When we got our new grill, it didn’t come with a grill cover. I was kind of amazed that we spend all this money on a grill and nothing comes with it to protect it. Most grills will have a cover that you can add to the purchase and here are some universal covers just in case the one you have isn’t doing it for you.
We’ve put together a list of our top picks for best grill covers. There’s something in here for everyone. Plus, we’ve answered a few questions you might have about how to choose the right one. Let’s take a look.
Table could not be displayed.Classic Accessories Ravenna Grill Cover
If you’ve got a grill that doesn’t fit a standard small, medium, or large cover, Ravenna might be a better option. It comes in six different sizes from extra small to extra-extra-extra large. It’s waterproof and made of a durable UV stabilized fabric that can withstand some weather.
It’s made to fit Weber grills as well as a few other very popular grill brands. Elastic hem cords fit snugly and safely. There are reinforced, padded handles for removal and for positioning. Vents keep moisture at bay by preventing rain from getting in while allowing condensation to evaporate.
They aren’t going to be the budget option, but they do last a long time with the UV coating and waterproof backing. The company offers a lifetime warranty against defects. If something goes wrong with seaming, or you notice the grill cover flaking, you’re covered.Pros:
-UV treated fabric prevents environmental wear and tear.
-Waterproof backing helps protect your grill from moisture.
-Adjustable with elastic hem cords.
-Comes in eight different sizes instead of just three. Cons:
-The straps aren’t the most durable.
-There are a lot of restrictions for the lifetime warranty.
-The cover touches the ground which can attract pests looking for weather protection.
Homitt Waterproof Grill Cover
Hommit’s cover uses a heavy duty 600 denier Oxford fabric. It’s weatherproof, waterproof, and wind resistant. You can adjust it with hook and loop straps located on the sides to remove any excess that might cause the cover to blow off in high winds.It’s a lot heavier than the standard polyester cover. It has a UV coating to resist sun damage, plus a PVC waterproof liner to prevent moisture from reaching your grill. Side vents allow condensation to escape.
It doesn’t quite reach the ground for most grills, which should discourage bugs and allow better ventilation. Handles help with removal and positioning. We’re particularly impressed with the stitching. It’s even and well done with very little puckering.
It folds up into a convenient storage bag while you’re not using it.
Although the UV coating does protect the integrity of the fibers from fraying or cracking under the sun, it doesn’t do anything to preserve the color. We struggled to keep the color for longer than a year. It faded pretty quickly from a sleek black to a light gray.
Pros:
-Heavy 600 denier fabric doesn’t blow around as easily as polyester.
-UV coating helps protect the fabric’s integrity.
-Waterproof backing ensures no moisture reaches the interior.
-It doesn’t reach the ground, so it’s less likely to attract bugs.
Cons:
-The color fades really quickly.
-Only three narrow sizes available so be sure to measure your grill.
Char-Broil 2-3 Burner Performance Grill Cover
Char-Broil’s cover is for grills with two or three burners. It’s a performance fabric designed to keep moisture at bay while resisting wear and tear from the elements. 300 denier polyester is a durable knit that won’t blow away in the wind the way some lighter polyester blends will.
It has tabs located on the sides that help secure the cover and prevent any gaps that might allow wind or moisture underneath. It does reach all the way to the ground. This does protect the legs of your grill (wheels can be a weak spot for any grill). It will freeze to your deck in the winter if you live in a cold climate, so be careful if you try to remove it under those circumstances.
You can adjust the fit using the straps located on the side, and that will take care of some of the excess fabric. It doesn’t come with a warranty or any sort of coverage for defects.
Pros:
-It’s excellent for two or three burner grills.
-300 denier fabric is heavy enough to be wind resistant.
-Straps on the side help reign in loose material.
-Weather and wind resistant.
Cons:
-The fabric reaches all the way to the ground, so it might attract some bugs.
-Be careful in the winter because the cover might freeze to your deck.
-There’s no warranty.
Scala Home Barbeque Grill Cover
Scala’s cover is an elegant light brown, for those of you looking for a different style of cover. It fits most medium sized grills. The two-tone brown is an unexpected design element for the classic grill cover.
It has side vents, so condensation can get out. It also helps prevent the wind from billowing underneath the cover and exposing your grill. The waterproof backing helps keep rain and other weather out.
It uses 600 denier fabric, which is a lot heavier than conventional polyester blends. It has quick close straps that help cinch the cover to your grill and prevent wind movements. It also has padded handles for easy removal or adjustments.
Pros:
– It’s not your typical black. The two-tone brown is elegant.
-Side vents prevent moisture from getting in and allow condensation out.
-600 denier fabric is heavy duty even in harsh weather conditions.
