A Complete Buying Guide for the Best Grill Cover

If you love grilling, you probably have invested in a good barbecue and you want to get the best life out of it for as long as you can. The simplest and most effective way to extend the life of your barbecue is to invest in a good grill cover.

Whether you use your grill every day or once a month, it deserves to be protected from the sun, rain, and wind that can do a lot of damage to your grill. Some barbecue grills are too big to keep inside your house after use, so you just leave them outside. With the best grill cover, your outdoor grill is well protected from the elements and it should be waterproof, durable, and to handle bad weather. Before you decide on your grill cover, let’s look at some of the top picks.

Summary table for the best grill cover

ProductMaterialSizeWarrantyCheck on Amazon
Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover600D polyester80 inch3 year limitedCheck Price
Kingkong Grill Cover600D polyester58 inch3 yearsCheck Price
Hommit Gas Grill CoverOxford fabric30 inch1 yearCheck Price
Grillman Premium Grill Cover600D polyester30 inchLifetimeCheck Price
Tvird Gas Grill CoverHigh-density nylon Oxford fabric58 inch1 yearCheck Price
Simple Houseware BBQ Grill Cover600D polyester32 inch1 yearCheck Price
Blackstone Gas Grill Cover600D polyester36 inch1 yearCheck Price
Unicook Heavy-duty Grill CoverNew generation polyester60 inch1 yearCheck Price
Char-Broil 3-4 burner Grill Cover24mil polyester62 inch5-year tear-freeCheck Price

Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover

A water-resistant grill cover made with heavy gardelle-woven polyester fabric with laminated backing and bound seams to ensure durability and has extra features for protecting your grill. The integrated vents reduce condensation under the cover and escape of water vapor and also prevent wind lofting. The cover also comes with a click-close strap at the front and padded handles on both sides to make it easy to put it on and take off while the adjustable hem cord and leg straps ensure that the cover isn’t blown away. You can keep your grill accessories in the zippered storage pocket. This grill cover is available in 8 different sizes from extra small to 3X large.

 

Pros

  • Good quality robust material
  • Padded handles make it easier to handle
  • Elastic hem cord gives a nice fit
  • Heavy-duty stitching

Cons

  • Doesn’t last long when exposed to harsh sun

 

View price on Amazon

 

Kingkong Grill Cover

A grill cover made with heavy-duty polyurethane coating on the outside and breathable polyester fabric on the inside that is water, rip, and UV resistant. The strong fibers of the cover will protect your grill from rain, dust, cold, and tear and the UV-resistant design will ensure the cover lasts even when exposed to the sun for long periods. The Velcro straps on the two sides of the cover provide a good fit and keep the cover in place so it doesn’t get blown away by the wind. The cover also comes with complimentary gifts of a cooking thermometer, tongs, and grill brushes.

Pros

  • Made with heavy-duty durable material
  • The complimentary gifts are a nice added bonus
  • The material doesn’t fade easily in the sun
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Has a slightly loose fit

 

View price on Amazon

 

Hommit Gas Grill Cover

A gas grill cover made with heavy-duty material with a PVC layer that is water-resistant and durable stitching that is rip-resistant. The extra coating on the outside cover is for fade and sun resistance. Water adhesive is applied on the sewn edges to prevent water from seeping through the cover. The handles on both sides make it easy to fit and remove the cover while the straps fasten the cover at the base so it doesn’t get blown off by the wind. You also get a storage bag with the cover to store your grilling equipment.

Pros

  • Waterproof and sun resistant
  • Made with heavy-duty material
  • The PVC outside layer protects from the harsh sun
  • Fits a 3-4 burner grill

Cons

  • The stitched hem isn’t very durable

 

View price on Amazon

 

Grillman Premium Grill Cover

A high-quality heavy-duty cover that is water, UV, and tear-resistant. You also don’t have to worry about it getting blown away because it’s designed with attached fabric hooks and loop straps that you can fasten for a perfect fit. The cover also comes with side straps to keep it tight. You can easily clean it by spraying water on it and letting it dry under the sun. it’s available in 6 sizes from 30″ to 72″ so it can fit various gas grills.

