Weber recalls 3.2 million wire bristle grill brushes

[Jessterr]

I only use these types of bristle brushes right after a cook, while the grate is still hot, to get most of the gunk off, and they work well for that purpose. Then just prior to the next cook the grates come in the house and get a good cleaning in the sink, with close inspection. Better safe than sorry.

[briano52]

The soak in the sink is even better than my two scrub method. I am going to start doing the sink treatment. I have a new house I built with an outdoor full kitchen. It has a hot water sink, so I have no excuse not to soak and wash my grates. Thanks for that great idea.

[captainlee]

Grill Grates really need to be cleaned with a cleaner and water to get everything off of them. Previous black char hides in the valleys and if you cook something like fish or a pork chop the black specks will appear on your food. That is one negative to the Grill Grates.

[DrJimmy2112]

I find that their proprietary coiled tool that fits between the rails works well for this
along with a soft plastic bristle brush that I got from them as well

[briano52]

Thanks for that idea about the Grill Grates. I just started using them on my MAK pellet grill. They have worked impressively well so far. I think I will start cleaning them by a good hot water soak after brushing them down.

[bbqLuv]

Getting rid of mine. there are about used up anyway.

[synodog]

The base that held the wire bristles fell off so I kept the metal handle which has a scraper end where the bristle base mounted. It works great for the top of the grates and angling the scraper gets in between. Grillgrate grates aren’t as easily accessible.

[briano52]

Yes, wire bristles have a finite lifespan. Once they get old and the bristles break to the point I can notice it, I toss them and move on to a fresh brush.

In the old days before I knew that wire bristles posed a hazard, I would use my brush and wear it down like a 5 year old toothbrush. No more of that. I am lucky no injuries happened.

[MattTheGR8]

So, the recall process does require downloading an app to your phone so they can collect a geolocated photo of the grill brush. Apparently they aren't just willing to let you enter a claim, they want to see a photo of the brush too. And it can't just be any photo, it has be taken through an app of their choice that adds geolocation data to the photo. This seems like quite an imposition on customers who already bought a grill brush that can leave behind metal fragments in the food, maybe not the best marketing move on Weber's part.

I'm reluctant to download strange apps on my phone and almost never turn on location services. So, I called the number for the recall (877-597-9588) and was given instructions for emailing a photo of my brush. We'll see if I end up receiving a new one.

[Santamarina]

Got rid of this type of brush probably 8 years ago. Used a wood scraper mostly since then - the kind with grooves that wear to your grills exact slot spacing.

I’ve used my Fatherin-‘al

[jfmorris]

The only bristle brush I use on my grills is a welding brush my dad gave me years ago. Very stiff big bristles, and you will know if one of those comes off. So far, never had one shed. I also have a coil style that is 10 years old and has never shed or broken - works good, but not as good as the welding brush.

I also tend to hose off the grate after cleaning with the brushes, which would get rid of any bristles.

[Jerod Broussard]

I used a welding brush today. Licking my finger and vigorously rubbing the slag wasn't doing it.

[CRO]

I have been aware of this potential danger for years. And honestly I have not given it much thought, until now.
I'm considering using these items going forward and tossing my brushes.