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Best Bristle Free Grill Brushes

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In this best bristle-free grill brushes review and buyers guide, I will give you the Pros, Cons, and Facts about the 10 best bristle-free grill brushes for 2023.

Wired grill brushes have been getting a lot of bad press lately due to the fear of those little metal bristles breaking off, sticking to grill grates, and ending up in your food.

It turns out; this is an honest concern and one that every outdoor cook needs to be aware of.

Does this mean you need to give up on enjoying home-grilled meals or forgo cleaning your grill’s grates? Absolutely not!

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution to avoiding the dangers of ingesting tiny metal bristles and that’s by purchasing a safe and bristle-free grill brush instead.

There’s a reason why these bristle-free grill brushes have earned the “best” title: because many of them are comparable to or even better than their bristle grill brush counterparts.

Like me, many grillers may be skeptical at first. Can these brushes really work well? My first initial thought was that these brushes may not be able to combat thicker residue and grease build-up if they lack sharp bristles.

The truth is that bristle-free brushes can work better than many may initially believe.

BUT only if used properly.

It’s not a secret that using a bristle-free brush takes a little more work than a standard bristle brush. At first use, it may seem like they aren’t as effective. This is where I want to stress that if used correctly according to the manufacturer’s suggestions, you will see just how effective these brushes can be.

That’s why I want you to STOP right here and read my guide on using a bristle-free brush correctly before you go any further. After reading how to use one the right way, you may find that a bristle-free brush may not be for you.

The link is here: How To Use A Bristle Free Brush Correctly

However, just like bristled grill brushes aren’t equal in how well they perform from brush to brush, different bristle-free grill brushes also vary in their effectiveness.

That’s why it’s important to search for the right grill brush – whether you select a bristled or non-bristled brush.

You can also check out my top 10 selections for Best BBQ Grill Brushes Overall.

Our Top Pick From Each Category: Quick View

“Editor’s Choice” Best Bristle Free Grill Brush

GRILLART Grill Brush

Quality: 4.7/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Value: 4.5/5

GRILLART Bristle Free Grill Brush

“Top Pick” Bristle Free Grill Brush

Kitchen Perfection

Quality: 4.6/5
Performance: 4.6/5
Ease of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 4.2/5

Kitchen Perfection Bristle Free Grill Brush

“Top Pick” Bristle Free Grill Brush

Grillaholics Grill Brush

Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Ease of Use: 4/5
Value: 4.3/5

Blaze Professional LUX Built-in Gas Grill

“Best Buy” Bristle Free Grill Brush

POLIGO Grill Brush

Quality: 4.2/5
Performance: 4/5
Ease of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 5/5

POLIGO BBQ Grill Cleaning Brush Bristle Free

Why This Guide Will Be Helpful for You

Not all grill brushes are built equally and many of them will either have you working too hard or end up breaking down all too quickly.

The majority of the options you’ll find at your local hardware store are low-quality and these cheaply made brushes will cause you more headaches in the long run.

Fortunately, many quality bristle-free options are priced quite fairly, perform very well, and are designed to make the work much easier.  But how do you know which of these options to choose?

That’s where I come in!

If you’re looking for an easy way to safely maintain your grills cooking grates, then this list is for you.

I’ve done all the legwork for you and reviewed the latest bristle-free brushes on the market from the top manufacturers. The outcome of my testing and research has led to the below list of the best of the best in bristleless grill brush effectiveness.

I’m confident when I say the following lineup represents the best brushes without bristles for maintaining your grates on the market today and I hope you’ll be able to find the perfect one for you.

As always, our goal is to save you time and money by doing all the research and testing for you, so you don’t have to.

 

So go ahead and let these product overviews act as your buyer’s guide to the top-performing safety grill brushes available.

Make sure to keep reading after the final review for a buyer’s guide & FAQ section to help you with your decision when it’s time to make your purchase.
 

Reasons Grillers Choose Bristle Free Brushes

Even if bristle-free brushes may work similarly to brushes with bristles, why go bristle-free?

Here are three good reasons.

