Let's Talk BBQ

Tips, Tricks & Just Good Advice! => Good to Know! - A collection of How-To's & Sage Advice => Food Safety Issues => Topic started by: deestafford on September 05, 2013, 04:58:50 AM

Title: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: deestafford on September 05, 2013, 04:58:50 AM
I was looking at my grill brush and I remembered  an article I read awhile back about the dangers of the the small pieces of wire on grill brushes breaking off and getting on the meat or vegetables as they are grilled.  The result being that they got lodged in peoples throats and they would have to go to the ER and get taken care of or have an operation.

The problem seems to be with old brushes as they begin to wear out the wire tends to dislodge and get on the grates and then the food.  So, check your grill brushes and see if they need replacing.

Dee
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: sliding_billy on September 05, 2013, 07:10:13 AM
Always had good  luck with the Weber T brushes in terms of nothing coming off.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on September 05, 2013, 11:45:31 AM
I use a pumice stone then wipe the grates down with a micro fiber cloth. Cleans well and no residue or wires.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: smokeasaurus on September 05, 2013, 02:17:41 PM
I haven't used a pumice stone since my Old Fry Cook days...that brought back some memories. I am guilty of using my brushes a little too long than I should....I better swing by the Depot later......Thanks Dee for bringing this to our attention  :)
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: CDN Smoker on September 05, 2013, 02:25:17 PM
Wife was saying the other day that we need a new wire brush, thanks For the reminder Dee
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on September 05, 2013, 02:26:00 PM
I haven't used a pumice stone since my Old Fry Cook days...that brought back some memories. I am guilty of using my brushes a little too long than I should....I better swing by the Depot later......Thanks Dee for bringing this to our attention  :)
I started using them again when I got my Blackstone... nothing better. They are great on the Baking Steel as well.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: Palmyrasteak on October 13, 2013, 11:20:26 PM
Very good advice.  ;)
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: Ka Honu on October 14, 2013, 12:20:10 AM
Thanks, Mom.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: sparky on October 14, 2013, 12:41:27 AM
this just happen to me the other day cleaning the weber q.  took everything about and washed down w/ water then seasoning again.  all better.   8)
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: pz on October 14, 2013, 01:00:14 AM
Happened to me a year or two ago - inch long stainless steel wires ion the grill.  Inspected the brush, and it was old and should have been replaced much sooner.  The synthetic black material which housed the bristles had been compromised over the months by too much heat, causing bristles to come loose.

Take home lesson for me: don't expose the brush to excessive heat, and replace them more frequently.  I've not had a problem since, and I carefully inspect the grill after each brushing.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: HighOnSmoke on October 14, 2013, 03:21:56 AM
I use the Weber T brush too and find that it works a lot better than my other
cheapie brushes.  I have started to clean my grates all the time now with balled of foil. This
works really well especially with the roller grates on the Grid Iron.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: TwoPockets on October 14, 2013, 12:25:29 PM
I use a Char-Broil Brush Hog that you can replace the wire brushes on. Works good for me.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on October 14, 2013, 12:25:41 PM
Hey all you Grill Grate users,
What do you use to clean the deep troughs on a day to day basis, vs. putting in the dishwasher, etc. I'm using the "tool" to get any big chunks out, but there is a lot of "gunk" that can build up.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 01:21:33 PM
I've just cleaned mine David. The Grill Grate people say to clean semi-annually by soaking in hot/warm soapy water, scrubbing with a SOS pad or steel wool. Before doing this I got the majority of chunks out with the tool. Came out nice. I'm good for 50 more cooks now!  :o
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on October 14, 2013, 01:23:27 PM
Thanks, Gene. I guess it's time for that anyway. I was just hoping to a bit better between cooks.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 01:31:27 PM
David, some of that gunk adds a bit o' flavor, and if the top rails are too clean sticking may occur unless re-seasoned. Just my hunch!
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on October 14, 2013, 01:34:37 PM
Gene, I get it. I use a black scrungy on the top - they are just right - never stick (one reason I DON'T want to wash them or put them in the dishwasher.) They are seasoned just right. I agree to some extent about the "extra" flavor - just would like to take some of that flavor out without ruining the seasoning.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: hikerman on October 14, 2013, 01:45:24 PM
I do know what you are saying, it is kinda gross at times. Periodic scraping with the tool is really what is recommended  by GG.
Title: Re: Old Wire Brushes
Post by: drholly on October 14, 2013, 03:07:35 PM
Thanks!