Pros

  • Its water and UV resistant
  • Fits a 4 gas burner grill
  • Made with quality material
  • Easy to fit and remove

Cons

  • The seams may come apart

 

View price on Amazon

 

Tvird Gas Grill Cover

A grill cover made with high-quality waterproof, durable, and high-density nylon oxford fabric that is UV, dust, and weather-resistant. The PVC coating is waterproof and also helps to prevent staining and discoloring. The added hook and loop straps at the bottom of each side help to keep the cover tightened so it doesn’t get blown off in case of strong winds. There is also a drawstring rope at the edge of your grill cover so you can adjust the length of the cover as needed so it remains clean and dry. The 2 handles on both sides will make it easy to easily maneuver the cover and you can use the zippered storage bag to store the cover when not in use.

Pros

  • Made with heavy-duty material
  • Nice adjustment features
  • Handles make it easy to put it on and take it off
  • Weatherproof

Cons

  • Might be a bit long

 

View price on Amazon

 

Simple Houseware BBQ Grill Cover

A grill cover made with heavy-duty polyester fabric that is weatherproof, waterproof, and dustproof. The 2 side handles will help you to easily lift the cover and the wide strap fasteners will help to ensure a tight fit and durability. This grill cover is large enough to cover your entire grill without leaving any area exposed to the elements. To clean it you can hose it down with water and let it sundry.

Pros

  • Handles for effortless removal
  • Water-resistant
  • Velcro straps keep it secure
  • Covers the entire grill very well

Cons

  • Material not durable

 

View price on Amazon

 

Blackstone Gas Grill Cover

A custom designed grill cover to fit a large 36” grill top. You can also use the cover with other grills that are compatible. Its made with heavy-duty polyester fabric that is designed to withstand all types of weather. It also comes with durable poly-resin buckle straps at the base of the cover that will allow you to strap the cover to your grill so it’s safe and doesn’t get blown off by heavy winds.

Pros

  • Made with durable polyester fabric
  • Nice straps underneath
  • Covers your grill well

Cons

  • Now waterproof

 

View price on Amazon

 

Unicook Heavy-duty Grill Cover

A grill cover made with the new generation fade, water, and tear-resistant polyester fabric, and even cold cracking. It also has an added waterproof material on the outer layer to repel water and keep your grill dry. The cover also features concealed mesh vents on both sides to improve air circulation and allow moisture to escape which will reduce air condensation inside the cover. The fastening straps on both sides allow you to secure the cover when it’s windy and the reinforced fabric handles make it easy to fit and remove the cover.

Pros

  • Thick Velcro straps keep the cover tightly in place
  • Mesh vents help with ventilation
  • Strong and durable cover
  • Protects against cold cracking

Cons

  • Not long enough

 

View price on Amazon

 

Char-Broil 3-4 burner Grill Cover

A grill cover designed for a 3-4 gas grill burner, 62″ wide smoker, and large charcoal grill. A heavy-duty cover made with polyester fabric with an interior coating and sealed seams to ensure that no water seeps through to damage your grill. The 14mm thick material is tear-resistant and features a Sunfade protective liner that can withstand UV light ensuring its durability. The adjustable side straps ensure you have a tight fit in case of windy days. This cover is also available in 2 other sizes for the 2 burners and 5+ burners.

Pros

  • Durable and quality material
  • Goes on and off quickly
  • Thick and well stitched cover
  • The fabric has a sun fade lining

Cons

  • Very light and thin adjustment straps
  • Small straps at the bottom

 

View price on Amazon

 

What to look for when choosing the best grill cover

Most of us keep out grills outside which means they’re always exposed to the elements and this can cause serious damage to your grill. The biggest threat to your grill is rust, but with a good grill cover, the vital metal parts of your grill will be protected from the wet weather. Covering your grill also prevents critters from making your grill their home.

Here are a few factors you should consider before you buy your grill cover

Material

The material of your grill cover will largely determine its capacity to protect your grill, durability, and cost. Most grill covers are mostly made of canvas, polyester, and vinyl.

Polyester is the most durable although it’s not waterproof so you need to make sure the cover is treated with a layer of PVC to make it water-resistant and provide protection from the sun.

Canvas is used in high-end grill covers because it’s thick, waterproof, and durable. It can withstand very dry weather and high heat and cold.

Vinyl is naturally waterproof and although it’s not a very attractive material, it can stand the test of time. Go for a cover made with at least 12 gauge vinyl which can better withstand the use and the elements because thin vinyl will crack and develop holes very fast.

