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Barbecue/Cleaning cast iron grills

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Expert: - 4/3/2008


Question
Hi,

I was reading an earlier post by Joseph Johnson indicating that brass brushes shouldn't be used to clean cast iron grills, rather, to use steel bristles.  Can you please advise why?  The only steel bristle brushes I'm seeing are stainless and I would think these would be more damaging than brass on a seasoned cast iron grill?!?

Confused?????

Answer
First I've ever heard that there would be a problem, and I can't imagine why, unless the brass residue isn't food-safe.  But practically every metal-bristle grill cleaning brush that I've ever seen is brass, including those sold by some very high-end kitchen equipment places.  I suppose if you want to absolutely careful, you could use one of the scrubbers that are made from Scotch-Brite, but I wouldn't worry about it.

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Expertise

I can answer questions having to do with grilling or barbecuing meat (but not pork), poultry, fish, and vegetables over charcoal or wood. I also have some expertise in marinades and spice mixes. I cook only with charcoal and wood, so please do not ask me any questions about gas or electric grills.

Experience

I've been cooking with fire and smoke for 25 years, using charcoal and wood almost exclusively. While I do not usually cook with gas, I'm willing to try to answer cooking questions in this area. I cook meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables, and I've experimented with a lot of different recipes and techniques. I am not able to answer questions about grilling or barbecuing pork. Most recently I've been using slow-cooking (indirect heat) techniques, and have been very successful at it.

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