  • You won’t have to worry about bristles breaking off while cleaning and sticking to your grill grate, which would otherwise be dangerous if ingested. Between 2002 and 2014, 1,700+ Americans went to the emergency room after accidentally consuming metal bristles found in their grilled food. For that reason, many grillers today feel more comfortable going the non-bristled brush route.
  • Many bristle-free brushes last longer than bristled brushes. Typically, when a bristled brush begins losing bristles, it’s time for a replacement – but you won’t have to deal with bristle breakage if your brush doesn’t have bristles!
  • Bristle-free brushes are typically more compatible with delicate grill grates (i.e., porcelain, ceramic). The bristles of some grill brushes may be too direct and harsh for delicate grates, easily scratching them in the process.

Next, we’ll take a look at the things to look for when selecting a bristle-free grill brush.

What to Look For in a Bristle Free Brush

Even though for many grillers, the decision to select a BBQ brush without bristles appears to be the better and safer option, there are still things to consider when hunting for the right brush.

Here are some things that are important to consider in a good, bristle-free brush:

  1. A long handle (The most popular length is 18 inches. 12 inches is considered medium length. 6 inches or less is considered short.) The longer handle gives you more downward leverage and allows you to easily use both hands when scraping your grates. It also keeps your hands farther away from the heat.
  2. Compatibility with your grill grate type (Some grill brushes are too rough and will scratch porcelain and ceramic grates; others are universal.)
  3. Favorable bristle-free head that works comparably or greater than an average grill brush with bristles
  4. Longevity
  5. General comfort and lightweight
  6. Ease of use
  7. Optional: a way to hang your brush (i.e., a hole or built-in loop to hang on a hook)

Now that you know what a good bristle-free brush consists of, let’s take a peek at the best bristle-free grill brushes of 2023.

The 10 Best Bristle Free Brushes

I put together the below list of the 10 best non-bristled grill brush options to act as your guide to choosing the best one for your budget and needs.

“The list includes a variety of options, prices, sizes, and features. I recommend that you always perform your own due diligence, however, and make sure you are completely comfortable with your choice before you buy.”

Let’s Get To it!

“Editor’s Choice – Best All Around Bristle Free Grill Brush”

#1 GRILLART Bristle Free Grill Brush & Scraper

Editor's Choice

Quality: 4.7/5
Performance: 4.5/5
Ease Of Use: 4/5
Value: 4.5/5

GRILLART Bristle Free Grill Brush

If life imitates art, then food fresh off the grill is a masterpiece.

The GRILLART bristle-free grill brush and scraper cleans many grill grate surfaces 5X faster than its competitors. With its unique wire technology, the GRILLART bristle-free brush and scraper are manufactured to be 135% thicker than a typical wire grill brush.

Weighing a mere one pound, the sturdy handle measures 18” L, so no worries about getting too close to the heat when cleaning the grates. The unique bristle-free brush measures 6” W x 4” H, giving you plenty of coverage, which makes cleanup a breeze.

The GRILLART’s triple helix design is constructed of interlocking layers of 201 non-magnetic, chromium-nickel stainless steel rings. The stiff, rigid construction makes for a lightweight bristle-free grill brush that won’t corrode or rust. Unlike nylon brush bristles, the GRILLART brushless bristles won’t snap off during the cleaning process and end up in the food.

The GRILLART bristle-free brush and scraper’s 3-in-1 design allow for larger surface area cleanings and when turned sideways, the sides of the brush are designed to completely clean the hard-to-reach areas between the grates, where stubborn food gets trapped.

The brush rings are forged onto a galvanized, twisted wire housing, and the long 18” water-resistant handle will keep the GRILLART lasting between every delicious grill experience.

GRILLART Grill Brush PROs & CONs

GRILLART believes in its brushless technology and offers a 100% money-back or bristle-free brush replacement if not completely satisfied.

The GRILLART bristle-free brush and scraper is my go-to grate cleaner for all of my grills. It does a great job for baked-on food and grease.

PROs
Heavy-duty construction
3 in 1 design for large surface area cleaning
Triple helix 201 stainless steel brushless technology
Lightweight but sturdy
Won’t rust
Enjoy the 100% money back or replacement guarantee
Excellent and reliable customer support

CONS

Some helix rings broke after several months of heavy use

You have to angle the brush head to get all the way between the grill grates

#2 Kitchen Perfection Bristle Free Grill Brush and Scraper

Top Pick

Quality: 4.6/5
Performance: 4.6/5
Ease Of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 4.2/5

Kitchen Perfection Bristle Free Grill Brush

If less time scraping the grill sounds good, Kitchen Perfection has you covered with the 3-in-1 Dream Bristle Free Grill Brush and Scraper.