Size

If the cover you buy doesn’t fit, it won’t be of much use, instead, go for a cover that will cover your grill from one side to the other and hang at least 1-2 inches off the ground to allow for ventilation to prevent condensation. The cover should also match the shape of your grill. Take measurements from one end to the other and the sides should be extended.

UV protection

If you care about how your grill looks, get a cover that has UV protection. Since most of the time your grill is outside, it’s constantly exposed to the sun and UV rays and without protection, the color of your cover will fade with time. The result will be a cover with a blotchy appearance that is not very appealing to the eyes. However, constant exposure to intense sunlight, especially in some parts of the country will cause your cover to fade eventually even with UV protection. So the best thing would be to place your grill under the shade.

Handles and straps

Handles are very important for your grill cover. A cover with durable handles will make it easier to set it up, remove and store it when it’s not in use. The straps, on the other hand, will help fasten your cover securely with your grill so it doesn’t get blown away by strong wind. Once you lock the straps properly, you’ll be assured your cover will stay in place.

Warranty

Although there’s nothing much that your grill cover will do except cover your grill, it’s constantly exposed to the elements which can be very hard on the material. A good quality grill cover will come with a warranty which is an assurance that the manufacturer has faith in the product. Don’t buy a cover with no warranty in case it doesn’t do the job it claims, you can return it and get another one or get a refund. Some grill covers come with a short warranty of 1 year while others have a longer warranty period.

Extra features

High-end grill covers come with added features that help to improve their usability and performance. Most covers have air vents or pockets that allow for air circulation to help moisture escape and prevent condensation build-up under the cover to prevent rust. Some covers also come with pockets for storing your grilling tools which makes it convenient. Other features also include padded handles that you can easily hold when putting on and taking off the cover.

Price range

The cost of the grill cover is also an important factor to consider. The climate in your area that your grill will be subjected to and the quality of the grill itself should be factored into your decision. If you’ve invested in a good quality grill, you should also invest in a quality grill cover that will help prolong the life of your grill. Decide on a price range that will get you a quality cover with all the features you need and at a reasonable price.

Style

Aesthetics is also important just as a utility. There’s nothing wrong with getting a grill cover that looks good. You don’t want to be sitting in your backyard and have a big, ugly grill cover staring at you. The cover should look good and pleasing to your eyes. It also helps your grill to fit perfectly with your backyard décor.

Tips on how to maintain your grill cover

Even the best quality grill cover requires to be well maintained to avoid getting damaged. It may be a simple cloth, but it needs more than just a simple quick wipe. Grill covers are designed for outdoor use which means they’re constantly exposed to harsh elements and weather which can ruin their quality. Here are a few tips to help you maintain the quality of your grill cover.

  • Always use mild and the right cleaning product since detergents with harsh chemicals can damage the quality of your cover.
  • Wash your cover frequently to remove grease, mold, dust, mildew, dirt, and anything else that can damage your cover, but avoid scrubbing the cover too hard.
  • Wash the cover by hand instead of using a washing machine because it can destroy your cover.
  • If you cover your grill without cleaning it, the leftovers and dirty utensils can attract pests which will lead to contamination of both your grill and cover.

FAQ

How do you choose a grill cover size?

The grill cover you choose should fit and be of use if it’s about 1-2 inches larger than your grill. It should also be a bit shorter than your grill at the bottom to allow air to circulate under the cover so moisture doesn’t build in the grill.

Should I cover my grill when not in use?

Although it’s recommended that you cover your grill, you can opt to cover it even when you’re not using it, but it’s not necessary that you keep your grill covered all the time. However, remember to wipe down your grill once a month and cover it if necessary.

Final verdict

The best grill cover should be able to protect your grill and last for longer. The Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover has all the features you need to improve the shelf life of your grill.

Gavrie Ricci is a design manufacturer and one of his latest projects is the Eco grill, an electric grill that comes equipped with a revolutionary heating system. Gavrie is a design enthusiast and is passionate about simplification, there are so many types of grills in the market but people find it hard to narrow down to one unit that will suffice for all their grilling and smoking needs. The comprehensive articles about grills at Grillception are, therefore, a guide to choosing the perfect unit that suits different user needs. Gavrie seeks to empower people with knowledge about grills, to simplify their search process.

Leave a Comment