The Schmutz BusterI really wanted to find an alternative to the wire brush. I find that the brushes work great when you first get them. After a few uses (depending on how liberally you tend to let the sauce flow), the bristles begin to get gummed up pretty bad. By the end of the summer the brush's bristles are a mashed down filled with gunk mess on a stick.
When I was browsing the internet looking for an alternative to the gum loaded brush, I stumbled upon the Billy Bar. I think this little implement falls under the category of "This is so simple. Why didn't I think of that?". The Billy Bar is basically a hardened steel rod with a fork-like tip on it. The leverage of the bar makes easy work of the most baked on gunk. When your done using it all you have to do is wipe the tip off with a paper towel.
I haven't really seen this stocked in stores but I ordered mine from Northfield Fireplace & Grill. The Billy Bar definitely makes my list of grilling/barbecue "must have" tools.
That definitely looks useful--cleaning grills is a pain--but I'm a bit ancy about paying $22 for it (almost as much as a Weber Smokey Joe grill). It seems like there's probably some tool hanging around the house with a similar shape that could work. I also find that cleaning the grill when it's super-hot with a regular brush tends to be easier (but the brushes do get worn).
ReplyDeleteNot that it's much consolation, but I ordered it through Northfield and was only charged $20 total. I find that the Billy Bar actually doubles as an attitude adjuster. I haven't had any problems with my wife since I bought it. (Probably works on kids, too.)
ReplyDelete*For those who don't know me, I'm totally kidding. No need to call the cops.*