Kitchen Perfection is a bristle-free grill brush manufacturer that “strives” for perfection. And that achievement can be seen in the 3X thicker, 201 stainless steel, triple helix wire brush construction.

The scraper’s notched edge design gets deep in between the grill grates for superior cleaning. Whether you’re grilling on a Weber, CharBoil, Green Egg, gas, charcoal, or smoker, the Kitchen Perfection 3-in-1 Dream Bristle-Free Grill Brush, and Scraper means less time cleaning the grill, and more time around the table eating barbecue with the family.

The 3-in-1 Dream Bristle-Free Brush also features a 17” accident-free handle. Your hands stay clear of the heat when cleaning the grill grates.

The bristle-free brush measures 6” W x 3” H, weighs only one pound, and comes with a lifetime warranty. A metal hook built into the handle lets you hand the bristle-free brush right on the grill. You won’t forget to clean it!

Bonus! Kitchen Perfection offers two heat-resistant non-stick grill mats, for perfect grilling and less mess. These mats can take temperatures up to 500° and are dishwasher safe.

Two bonus eBooks are included with the grill mats to get the beginner grill masters started and offer tips and tricks to get the best use of the 3-in-1 Dream Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper.

Kitchen Perfection Grill Brush PROs & CONs

Bonus! Kitchen Perfection offers two heat-resistant non-stick grill mats, for perfect grilling and less mess. These mats can take temperatures up to 500° and are dishwasher safe.

Two bonus eBooks are included with the grill mats to get the beginner grill masters started and offer tips and tricks to get the best use of the 3-in-1 Dream Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper.

Like most bristle-free grate brushes, getting between the grates is a little more difficult, but by using the scraper, the Kitchen Perfection bristle-free brush did an admirable job.

PROs

Bonus! Grill mat helpers and e-Cook Books included with purchase

The brush is 3X thicker with a triple helix 201 stainless steel “brushless” design
More surface area – less cleaning time
Fantastic customer service
You are buying a product from a company that “strives” for perfection

CONS

Requires a little “elbow-grease” to clean
Hard to reach in-between grill grates for cleaning

#3 Grillaholics Grill Brush Bristle Free

Top Pick

Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4.3/5
Ease Of Use: 4/5
Value: 4.3/5

Grillaholics Grill Brush Bristle Free

The name of the manufacturer says it all, and they want you to become addicted to grilling.

Their motto is “Live by the grill & die by the grill,” it’s that serious.

The Grillaholics Bristle Free Grill Brush is guaranteed to clean more surface area with each pass along the grill grates.

Each unique 3-in-1 stainless steel brush head and scraper design is triple machine tested before being sent to retail.

Grillaholics is so sure of the technology and cleaning abilities built into their bristle-free grill brushes that they want you to experience a fresh, clean canvas each time you’re ready to grill.

With a sturdy 17” handle and a brush, measuring 7.2” W x 2.5” H, you’ll have the grill clean in no time.

Grillaholics Grill Brush PROs & CONs

If for ANY reason you’re not satisfied with the Grillaholics Bristle-Free Grill Brush, their lifetime guarantee lets you simply return it, tell them why you didn’t like it, and choose between a replacement brush or your money back.

The Grillaholic’s best-in-class lifetime love-it-or-replace-it or full refund guarantee seals the deal for this grill brush.

PROs
Grillaholics offers a broad brush for cleaning more surface area
Grillaholics is a passionate company that stands behind the products

Heavy duty contruction

The company offers a lifetime love-it-or-replace-it or full refund guarantee

CONS

Brush could be more flexible

Brush shows some wire shedding after 6 months

#4 POLIGO BBQ Grill Cleaning Brush Bristle Free

Best Buy

Quality: 4.2/5
Performance: 4/5
Ease Of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 5/5

POLIGO BBQ Grill Cleaning Brush Bristle Free

The POLIGO bristle-free design allows you to get long-lasting cleaning results without breaking or shedding bristles.

The helix coil design protects your grates from scratches and damage.

The 3-1 brush head design elements and extended scraper makes for a formidable foe against baked-on food stuck to the grates. The large brush head cleans a wide area of stubborn grease and will do so with minimal effort.

The POLIGO BBQ grill cleaning brush is perfect for Porcelain, Ceramic, Infrared, Weber, Char-Broil, etc.

