Many people enjoy the occasional barbecue on their outdoor grill, but once the BBQ is over, grills often get left outside where they’re vulnerable to the elements. To keep your precious grill in top condition, you should protect it with a grill cover. These covers can extend your grill’s life, ensuring you can enjoy more cookouts with friends and family. We reviewed the best grill covers of 2024 to help you keep your equipment safe from harsh weather conditions. The heavy-duty Grillman cover stood out for its durable material that’s resistant to weather and fading. Read on to find the right cover for your grilling setup.
Our Top Picks For Grill Covers
Grill Covers: A Buying Guide
Grill covers come in various sizes, materials, shapes, and colors. Read the following buying guide to purchase the right grill cover for your needs.
What Should I Keep in Mind When Buying a Grill Cover?
Anyone who wants to buy a grill cover should keep some aspects in mind to choose the right one. Some of these aspects are mentioned below:
Size
A grill cover’s size is the first thing to consider while buying it. If the cover doesn’t fit the grill perfectly, there’s no need to buy it in the first place. A loose cover doesn’t protect the grill like it is supposed to.
It will blow off in heavy winds, storms, and rain, leaving the grill exposed to weather and elements. As a result, your gas grill will develop rust and go to ruins. So, make sure you measure your grill before purchasing a grill cover.
Quality
Quality should be one of your top concerns when buying a gas grill cover. Cheap and low-quality grill covers do not protect the grill and end up ripping in no time. Moreover, most cheap grill covers are neither waterproof nor dust-resistant. Due to this, it will not keep your grill safe from the harsh weather conditions outside.
Besides, it will also require you to buy replacements frequently. So, instead of spending money on buying several cheap grill covers, you should invest in a good-quality grill cover like Weber grill cover. Such heavy-duty grill covers are most preferred as they are made of sturdy weather-resistant material.
Material
Your grill cover is exposed to harsh weather conditions and the elements at all times. Moreover, if you grill a lot, you will be slipping it on and off frequently. So, your grill cover should be made from heavy-duty, sturdy, and rip-resistant material. The material must be durable with good stitching so it doesn’t rip easily.
Typically, quality grill covers are made from polyester or Oxford fabric having a 600D thickness. If you invest in a durable grill cover, it’ll save you from buying a replacement for your grill every few months.
If you live in a cold and rainy region, make sure you buy a waterproof grill cover to keep your grill safe from moisture.
Fastenings
Wind can be a problem for keeping grill covers in place, and tie-downs or fastenings can help prevent this issue. Grill covers come with various tie-down options, like buttons, Velcro, snaps, and ropes. So, find the one you like the most, and that serves the purpose well.
Appearance
You may think that a grill cover’s look is not an essential aspect to consider. But when you spend time in your backyard with an ugly-looking grill cover, you’ll understand its importance. While you shouldn’t prioritize it over functionality, a grill cover’s appearance should be considered while buying one. Since appearances are subjective, you can choose the one you like but make sure it sits well with your outdoor aesthetics.
What Are Grill Covers Typically Made Of?
The material of a gas grill cover determines its quality and cost. Grill covers are usually made of different materials, including the following:
Vinyl
The most commonly used material for grill covers is vinyl. It is a waterproof material that keeps grills protected, even if they’re kept in the open without any shade. However, all vinyl materials are not the same.
Some are low-quality types of vinyl and get cracks or holes in them in no time. So, when you’re buying a vinyl grill cover, make sure it is at least 12-gauge—otherwise, it won’t withstand the elements and regular wear and tear.
Polyester
Another grill cover material is polyester. It is commonly used for making gas grill covers due to its durable nature and ability to withstand all types of weather. However, polyester is not waterproof, so it comes with a chemically treated PVC layer to resist UV rays and water.
Canvas
Canvas is a thick, waterproof, and sturdy material that is commonly used for making high-end grill covers. Due to its heavy-duty and durable nature, it keeps the BBQ grill dry and withstands intense cold and hot weather conditions.
Whatever the material you choose, keeping it clean is very important. Check out the video below for some tips on washing the grill cover.
What Are the Advantages of Grill Covers?
Using a gas grill cover has multiple benefits. Some of these are mentioned below:
Weather protection
The primary advantage of a grill cover is that it keeps your gas grill safe from all types of weather. For instance, heavy rain, dust, moisture, snow, and heat can wreak havoc on a gas grill. You can extend its life by keeping it covered under a cover. However, you should buy a heavy-duty grill cover to withstand harsh weather conditions, or it won’t be of any use.
Rust protection
Barbecue grills are usually kept outdoors in the open air. It makes them an easy target for rusting by exposing them to natural elements, like sunlight and water. However, when you keep them covered under a grill cover, it serves as a shield against these elements. As a result, your grill’s life increases, and you enjoy more BBQs with your family.
Durability
If you leave your gas grill uncovered outside, its durability and efficiency will rapidly decline. But a gas grill cover helps keep it safe and maintain its durability. You can use sturdy covers for your grill to keep it in top shape and functional throughout the year, allowing you to enjoy BBQs with your loved ones for a longer period.
How Do I Clean a Grill Cover?
Getting a grill cover to keep your grill safe is great, but you need to care for the cover, too. Otherwise, the cover will keep getting dirty and damaged.
Follow the steps below to clean your grill cover:
- Remove debris and food leftovers from the grill covers.
- Hose down the grill cover to help the cleaner penetrate better.
- Apply a BBQ and grill cleaner over the grill cover and let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate the surface.
- Get a non-abrasive sponge or a soft-bristled brush to scrub the soiled areas on the cover.
- Use a garden hose or a bucket of water to rinse the entire cover.
- Let it sit in the sun to air-dry and repeat the process if necessary for removing tough stains and grime.
People Also Asked
How do I keep a grill cover on?
Wind and grill covers don't mix well. To keep a grill cover on the grill during windy weather, you should get one with tie-downs or fastenings. Grill covers that come with drawstrings on the skirt and hook and loop straps on the sides are perfect for keeping a cover on.
Does a grill cover prevent rust?
In high humidity areas, rusting is common for grills, damaging them and reducing their life span. While covering a grill with a grill cover can keep the moisture out to a great extent, it shouldn't be your only defense against rust.
Do grill covers trap moisture?
It's not uncommon for a grill cover to trap moisture underneath, especially in high-humidity areas. To avoid moisture trapping between grill covers and grills, most covers come with air vents. These vents help moist air escape the covers. Moreover, you should also keep the grill's skirt a few inches above the ground. It will help the airflow up into the cover and not stay under.