrusafe Exterior Grill Cleaner
Citrusafe was the first to come up with a non-toxic barbeque grill cleaner in the second half of the 90s. The company changed the grill cleaning landscape by providing a healthier alternative to established cleaning methods.
Over the years, Citrusafe has diversified its portfolio. It now has a wide range of cleaning solutions, including the Exterior Grill Cleaner. It is designed for budget-conscious grill enthusiasts who want to get the most value for their money.
Product Highlights
The Citrusafe Exterior Grill Cleaner is very affordable, but don’t let its light price tag fool you. It comes with many features that people look for in a grill cleaner, such as:
- Formulated for Grill Exterior
This cleaner is designed to remove grease, water stains, bird droppings, and all manners of soils from your grill’s exterior. What is more, it does its job effectively without leaving any streaks.
However, the BBQ Grill Cleaner from Citrusafe is a better option for grease stains that are hard to remove.
- Safe To Use
The Citrusafe Exterior Grill Cleaner is non-flammable, non-corrosive, and free from toxic chemicals and phosphates. What is more, it is biodegradable and gentle to the environment. Overall, it is an excellent choice if you want worry-free and safe grill cleaning.
- Multiple Cleaning Applications
This grill cleaner works great on gas grills, pellet grills, ovens, dishwashers, and other equipment with similar surfaces. It comes with a nozzle spray that offers three different settings to match your needs.
The Good
This grill cleaner by Citrusafe does what other grill cleaners can do. What sets it apart is that it comes at a very reasonable price. It is also free from corrosive and toxic chemicals that can potentially harm the user or the environment.
The Bad
While you can use this cleaner to remove grease, it is not designed to take on a significant amount of it. If too much gunk has accumulated on your grill, using the Citrusafe BBQ Grill Cleaner is better.
Pros:
- Multiple cleaning applications
- Reasonable price
- Safe to use
- Leaves a pleasant smell
Con:
- Can’t clean excessive grease
Buyer’s Guide
There are several grill cleaners available in the market today. Choosing just one can be a tall task, especially if you do not know what to look for. To make your life easier, we have outlined some of the features that you will find in the best grill cleaner.
Ingredients
When shopping for a grill cleaner, the first thing that you need to look at is what ingredient it uses. Steer clear of toxic chemicals that can cause health hazards or harm the environment.
Cleaning Capability
The main reason you are looking for a grill cleaner is to keep your grill clean. If it cannot do this effectively, you are just wasting your money. Also, look at how long you have to let it sit before brushing it.
Flexibility in Application
As much as possible, look for a grill cleaner that can also clean other surfaces. Doing this will help you save by not buying other cleaning products.
No Bad Smell
Some people are sensitive when it comes to smell, which could affect their purchasing decision. If you are one of them, you can look for a product that has no odor or leaves a pleasant smell.
FAQs About Grill Cleaners
1. How Do I Use a Grill Cleaner?
Each brand has its own way of doing things, but grill cleaners generally follow similar steps. Some require that the grill be heated, so you can start by doing this if needed. Next, spray the solution on the grease and let it sit for a few minutes.
After this, wipe it off with a damp cloth or remove it with a cleaning brush. Finish things off by rinsing the grill thoroughly and drying it.
2. Should I Clean My Grill After Each Use?
Yes, it is best to clean your grill each time after using it. This will prevent too much gunk from accumulating to the point of being hard to manage. Just make sure that you rinse it thoroughly after cleaning so that the cleaning solution does not contaminate your food.
3. What Precautions Do I Need To Take When Cleaning My Grill?
Some brands are safe on the skin and can be used on a cool grill. However, wear gloves and heat the grill up before cleaning unless it says otherwise on the instructions.
Which One Should You Choose?
While all the grill cleaners discussed above are effective, Traeger All Natural Cleaner earns the top spot. It comes at a slightly higher price than some of its competitors. Nevertheless, it combines the effectiveness of an industrial-grade cleaner and the safety of an all-natural product.