The long 18’’ reinforced non-slip handle of the bristle-free cleaning brush keeps your hands away from the heat. It provides greater leverage and control while cleaning gunked-up grates. The handle is equipped with a seamless reinforced ring that ensures this grate cleaner will never break even under heavy pressure. No breakage here!

Made of high-quality stainless steel for long-lasting durability, you will never worry about rusting, bending, or breaking.

Clean indeed!

POLIGO Grill Brush PROs & CONs

This sturdy bristleless grill brush is safe for all types of grill grates except for mesh grates. If you’re looking for a mesh grate cleaner, it’s best to look elsewhere.

This is a solid grill brush if used properly. Most reviews claiming the coils are too stiff are not using the brush as the manufacturer recommends.

PROs

3-in-1 three-torsion stainless steel helix brush coils

The extra-wide double-notched scraper gets the in-between clean

Clean large areas with minimal effort

Sage for most grill grate types

CONS

Doesn’t get in between the grooves as well as a regular brush

Pushes food and grease around the grates

#5 KAWOCHE Bristle Free Grill Brush and Scraper

Best Buy

Quality: 4.7/5
Performance: 4/5
Ease Of Use: 4.3/5
Value: 5/5

KAWOCHE Bristle Free Grill Brush and Scraper

KAWOCHE boasts its bristle-free grill brush as the “must-have” for every barbecue aficionado.

The locking helix brush rings are stacked tightly in three rows and made of stainless steel for long-lasting, rust-free grill cleaning and no scratched or flaked surfaces.

Never worry about broken brush bristles in the food again. If there is a problem with the KAWOCHE, no worries; this sturdy construction of the brush comes with a warranty.

Clean any grill surface with the KAWOCHE, including gas, charcoal, ceramic, and smoker grates as it is rated safe for all grill grate types to clean.

The KAWOCHE Bristle-Free Grill Brush weighs under a pound at 14.9 ounces. Lightweight with the power to clean the toughest grit and grim off the grill.

The KAWOCHE handle measures 17” and the detachable handle and end are equipped with large hooks for hanging when not in use. The brush-free base measures 7.17” W x 3.11” H.

Most importantly, it gets your grates clean!

KAWOCHE Grill Brush PROs & CONs

This easy-to-use grill brush has a lot of pros. I especially like how good sturdy this felt when scrubbing dirty grates. The only drawback is that the handle comes in two separate pieces and comes loose occasionally so we had to tighten it every now and again.

PROs

Tightly stacked interlocking helix brush rings

5x more powerful than competitive bristle-free grill brushes

The added scraper is very handy

Guaranteed not to scratch or flake away non-stick coating when scrubbing the grill plates

CONS

It doesn’t reach between the grates easily for deep cleaning

Like all bristle-free brushes, it requires a little extra elbow grease to deep clean the grates.

#6 Chicago Brick Oven Bristle Less Grill Brush

Top Pick

Quality: 4.9/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Ease Of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 4.1/5

Chicago Brick Oven Bristle Less Grill Brush

The mechanical construction of the Chicago Brick Oven Bristle-Less Brush is unique.

Solid, sturdy twisted wire branches, at the base of the handle fan out like open fingers and hold four rows of tightly woven 201 solid steel interlocking brush rings.

Cover six times the surface area using the simultaneous brush and scrape motions for the fastest performance, to achieve “like-brand-new” shiny grill grates.

Scrape with ease. There are no sharp edges on the Chicago Brick Oven Bristle-Less Brush to scratch finishes, delicate surfaces, and non-stick coatings.

Chicago Brick Oven Bristle-Less brushes are tested on Weber, George Foreman, Kamado, Vforce, Coleman, Traeger, JK, Blackstone, and Infrared, and are guaranteed to clean porcelain and ceramic grill surfaces efficiently.

The 18” conformable ergonomic handle includes a hanging hook, and when gripping the brush, it makes cleaning a breeze.

Chicago Brick believes in pampering the grill after each use and recommends a “cast-iron” cleaning technique to get the best use out of the bristle-less technology. And don’t forget to rub the grates with a little oil to keep them well-seasoned for the next grilling adventure.

Weighing in at one pound, offering a 6” W x 3” H bristle-less brush head, after one cleaning, you’ll believe it when Chicago Brick Oven says, “Don’t let a dirty grill stop the fun!”

Chicago Brick Oven Grill Brush PROs & CONs

The Chicago Brick Oven bristleless grill brush packs a big cleaning punch. It covers a wide area, making for less work. The downside is that due to the large size of the brush head, it is harder to reach into tight spaces.

