6 Of The Best BBQ Cleaners For Your Outside Grill

When the sun comes out, cranking the BBQ on for lunch isn’t a bad idea. In fact, there is something so special and comforting about everyone coming together in good spirits (and good weather) to chow down on some delicious BBQ grub. Though you’ve probably prepped some awesome, green-leafed salads to munch through, we can’t deny that the meat (or meat-free alternatives) is the main event. Is a BBQ really a BBQ without it? The trouble is the clean-up after a cookout can be a bit tough. So the best BBQ cleaners will really help you out this summer.

Why are BBQ cleaners so important? Well, nobody wants food from a dirty, greasy BBQ. Equipped with the right cleaner for your BBQ grill, you’ll be able to restore its former glory and get ahead before the big, family cookout.

If you haven't cleaned your BBQ grill for a year or so, then pick a heavy-duty cleaner. You want to get all of that burnt food and grease off just in time for the sun, as well as the bacteria that could be thriving within. Alternatively, you could go for something less harsh, chemical-free and plant-based. Though they’re kind to the environment, these cleaners may not be tough on stains.

There's a whole range of the best BBQ cleaners, all designed with different purposes and specialisms, and at different price points, and scroll for some great cleaning tips, too.

Best BBQ Cleaners

Multi-purpose, this tough cleaner removes caked-on and burnt-in grease from ovens, grills, barbeques and baking trays. Not only that, but it is quick and thorough. Plus, it's tough on muck and gentle on surfaces: suitable for cast iron and ceramic. Easy to use with a simple spray, you'll be saying goodbye to all that mucky grease in no time.

Suitability: Ovens, Grills and BBQs (Gas or Charcoal)

Pros: All-in-One, Degreaser, Easy to Use

Cons: Not Too Powerful

Review: "Bought to clean my Gas BBQ. The flat plate and grill cleaned up well, so thought I would try on the inside of the lid which had never been cleaned - four years of baked-on grease. I was really surprised that it cleaned it, 75 per cent on the first application, and the remainder came off in a second. Foam ran a little as was upside down but stayed on when rubbed very lightly with a J cloth."

Get rid of those stubborn stains with this budget-friendly solution: Barbecue & Oven Cleaner by Bar-Be-Quick. Perfect for any tough after-cookout cleaning, on any barbecue, or even to clean your inside oven. Spray away!

Suitability: Ovens and Any BBQ

Pros: Budget-Friendly, Easy to Use

Cons: Not Harsh, Heavy-Duty

Review: "I didn't expect much, to be honest. Had a very skanky bbq that was left out from last year uncovered. Being lazy my partner and I even considered chucking the bbq. Used some of this and it come up like new! Cleaned in half the time expected."

This Jeyes BBQ and Oven Cleaner Trigger Spray is a powerful BBQ cleaner that comes in a handy trigger spray bottle, making cleaning quick, easy and effective. We love the dual action trigger as it offers targeted foam and a quick, easy clean fine spray. As well as being tough on grease, it's a multi-surface cleaner with anti-bacterial properties.

Suitability: BBQs and Ovens

Pros: Tough on Grease and Bacteria, Long-Lasting Fragrance, Fast Action

Cons: Isn't As Effective on Burnt-In Residue

Review: "Amazing stuff. It works 100 per cent!"

The EcoGurus natural, all-purpose cleaner promotes an eco-friendly clean, extensively tested to outperform other eco household cleaning products. Made from the highest quality plant-based ingredients, this product delivers a great clean - no matter the surface. Safe on the skin and on the planet, this could be a great addition to your cleaning cupboard.

Suitability: All BBQs and Ovens

Pros: Multi-Surface Cleaner, Gentle, Plant-Based

Cons: Pricey

Review: "I’m happy with this product, it’s great for everyday cleaning. It includes a non-abrasive sponge, which makes it ideal for all types of surfaces. It has a pleasant smell, and leaves everything looking and smelling fresh. It’s also gentle to the skin since I have very sensitive skin. I would recommend it!"

Suitable for all barbeques, the high-efficiency Grate Cleaner is a fine mist spray that makes cleaning your grates and interior cook-box components a breeze. Biodegradeable and with no hazardous ingredients, spray and let sit for 30 seconds to loosen grease & food residue and wipe clean.

Suitability: All BBQs

Pros: Easy to Use, High-Efficiency, Biodegradable

Cons: None.

Review: "Excellent stuff, my bbq was splattered with fat after doing a pork joint on it. Used this with the Weber sponges and the grates and inside of the cook box came up a treat, just wait for it to cool down, spray on, leave for 30 seconds then wire brush, and finally wipe with the wet sponge."

