Is your grill protected from the harshness of the environment? Grill covers not only protect the grill from dust but also keep it safe from other foreign elements. Brands usually manufacture grill covers for their grills as grill size varies from brand to brand. Choosing the cover from the same brand as your grill can be advantageous but you also need to check the quality of the cover. You want the best grill cover for your barbecue that will not fade and rip after a year.
Additionally, the cover will have to endure the heat of the summer days and storms. The cover is required to be UV protected as well as water-resistant. The hems on the corners and sides need to be strong so that they don’t tear apart during storms. Protecting the grill is the core function of the cover so make sure they can provide a long-term service before buying one. We have discussed the features of the grill covers in detail to help you choose the right one.
How To Choose the Best Grill Cover for Your Needs: Everything You Need to Know
There isn’t a whole lot that goes into buying a grill cover, but there are definitely a few things that you need to think about. After all, there is at least something to be said for picking a quality cover that actually fits and gives you the protection that you deserve. It doesn’t matter how big or small your grill is, because none of them are cheap, and it’s up to you to protect your investment in the best way possible. Part of that includes finding a cover that will keep it safe from wind, rain, sun, snow, and other elements that could lead to damage.
Before you invest in a grill cover, make sure that you think about the factors below. Regardless of what you think you want to spend, investing in a quality cover is far more important. Covers come in different materials and with different features, and it will be up to you to make sure that you get the best one for your needs. Read on to learn more about protecting your grill, and how to keep your cover in great shape so that you’re not replacing it year after year.
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Is it the Right Size for Your Grill?
The first and most obvious consideration in buying a grill cover is choosing one that is the right size. To do this, you’ll want to measure the length, width, and height of your grill to figure out its dimensions. In some cases, you might be able to get away with only measuring the length, but it’s best to get all three when you can. The length is measured from one end to the other, including any side panels or accessories that stick out.
Your width measurement is from the front of the grill to the back, and the height will be measured from the top of the grill to the ground. Bear in mind that you might want to choose a cover that is slightly shorter than your grill so that you can move it around without the wheels getting caught up in the cover and causing damage. Fortunately, most covers offer a range of sizes, but they are usually designed to leave the wheels exposed for easy access.
When shopping for a grill cover, you can narrow your search based on the size of your grill to save yourself the hassle of looking at products that don’t even fit. If you have a grill from a brand like Weber, you might even want to check into custom covers that are specifically designed for your model to ensure a perfect fit every time. Of course, whether you choose custom covers or generic universal styles, you have to be certain that you choose the size that fits your grill best.
Various Materials That Grill Covers are Constructed From
Grill covers typically come with a few different material choices. Premium-grade polyester is a popular option for many, but there are other options, as well. Most covers look similar and that often causes some people to think that they are all the same, but the material does make a difference. Here’s what you need to know:
Polyester
This material is a consumer favorite and is usually offered with premium quality of 600D polyester material on most grill covers. It is lightweight and offers a more cloth-like finish than vinyl. It also helps with more durable protection throughout the year, thanks to the sturdy and dense material that often also includes double stitching and chemical treatments that can help resist sunlight, water, and other damage.
Vinyl
Some people prefer vinyl because it is a bit cheaper and still provides waterproof protection from the elements. There are heavy-duty vinyl covers available made of 12-gauge material, giving you a higher level of protection. There are also cheaper covers, but they will not be as thick or protective and could require more frequent replacements. What's worse is that if you cheap out on your grill cover now, you could risk damaging your grill and losing a lot more money in the end. If you are going to choose vinyl, go for the premium-grade materials.
Canvas
Many outdoor brands make canvas grill covers as an alternative to polyester. They offer premium protection in the outdoor elements because they can resist weather better than other materials. Canvas is used in materials for tents, boat sails, and other outdoor items. Plus, even though it is durable and high-quality, it also has an affordable price tag, which makes it a desirable option for many.
Will the cover protect the grill from rust?
Maintaining an outdoor grill is not an easy task as you cannot always predict the weather. A cover needs to protect the grill not only from dust but also from water. The covers mentioned in our article are made of polyester, vinyl, or canvass. All of them have their functionality however, vinyl covers tend to work better as water-resistant than other cover materials.
Is the cover strong to bear the harshness of UV rays?
Florida, Louisiana, Texas are known as the hottest regions and your grill cover needs to be strong to bear the heat if you reside in those regions. The covers with thick materials will endure the heat and also protect the grill from discoloration. A grill cover is also considered as decor if you store them in your backyard. Continuous exposure to heat can make the cover discolored and thin that will rip apart easily. Nylon or polyester are known as UV resilient as they will protect your grill throughout the year.
The durability of your cover
The grill cover should not be too tight or too loose for the grill. Too loose will sit strong on the cover and too tight the cover will rip off due to strain. Furthermore, a cover needs to be manufactured with good material to provide durable service. The cover protects the grill from the sun, rains, thunderstorms, and a heavy duty cover can endure these extreme conditions.
