So, here I am, sitting at my yard and reheating some brisket. My grill is so dirty I don’t even want to touch it, so it got me thinking: how to keep grill clean?
Well, I can assure you, there are at least two ways used by people to clean their grill: the grill stone or a brush.
If you are new to grilling, you might find yourself in a state of dilemma about what is a better option, a grill stone or a brush?
Both the options can be used for thorough cleaning of the grill. A brush is usually used for scraping off the debris like burned food. It helps in a hard cleaning action. A grill stone is used to clear stains that are light.
With this article, we aim to provide a better understanding of both options so that you can make a choice to your liking.
Using a grill brush to keep your grill clean
A brush or a grill brush is a cleaning equipment that comes with bristles. These bristles can be made of wire or plastic. To provide ease of cleaning, the bristles are attached to a handle that provides a comfortable grip during cleaning.
There are two ways used by people to clean their grill: the grill stone or a brush.
A good quality grill brush will help you achieve the finesse you aim for when you are cleaning. It will scrape off those stubborn burnt food leftovers very efficiently and give you a nice shiny grill in the minimum effort possible.
The most amazing thing about a grill brush is that you don’t even require water to clean. Just scrape and wipe out the peeled off burnt items. The wire-bristle brushes can even be used in cleaning hot grill grates. By a simple back and forth motion, you can get a sparkly clean grill in no time.
Once you are done using the brush, you can simply rinse it under running water and leave it to dry.
More about grilling brushes and grill stones for cleaning can be found on my other article how to clean a flat top grill.
Benefits of using a grill brush
The use of grill brushes for cleaning is becoming quite popular these days. Especially if you are a regular user of an outdoor grill, your go-to choice for cleaning will be a grill brush. Here are a few benefits of a grill brush that make them a beloved choice for cleaning.
For thorough cleaning
The wire bristles of a cleaning brush are set on a panel that is attached to a handle. The benefit of the handle is that it allows you to hold the brush with convenience and lets you apply more pressure for better cleaning.
You don’t have to worry about the brush getting broken or bent. There a lot of highly durable options in the market, which help in proper cleaning.
Another great aspect of the grill brush that provides better cleaning is the ability to get a better cleaning angle. You can move the brush in any direction. You can clean superficially as well as deeply using the same brush.
Variety
The variety available for these grill brushes is extraordinary. They are available in amazing colors, different shapes as well as sizes. You can choose a wire-bristle brush or even opt for bristle free brushes for cleaning.
A bristle free brush has ridges that provide a similar cleaning action. Depending on the type of grill and grill grate you have, you can choose a brush to your liking.
Durability
A grill brush can be like a mini-cleaning investment. You wouldn’t be required to replace the brush every time you grill. They are made from highly durable material; some can even outlive your grill!
What is a grill stone?
Just like any other cleaning stone, a grill stone is also made of a pumice type of material. Generally, the material used in the making of such grill stones is recycled.
Using a good quality grill stone ensures a great way of non-toxic and chemical-free cleaning for your grill. Since a grill is something that comes in direct contact with your food, you would not want it to be coated with something that can be harmful to your health.
With a small amount of water, you can give your grill grate a thorough cleaning with a grill stone. All you are required to do is wet the side of the stone you are using to clean. Bring the stone near the grate and gently move it back and forth. This action will help in the removal of any stuck food items from it.
With multiple uses, your grill stone will start aligning with the shape of the grill, and it will become easier to use it. You will be able to clean in between the grates, as well, with ease.
Once you are done with cleaning both sides, rinse the grate and clean it with a paper towel. As for the stone, you can rinse it as well and leave it to dry.
Benefits of choosing a grill stone
The grill stone is the oldest and somewhat traditional way used by people for cleaning their grill grates. The reason for continued popularity lies in some of the benefits listed below.
Leaves no residues
People often stick with using a grill stone for cleaning because it does not leave any residue behind. When using a grill brush, the bristles can get stuck in the grill and go unnoticed. As a result, you might end up cooking them along with your next meal and consume the same.
But in the case of a stone, even if there is some breakage during cleaning, because of its brittle nature, it will simply fall apart. The particles won’t remain stuck to the grates, and you can wipe out the residue later.
Safe to use on any surface
Stones are pretty versatile in their utility. You don’t have to worry about the type of grill that you own. A grill stone can be used for a variety of grill surfaces without getting them damaged.
Cleaning is easier
The process of cleaning a grill stone is highly convenient. You don’t have to worry about a deep cleaning of the stone. All you need to do is rinse it properly and leave it to dry. It will be all set to be used for the next wash.
Easy replacement
Any wearing and tearing of the grill stone will be visible to your eyes. You don’t have to look for some hidden signs to know your grill stone is ruined. If you see the stone is getting shabby and losing some pieces here and there, you will know it’s the time to replace it. You can obtain them quite easily in all shapes and sizes.
Which is better: a grill stone or a brush?
After reading the detailed information about the two options and the benefits associated with them, we are in a place to differentiate between the two. It is definitely not a very black and white answer; rather, it is quite subjective.
In the case of grill stone, you don’t have to worry about such residual contamination. A grill stone will disintegrate and fall off instead of sticking to the grate.
In case there is a very stubborn stain on the grill like burnt oil, charred meat, etc., a grill brush will help you get rid of the same without much effort. Whereas with a grill stone, you will have to push a lot harder for the same level of cleaning.
If you own a porcelain-coated grill grate, then using a grill brush can prove to be quite damaging. On the other hand, a grill stone will easily glide through the grates and would not damage the surface.
When you are using a grill brush, there are chances that the bristles get broken and remain stuck on the grates. You might forget to wipe the grill in the future before using it and end up consuming the bristle with your food. So, you have to be careful about the same.
In the case of grill stone, you don’t have to worry about such residual contamination. A grill stone will disintegrate and fall off instead of sticking to the grate.
A grill brush is highly durable and something that will last with you for a long time. While a grill stone, on the other hand, can be very brittle and wear off easily with every cleaning. You might have to replace it more often than you can imagine!
To sum it up
After going through this detailed review, by now, you must have been aware of the benefits and shortcomings of both; a grill stone and a brush.
Depending on the type of grill you own and the way you wish to clean your grill, you can choose either of the options.
If you are looking for durable and tougher options, then a grill brush is the right choice. If you are looking for safer options, then the grill stone is a great choice.
At the end of the day, the matter of choice is pretty personal as it depends on your needs and your ways around your grill.
Just make sure to keep your grill spick and span after every cook so that you can reap the benefits of the same for years to come.
