9 Best Grill Cleaners of 2023

Photo: Therapy

Even though grill brushes can get most of the grease and grime off your grates after grilling, scrubbing is not enough at times. This is where grill cleaners come in. These cleaners are solutions that dissolve the remaining grime so as to leave your cooking surface sparkling clean.

However, there is a wide variety of these cleaners in the market today, and you can get confused during the selection process, especially if you are not sure about what you need. That said, this article looks at the best grill cleaners in the market, from which you can take your pick.

9 Best Grill Cleaners – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Therapy Premium Stainless-Steel Cleaner (Best Stainless-Steel Cleaner)	Unique, non-toxic plant-based formula Gets rid of smudges, fingerprints, and streaks Leaves a coconut-based protective shine Comes with a 14 x 14-inch microfiber towel
	2. Bryson Industries SA02 Grill Cleaning Spray (Citrus-Based)	Non-toxic and biodegradable citrus-based cleaner Ideal for gas and charcoal grills Large 23-ounce packaging Easy-to-use and recyclable spray bottle packaging
	3. Weber Grill Cleaner Spray (For Charcoal)	Eliminates charred food, grease, dirt, and grime Safe to use on other grilling surfaces Non-toxic, USDA-approved formula Recyclable and easy-to-use spray bottle packaging
	4. CLR PB-BBQ-26 Grill Cleaner (Best for BBQ)	Works on steel, stainless steel, and porcelain enamel Creates a powerful foam that cleans easily Non-toxic water-based formula Easy-to-use spray mechanism
	5. Goo Gone 2045A Grill & Grate Cleaner (Biodegradable Gel)	Biodegradable gel that is safe for the environment Recyclable and easy-to-use spray bottle packaging Works on baked-on food deposits, grease, and carbon Prevents corrosion and reduces flare-ups
	6. Weber W62 Grill Cleaner (Non-Corrosive)	Non-corrosive citrus-based formulation Derived from d-limonene, which is non-toxic USDA approved; safe to use Affordable
	7. Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner (Good)	Fast-acting formulation that gets rid of stubborn grease and food spills easily Safe to use on all types of grills Easy-to-use aerosol can spray
	8. Easy-Off RAC76461 Stainless-Steel Cleaner (Odorless Formula)	Odorless formula Gets rid of fingerprints, smears, and soil Cleans and polishes the surface Non-abrasive
	9. Easy-Off Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner (Heavy-Duty)	Affordable Heavy-duty grease-cutting formula Cleans in as little as 5 minutes Contains an advanced grease-cutting formula

1. Therapy Premium Stainless-Steel Cleaner – Best Stainless-Steel Grill Cleaner

Photo: Therapy

Starting off this list is Therapy’s premium grill cleaner, and this one contains a unique, non-toxic plant-based formula that is specifically suited for cleaning and protecting stainless-steel surfaces in one step.

The product works superbly well on outdoor stainless-steel grills, as well as appliances such as stainless steel stokes, dishwashers, refrigerators, microwaves, and even sinks.

While cleaning, the solution gets rid of smudges, streaks and fingerprints from your grill’s surfaces then creates a coconut-based protective shine that repels dust, fingerprints, and dirt. This makes it one of the best outdoor grill cleaners because of its outer protective layer.

Other features include an easy-to-use 16-ounce spray bottle packaging and it comes with a 14 x 14-inch microfiber cloth to help you get started straight out of the box. On the downside, this formulation is only suited for stainless steel surfaces

Pros:

• Unique, non-toxic plant-based formula
• Gets rid of smudges, fingerprints, and streaks from your grill
• Leaves a coconut-based protective shine that repels fingerprints, dust, and dirt
• Easy-to-use spray bottle packaging
• Comes with a 14 x 14-inch microfiber towel

Cons:

• Only suited for stainless steel surfaces

2. Bryson Industries SA02 Grill Cleaning Spray – Citrus-Based Cleaner

Photo: Citrusafe

Bryson Industries’ SA02 is a citrus-based grill cleaner that utilizes the power of d-limonene compounds for the actual cleaning.

The benefit of having these compounds as the core ingredients is that the cleaner is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable and phosphate-free, making it very safe to use.

While bearing these properties, SA02 does not substitute superior cleaning power for safety. It still delivers a powerful cleaning action and is ideal for gas and charcoal grills, which makes it one of the best degreaser grill cleaners in the market.

Other features include a relatively large 23-ounce packaging that contains a lot of cleaning solution and an easy-to-use spray bottle packaging that is recyclable for environmental conservation.

However, the product does not come with a towel attached and does not leave a protective layer after cleaning.

Pros:

• Non-toxic and biodegradable citrus-based cleaner
• Delivers powerful cleaning action on gas and charcoal grills
• Large 23-ounce packaging
• Easy-to-use and recyclable spray bottle packaging

Cons:

• Towel not included
• Does not create a protective layer

3. Weber Grill Cleaner Spray – Charcoal Grill Cleaner

Photo: Weber

If you own a charcoal grill, this cleaning spray is specifically designed to work on your unit because it’s formulated to clean out charred food, dirt, grease, and grime on such grills.

