Grilling up some tasty food in your backyard can be the highlight of a weekend off work or a summer party. It leaves your kitchen temporarily mess-free and gives you a break from the humidity that comes with kitchen cooking.
But, once you’ve served up your outdoor grilled-treats, you’re left with a messy, greasy, and unappealing-looking grill. And, the thought of how much elbow grease it will take to scrub away at your grill can put you off.
That is why it is exhilarating to know how many fantastic cleaning products there are out there to easily clear your grill of that thick, nasty grease.
We’ve ventured through copious amounts of products to find the best grill cleaner, just for you.
Best Grill Cleaners At a Glance
5 Best Grill Cleaners In 2023
1. Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner
Our number one, top pick is the Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner. This makes our top pick as it is highly revered by many, but it is also one of the best non-chemical cleaners for grills.
It does away with grease and stains, prevents corrosion, and cuts the chances of grilling flare-ups right down. The citric acid that makes up part of this biodegradable cleaner makes this degreasing agent effective without the aftereffect of any chemical odors.
It is a fast-acting cleaner that is exceptional in its effectiveness, once you apply the cleaner, it attaches to grease and dirt and melts them away. Once applied, simply wipe away with a moist cloth, and the cleaning is all done.
Since citric acid is the primary ingredient, it cuts through grease, free of toxic chemicals or unpleasant stenches.
This also makes it pleasantly suitable for all food preparation surfaces. Usable on internal and external surfaces, leaving them spotless, it can be used on caked-on foods, baked-on deposits, and any carbon or grease.
Do ensure your grill is cool before cleaning.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Scrub-free cleaning.
Safe for all environments.
Versatile uses.
Citrus smell, no nasty odors.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not appropriate for use of faux stainless steel or aluminum.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Best Heavy Duty Cleaner: Easy-Off Professional Oven and Grill Cleaner
Taking opposition from the chemical-free ‘Goo Gone’ we have ‘Easy-off Professional Oven and Grill Cleaner’. This cleaner is heavy duty and is to be used with caution. It is opposite of our Top Pick, by its high chemical content, but this is part and parcel of what makes it so hardcore (and super effective).
It has a high heavy-duty grate focus formula that battles its way through any stubborn residue you are facing. Be sure when using this cleaner to apply and use in a well-ventilated area and be equipped with rubber BBQ gloves and a mask. Definitely not an ideal fume source for cleaning your indoor grill!
It will obliterate any tough baked-on spills with ease. Its grease-cutting formula is effective against burned-on grease and grime. And, it spot cleans in an outstanding 3 minutes, though it can also be left on for 5 minutes for a super deep cleanse.
It is outstandingly easy to use and can be used on a variety of surfaces including warm and cold ovens!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]No scraping required.
Kills stains.
Works very quickly. No waiting around.
Spotless results.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Be cautious as it can burn if it makes contact with skin- Toxic chemicals included in ingredients. [/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Best Cleaner for Shine: Therapy Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish
Therapy is a popular brand for cleaning kitchenware, due it its fantastic streak-free features and its polishing finishing touch. Much like many other cleaners we have mentioned, it cuts through grease with ease.
And, it is fantastic for exterior grill cleaning. Definitely a top choice to keep your outdoor grill kitchen in top shape and looking new!
Its fantastic formula is plant-based and is free of ammonia and bleach. It comes with a handy microfiber cloth as well which works great on smooth surfaces for an exceptional clean.
It removes streaks, smudges, and fingerprints from stainless steel surfaces – no more pesky fingerprints messing up your cookware. It can be used on fridges, stoves, sinks, dishwashers, microwaves, and more.
But it is great for outdoor stainless steel grills and appliances thanks to its exceptional protective properties.
Therapy is a USDA Certified Biobased Product 100%, as it relies on coconut oil instead of petroleum solvents. As it uses this blend with coconut oil, it can also be used on sinks and countertops.
To use simply, shake, spray, wipe, buff, and shine.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Retains a lavender essential oil fragrance.
Shine can last up to 7 days.
No need for tiring buffing.
Eco-friendly.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Be cautious of applying too much, if too much is applied this will cause streaks.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Best for DeGreasing: Kona Clean Grill Cleaner
Kona Clean Grill Cleaner is known best for its no drip, and grease dissolving properties. It breaks down all tough grease char stains, clinging to the surface of them. It also removes baked-on grease dirt and any food particles.
All grill types of safe to clean with ‘Kona Clean Grill Cleaner’, including Weber, Traeger, Porcelain, Infrared and Ceramic types. It is also good for interior or exterior cleaning, capable of degreasing grill grates, stainless steel, wheels, and much more.
