The Best Grill Covers to Protect Your Outdoor Cooker Year-Round
Keep your backyard grill looking spiffy and in good working order by protecting it with a grill cover in between cookouts.
Whether you have an inexpensive backyard model or a fancy stainless-steel cooker that rivals your indoor range in price and features, you'll want your grill to last well more than one season. One of the best practices for extending its life is to make a small investment in one of our best grill covers to keep it dry, free of dust, pollen, leaves, twigs and tree sap, and protected from the sun. A grill cover is also a deterrent for any small animals or birds that may want to nibble on any grease or tidbits remaining on the grates.
Now that we've convinced you that you need one, we're here to help you find the best grill cover for your budget and cooker type.
These Are the 10 Best Grills, According to Grilling Experts
We asked grill masters and executive chefs to share their favorite models to fire up for summer.
The Unicook Heavy-Duty Waterproof Grill Cover is a universal cover designed to fit most major gas grill brands. It comes in 32- to 75-inch sizes so there's bound to be one for your model. The Unicook checks all the boxes on the list of things we suggest looking for in a grill cover. The thick black polyester fabric has a waterproof vinyl interior coating and UV protection to ward off fading. On the bottom, you'll find adjustable straps to keep it firmly in place. Lastly, it has air vents to allow condensation to escape and two handles that make it easy to pull off.
The Viboos is Amazon's bestselling grill cover that comes highly rated. It has the most important features we recommend and is remarkably low priced, regardless of which of the 14 sizes you choose. Constructed of polyester with a waterproof backing and UV protection, the Viboos has a drawstring on the bottom, as well as adjustable Velcro fasteners on the sides to give it a snug fit and keep it from easily blowing away.
This tan-colored grill cover from Classic Accessories is more sophisticated-looking than most. It's made of heavy-duty, water-resistant polyester with a laminated backing and features a protective dark brown splash-guard skirt at the bottom. Among its features are air vents, padded handles to make it easy to maneuver, and a zippered pocket to stash mitts or grill accessories. There's an elastic cord around the bottom with a toggle to keep it in place, as well as straps that snap over grill wheels or legs for additional security. The Veranda is available in nine different sizes.
Not just for Weber grills, this premium outdoor grill cover fits most two- and three-burner gas grills, with an additional size for three- and four-burner grills. The cover is crafted from a lightweight, water-resistant material that pairs with UV inhibitors in the fabric to resist fading. Each side of the cover has fastening straps that can be adjusted to securely keep the material in place around your grill. We also appreciate its light weight when it comes to taking the cover on and off.
This heavyweight, vinyl-backed polyester cover from Classic Accessories is your best bet for protecting a kettle-style charcoal grill from the elements. It has vents to allow moisture to escape. And thanks to a combination of an elastic hem and Velcro straps that attach securely to your grill, it's windproof. Bonus: A chimney starter for lighting charcoal is included with your purchase of the cover.
If you have a grill like a Blackstone, with a griddle or flat-top cooking surface, you'll need a cover specifically designed for its unusual shape. We like this GuardKove because it's made of an exceptionally durable polyester fabric that's water-repellent (water runs right off), water-resistant (water doesn't seep in) and treated to keep UV rays from damaging your flat-top. It has adjustable straps to keep it tethered to the grill in windy conditions. Vents allow moisture to escape, and side handles make it easy to remove. It's offered in four sizes to fit over griddles of various widths.
With its rich saddle brown color, the NettyPro is a remarkably attractive cover for a rectangular outdoor smoker. Of course, we wouldn't be recommending it unless we also felt it offered good protection from all the elements. Like all our choices, it's made of a waterproof material that blocks out UV rays. To keep it in place, there are straps on the sides and clips on the bottom. Choose from an assortment of sizes, and if you prefer, you can have it in black instead of brown.
Even if you have a small portable grill that's easy to store in the garage or a shed, it's a good idea to supply yourself with a cover. That way you know your grill's protected whether you leave it outdoors or bring it inside, not to mention in the car at the beach or park if you travel with it. Like other covers from Classic Accessories, this one is heavy-duty and water- and UV-resistant. It has air vents and padded handles as well as an elasticized cord and straps at the bottom to keep it from flying away.