PROs

4-row helix ring construction offers 6x the cleaning power

Manufacturer tested on all major grill brands

The company includes the best cleaning instructions to keep the grill grates at maximum performance

Simultaneous Brush and Scrape motions cover more surface area

Sturdy design that is built to last

CONS

Hard to clean smaller gaps between grill grates

The big size makes it hard to get into tight spaces, unfortunately. It can be done, it just takes a little maneuvering

#7 Kona Safe Bristle Free Grill Brush

Top Pick

Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Ease Of Use: 4/5
Value: 4.2/5

Kona Safe Bristle Free Grill Brush

At first glance, the Kona Safe Bristle-Free Grill Brush has a striking similarity to a potato masher in its design.

However, this bristle-free grill brush utilizes three, even horizontal rows. Hold the brush on an angle and clean the grates with one bristle-free row, or stand the brush straight up, and use the three rows to clean large surfaces with more scrubbing power.

The stainless steel, hard-wired helix rings are tightly bound, and the interlocking rows are also interlocked together to make a sponge-shaped rectangle. This unique design of the bristle-free brush head is 125% more rigid than a standard conventional bristle brush.

Kona Safe recommends working the brush in square sections instead of moving the bristle-free coils back and forth across the entire grate, like painting a wall. 

The Kona Safe Bristle-Free Grill Brush has a sturdy 18’ solid handle, weights under a pound, and the 10” W x 4” H interlocking helix brush design, well, that is a lot of bristle-free brush!

Kona Safe Grill Brush PROs & CONs

Expect a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year no-hassle guarantee. That’s a decade of cleaning with one fantastic brush. The downside is that this brush does not include a scraper which makes cleaning between the grates more difficult.

PROs

Large tightly woven double interlocking bristle-free brush head

10-year no-hassle guarantee

Two unique ways to clean using a single or triple row

Lasts 5X longer than a traditional bristle grill brush

Sturdy metal rings don’t break away while scrubbing

Plenty of manufacturer “How-to” videos

CONS

Only cleans the surface of the grill

Infrared grill owners did not find the brush useful

We had a tougher time cleaning between the grill grates due to the Kona Safe brush not having a scraper included

#8 Easy Function Bristle Free Grill Brush

Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Ease Of Use: 4.1/5
Value: 4.5/5

Easy Function Bristle Free Grill Brush

The Easy Function Bristle-Free Grill Brush is similar in design to the Kona Safe.

Easy Function touts its bristle-free grill brush to be 100% safe and keeps bristles from breaking free and falling into your food!

The sturdy 201 stainless steel interlocking helix rings are rust-proof and glide smoothly over the grill grates to capture and release all the stuck-on food, even between in the hard-to-reach spaces.

The generous 16” handle and 6” W x 2.5” L bristle-free brush easily glides across the grill surface to keep the grates shiny and free of food build-up.

Count on Easy Function’s “4-Life” warranty and return the bristle-free brush for a free replacement.

Easy Function Grill Brush PROs & CONs

Join the 1,000s of happy customers who purchased on Amazon who count on the Easy Function Bristle-Free Grill Brush for sparkling clean grill grates and delicious grilled meats and vegetables every time.

While agreed with most of the positive reviews, we had a harder time cleaning wider grates and we wish the handle was a little longer for better leverage. With that said, this is still a solid option.

PROs

“4-Life” warranty brush replacement guarantee

The wide brush tackles large surface areas

No “hard” scraping and easy-to-use

CONS

The handle is too short for cleaning larger hot grills.

The brush doesn’t make great contact on larger and wider grates

#9 Grillaholics Essentials Nylon Grill Brush

Best Nylon Grill Brush

Quality: 4.2/5
Performance: 3.9/5
Ease Of Use: 4.2/5
Value: 4.3/5

Grillaholics Essentials Nylon Grill Brush

Although most of the review pertains to bristle-less brushes, we couldn’t help but include this amazing Grillaholics grill brush. Here’s why.

Grillaholics has found a way to weave the nylon bristles in this grill brush to last longer than regular steel brushes. The bristles are guaranteed not to scratch delicate surfaces.

This 3-in-1 design allows you to rotate the nylon brush head 360°, to get into the tightest spaces and release the baked-on, caked-on, left-over food particles.