Side pockets and handles
The grill covers having side pockets are an advantage as you can store your grill accessories on them. Also while transporting the grill outdoors, you can carry the spoons and spatulas on the pockets. We advise you to look for a cover that has side pockets on them.
You will also find handles on the sides to cover to help move or place the cover on the grill. Nylon or Velcro straps are necessary as they help to tightly fasten the cover on the grill.
Proper Ventilation
A hot grill cannot be covered as the heat will ruin the covers. However, the covers need to have ventilation to pass the air in and out. If there is no ventilation moisture will form inside the cover, forming rust on the grill. Though all brands do not focus on designing a ventilated cover as they think water will get inside the grill. But we recommend buying a cover with ventilation for the long use of your grill.
Double stitching
You do not want to buy a cover that will fall apart within a few days. For that check, the lining on corners and joints are stitched properly. To prevent from falling apart, double stitching is given. A single lined stitch can easily come off leaving your grill uncovered. Water and dust can enter through those openings causing harm to your grill.
Top 15 Best Grill Covers
| Product | Dimension | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Accessories 73912 Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover | 58"L x 24"D x 48"H | A |
| VicTsing Grill Cover, Waterproof BBQ Cover | 30" L x 26"Dx 39" H | A |
| Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover | 58" L x 24" W x 48" H | B+ |
| Kingkong Gas Grill Cover 7553 | 60" L x 24" D x 44" H | A- |
| Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Barbecue Gas Grill Cover | 60" Lx 23" Dx 42" H | A |
| Blackstone 1528 Heavy Duty Grill Cover | 22.5"L x 66.5"D x 26"H | A- |
| Homitt Gas Grill Cover | 58"L x 24"W x 44"H | B+ |
| Simple Houseware BBQ Grill Cover | 55" L x23" Wx42" H | A- |
| Kingkong 7130 Grill Cover | 58"L x 25"W x 44.5"H | B |
| SARCCH Grill Cover | 57"L x 24" Dx 46" H | B+ |
| Char-Broil Performance Grill Cover | 52"Lx 23"D x 40"H | A |
| Viboos Grill cover | 58''L x 24''W x 46''H | A- |
| iCOVER Grill Cover | 32"L X 26"D X43"H | A- |
| SunPatio Barbecue Gas Grill Cover | 50" L x 22" D x 40"H | B |
| Texas Grill Covers Grill Cover for Weber Genesis | 60"L x 30"D x 50"H | B |
Highlighted Features
This grill cover offers all of the protection that you need for larger grills, including select Weber grill models, with built-in air vents to reduce condensation and wind impact, along with comfortable handles for easy removal. There is also a snap closure strap that keeps the cover secure, along with a drawstring cord at the hem to ensure your grill cover never blows away.
You'll enjoy a three-year warranty on this grill cover, which meets California Prop 65 requirements for health and safety. It also has a handy storage pocket for grill tools and utensils and is made from weatherproof fabric that is water-resistant and designed to keep your grill protected throughout the year. There are even available matching outdoor furniture covers so that you can coordinate your entire outdoor space, giving you a whole collection of premium protection.
Highlighted Features
The VicTsing Grill Cover is designed to provide protection for wider grills, with padded handles and adjustable straps to ensure that the cover stays perfectly in place, no matter the size of the grill. The premium polyester offers protection from everything, including tears and sun damage, and the cover will fit all kinds of brands, including Char-Broil, Brinkmann, Jenn Air, Holland, and others. Plus, the cover also comes in larger sizes for those who have larger grills than what the 30” model would suit.
This grill cover includes double-stitching and other premium construction features to ensure that it provides years of durable use. To measure your grill for a fit, check the width from end to end, including any side tables or extenders. Then, measure the grill from front to back to get the width/depth measurement, and finally, measure the grill from the top to the ground for an accurate height. This cover should fit most grills that measure 30” x 26” x 39”.
3. Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover is designed to offer a lifetime of use, made of some of the heaviest material available to ensure that it will resist water, sun, wind, and other damage throughout the year, no matter what the seasons throw your way. The snug straps ensure that you get the perfect fit to prevent the cover from blowing off in the wind and the high-quality finish will look as good in five years as it does the day you buy it with regular care.
Speaking of regular care, this grill cover is easy to wash. Just hose it off and leave it in the sun to dry and put it back on the grill when it’s all dried out. The company offers free replacements for life on any kind of damage, giving you peace of mind that you’re making a great investment and you won’t have to replace your cover every two or three seasons. Plus, it’s got an affordable price tag and has some of the best ratings on the market.