It is not just suitable for grills though, it is also capable of cleaning cookers, ovens, smokers, and microwaves. Kona works fast and reduces scrubbing time and the effort needed for a satisfactory clean.
To use, simply, spray, wait, and wipe. It is advised to clean with Kona while the grill is cool.
Not only is it good for degreasing your outdoor and indoor cookers, but it can also be used as a degreaser for other tools that you use alongside your grill, cooker, or oven. It can be used for pans, pots, and utensils as well as irons!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]USA Made.
Non-flammable.
Non-corrosive.
Phosphate free.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Best for degreasing does not remove dirt of rust as efficiently.
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Best All-Purpose: Citrusafe Grill Cleaning Spray
Finally, we find that the best all-purpose cleaner for grills is Citrusafe.
This is an all-purpose, citrus-based degreaser. It cuts through moderate amounts of grease on your grates and adds a fresh smell to the exterior of your grill.
The active ingredient in this cleaner is D-Limonene, so it is super safe for your grill, the environment, and you. When used it presents a sweet citrus smell that is appealing to the senses. This is a cleaner made from all-natural ingredients. Chemical-free is always ideal for food prep surfaces whenever possible!
It is the most versatile of these products and is able to clean and degrease all surface types.
Though, it’s not as hardcore at removing tough and thick grease as chemical solutions may be. If you should need a bit more ‘oomph” to get your cleaning done, if you leave the solution on the affected areas for longer, you will likely get much better results.
Useable on grills, cookers, smokers, microwaves, ovens, and more. Best used when the grill is coolest for the most efficient results and saving time and money.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Non-toxic
Non-corrosive.
Appealing odor.
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not able to tackle all grease types. [/i2cons][/i2pc]
Best Grill Cleaner Buying Guide
All-Purpose Vs Focused Cleaners
Deciding whether or not all-purpose or specified purpose cleaners are right for you, is all dependent on your preference between power and cost. All-purpose cleaners will target your whole grill, but the penetrative power of the cleaner may fall somewhat short of spectacular.
On the other hand, focused cleaners will be more specific to a particular area of your grill, primarily the grates and areas in which fat and grease get lodged. These are considered specialists in the tougher areas, but it does mean that you would need to invest in a second product for the remainder of your grill.
Eco-Friendly Potential
In the fight against climate change and determination for environmental salvaging, many products these days will have eco-friendly alternatives. Grill cleaners included.
Eco-friendly products also depend on your requirements and preferences. It also depends on how heavy duty you need your cleaner to be.
Eco-friendly cleaners are often best for light-moderate cleaning needs but are accompanied by sweet, fruity, and citrusy odors, unlike the hard chemical stenches of their not-so-eco-friendly counterparts.
In many cases, the pros of biodegradable properties, pleasant odors, and lack of caution needed in their application, outweigh the cons of their less powerful abilities.
These products are namely assisting in the reduction of the damage that household cleaning products have on the environment.
Degreasing Potential
There are many types of cleaners with different potential when it comes to degreasing your grill. All-purpose and Eco-friendly cleaners tend to be weaker than more specified cleaners, but they retain enough power to be effective in basic grill cleaning needs.
Then, there are exterior specific cleaners, which have the simple purpose of making the outside of your grill look like a sparkling, shining show-room piece. Though, the degreasing capabilities of these cleaners will be less satisfactory.
Finally, if you need outstanding, extreme degreasing power when tending to your grill, you will usually need a grate cleaner or chemical-based cleaner, this is due to them being made to do battle with tough and thick greases.
These degreasers have the capability to completely restore and clean your grill, but there is a downside. They have harsh, aggressive chemical formulae, and so when using these, you must ensure to wear protection as these can be damaging should they get in your eyes, on your skin, or if they are breathed in.
Additional Abilities
Some grill cleaners will come with extra abilities and content that will tempt you. Some may come with a microfiber cloth, as you know you will need a cloth for cleaning after you have applied the cleaner, so it can be very tempting to buy one that includes everything you will need.
Microfiber is also very soft and will not damage your new clean surface, so it can be advised to take the offer. It doesn’t do any good to clean up a new grill’s hood just to leave scratches behind!
Some cleaners also come with the possibility of hot, or cold applications, which can cut down on annoying extra tasks you will need to do during your clean, so if you want to save extra time and energy, a hot and cold applicable cleaner can be well worth the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean rusty grill grates?
The Absolute best way to clean rusty grill grates is by using a vinegar soak wash, or by using a baking soda paste. These are both fantastic at killing rust.
You can make a vinegar wash with one part vinegar, two parts water, and submerging your grill grate in it. To use baking soda, create a paste by mixing it with a small amount of water and slathering it over your grill grate. Leave it for up to 12 hours and wash it.
