These directions work with the Original Grill Daddy, the Grill Daddy Pro, the Grand Grill Daddy Platinum, and the Bristle-free Pro with the Aramid scrubber. Made in the USA. Safe since 2008.
Before You Start
- Preheat your grill on high, with the lid closed, for 10 to 15 minutes. The grates need to be hot. A drop of water should sizzle and skitter, not sit in a puddle. If the water just beads up, wait a little longer. Steam only works on a hot grill.
- Check that the brush head is on tight and in good shape. If bristles are loose or the head is worn, replace it before you start.
- Keep the water valve turned OFF (turned crosswise) until you are ready to clean.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves if you have them. Keep your face, arms, and hands away from the steam and the hot grates.
- Use only plain water in the tank. Do not put soap or cleaners in the water reservoir.
Have a clean cloth or paper towels nearby. The Original has a 14-inch handle and is made for smaller grills. The Pro and the Bristle-free Pro have a 22-inch handle and hold 16 oz of water (about 2 cups), which is a good fit for medium and large grills.
Using Your Grill Daddy
- With the valve still OFF, unscrew the fill cap.
- Fill the reservoir with water. On the Pro, that is up to 16 oz (about 2 cups).
- Screw the cap back on until it is snug. Do not open the valve yet. If you fill with the valve open, water can drip out of the head before you reach the grill.
- Turn the valve ON and start brushing the hot grates. Water comes out of the head and turns to steam when it hits the heat. That steam melts grease and burnt-on food. For a light clean, a quarter to a half turn of the valve is usually enough. Open it more only if the residue is stubborn. You should see steam within a few seconds of touching a hot grate.
- Brush in a crosswise motion — across the grate bars, not in circles. Overlap each pass a little so you do not leave stripes.
- If you need more steam, loosen the fill cap slightly.
- For thick, stuck-on spots, let the steam sit for a few seconds, then flip the brush over and use the heavy-duty Crud Buster scraper. It is designed to break through stubborn, burned-on char and get in between the grates. The edge of the Crud Buster scraper is exposed for extra scraping on tough areas and in between the grates. Brush the Crud Buster scraper across the grates.
- When you are done, pour out any leftover water and leave the valve OPEN (in the ON position) so the brush can dry. Stand the brush head-up so water can drain. Do not store it full, and do not store it with the valve closed. That can shorten the life of the valve. Hang it on the built-in hook if you like.
A few extra tips:
- Clean right after you cook, while the grates are still warm. That is when residue comes off easiest. You can also clean just before you cook, once the grill is fully preheated.
- Safe on stainless steel, ceramic (porcelain-coated), and cast iron grates, and on gas, charcoal, and electric grills. It will not douse a charcoal fire.
- If you have cast iron grates, dry them well after cleaning and rub on a thin coat of cooking oil so they do not rust.
- On porcelain-coated grates, use a lighter touch. Do not spray cold water on a hot ceramic grate.
Getting Between the Grates
The heavy-duty Crud Buster scraper is designed to break through stubborn, burned-on char and get in between the grates. The edge of the Crud Buster scraper is exposed for extra scraping on tough areas and in between the grates.
- After you brush across the bars, make a second pass along the bars (in the same direction as the grates). This helps clean the gaps.
- Flip the brush over and use the Crud Buster scraper. Steam comes through the Crud Buster scraper too.
- If you have the Bristle-free Pro, use the Aramid scrubber for the main clean, then use the optional Crud Buster scraper for tight spots.
Cleaning the Head After Use
The grease comes off the grates and onto the head, so the head needs a rinse after you clean the grill.
- Let the head cool first. The bristle heads are sharp, so handle them with care.
- Rinse the head under warm water to wash off grease and food bits. You can also wash the detached head with a little dish soap and warm water, then rinse it well. Do not put soap in the water tank — only use soap on the head, in the sink or dishwasher.
- The brush heads and the Aramid scrubber are dishwasher safe. You can put the heads in the dishwasher instead of washing by hand.
- Let the head air dry. Leave the valve open and stand the brush head-up so the body dries too.
Replacing the Head
Replace the head about once a year with regular use, or sooner if it looks worn or if any bristles are loose. Check it often. You do not need to buy a new brush — just a new head.
To take off the main bristle head on the Pro and the Grand:
- Turn the Grill Daddy over.
- Unscrew the wing nut.
- Slide the head forward and out.
To take off the heavy-duty Crud Buster scraper on the Pro and the Grand, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws. The Pro and Grand replacement set includes the Crud Buster scraper, screws, a wing nut, and a washer.
To put a new head on, slide it into place and tighten the wing nut (or the screws on the Crud Buster scraper) so the head is secure.
The Bristle-free Aramid scrubber fits the Grill Daddy Pro and the Grand Grill Daddy Platinum. It is interchangeable with other Pro and Grand heads. Attach it before you fill the brush, and make sure it is on tight.
The Original uses a smaller head (about 2.75" by 2.25") and does not take Pro or Grand heads (those are about 3.75" by 3.5"). Take off the old Original head and attach the new one so it sits tight. Use only Original replacement heads on the Original brush.
Need help picking a head? See Selecting a Replacement Brush.
Safety Tips
- Always use your Grill Daddy on a hot grill. That is how the steam is made.
- Keep steam, the hot grates, and the brush head away from your hands, arms, and face.
- Wear heat-resistant gloves when you can. The long handle is there to keep your hands cooler.
- Use only water in the reservoir. Never add soap or cleaning products to the tank.
- Brush heads with bristles are very sharp. Handle them carefully when you take them off or put them on.
- Check the brush and the grill often. If bristles are loose or the head is damaged, stop using it and put on a new head. Look over the grates for debris before you cook.
- Do not pour or spray cold water on hot grates. That can warp metal or crack a porcelain coating. Let the grill cool down on its own.
- Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- After each use, empty the water and leave the valve open to dry. Drain it for winter storage too.
Notes for Each Model
Original Grill Daddy (14-inch handle): Best for smaller grills, tailgating, and oven racks. Use the same fill, valve, and steam steps as above. Use only Original replacement heads.
Grill Daddy Pro (22-inch handle, 16 oz tank): Best for medium and large grills. Use the same steps as above. The heavy-duty Crud Buster scraper is on the other side of the head.
Grand Grill Daddy Platinum: Use the same steam steps. Flip the brush to use the Crud Buster scraper. After use, empty the water and leave the valve open to dry.
Bristle-free Pro with Aramid scrubber (SKU GD10824): Use the same fill and valve steps. Preheat, fill with water, open the valve, and scrub with the Aramid head while the steam lifts the grease. Use the optional Crud Buster scraper for tight spots. The Aramid head is dishwasher safe. Replacement Aramid heads (SKU GD10824S) fit the Pro and the Grand.
Need help? Call us at 203-912-1898, or use our contact page.