4. Kingkong Gas Grill Cover 7553
Highlighted Features
The Kingkong Gas Grill Cover is designed to fit larger three- and four-burner grills to provide protection from the elements, including select models from the Weber Genesis collection. Compatible models include the Genesis E-330, EP-310, EP-330, S-310, S-330, and Genesis II E-310. This cover is made from durable polyester material that is water-resistant and can withstand high temperatures, giving you complete protection from the weather, sun, and even rips and tears.
This gas grill cover can be hosed down and dried in the sun, making cleaning a breeze. It also includes Velcro straps to ensure that the cover stays secure in all conditions, regardless of the exact size and shape of your grill. Kingkong includes a 36-month warranty on all of their grill covers, giving you peace of mind in your purchase. When you need a durable cover that really protects your grill from the elements, this model delivers.
5. Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Barbecue Gas Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The first on the list made of vinyl, this grill cover offers premium protection from the elements, with high-quality materials and a unique design that frees up the wheels so you can move the grill even when it is covered. The wide, 1.5” straps make it easy to secure the cover, no matter the size of your grill, ensuring that it won’t blow off in high winds.
Unicook offers a selection of grill covers and accessories for many different brands of grills, and this cover will fit popular brands like Char-Broil, Kenmore, Weber, and others. Just measure your grill first to ensure that you get the right size. There are also handles on this cover to ensure easy covering, as well as to offer a storage option for the cover when it isn’t in use. The vinyl material can be hosed down and will drip-dry, allowing you to keep it clean and in great shape for many years to come.
6. Blackstone 1528 Heavy Duty Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
Designed specifically for the Blackstone Griddle grill, this cover is made of high-quality material that is durable, double-stitched, and designed to provide lifetime protection. This cover is large enough to fit all griddle cooktops that have similar dimensions to the 36” Blackstone griddle unit, and there are two nylon straps that buckle to secure your grill cover, which means you can use it on any brand of griddle as long as the size is right.
Blackstone makes several great products for grill protection, including a carrying bag for your grill cover to store it when not in use. You can also find other covers and grill top accessories, plus so much more. This cover specifically offers plenty of years of durable use, but currently cannot be shipped to California because it does not meet Prop 65 requirements. For residents elsewhere in the US, however, it can be a great choice for any outdoor griddle. Plus, when it’s dirty, you can hose it off and dry it in the sun for easy cleaning.
7. Homitt Gas Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The Homitt Gas Grill Cover is a great product, designed for 58-inch grills and those of a similar size with three or four burners. It is made of durable polyesters, like many of the covers on this list, and it is resistant to tears, debris and dirt, sun damage, water damage, and other elements. No matter what climate you live in or how many months your grill spends outside, this cover will provide years of protection.
The fade-resistant cover will stay black and can easily be hosed off and dried in the sun to keep it clean. The Velcro straps ensure that you get a secure fit on any grill, protecting from wind gusts, and keeping your grill safe at all times. This easy-to-use cover measures 58 x 24 x 44 inches and fits a number of brands, including Weber, Char-Broil, NexGrill, and others.
8. Simple Houseware BBQ Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The Simple Housewares SHW BBQ Grill Cover is designed for grills that measure around 55” in length and is made from high-performance 600D polyester that can be used year-round to protect your grill. The black finish won’t fade over time, either, giving you a cover that looks as good as when you bought it, even years later.
Cleaning this cover is a breeze, which will keep it in great shape for even longer. It fits a variety of brands of grills, including Weber, Kenmore Char-Broil, and others. The adjustable straps on the sides ensure a snug fit so that your cover doesn’t blow away and the durability is quite impressive for the price. This grill cover gives you everything you need for a reasonable price, making it a great one to have on your list.
9. Kingkong 7130 Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
We want the cover that will be sturdy enough to shield the grill from elements and for that polyester is used to build this cover. This cover is 100% polyester material which makes it water-resistant, UV resistant, and easy to clean. For this huge dimension, it can fit almost all the big grills but they are made in regard to fit the Genesis series from Kingkong.
The feature we like about this cover is that they come with large velcro straps on the sides to tie easily. During transportation or high wind, covers get misplaced keeping the grill unprotected. These large velcro straps will aid in preventing the water or dust from entering. Moreover, the cover is easy to clean and will not develop any wrinkles.
10. SARCCH Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The cover looks like a tent but it protects the grill with its waterproof and dustproof properties. It is a heavy-duty cover that is easily foldable. This cover is great for outdoor picnics as you can easily fold and store them in a storage bag. The material is strong enough to face snow, storms, intense heat, etc.
You will find flexible straps at the bottom of the cover to stick the cover on top of the barbecue. This 57-inch cover can wrap 2 to 3 burners easily. However, you will not find any straps on the cover for easy transportation. By ordering this bag, you will receive a storage bag for the cover which can be used for other things as well.
