Grillbots - Stainless Steel vs. Brass BBQ Brush
There are so many different types of grill brushes available, which one should you get for your grill? It's important to keep it clean after every cooking session, but you want to pick the brush that will do the job well. How do you pick the right one for your specific grill?
Two very popular options are steel brushes and brass brushes. Both give you a great clean, ensuring that your grill is kept spotless. If you want to pick out the right brush for you, check out this guide to ensure you're getting the right cleaning tool.
Stainless Steel vs Brass BBQ Brush
What's the difference between these two types of rush? Obviously, they're made of two different types of materials, and they affect how they work. As a rule, brass has been as the standard for grill brushes, and so many buy them as they feel they're the 'right' brush. Steel brushes are becoming more popular though, and so more and more grillers are using them for their grills.
The main difference is in the hardness of the bristles. Steel bristles are harder than their brass counterparts, and many people prefer one over the other. There are certain situations where you'll want to use one over the other, though. Let's explore them.
Cleaning Time Required
The first thing to consider is whether you want to spend more time cleaning your grill. At first, that sounds like a ridiculous question. Who wants to spend longer cleaning their grill if they don't have to? Obviously, you want a tool that cuts the job down as much as possible.
If that sounds like you, then you'll want a steel brush for your grill. As these have harder bristles, they very easily cut through all the grime that sits on your grill after you've cooked on it. They do significantly cut down on the time that you spend cleaning.
However, because those bristles are harder, they are tougher on your grill. There are some grills that can't take that kind of scrubbing. This will be examined in detail later. If you know your grill can't take scrubbing with a hard-bristled brush, then you'll want a brass brush. These are designed to be softer, while still giving you a lot of scrubbing power to get the grill clean.
Longevity Of The Brush
The next thing to think about is how long the brush will last. Like all things, the brush will wear out over time. How long that takes depends on a couple of factors. Firstly, it depends on how often you're grilling and cleaning your grill. You should clean your grill down after every use, so if you're a fan of grilling all year round, you'll be cleaning it a lot.
The longevity of your brush will also depend on how well you care for it. If you don't take the best care of it, then it will shorten its lifespan.
The last factor is the type of brush you have. In most cases, a steel brush will last longer as the bristles are harder, and can take more of a beating. Brass bristles are softer, and so will wear out faster. Again, you'll need to consider this in conjunction with other factors when choosing a brush. If you're someone who tries to buy things once, then you'll want a steel brush. If you want a softer brush though, the brass one will be the one you want.
Preventing Rust
Brass brushes may begin to rust over time depending on usage and care. If you take good care of them by cleaning them, then this process can be put off.
However, you want to replace the brush as soon as it begins to rust. This is because the bristles can start to come away and get stuck in the grill without you realizing it.
With steel brushes, you'll see that it shouldn't rust. That makes them a much longer-lasting option as a grill brush.
Brush Vs. Your Grill
Now, you've got to consider what materials your grill is made of. There are lots of very hard-wearing grills out there, but there are others that can't take the scrubbing that comes with a hard-bristled brush. In the worst-case scenario, you'll see that it leaves scratches on it. That's the last thing you want.
Stainless steel brushes will scratch softer finishes, so you want to use them on hardy materials only. That includes stainless steel grills, as the two should work well together. If you're not sure whether you could use a steel brush on your grill, check your manufacturer's instructions. These will often recommend the right brush to use, so pay close attention.
A brass brush, on the other hand, is much better designed for soft finishes on grills. This includes porcelain and cast iron grills. If you have one of those, you'll want to invest in a brass brush. Again, check your instructions to see which one you should use.
Which Brush Works For You?
So, is one brush better than the other? No, in fact it very depends on you and your grill. Both stainless steel and brass brushes offer all kinds of benefits, and the one you choose will suit your needs best. Brass brushes are softer and so won't scratch some grill types, such as cast iron ones. They're a softer brush, which does mean they'll wear out quicker.
Steel brushes on the other hand can be used to lower cleaning times and clean hardier grills, such as stainless steel grills. They don't rust, so you don't have to worry about moisture when it comes to your brush.
Pick the brush that works well for you, and get to cleaning your grill.