Nylon is 10X more durable than stainless steel, so as your ability to clean more surface area with the Grillaholics Essential Nylon Grill Brush, you’ll also be glad to know that the bristles will never break off and end up in your food.

The beautiful polished 18” wooden handle has beautiful brass accents and a knotted leather cord for hanging. This work of art weighs a mere 13 ounces! Consider this beauty as a gift, for a friend who has grill master in his blood, and then pick one up for yourself.

The brush measures 3.5” L x 3” W, and don’t let the size fool you. Grillaholics claim that this little brush can “demolish burnt-on food” on the grill grates.

Grillaholics Essentials Grill Brush PROs & CONs

The Grillaholics Essentials nylon grill brush comes with a lifetime warranty and a money-back guarantee. The warranty alone makes this grill grate cleaning brush an easy choice to take a chance on.

Nylon grate brushes are not meant to be used on hot or even warm surfaces as the heat can melt the nylon bristles. That means you will have to apply a little extra elbow grease when using one.

PROs

The compact design is packed with powerful nylon bristles

Nylon bristles are 10X more durable than stainless steel

Beautifully constructed and makes a superb gift

The small footprint for cleaning grill surfaces is surprisingly effective

Lifetime warranty

CONS

COLD-SCRUB cleaning only! (Look for our section about HOT & COLD CLEANING lower in this article.)

#10 KitchenReady Premium Bristle Free Barbecue Brush

Quality: 4.5/5
Performance: 4/5
Ease Of Use: 4.2/5
Value: 3.9/5

KitchenReady Premium Bristle Free Barbecue Brush

KitchenReady put a twist on the concept of bristle-free grill brush cleaning with this intense cleaning grill brush.

Using a vertical design, the entire bristle-free brush is flush with the long, solid 18” easy-grip handle with a built-in hook.

At first look, this compact 15-ounce, bristle-free grill brush isn’t oversized; and it’s only 5” L x 2.5” W, but guess what, it’s just as effective as the other bristle-free brushes we’ve reviewed.

The KitchenReady Bristle-Free Grill Brush has stiff, rigid stainless steel 3- coil rings made to clean all grill grates, even the most delicate porcelain, and ceramic surfaces. The compact wing-notched scraper gets right down into the crevices where stubborn food chunks and build-up lives.

Complete with a 1-year manufacturer warranty from the date of purchase, the KitchenReady has rave reviews from lots of grillers and grill masters! With a KithcneReady Bristle-Free Grill Brush, you can “Keep Calm and Grill on!”

KitchenReady Premium Grill Brush PROs & CONs

This is another lightweight and compact grill brush we liked as it did a good job removing baked-on grease.

We found that the KitchenReady Premium bristle-free grill brush worked best for smaller grill surfaces that had “straight line” grates.

PROs
Compact and portable
Vertical bristle-free brush design with the power of the horizontal brush competitors
Rave reviews and video reviews

CONS

Only cleans “straight line” grill grates
Better for small grill cleaning

Buyers Guide – What to Look For in a Bristle-Free Grill Brush

Factor 1: Cleaning “How-To” | Factor 2: Check the Warranty / Customer Support

Our reviews have shown many commonalities among the family of bristle-free grill brushes. One thing is clear, the more you grill the more you clean, and the more you clean the grill, the more the bristle-free grill brush takes a beating.

The helix coils are exposed to heat and come in contact with cemented-on food and gunk from previous barbecues. Considering the following two important factors will help.

2 Main Points to Consider when buying a bristle-free grill brush are…

Factor 1: Cleaning “How-To”

Except for one (1) of our reviewed bristle-free grill brushes you should always use a combination of a warm/hot grill, and water to effectively and efficiently steam-clean your grill’s grates.

As easy as it seems to pick up a bristle-free grill brush and start scrubbing the grill grates, you’re not maximizing the true power of these types of brushes.

However, much like cleaning a cast-iron skillet, it is important to follow the detailed but straightforward manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before the bristle-free grill brush touches down.

Note: The (Grillaholics Essentials Nylon Grill Brush) is a COLD, CLEAN PROCESS only. Never touch nylon bristles to a hot grill surface.

The most common complaint from consumers about the bristle-free grill brush was that it broke down and eroded too quickly.