11. Char-Broil Performance Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The Char-Broil Performance Grill Cover is available in a variety of sizes, with this medium model offering protection for mid-size grills. Typically for two-burner models, this cover is made from an 18mil polyester material that includes a protective liner to resist fading in the sun. The seams are sealed to offer water resistance and keep your grill protected, no matter the elements.
This grill cover is affordably priced and is designed to leave the wheels exposed so that you can move your grill without having to remove the cover. It also includes durable, adjustable side straps to create the perfect snug fit and make sure that your cover doesn’t slip off or blow away in the wind. This universal cover can be used with all brands, including Weber, Kenmore, Char-Broil, Kitchenaid, and others, so long as they measure less than 52 x 40 x 23 inches (the size of the cover).
12. Viboos Grill cover
Highlighted Features
If you are living in a place where strong winds are frequent, you can easily choose this cover for your grill. The grill cover is 58 inches in length and can cover 2 to 3 burners. The premium material of the cover makes it suitable to endure the brutality of the weather. The cover is rustproof, UV proof, waterproof and so you don't have to worry about the grill.
Though the cover comes with flexible straps to tightly fasten around the grill the cover has no proper ventilation process. Ventilation is necessary as will form inside the cover developing rust on the grill. However, the cover is designed to fit all brands like Weber, Holland, Char-Broil, etc. Cleaning the cover is easy as hosing with water is enough to remove the dirt from the cover.
13. iCOVER Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
The grill cover from iCOVER is strong enough to fight storms, intense heat, rains, etc. It is a heavy-duty cover that has corners with double stitching to make it durable for a long time. The cover has a variation of sizes starting from 30 inches to 75 inches. It can fit any brand grills with flexible sizes.
The cover has PVC coating on the interior and polyester on the outside to make it water-proof. The oxford polyester is also known for its anti-tearing function. You will find straps to fix the cover on the barbecue but there are no side pockets or handles for easy portability. Moreover, the cover does not look like a tent so it easily blends with the environment.
14. SunPatio Barbecue Gas Grill Cover
Highlighted Features
This grill cover is simple, but it gets the job done. It has all the right features and is designed to withstand all of the elements, including water and UV rays. It’s got enough room at the bottom that you can move the grill with the cover on, and measures 55” x 23” x 42” and fits a number of grills from top brands like Kenmore, Char-Broil, Weber, and others.
While some people think a grill cover is just a grill cover, this brand knows that there’s so much more to it. The company also offers a customer satisfaction and quality guarantee on all of its grill covers, having worked hard to engineer a higher quality product than what many other brands on the market offer today. You’re sure to be impressed with the protection offered by this cover, which is anything but basic.
15. Texas Grill Covers Grill Cover for Weber Genesis
Highlighted Features
The Texas Grill Cover is designed to fit specific models of Genesis grills from Weber, as well as other grills that are similarly sized. The cover measures 60” x 28” x 44.5”, and guarantees compatibility with models EP-310, EP-330, S-310, S-330, and E-330, as well as the Genesis II E-310. This high-quality cover will give you the best protection for your grill. This grill cover comes with a one-year guarantee for your peace of mind.
The thick fabric material is weather-resistant and won’t fade in the sun. You can easily clean it off with the hose and let it air dry before putting it back on your grill to keep it clean. This will give your cover more life and help you get more out of your investment. There are also side straps to ensure that the cover fits perfectly, no matter the size of your grill.
FAQ
How to clean or wash the grill covers?
The grill covers need to be washed frequently as they become covered with bird feces, tree saps, dust, etc. The covers are usually water repellent to protect the grill from damage. Simply spraying water with a hose will remove any dirt or dust from the cover. Do not use the washing machine to clean the cover.
Is it bad to cover the hot grill?
Yes, you should not cover the grill when they are hot. Hot grills can melt and burn the cover causing fire hazards. We advise you to wait for the grill to cool down before putting the cover on.
What to do if moisture builds up inside the cover?
A cover with good ventilation will not form moisture on the inside. However, if your cover does not have ventilation you need to create a way to pass the air in and out. Moisture on the interior can form rust on the grill.
Can I use a washing machine to clean the covers?
No, we strongly recommend not to put grill covers in the washing machine. The grill covers are made of polyester, nylon, or vinyl materials that are easy to wash. You can just simply hose with water on the cover and let it sundry. You can also spray some mild soapy water if you want to deep clean the covers.
Conclusion
Looking for a new cover for your grill? The proper cover will work as a shield for your grill that will protect it from sun, rain, storms, dust, etc. Furthermore, the grills are usually stored in the backyard or garages and for that choose the cover that blends with the environment. With that being said, you now know what elements to look at to choose the best grill cover for your grill.
Selecting the perfect sized cover for the grill is tough and also you will not find proper ventilation on all covers. We have discussed in our article why ventilation is necessary for long term use. Furthermore, straps and handles are helpful in placing and fixing the cover on the barbecues.
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