Walmart Recalls 4.4 Million Expert Grill Brushes: Model Numbers and How to Get a Refund
- About 4,477,655 Expert Grill metal wire bristle grill brushes sold at Walmart are recalled (CPSC recall 27-010, Oct. 1, 2026).
- Wire bristles can break off, stick to the grill grate or food and be swallowed, which can cause internal injuries that may need surgery.
- Five model numbers are affected, sold from January 2021 through August 2026 for $1 to $28.
- Stop using the brush and contact Walmart for a full refund or store credit; no injuries had been reported when the recall was announced.
Walmart has recalled about 4.48 million Expert Grill wire bristle grill brushes. Bristles can come loose during cleaning, stay on the grate and end up in food. The recall was announced on October 1, 2026 through the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) as recall number 27-010. It covers brushes sold over more than five years. If you grill and shop at Walmart, it is worth checking the tool drawer.
What is recalled
The recall covers five Expert Grill models with metal wire bristles. The handles are black plastic or stainless steel, and some brushes have a metal scraper. The model number is printed on the packaging or on a sticker or tag attached to the brush.
| Model no. | Product (as listed by CPSC) | Sold |
|---|---|---|
| EX5607031616002 | Expert Grill 16-inch Steel Fiber Scrub Brush and Scraper for Grills | January 2025 to August 2026 |
| EX5607031616003 | Expert Grill Handheld Steel Fiber Scrub Brush with Ergonomic Handle for Grill Cleaning | January 2025 to August 2026 |
| XG1310700206 | Expert Grill 21" 3-head Grill Brush with Stainless Steel Bristles and Soft-Grip Handle | January 2022 to August 2026 |
| XG1136178597003 | Expert Grill Long Handle Grill Brush with Scraper, 17.7" | January 2021 to August 2026 |
| XG1410700124 | Expert Grill Grilling Accessories BBQ Grill Tools Set, 10 Pieces Stainless Steel Grill Kit | December 2023 to August 2026 |
The brushes were sold at Walmart stores and online, including Walmart.com, from January 2021 through August 2026. Prices ranged from about $1 to $28. Walmart, Inc. of Bentonville, Arkansas imported them, and they were made in China.
Why the brushes are dangerous
According to the CPSC, small wire bristles can break off the brush and stick to the grill or to the food cooked on it. A swallowed bristle can lodge in the throat, stomach or intestines. In serious cases it causes internal injuries that need surgery to fix. Bristles are thin and often dark from grease, so they are easy to miss on a burger or a grilled vegetable.
The CPSC notice lists no reported injuries for these models. The recall addresses the risk that bristles break off and end up in food.
What to do if you have one
- Stop using the brush now. Check the packaging, sticker or tag for one of the five model numbers above.
- Contact Walmart for a full refund or a credit you can use at any Walmart store or on Walmart.com. Phone: 800-925-6278, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday. Online: walmart.com/help, corporate.walmart.com/recalls, or the "Product Recalls" link at the bottom of Walmart.com.
- Return or discard the brush as Walmart instructs. The CPSC notice says consumers will be asked to return the brushes to Walmart or to throw them away.
- Clean your grill grate before the next cook. Wipe it with a damp cloth or crumpled foil held in tongs, and look for stray wires.
If you already grilled with it
Check the grate and any food for loose bristles, especially if the brush looks worn or has gaps. If you think you may have swallowed a bristle, or you have pain after eating grilled food, contact a doctor and mention that a wire grill brush was used.
Safer ways to clean a grill
- Bristle-free brushes with coiled stainless steel or mesh scrubbing heads
- Wooden or nylon scrapers, used on a cool grate for nylon
- A ball of aluminum foil held with long tongs on a warm grate
- Pumice-style grill stones for cast iron and steel grates (check the grill manufacturer's advice first)
Whatever you use, replace it when it starts to wear. Run a cloth over the grate before you put food on it.
How to keep track of recalls
The CPSC posts new consumer product recalls every week, usually on Thursdays. Our guide on how to check if a product has been recalled explains where to look for food, cars and children's products, and how to sign up for alerts.
Source: CPSC recall notice 27-010 and Walmart's recall information. Product names and model numbers are quoted exactly as listed by the CPSC.
Frequently asked questions
Which Expert Grill brushes are recalled?
Five models: EX5607031616002, EX5607031616003, XG1310700206, XG1136178597003 and XG1410700124 (the brush in a 10-piece grill tool set). The model number is on the packaging or on a sticker or tag attached to the brush.
Do I need a receipt for the refund?
The CPSC notice says to contact Walmart for a full refund or a credit for use at Walmart stores or Walmart.com; Walmart's recall line can confirm what proof it needs. Purchases made with a Walmart account or app are usually visible in your order history.
What should I do if I think I swallowed a bristle?
Seek medical care. Symptoms such as pain when swallowing, throat or abdominal pain after eating grilled food are reasons to see a doctor and mention a possible wire bristle.
Are all wire grill brushes dangerous?
Any wire brush can shed bristles as it wears. This recall covers only the listed Expert Grill models, but inspecting the grate after brushing is a good habit with any brush.
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