The product is also safe to use on other grill cooking surfaces, and contains a non-toxic formula that is USDA approved, surpasses international standards of biodegradability and does not cause skin irritation.

More features include a recyclable 16-ounce spray bottle packaging that is also easy-to-use. However, no towel is included with this cleaner and it contains alkaline ingredients that may cause eye irritation.

Pros:

• Formulated to eliminate charred food, grease, dirt, and grime
• Safe to use on other grilling surfaces
• Non-toxic, USDA-approved formula
• Recyclable and easy-to-use spray bottle packaging

Cons:

• Contains alkaline ingredients that may cause eye irritation
• Towel not included

4. CLR PB-BBQ-26 Grill Cleaner – Best BBQ Grill Cleaner

Photo: CLR

CLR’s PB-BBQ-26 is one of the best barbecue grill cleaners because it contains a powerful cleaning action that works on multiple surfaces such as steel, stainless steel, and porcelain enamel.

Additionally, its cleaning action entails creating a powerful foam that easily cuts through baked-on food and grease, leaving your grill’s grates looking clean and new.

To achieve this, the product is made using a water-based formula that is non-toxic and biodegradable, and this efficiently gets rid of the grease and grime, but won’t harm grass and other plants if it pours to the ground.

Other features include an easy-to-use spray bottle that is also recyclable, and a large 26-ounce quantity that is enough to clean your grill multiple times.

However, even though the solution is rated safe for kids and pets, it may cause eye irritation. Also, it does not create a protective layer on the grates as you clean.

Pros:

• Works on multiple surfaces such as steel, stainless steel, and porcelain enamel
• Creates a powerful foam that cuts easily through baked-on food
• Non-toxic water-based formula
• Easy-to-use spray mechanism
• Large 26-ounce bottle

Cons:

• May cause eye irritation
• Does not create a protective layer as you clean

5. Goo Gone 2045A Grill & Grate Cleaner – Biodegradable Grill Cleaner

Photo: Goo Gone

This super-strength grill-and-grate gel is a biodegradable cleaning solution that is safe for the environment, and it is packed in a spray bottle that is recyclable, making it even much safer to the environment.

Other than that, the solution works on baked-on and caked-on food deposits, while also getting rid of grease and carbon, which is very common in charcoal grills.

However, you should not use the product on aluminum, faux stainless-steel or painted metal surfaces because it may cause damages. That said, you can use it other metallic cooking grates, racks, grill interiors, and exteriors and drip pans as well.

After cleaning, the gel helps to prevent corrosion and reduces flare-ups/ smoke. However, even though it is safe on food preparation surfaces, this cleaner may cause eye irritation and therefore, should be handled with care.   

Pros:

• A biodegradable gel that is safe for the environment
• Recyclable and easy-to-use spray bottle packaging
• Works on caked-on and baked-on food deposits, grease and carbon
• Prevents corrosion and reduces flare-ups

Cons:

• Cannot be used on aluminum, faux stainless steel or painted metal surfaces
• May cause eye irritation

6. Weber W62 Grill Cleaner – Non-Corrosive Grill Cleaner

Photo: Weber

Weber’s W62 grill cleaner features a non-corrosive formulation that is citrus-based, which ensures it provides a safe cleaner that is non-toxic.

This product is actually also derived from d-limonene, which is biodegradable, phosphate-free and non-flammable, making it extremely safe to use.

The safety aspect is also tested since the unit is USDA approved and with this, the solution works well on smokers, ovens, grills, and cookers, among many others.

On the downside, no towel is included in the package and the cleaner comes in a small 8-ounce bottle. On the bright side, it is very affordable and its spray-bottle packaging can be recycled for environmental conservation.

Pros:

• Non-corrosive citrus-based formulation
• Derived from d-limonene, which is biodegradable, non-flammable and non-toxic
• USDA approved; safe to use
• Affordable
• Recyclable spray bottle packaging

Cons:

• Towel not included
• Packaged in a small 8-ounce bottle

7. Easy-Off BBQ Grill Cleaner – Good Grill Cleaner

Photo: Easy-Off

This product lives up to its name by getting rid of stubborn grease and food spills easily off the grill’s grates. It does so by using an expert formula, which begins to work immediately after making contact with the surface being cleaned.

Additionally, the cleaner is safe to use on all types of grills, be it gas, charcoal, wood pellet, and is also compatible with stainless steel, non-aluminum, and non-chrome pots and pans.

Other features include a 16-ounce packaging and in an easy-to-use aerosol can. On the downside, the aerosol can package cannot be reused and the formulation cannot be used to clean aluminum and chrome surfaces.

Pros:

• Fast-acting formulation that gets rid of stubborn grease and food spills easily
• Safe to use on all types of grills
• Easy-to-use aerosol can spray

Cons:

• Non-reusable aerosol can package
• Cannot be used to clean aluminum or chrome surfaces

8. Easy-Off RAC76461 Stainless-Steel Cleaner – Odorless Grill Cleaner

Photo: Easy-Off

Easy-Off is one of the most recognized brands in this grill cleaner segment and their RAC76461 cleaner does not disappoint. The product contains an odorless formula that leaves your grill simply looking clean and new without any additional smell that may affect your next barbecue.