To protect an expensive trophy grill, you might want to spring for a made-to-order cover that will fit your model precisely. In addition to customizing the size on Covers and All, you can choose from three grades of material and a variety of colors and closures on the bottom. If you like, you can personalize the cover with a name or logo. In order to make sure the company understands the configuration of your model and avoid surprises, you can upload a picture of your grill with your order. All covers come with at least two covered air vents (you can opt out if you prefer). Depending on which fabric you choose, your bespoke cover comes with a seven- or 10-year warranty.
How to Choose the Best Grill Cover
Size and Fit: Start by measuring your grill and then check the dimensions against any cover you're considering purchasing. For advice on how to measure, check out this helpful guide from Lowe's. Plan on a snug-fitting grill cover that offers good protection and stays in place so that wind can't carry it away. Just be sure it's not so tight-fitting that moisture becomes sealed in, causing rusting and/or mildew. It's a good idea to check to see if your grill's manufacturer offers a cover designed specifically for your model.
Material and Durability: Polyester is the preferred material for a grill cover as it's waterproof, won't crack or peel, and is resistant to fading. Check for a heavy weight and a waterproof or water-resistant lining. Covers made completely of vinyl are less durable and won't last as long.
Weather Resistance: In addition to being waterproof, a grill cover should offer UV protection. Sun exposure fades a painted finish as well as weakens parts and dries out any rubber seals or hoses.
Fastening System: Make sure the cover has a secure fastening system, such as an elastic or drawcord hem and/or adjustable Velcro or buckle straps that attach the cover to the grill itself to prevent the cover from flying off.
Features: In order to allow air circulation and prevent moisture buildup, look for a cover with vents, mesh panels or air holes. Also consider a grill cover with handles. You'll be happy to have them when you have to lift off the cover.
Best Practices for Using a Grill Cover
- Before covering your grill, make sure it's cooled down to avoid both melting the cover and sealing in moisture from the heat.
- If you live by the seashore or in a high-humidity area, only use a grill cover during a storm. A cover can trap in salty or moist air and cause your grill to rust.
- Regardless of where you live, after a very wet or damp period, take off the cover and inspect your grill for moisture and, if need be, dry it off.
Everything to Know About Buying a Grill
Keep this cheat sheet handy when you're choosing between a gas, charcoal or infrared grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a grill cover?
Polyester, which won't crack or peel, is the best material for a grill cover.
What size grill cover do you need?
You want a cover that fits snugly but not too tightly. A lot of manufacturers will make covers for specific grill models, so it's worth checking to see if there's one for your cooker.
How do you clean a grill cover?
Remove the cover, shake off any loose debris and then hose it off on both sides. Using a sponge or soft-bristled brush, scrub it with soapy water. Stubborn mildew stains can be tackled with an application of white vinegar. After cleaning, rinse by hosing off again. If the inside is sticky, turn the cover inside out, then scrub with the soapy water mixture and hose off. Before using it, allow the cover to dry on both sides, inside and out.
Can grill covers stay outside year-round?
Yes, grill covers can stay outside year-round, but remember that if you live in a high-humidity area, it's best to keep your grill uncovered unless there's a storm. Also, be sure to check for moisture under the cover after rainy, snowy or misty weather.
When should you replace a grill cover?
You should buy a new grill cover when you notice rips, cracks or brittleness. Also consider a replacement if the color has started to fade, indicating that the fabric's UV coating has worn off. Finally, if the hem or straps have lost elasticity, they'll no longer keep your cover from blowing away.
Why You Should Trust Our Writer
Sharon Franke has been a contributor to Food Network for four years, writing articles to help readers make educated decisions about kitchen equipment. With over 37 years of experience testing, writing, and consulting about everything used for cooking, serving, and storing food, she's a respected authority on kitchen gear, with particular expertise in appliances, cookware, and cutlery.
