Grill Covers: What Are They & Should You Use Them?

by Joost Nusselder | Last Updated:  May 27, 2022

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Grill covers are an essential piece of equipment for any griller, providing protection from the elements and helping to keep your grill clean. But what exactly are they, and how do you choose the right one for your needs?

Grill covers are made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, polyester, and canvas. They come in a variety of sizes to fit most grills, and some even have special features like UV protection or built-in storage pockets.

When choosing a grill cover, it’s important to consider the climate you live in and the amount of use your grill gets. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, you’ll want to choose a cover that can withstand the elements. And if you grill often, you’ll want a cover that is easy to clean and helps keep your grill looking like new.

No matter what type of grill cover you choose, it’s important to make sure it fits snugly on your grill. A loose cover can blow off in windy conditions and leave your grill vulnerable to the elements.

What is a grill cover

What is an insulated grill cover?

An insulated grill cover is a type of grill cover that helps keep your grill warm in colder weather. It works by trapping heat inside the cover, which can then be transferred to your grill. This can help you save on fuel costs and extend the grilling season into the winter months.

Grill covers are like a superhero cape for your grill – they protect it from all kinds of weather and climate conditions. Whether you live in a place where it rains or snows frequently, or you’re surrounded by trees and plants, a grill cover is your best bet for keeping your grill safe and sound.

Plus, it’ll keep out any pesky critters that might try to make your grill their home. We’ve all heard stories of squirrels storing nuts in people’s cars – and grills are no exception! A cover will keep out birds, animals, and even prevent your grill from being torn apart by stray animals.

What is a grill cover

The Benefits of a Grill Cover

A grill cover can do wonders for your grill:

  • Protects it from inclement weather and climate conditions
  • Keeps out pollen, dust, dirt, dew drops, and other plant residues
  • Keeps out birds, animals, and other critters
  • Extends the life of your grill for years

The Bottom Line

At the end of the day, a grill cover is a must-have for any grill owner. It’ll keep your grill safe from the elements and any pesky critters that might try to make it their home. Plus, it’ll extend the life of your grill for years to come – so it’s definitely worth the investment!

Grill Cover Shopping: What to Look For

Venting

Don’t be a sucker like me and buy a cheap cover that doesn’t let air out. That’s a surefire way to trap moisture and cause your grill to rust faster than a kid’s attention span. Look for covers with air vents to avoid this.

Size and Ease of Use

One size definitely doesn’t fit all when it comes to choosing and buying grill covers. If it’s too hard to take on and off, you won’t use it. Ask your local WE LOVE FIRE dealer for the right size and fit for your grill. Some covers come with handles for easy removal, which is pretty handy. If you’re not sure what size you need, measure the grill from top to bottom, then width with all the sides and other accessories extended.

Material

Gone are the days of vinyl being your only option. Now you can choose from canvas, polyester, and vinyl. Here’s the breakdown:

  • Canvas is the premium option. It’s durable, UV resistant, and usually coated with PVC or something similar to make it water repellent. Plus, it looks the best.
  • Polyester is stronger than vinyl and can withstand exposure to oils, solvents, and chemicals. It’s usually layered with vinyl or PVC to make it waterproof.
  • Vinyl is waterproof and usually the cheapest option. Just make sure the gauge (thickness) and stitching (quality) are good, otherwise it’ll crack and develop rips and holes.

If your grill is exposed to the sun, make sure the cover has UV protection or it’ll discolour, crack, and leak.

Cost

It all depends on size, material, and quality, but you’re looking at spending anywhere from $20 to $100 or more.

Maintenance

This is the easy part. Just hose it down (you can use mild soap) and let it dry. Cleaning your grill at the same time is a good idea so you don’t transfer dirt to the inside of the cover. Check your owner’s manual for more specific directions.

Do You Need a Grill Cover?

If you want to protect your investment and extend the life of your grill, then yes, you need a cover. They’re reasonably priced and can last you for years. Your local WE LOVE FIRE dealer can help you pick the right one for your BBQ needs.

Grill Covers: The Final Verdict

It’s the age-old question: should I cover my grill? Well, the answer is a resounding yes! Grill covers are the perfect way to keep your beloved BBQ grill in top shape and keep it clean.

The Benefits of Grill Covers

Grill covers are a must-have for any serious griller. Here are just a few of the benefits they offer:

  • Keep your grill in tip-top shape: Grill covers help protect your grill from the elements, preventing rust and other damage.
  • Keep your grill clean: Grill covers help keep your grill clean by preventing dust, dirt, and debris from getting inside.
  • Enjoy more grilling: Grill covers make it easier to keep your grill in good condition, so you can enjoy more grilling sessions.

Choosing the Right Grill Cover

When it comes to choosing the right grill cover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you get a cover that is breathable. This will help keep your grill from getting too hot and will also help keep it clean. Second, make sure you get a cover that is made from premium-quality materials. This will ensure that your cover lasts for years to come.

The Final Verdict

So, there you have it. Grill covers are a must-have for any griller. They help keep your grill in top shape, keep it clean, and make it easier to enjoy more grilling sessions. So, don’t hesitate – go out and get yourself a top-notch grill cover today!