This formula is specially designed to get rid of fingerprints, smears, and soils from stainless steel and brushed chrome, all while polishing the surface while a non-abrasive composition ensures that it does not scratch the surfaces as you clean.

The cleaner also helps the cleaned surface to resist fingerprints and watermarks so as to maintain a spotless grill, but it is only suitable to use on stainless steel and brushed chrome surfaces. Also, the product is packaged in a non-reusable 17-ounce aerosol can, but at least it is easy-to-use.

Pros:

• Odorless formula
• Gets rid of fingerprints, smears, and soil
• Cleans and polishes the surface
• Non-abrasive
• Helps to resist fingerprints and watermarks

Cons:

• Only ideal for use in stainless steel and brushed chrome surfaces
• Packaged in a non-reusable aerosol can

9. Easy-Off Professional Oven & Grill Cleaner – Heavy-Duty Grill Cleaner

Photo: Easy-Off

Another piece from Easy Off and this one is the top-rated grill cleaner in this review, primarily because it is a heavy-duty cleaner that takes on tough, baked-on food particles, grease, and food spills, leaving your grill clean in only 5 minutes.

This is made possible by an advanced grease-cutting formula that is very effective against burnt grease and grime. The formula makes it ideal for everyday spot cleaning in maintaining your ovens, broilers and of course, barbecue grills.

Another benefit you get with this heavy-duty cleaner is that it is very affordable and yet it comes in a 24-ounce aerosol can. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, this is the best option to consider.

However, the solution only cleans the surface without polishing, and it does not come with a towel for wiping the surface as you clean.

Pros:

• Affordable
• A heavy-duty formula that takes on baked-on food particles with ease
• Cleans in as little as 5 minutes
• Contains an advanced grease-cutting formula

Cons:

• Towel not included
• Does not polish the surface

How to Buy the Best Grill Cleaner         

Photo: Easy-Off

A couple of factors need to be considered before selecting a grill cleaner, and these are:

1. Ingredients

Grill cleaners are mostly chemicals and the ingredients used in the formulation define the characteristics of the solution.

For instance, strong and fast action cleaners are mostly corrosive and can even scratch your grill’s surface. Such products can also cause skin and eye irritation and therefore, must be handled with care. 

On the other hand, some cleaners such as the citrus-based types act more mildly but are very safe because their formulations are non-flammable, phosphate-free and biodegradable.

Generally, the milder types of cleaners are recommended for everyday use, but if you encounter stubborn grime and stains, get the stronger, fast-acting gels.

2. Ease of Use

The ease of use factor comes into play in the application method. Spray bottles and aerosol cans are generally easy to use because you simply have to spray the solution to the exact position, then wipe using a cloth.

Spray bottles have the additional advantage of being recyclable because the spraying nozzle mechanism at the top can be unscrewed from the bottle, allowing you to do a refill. Aerosol cans, on the other hand, can only be disposed after the cleaner is depleted inside.

3. Safety of Use

Continuing on from the ingredients factor above, the heavy-duty, fast cleaning gels might require you to wear gloves and other protective wear so as to prevent skin and eye contact because they may cause irritation on these body parts.

Such cleaners should be kept far from children, pets and even your food. However, to be on the safe side, it is recommended to buy cleaners containing natural ingredients such as d-limonene.

These are usually very safe even when consumed accidentally or when they come into contact with the eyes and skin.

4. Accessories

As much as the main purchase is a grill cleaner, having an accessory attached is always an added plus. Some grill cleaners come with wiping cloths attached, and this makes the deal better because you get more value for your money. Generally, the more the accessories, the better.

5. Size 

The size factor goes hand in hand with cost. Of course, a large size is better because it gives you enough gel for cleaning your grill multiple times. However, if it is too costly, then it will not be economical to buy the product.

A small size grill cleaner, on the other hand, might not be enough for multiple cleaning cycles, but if the product is affordable, then it will be worth buying. If the product is concentrated, this makes it even better because a little amount will be required for each cleaning cycle.

All in all, make sure you get value for money for the product that you buy.

6. Odor

Most grill cleaners are scented so that they leave a fresh aroma after you clean the grates. Others have odorless formulations that simply do the cleaning and that’s it. None can be said to be better than the other and selection should be based on personal preference.

7. Uses

Lastly, instead of buying a cleaner that is only suitable for getting rid of dirt, grime, and grease on your grill, it would be better to get one that can be used to clean multiple appliances around your home such as dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, etc.

This means getting a product that is universally compatible with most surfaces such as stainless steel, aluminum, and chrome among many others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best grill cleaner should first and foremost, be safe and non-toxic so that it does not leave a hazardous cooking surface, which may, in turn, pose a health risk from the food you prepare on it next time.

Another important factor to check is compatibility because some cleaners are corrosive to certain metal surfaces.

That said, all these factors are explained in detail above and after going through the grill cleaner review, you should be in a better position to pick the most suitable solution that suits your needs.