Why a Grill Stone Is the Easiest Way to Clean Your Grill—and It Costs Less Than $7

Much as we love grilling in the summer, cleaning the grill is something we've never been excited about. But this year, we’re not dreading the task because using a grill stone has made the chore a breeze. This inexpensive tool makes it easy to keep your grill in tip-top shape and ready to make everything from grilled salmon to your favorite burgers.

​​What Is a Grill Stone?

A grill stone, sometimes called a grill brick, is an efficient cleaning tool. Long favored by many professional chefs, grill stones are made of compressed pumice and shaped like a brick. "Pumice is lightweight and abrasive, making the grill brick perfect for removing stuck-on food and residue without damaging your grill grates," says Serge Krikorian, chef of Vibrant Occasions Catering in Benton, Arkansas.

Why a Grill Stone Is the Ultimate Way to Clean a Grill

The shape and the abrasive quality of grill bricks make them a great alternative to wire grill brushes.

As with any type of cleaning, the key is consistency. "Regular use of grill bricks or stones can help maintain a clean, nonstick surface, making your grilling experience smoother and your food less likely to stick," says Krikorian.

What Makes It Better Than a Grill Brush

“While wire brushes can be effective, there’s always a risk of bristles breaking off and getting stuck on the grill, which can then end up in your food," says Krekorian. He opts for grill bricks and alternatives like a ball of aluminum foil or cut onion. "These are all safer options that clean effectively and help prevent food from sticking during your next cookout," he says.

Grill Brushes Still Have Their Fans

Rich Parente, chef and owner of Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, New York, feels differently. "Call me old fashioned, but on grill grates, I still like a wire brush since they can get in between the grates nicely." His recommendation is a high-quality metal one. The grill stone, however, is his tool of choice for cleaning a flat-top grill.

How to Use a Grill Stone

Our pick for a grill brick costs less than $7 from Amazon and is easy to try.  While it’s best to clean a grill when it’s hot, if you’re nervous about using one the BETTER GRILLIN’s Scrubbin Stone Grill Cleaning Brick Block is designed to work on a hot or cold grill.

1. "Scrub the grates in a back-and-forth motion with light pressure,” says Krikorian. He explains the stone will conform to the shape of the grates, making it easier to clean all the nooks and crannies.
2. After scrubbing, wipe down the grates with a damp cloth to remove any residue from the brick or stone.
3. Once the grill is clean, use a high heat-resistant oil like vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil. Dip a paper towel in the oil and rub it all over the grates using tongs.

Preheating the grill and the grates before adding food helps the oil create a nonstick surface, says Krikorian.

Other Uses

While it's name calls out the grill, this handy cleaning tool can also be used for baking sheets, pizza pans, and even cast-iron skillets.

When Not to Use a Grill Stone

It isn't recommended to use a grill brick on stainless steel as it can scratch the surface.

Caring for a Grill Stone

In order to clean a grill brick between uses, rub it on a warm or cool surface then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Keep in mind that because a grill brick breaks down with each use, it may break down faster if used to clean a grill with particulary baked-on residue.