Steam-cleaning the grill effectively and lengthening the life of your bristle-free grill brush looks something like this:

  1. Fire up the grill to 500°-600°
  2. Place a metal pan of clean water on the grates.
  3. Close the lid and let the water heat up and create steam.
  4. After 15 minutes of steaming, gently open the grill lid.
  5. DIP the bristle-free grill brush into the pan of hot water.
  6. Don’t scrub too hard, it will wear out and break the helix coils.
  7. Dip and scrub until the stuck-on gunk and food bits are removed.

For large built-in grills, use two pans of clean water; otherwise, you’ll start cleaning with dirty water.

This process ensures that the grill gets clean and the bristle-free grill brush stays clean at the same time.

Bottom line: don’t rush, patience and correct seasoning and cleaning techniques will get the grill clean and keep your bristle-free grill brush intact and working reliably between barbecues.

Factor 2: Check the Warranty / Customer Support

There is a difference between a warranty and a guarantee. Understand if the manufacturer replaces the bristle-free grill brush if it fails to meet your expectations, or if the manufacturer is willing to refund you the purchase price.

Most of our reviews of these best bristle-free grill brushes to buy in 2020 come with a warranty and a guarantee. Bristle-free grill brushes aren’t too expensive, but you don’t want to find yourself in an endless loop of purchasing them and finding they let you down allowing you to be focused more on the grilling. And remember proper cleaning techniques elongate the life of the bristle-free grill brush.

Learn where your bristle-free grill brush customer support is located so if a replacement or refund is necessary, you’re speaking to the right people for an easy exchange.

Bristle Free Grill Brush FAQ

Are BBQ Brushes With Bristles Harmful? | What Should I Do if Grill Brush Bristles Break? | Are Bristle Free Grill Brushes Better Than Grill Brushes With Bristles? | Are Bristle Free Grill Brushes Cheaper? | What Makes Bristle Free Grill Brushes Bristle Free? | How Often Should I Replace My Grill Brush? | Are you supposed to clean your grill brush?

Every griller should have a handy grill brush on hand.

Without properly cleaning your grill after every use with a quality brush, your grill grates may rust, and as a result, food cooked on the grill may have a funny taste, and the rusty residue can cause harm to the intestinal tract.

While many types of grill brushes can get the job done (heck, even cleaning your grill with foil and tongs will do), not everyone is familiar with bristle-free grill brushes.  Yet, they are one of the safest types of grill brushes on the market.

Read the frequently asked questions below to decide if a grill brush without bristles is the best option for your needs.

Are BBQ Brushes With Bristles Harmful?

Grill brushes with bristles alone are not harmful. What makes bristled brushes harmful, however, is when (and if) the bristles break off. If these tiny broken metal pieces are on your grill next time you cook, bristle bits may get in or on your food and potentially lead to a serious injury when ingested that may or may not require surgery.

The proof is in the material, and safety always comes first.

Look for grill brushes manufactured with copper, stainless steel, or nylon. The materials that comprise the bristle component can melt and break at different temperatures during the grill cleaning process.

To cut corners, some manufacturers will use inferior metals. Look for 201 stainless steel and read the packaging. When metal particles break free from a bristle brush, they can easily lodge in any surface on the grill where stuck-on food particles are left behind. When freshly marinated steaks, burgers, or chicken touches down on the hot grill, the metal particles adhere to the cooked meat.

When ingested these microscopic metal fragments can break teeth and tear small holes in the larynx, and stomach lining, travel to other body organs, and do severe internal damage.

It is always best to be mindful of your grill surface before barbecuing. When in doubt, take the time to give the grill an extra cleaning and inspect the grates closely. If you’re still unsure, we recommend using grill mats to protect the food from touching down on any parts of the grill, harboring broken metal bristles.

What Should I Do if Grill Brush Bristles Break?

First things first, thoroughly inspect your grill grates to ensure bristles are not present before every cook.  Wipe the grates down with a wet cloth or paper towel before they get hot.  Throw away any bits you see to prevent them from getting into/onto your food next time you use your grill.

Next, make sure you thoroughly inspect your grill brush periodically.

While it would be recommended to replace your grill brush as broken bristles are one sign it’s time to toss your brush, many grillers would probably just double-check that their brush is free of broken debris and is still strong enough to hold up to future uses.

Whether or not you choose to keep your grill brush after its bristles start breaking is your gamble.  However, if more bristles break off the next time you use your brush, it is absolutely time to trash it and opt for a new brush.

Are Bristle Free Grill Brushes Better Than Grill Brushes With Bristles?

