Grill Scrapers: A Must-Have for Outdoor Cookouts
It’s summer again, so it’s time to bring out the grill and start cooking! You should check the grill grates before you fire it up, though. If they still have the gunk from last year’s cookout, you might need a wooden grill scraper.
Shouldn’t you use metal or wire brushes for grill cleaning? Many people are unaware that these grill accessories could ruin their food and health. Meanwhile, a wooden grill scraper can be safer and more effective than even the best grill brushes.
First, this article will explain what a grill scraper is. Then, we will discuss why a wooden grill scraper is better than grill brushes with nylon or metal bristles. Later, you will see how easy it is to use.
What is a grill scraper?
Photo Credit: www.cooksillustrated.com
A grill is great for outdoor cooking because you can let the smoke waft away. It also allows for direct contact with the flame, providing a unique smoky flavor.
The grill grates burn some of the food, searing your stake with grill marks. If you marinate your food, the sauce may stick to the grates. You can eliminate that dirt with a grill cleaning brush or scraper.
Most people use grill brushes with bristles made of stainless steel, iron, or nylon. However, there is another alternative: a grill scraper made of steel or wood.
The bristles are soft enough to fit into the gaps of grill grates. Yet, they are tough enough to scrape burnt food residue and grease off. The iron and stainless steel grill brushes work best with metal grills.
However, you might have a porcelain grill. Metal bristles could chip away the ceramic coating, exposing your food to the rusty metal inside. Instead, you should use a nylon grill brush.
On the other hand, you could use metal or wooden grill scrapers. The former looks like the flat short spatulas that food truck staff use. It is harder than a grill brush head, so you may find it easier to use.
Unfortunately, you may struggle to scrape the gaps between your grill grates. It could even damage the grates if you are not careful. Alternatively, you could try a wooden grill scraper.
It looks like a wooden spatula that fit between the gaps of the grill grates. As a result, it works like a grill brush head.
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Why do I need a wooden grill scraper?
Photo Credit: www.thegreatscrape.com
Most people use a grill brush, but the wooden grill scraper is the best choice. Believe it or not, grill brushes are a health risk!
The bristles could break off from the head and stay on your grill. Later, it could attach to grilled food. Worse, some people may swallow these loose pieces of metal.
Unfortunately, thousands needed medical attention after ingesting grill brush bristles. They could also damage your grates.
We already discussed that a metal grill brush could chip off a ceramic grate. However, a metal one also has a fragile coating.
That surface evenly distributes heat on your food and protects the grate from rust. A grill brush could damage that grate, increasing its risk for corrosion.
Meanwhile, a metal grill scraper can be as damaging as a grill brush. What makes a wooden grill scraper better?
Contrary to popular belief, it can be as durable as a brush. Even better, your hot grill can sear down the teeth of a wooden scraper.
As a result, it can form a snug fit around the grates. Even better, you do not have to worry about melted nylon or dislodged bristles sticking to your food.
Another problem with a grill brush is that cleaning can be challenging. The residue could stick to every bristle, so you may take time to remove it.
On the other hand, you can simply wipe a wooden scraper with a paper towel and rinse it with water. Surprisingly, you could even leave it as is for your next cooking event.
The char residue could burn off during your next cleaning session. Moreover, you could prolong your wooden grill scraper by reapplying mineral oil on it twice a year.
The best wooden scrapers can last for years due to their expert craftsmanship. Proper maintenance could extend that lifespan further.
How do I use a wooden grill scraper?
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- Start by heating your grill to 450 to 500 degrees.
- Then, place the scraper head on the grates while they are still hot.
- Next, slowly slide the scraper to and fro across the grates. Your goal is to form grooves that would fit between the grates.
- After that, you can start scrubbing the gunk off your grill.
As mentioned, cleaning your scraper is easy. Wipe it off, rinse with water, or leave it untouched for the next cooking session.
More importantly, you must clean your grill after every use. It takes more time and effort, but it helps maintain your grill and protect your guests.
Proper cleaning prevents grease stains from getting stuck on your grill. More importantly, it helps you avoid bacteria and mold buildup in your grill.
On the other hand, a filthy grill could ruin the flavor of your steaks, burgers, and other meals. Also, your food may become a health hazard.
Conclusion
You should uphold proper grill cleaning as a responsible outdoor cook. It prevents your guests from ingesting grease and charcoal from your food.
Also, it prevents unintended odors and smells from your meals. A wooden grill scraper is the best tool for the job.
It removes the risk of contaminating your food with metal and nylon bits. Fortunately, you can easily access the top deals for these tools online.
Frequently asked questions
Should I scrape my grill?
Scraping your grill keeps unintended flavors from contaminating your food. Moreover, it can help you spot cracked gas lines, clogged burners, or other components that need repairs.
Why is a wooden scraper better than a grill brush?
Bits from a grill scraper can get stuck in your food, putting your guests at risk. Meanwhile, a wooden scraper leaves no residue.
Should I clean the grates after every use?
It would be best if you cleaned your grill after cooking for proper maintenance and food safety. A wooden scraper could facilitate this activity.
