Is a Plain Dish Brush Enough for a New Kitchen?

A brush without a soap reservoir

This is the plain white brush, model 21691, sold as one brush. It has a broad, flared nylon-bristle head, a built-in scraper, and a handle OXO describes as non-slip. It does not dispense dish soap.

The reason to choose it is straightforward: you get a handle and scraper without a stored-soap mechanism. That suits someone who keeps dish soap by the sink and does not mind applying it separately. If dispensing soap from the handle is the feature you want, this is the wrong version.

What the scraper adds

The scraper gives you an edge for loosening stuck food before brushing. It is part of the brush head, rather than another loose tool to keep beside the sink.

OXO lists the brush as suitable for nonstick cookware. Follow your cookware maker's care directions, though, and do not use that claim as a reason to force the scraper against a coating. We have not tested scratch resistance.

When to skip it

You do not need to replace a working sponge or brush simply because you are setting up a new kitchen. Buy this one when the handle and scraper fill a gap in your setup.

The broad head is also a reason to look elsewhere if your main job is cleaning narrow-neck bottles or small crevices. Choose a tool shaped for that task, and check the bottle opening before buying. Do not assume a general dish brush will fit.

Cleaning and storage

OXO lists the brush as dishwasher safe. Follow the care information supplied with it rather than assuming a particular rack position or wash temperature.

Between uses, our practical suggestion is to rinse out food residue and let the brush dry. The handle has a hanging hole, but this recommendation is for the brush alone, not a brush-and-storage set.

View the white OXO Dish Brush with Scraper, single brush, on Amazon.

Source and testing note: Based on OXO product information and the Amazon listing and gallery. We have not tested this brush.