Containing white mineral oils, this Weber Stainless Steel Cleaner will bring out the best in your barbecue whether it’s raining, snowing or the sun is shining. Designed to protect and clean the external stainless steel parts of your barbecue, this easy-to-use spray makes your barbecue shine - and keeps you smiling.

Suitability: Outside of Stainless Steel BBQs

Pros: Restores Shine, Gentle

Cons: Oily, Outside of the BBQ

Review: "I tried several types of stainless steel cleaners from the supermarket and am only super satisfied with the original from Weber. Somehow they always manage to develop the perfect product for cleaning and care of the grills. Absolutely recommended, I will use the Weber product in the future."

FAQs

How do I clean my BBQ?

Though the procedure to clean their grills are generally the same, charcoal and gas barbeques have different cleaning processes. Plus – some manufacturers may have special recommendations or special cleaning instructions. So, make sure to check the instructions manual or refer to the manufacturer's website before getting the rubber gloves out.

Gas

Gas BBQs are perfect for whipping up a feast this summer. They offer the convenience of quick cooking while still giving that authentic grilled flavour to your meal. Much like charcoal, gas BBQs offer an open cooking area – but the only real difference is that they use gas to cook your food.

Before you get to the cleaning, it is recommended to do a pre-clean. It’s easiest to do this soon after your cookout – whilst the BBQ is still hot. Essentially, you need to make sure the barbeque is on – with the lid down for around 30 minutes. This will char any food stuck anywhere.

Grab some waterproof and long, heat-resistant gloves. Turn off the gas and leave the BBQ until it is warm – not hot. Here, you need to grab your wire brush and brush off any charred debris. Once you’re satisfied, disconnect that gas canister.

Now things are a little cooler, you can remove some parts of the barbeque if they need extra attention. For the inside, get out a tool (whether scraper, wool pad or wire brush) and remove the rest of the debris. If you’re still not satisfied, you can spray the interior with some cleaner. Just make sure your BBQ is dry before reassembly.

Tip: Wire brushes should be regularly replaced and also very regularly inspected. This is because the bristles can become loose and then, possibly, find their way into a burger and make someone ill.

Charcoal

Charcoal BBQs come with the ability to hold plenty of coal for large amounts of food. From hog roasts to slow-cooking a joint of beef, a charcoal BBQ is a traditional way to prepare food outdoors.

1. So – you should start with the base. For this first step, you need to brush out any remaining ash or debris from inside the base. Then, wash the inside of the base with some soap and a steel wood pad. If you’re struggling with some grease, try a plant-based cleaner alongside a cookbox scraper
2. Next, tackle the outside with a microfibre cloth – with some soap. Then, rinse with water.
3. Once clean, make sure there is no more soap on the BBQ and leave it to air dry.
4. Repeat this process with the lid.

Grill

Lastly, the grill or racks. They deserve their own entry. Just go easy on the chemicals - unless very necessary - and you should be fine.

Firstly, brush any left-over charred food and ash with a trusty wire brush and wipe off as much grease as you can with a microfibre cloth. Some people even recommend using sheets of old newspaper.

Next, we recommend using either Oven Pride for a deep clean – and if you’re able to take the grill racks out from the BBQ – or the Weber Grate Cleaner. Apply for how long the product tells you to. Just make sure not to overdo it with chemicals because the metal cooking surfaces can lose their non-stick properties over time.

Once you’ve taken off the cleaner with your cloth, you may still have some tough bits left. So, go in with your brush or a steel wood pad to tackle these. You may want to do a second blitz if necessary. You can rinse with mild soap and water – depending on the cleaner you use.

Tip: You can't go wrong with using traditional ingredients like bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in a spray bottle.

Can I Use Oven Cleaner On A BBQ?

First and foremost, you need to be choosing a BBQ cleaner that is suitable for your BBQ. After all, the last thing you want to do is damage it. This is why it’s important to double-check before use.

Generally, most cleaning products are fine to use on materials such as stainless steel. But, on the other hand, some specialist barbecues could have parts that are crafted from cast iron or enamel material. This is where you could run into a problem.

To combat this sort of damage, most BBQ brands will make their own cleaner. For example, Weber makes their own enamel-friendly cleaner.

As for oven cleaners, they can be quite abrasive – especially the ones loaded with chemicals. For example, these harsh chemicals could take the non-stick properties from the BBQ grill racks. And that’s not what you want – this is why many brands make their own cleaners.

You could, in theory, use your regular oven cleaner. However, make sure to check the cleaning instructions provided by your BBQ manufacturer, as well as the cleaning product itself.