The Benefits of Covering Your Grill

Protect Your Grill from the Elements

Grill covers are like a shield for your grill, protecting it from all the elements that could potentially damage it. From rain and snow to tree sap and pollen, a cover will keep your grill safe and sound. Plus, it’ll keep pesky critters from nesting in it or leaving any unwanted surprises. And if you live near a lawn, it’ll protect your grill from any corrosive chemicals or fertilizers.

Extend the Life of Your Grill

Grill covers are a key part of properly caring for your grill. When you combine a cover with regular cleaning, it can help your grill last for years and even decades. So if you want to get the most out of your grill, it’s a good idea to invest in a cover.

What to Look for in a Grill Cover

When you’re shopping for a grill cover, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Avoid materials that are easy to tear, like felt or flannel. These won’t last long and can be easily ripped apart by critters.
  • Look for covers made of vinyl, polyester, oilcloth, or weather-proof nylon. These materials are more durable and will last longer.
  • You can either buy a custom cover from the manufacturer or a generic one from a third party. Custom covers are usually more expensive, but they’ll fit your grill perfectly.

The Drawbacks

  • If you live in a humid climate, the cover can trap moisture and cause bacteria and mold to grow.
  • Taking the cover on and off can be a bit of a hassle.
  • You’ll need to clean the cover periodically or replace it every couple of years.

What Happens if You Don’t Protect Your Grill?

The Consequences

If you don’t cover your grill, you’re in for a world of hurt. Here’s what you can expect:

  • You’ll be spending a lot of time scrubbing off dirt, water spots, and other gunk that a cover would have kept away.
  • Your metal parts are at risk of corrosion and rust.
  • Electrical components might get damaged.
  • Your grill will be more exposed to the elements.

The Bottom Line

If you don’t cover your grill, you’re gonna have a bad time. Sure, you can still use it, but you’ll be replacing it sooner rather than later. So why not just get a cover and save yourself the hassle?

What to Do When Your Grill Gets Rained On

It’s Okay to Get Rained On

Grills are made to be used and stored outside, so it’s totally fine to let the rain fall directly on your grill. That said, you should still take some precautions. Make sure to disconnect and store your gas source when not in use, otherwise you could be in for a dangerous gas leak.

The Cleanup

Rain and moisture can flood the inside of your grill, making it a real pain to clean up the next time you want to use it. Plus, if you get a really bad storm, your grill could get dented and damaged.

Drying Out

It’s important that the moisture trapped inside your grill has a chance to dry out. Otherwise, you could end up with mold in your grill. So, once the weather is calm again, make sure to uncover your grill for a bit to let it dry out fully.

Everything You Need to Know About Grill Covers

Do I Need to Cover My Grill?

If you’re a grill master, you know that the key to a long-lasting grill is proper maintenance. And one of the best ways to keep your grill in tip-top shape is to cover it up when it’s not in use.

Covering your grill helps protect it from the elements, like rain, snow, and dirt. It also prevents birds from making a home in your grill and keeps curious critters from getting into your grates.

Plus, a grill cover can help keep your grill clean and free of water spots, dust, and pollen. And if you live in an area where it snows, a cover makes it easy to get right down to grilling without having to clean off the snow by hand.

Can I Leave My Grill Outside?

Yes, you can leave your grill outside as long as it’s completely covered. So, if you want to keep your grill safe and sound, make sure you invest in a good cover.

What Happens if I Don’t Cover My Grill?

If you don’t cover your grill, you’re setting yourself up for some serious damage. Without a cover, your grill is exposed to harsh environmental conditions like rain, snow, chemicals, and sunlight.

Plus, birds may decide to make your grill their home, leaving you with a nasty mess to clean up. And if you have furry friends, they may try to take your grill apart or use it to store their snacks.

Should I Get a Custom or Generic Grill Cover?

If you want the best protection for your grill, custom covers are the way to go. They fit snugly and are usually made of higher quality materials with better waterproofing.

Generic covers are usually cheaper, but they don’t fit as well and don’t provide the same level of protection. So, if you can afford it, go for a custom cover.

Do Grill Covers Prevent Rust?

Grill covers can help prevent rust, but they’re not the only line of defense. To keep your grill grates rust-free, you should also store them properly and keep your grill clean and dry.

Should I Cover My Stainless Steel Grill?

Yes, you should cover your stainless steel grill. Not only does it need protection from moisture, but it also needs to be shielded from tree sap, weather elements, birds, and lawn chemicals. So, make sure you invest in a good cover.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grill covers are a must-have for any griller! Not only do they protect your grill from the elements, but they also keep critters and other nasties away from your delicious food. Plus, they can extend the life of your grill, saving you money in the long run. So, don’t be a “grill-fool” – cover up your grill and get grilling!

Joost Nusselder, the founder of Lakeside Smokers is a content marketer, dad and loves trying out new food with BBQ Smoking (& Japanese food!) at the heart of his passion, and together with his team he's been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with recipes and cooking tips.