Not necessarily. Everyone has their own idea of what makes a great grill brush.

While some find bristle-free grill brushes better in terms of safety and longevity, most may find that bristled brushes are better when it comes to function.  Although, being bristled or non-bristled does not always directly affect how well the brush will work.

Preference plays a part in whether or not you find bristled or bristle-free brushes more convenient.  But remember, cheaply constructed bristled brushes may offer poor performance just like some non-bristled brushes may too.

Instead of deciding whether a bristled or non-bristled brush is better during operation, it’s better to consider how well individual brush models perform amongst one another.

Are Bristle Free Grill Brushes Cheaper?

Bristled and bristle-free grill brushes are comparable in price. They can range on average from $12 to $30.

Typically, what makes a grill brush more expensive than others is the materials it’s constructed with, how popular it is, whether or not it features patented technology, the features the brush is equipped with, and the brand name, among other aspects.

What Makes Bristle Free Grill Brushes Bristle Free?

A bristle-free brush is often classified as a brush that doesn’t feature straight, metal bristles.  However, some consider a grill brush that has any type of bristles – metal or not – to be a bristled brush.

While some “bristle-free” brushes may feature nylon or other non-metal bristles, what makes a bristle-free grill brush truly bristle-free is its differentiated design head compared to bristled brushes.

Some bristle-free brushes may feature metal coils in which the “bristles” are spiral instead of straight. This is the most common bristle-free brush design. Coiled brushes can have different lengths or -numbered coils than one another. Some coiled brushes might have a wider, longer, thicker head than others or have their coils placed at a different angle.

Apart from metal coiled brushes and brushes with nylon bristles, another non-metal bristled design a grill brush might feature is an all-wood design without bristles at all – similar to that of the Easy Function Wooden Grill Scraper which is on the “Amazon’s Choice” list and has a ton of positive reviews.

How Often Should I Replace My Grill Brush?

You should replace your grill brush at least once every grilling season. For frequent grillers, you may have to replace your grill brush even more often. Pay special attention to damage to your grill brush. If you notice loose or missing bristles or excessive rust, it’s time for a replacement.

Are you supposed to clean your grill brush?

Yes, cleaning your grill brush is a must. Just like your grates, your grill brushes need a good cleaning from time to time too. Leftover food and grease will accumulate on your cleaning tools. What’s the point of cleaning your grates with a gunked-up brush?

Soak them in warm water and dish soap and give them a good rinse down with a hose when you notice any buildup.

Final Thoughts on the Best Bristle Free Grill Brushes for 2023

While there are 10 solid choices on this list, the GRILLART Grill Brush Bristle Free & Scraper is my top pick for 2023 so far.

No matter which one you choose, investing in a quality grill brush is a smart choice for prolonging the life of your grill and most importantly, for your safety.  By focusing on construction, materials, and warranty, you can narrow down your decision considerably.

There is no question that a grill brush is the best way to keep your grill grates free of leftover residue.  They are especially great for removing grease and charred food build-up that can potentially be harmful if not removed before the next grilling session.

Next Steps:

How to Use a Bristle-Free Grill Brush Correctly

How To Use A Bristle-Free Grill Brush Correctly

The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Grill Grates

The Ultimate Guide on How to Clean Grill Grates

10 Best BBQ Grill Brushes

The 10 Best BBQ Grill Brushes & Buyers Guide

Now It’s Your Turn

I want to hear from you:

Which grill brushes have you used before?

Do you have any grill or grate cleaning tips to share?

What features do you typically like to see in a bristle-free grill brush?

Are you going to be purchasing a smoker in the future?  Or do you plan on looking at a pellet grill, built-in or standalone gas grill, or charcoal model?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.

If you still have questions, please feel free to send me a message.

Cheers,

Pat G.

DisclosureAt The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs.  If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission.  This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue.  Your support is truly appreciated.

Patrick Ginise

A backyard warrior, certified carnivore, lover of good whiskey, self-proclaimed grill master and I’m Living The Grilling Life!

I have a passion for cooking with live fire and smoke, no matter the weather. I’m a real person just like you, who loves outdoor cooking and BBQ. Food, fun, and time spent with family and friends are what it’s all about! It is my mission to take my passion and knowledge for outdoor cooking and all things BBQ and share this expertise in techniques and grilling equipment with you. In other words, Living The Grilling Life!