Best Grill Cover: Looking at Styles, Materials & Features

Finding a grill cover isn’t hard, but finding the best grill cover takes some effort. If you’re like most people, then you might have a hard time telling one cover apart from another. Plus, you should also know that some covers provide protection that others can’t.

We’re going to answer your biggest questions about finding the best grill cover along with showing you top grill covers that will keep your grill safe.

What are Grill Covers?

The short answer is that these are covers that go over your grill. The long answer is that these are covers that are designed to keep your grill safe from the elements. While the cheapest grill covers just protect against dust and dirt, medium and top-tier covers give you extra protection.

The best covers for grills protect against water, sun damage, and even provide some impact protection (not much, but some is better than nothing). This improves the longevity of your grill by ensuring it doesn’t rust prematurely.

Many grill covers have extra straps to give it a tighter fit. This keeps out even more water and sun to provide better protection.

How to Measure a Grill Cover?

You’ll find that many grill covers are around 50 to 60 inches, but which one is right for you? Don’t worry, there’s a perfect size for you and it’s easy to find. You simply need to measure the widest part of your grill.

If your grill has side shelves, then those are usually your widest point. If not, then measure the grill lid from one side to the other. That’s the size you need. If it measures 55 inches, then you need a 55-inch grill cover. See? That wasn’t so hard.

You also need to consider how many burners you have. Some covers are made for two burners while others are made for four or more. More burners equals a larger cover. Once again, it’s very easy.

What Grill Cover Materials are Available?

You can choose from several different options. Each has its own price point and pros and cons, so keep an open mind while picking the right material for your needs.

Vinyl covers tend to be the most affordable. You’ll want at least 12-gauge vinyl as thinner ones crack easily. These covers are great against the water, and they do pretty good against the sun, but the material will fade with time.

Polyester is popular as it’s at a good price point (more than vinyl, but still reasonable), and it works well in most weather conditions. Unlike vinyl, which is inherently waterproof, polyester is usually treated with a waterproof and UV-resistant coating. This keeps your grill safe from water, and the cover lasts longer in the harsh sun.

Last up is canvas, which is usually the best material. It’s waterproof, very durable, thick, and incredibly protective against extreme temperatures. Plus, the canvas can be coated to give it even more protection. These covers cost the most, but they also offer the best protection.

You should also check the coating on the cover. Some coatings offer enhanced protection against the sun, heat, cold, water, snow, and other elements. Another factor to check is whether the cover resists rips and tears.

Affordable covers easily shred if there is a single rip. Better ones can resist rips, and prevent them from getting worse if one occurs.

What Extra Features are Available with Grill Covers?

Many grill covers have extra features. If you’re looking for extra protection, then you’ll want covers with air vents. Moisture can get trapped under the cover, which eventually leads to rust. Air vents allow moisture to escape, which improves the longevity of your grill.

Some covers have pockets for storing grill accessories and tools. This means you can keep everything right by the grill, and it’ll be protected against the elements as well. You can also find covers with padded handles so it’s easier to remove the cover.

How Do I Maintain a Grill Cover?

Maintaining a grill cover ensures it lasts as long as possible. Plus, it’s very easy to do. You simply have to clean it every now and then (two to four times a year should be plenty, unless it gets really messy), and cleaning just takes a few minutes.

First off, choose a mild soap that won’t destroy the coating or damage the material. Hand wash the cover with a soft sponge or soft rag. Spray the cover down with a hose and allow it to dry. Place it back on your grill and you’re all done. Aside from drying, the cleaning itself is very quick.

If you don’t clean the cover, then oils can damage it or leftover food particles might attract pests.

Best Grill Cover Picks

Char-Broil 3-4 Burner Large Basic Grill Cover

Char-Broil is the most trusted name for grills and grill covers. And before you ask, no, you don’t need a Char-Broil grill to use this cover, it fits perfectly on any 3-4 burner grills that are 62 inches wide. From gas grills to charcoal grills to delicious smokers, this cover protects them all.

Made from thick 18 Mil polyester fabric, this keeps the water out and uses a Sun Fade Protective Liner for extra UV protection. Both the grill and cover will be safe even as the sun gets hotter and brighter.

Char-Broil also uses both a drawstring at bottom and side straps to ensure a snug fit. This keeps your grill completely safe whether it’s grilling season or not.

Check Price: Char-Broil Cover ->

iCOVER Grill Cover 50in, 600D Heavy Duty with Mesh Air Vent

You’ll find that iCOVER is very versatile as it fits Char-Broil, Weber, Brinkmann, and many other grills. The protective oxford polyester canvas has a PVC coating that is water resistant while also protecting against the sun. It also has two handles for easy removal.

Two side straps ensure a perfect fit, and there are concealed air vents for better air circulation. This will keep your grill dry while preventing rust.

Check Price: iCOVER Grill Cover ->

Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover

If you want a shield for your grill, then the Grillman Premium is the cover for you. Not only is it made from 600D polyester, but it’s also highly resistant to sun damage and water. It comes with handles for easy removal, along with straps for a snug fit. This very thick cover is made to resist weather damage.

Another big benefit is that the cover is rip-proof. A tiny rip will be just that: a tiny rip. It won’t get bigger with time, which ensures the cover will last for many years. It’s even wind resistant just for an extra level of protection.

Check Price: Grillman Premium BBQ Cover ->

Final Thoughts

The best grill cover is made from durable material that can resist water and sun damage, is easy to clean, covers your grill, and has a few extra features to make it more useful. Now that you know what to look for, we hope that you can pick out the best grill cover for your gas or charcoal grill. We’re confident that you now have what it takes to discern good grill covers from poor ones, so be sure to let us know which one you picked.