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Weber Recalls 3.2 Million Wire Bristle Grill Brushes Over Ingestion Hazard
Loose metal bristles can detach, stick to food and be swallowed, posing risk of serious injuries
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This article was created with the assistance of generative AI. It was reviewed by editors before publication.
Weber is recalling more than 3.2 million metal wire bristle grill brushes after reports that bristles can break off during use, stick to grill grates or food, and be swallowed, posing a risk of serious internal injury.
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The recall covers multiple models sold for more than a decade at major retailers and online, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Weber said it is aware of at least 38 reports of bristles detaching, including four cases in which consumers swallowed them and sought medical treatment to remove the bristles from the throat or digestive tract.
Which grill brushes were recalled?
The recall covers Weber metal wire bristle grill brushes with plastic or wood handles, measuring about 12 to 21 inches long.
They were sold in stores and online at retailers including Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Target, as well as Amazon and Weber.com, from 2011 through 2026, typically for $10 to $17. The CPSC said the brushes have also appeared on resale sites such as eBay.
Black plastic handle with red ring (2021–2026)
- 12-inch: 6277
- 8-inch: 6278
Bamboo handle with silver metal scraper (2011–2021)
- 12-inch: 6463
- 18-inch: 6464
Black plastic handle with black ring (2013–2021)
- 21-inch: 6493 (includes metal binder with Weber logo)
- 12-inch: 6494
Model numbers are printed on the product packaging. Only the model numbers listed above are included in the recall, according to the CPSC.
What to do if you have one
CPSC says consumers should stop using the recalled grill brushes immediately and contact Weber for a replacement.
Remedy: Weber is offering a cold cleaning nylon bristle grill brush as a replacement; consumers will be asked to discard the recalled brush.
How to reach Weber:
- Phone: 877-597-9588
- Online: Weber recall site
Why wire grill brushes can be dangerous even beyond this recall
Health experts have long warned that wire bristles can dislodge, end up on food and—if swallowed—pierce or perforate tissue anywhere from the mouth and throat to the digestive tract, sometimes leading to infection and surgery.
Small metal wire bristles can detach from the brushes, stick to the grill or food, posing an ingestion hazard and risk of serious internal injuries that could require surgery.
Courtesy cpsc.gov
Research suggests wire bristle injuries account for more than 130 emergency room visits per year, and that the tiny bristles can be hard to spot and hard to remove once embedded.
Because a swallowed bristle can mimic other problems (like a typical sore throat), symptoms may not be obvious at first. AARP notes symptoms can include sore throat, fever and trouble swallowing, and the CDC reports cases where patients presented with severe pain on swallowing or abdominal pain after eating grilled food.
If someone experiences sharp or unusual pain after eating grilled food — especially if a wire brush was used — receiving a prompt evaluation by a medical provider can help with diagnosis and treatment.
Grill cleaning alternatives to consider
If you’re ready to move away from metal wire bristles, here are options commonly recommended:
- Nylon bristle grill brushes, including the “cold cleaning” style Weber is providing as a recall replacement
- Pumice stone/grill stone or a grill scraper, which can remove residue without leaving metal bristles behind
- Liquid grill cleaner, used according to label directions
- A ball of aluminum foil held with tongs, used to scrub grates (a bristle-free method often recommended by safety experts)
- A halved onion to help loosen and wipe away residue
Whatever method you use, the CDC advises taking a moment before cooking to inspect the grill surface for anything that could dislodge and end up in food.
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