Cons:
-The fabric can rip towards the corners of the grill (around the side platform). The 36-month warranty should cover any ripping that happens before a year is up.
-It doesn’t handle constant UV exposure well. Keep this one in your shaded garden.
Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover
Grillman’s Premium cover is extra wide, so it will fit deluxe grills a bit better than standard covers. It’s made with durable PVC lined Oxford fabric. It’s waterproof, wind resistant, and UV resistant. It also resists tears even in the winter.
Velcro straps tighten the cover underneath the grill handles, so the wind has less chance of lifting it off the grill. It’s vented across the top to allow condensation and moisture to dissipate. Handles on the sides make lifting the cover off more manageable as well as making adjustments less of a hassle. It’s a durable, easy to maneuver cover.
The best part is the lifetime warranty. Most of the grill covers on our list have a warranty of some kind, but a lifetime warranty means you won’t worry that your climate is too harsh for the cover. Forget throwaway covers that you have to buy every year.
Pros:
-A lifetime warranty guarantees you won’t be buying a grill cover every year.
-Extra wide construction fits deluxe model grills.
-PVC lined Oxford material is very durable.
Cons:
-The color doesn’t last very long.
-If you experience really heavy rains, some may get into the vent strip towards the top.
Grill Cover Buyer’s Guide
So you still have a few questions about what to buy. Let’s break a few things down, so you feel confident ordering your grill cover.
What Material Should I Get?
Material can be a tricky situation. Covers that are heavy duty are also, well, heavy, and sometimes more expensive. Lighter covers are easier to adjust and cheaper, but they can tear more easily. What should you do?
Polyester
Polyester covers are pretty durable. Polyester is a common fabric in performance athletic wear. Just like those leggings, your grill cover is designed to be lightweight and provide basic weather resistance.
This material dries very quickly. It’s water-resistant, so you won’t worry about having a sopping puddle underneath after a rain. The fibers are frequently chemically treated to make them UV resistant.
They can be used in any type of weather and climate, but the durability will depend on how thick the cover is. 300 to 600 denier polyester produces a very durable cover.
If you use your grill frequently and it doesn’t spend much time covered up, a thinner polyester cover is appropriate. It can save you some money.
Vinyl
Vinyl is very waterproof and is better for ultra wet climates. Look for vinyl that’s at least 12 gauge, so it doesn’t rip easily.
Vinyl varieties can withstand a lot of humidity and might be better suited for climates where the rain and moisture add up. They aren’t quite as easy to position as polyester, but the water resistance is a plus.
Canvas
Canvas is old school. Heavy-duty, waterproofed canvas can be very durable and last for years. It’s best if you use your grill occasionally but still need to protect it from the elements.
They’re long lasting, but you’ll probably have to treat them yourself to be water and weatherproof. They can be a cheaper alternative to standard grill covers if you’re willing to take a few extra steps yourself.
What Features Should I Look For?
It’s not all about the cover itself. Grill covers have different features you might consider.
Vents
Not all grill covers have vents or need them. Vents help reduce the amount of condensation inside your grill cover. Evaporating moisture could damage the finish of your grill over time, causing rust spots and cracking.
If you live in an arid climate, venting may not be that big of a deal. However, you should also consider the wind in your area. Regular strong winds can displace a grill cover, but vents prevent billowing.
Adjustable Straps Or Cords
If you had a cover that didn’t adjust around your grill, it might as well be a bed sheet. Straps gather any excess material and keep the cover from slipping off. They should be durable with reinforced seaming and they should fit underneath the handles for maximum hold.
If you use cords, the cords should tighten around the bottom to keep the wind and rain out.
Liner
Interior liners help reinforce waterproof properties and prevent things like mold and mildew. It also helps prevent the cover from tearing.
PVC is an excellent liner choice. It’s durable and doesn’t mold or mildew the way other fabrics will. Other good options are nylon or a tighter weave of polyester.
Design
You don’t have to settle for an ugly cover. There are so many color choices and fabric styles. Whatever your backyard aesthetic is, you can probably find a grill cover that matches.
You can choose a color that matches your design. Common colors include black and gray, but also less common colors such as browns or blues.
You can also choose a tailored cover that fits tightly to your grill or one that fits more loosely. Loose covers are easier to get on and off, but they may not look as tailored. Fitted covers can be a pain to get on and off, but they don’t allow wind to re-position them.
Final Thoughts
Don’t sacrifice your grill by not getting a proper cover. Covers extend your grill’s life and take most of the environmental wear and tear. Right now, your grill is the life of the party, but you don’t want to go out next summer to a rusted, cracked appliance.
Take the proper precautions, and you should be the neighborhood grilling champion for years to come. You may also be looking into what fire pit grill grates you can get, and we go over some of the best ones here.
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