Despite all your best intentions of perhaps buying the best grill money can buy, you’ll likely be throwing your hard-earned money down the drain if you don’t protect your investment.
You might be asking yourself “should I cover my grill?”
I mean, if you really splurged and bought a $1,000 grill, for example, well, that’s a pretty big chunk of change to spend on a grill to just leave it out at the mercy of the elements.
Do yourself a favor and get familiar with what it takes to be one of the best grill covers on the market, and grab one to keep your grill looking and performing its best for a long time.
Before you get too far into this list, however, one word of caution: there are a TON of generic grill covers made by a lot of different brands. These are made to fit your AVERAGE grill.
Do you truly need a custom grill cover? No, not necessarily, for the average grill on the market.
That said, if you’ve got, for example, a kamado grill, you may find that the cheap grill cover any old store sells for the standard gas grill with side shelves is not quite the right shape for your heavy-duty ceramic beauty.
This list, too, will cover mostly those generically-shaped grill covers, but we’ve included a few uniquely shaped covers that are top-notch for those beautiful high-end grills, too.
10 Best Grill Covers in 2022 For Your Backyard BBQ
1. Classic Accessories 73912 Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover
This canvas grill cover is definitely the best grill cover on the market right now, for a variety of reasons. Made of woven polyester with padded handles, air vents, elastic velcro closures, and a 3-year warranty, you’ll definitely be all set with this cover.
The first and foremost is that it has a great affordable price, which means there is really no excuse to NOT buy a great grill cover for your backyard masterpiece.
The fact that it comes in a variety of sizes means you can get the best grill cover, extra-large down to extra-small. I mean, it’s even marked as “Amazon’s choice” so you know it’s one of the best grill covers on Amazon.
Another feature that sets this cover apart is the color. Most every grill cover you come across, both in stores and online, is black. What we love about this cover being a tan, is that it’s not going to get as hot to the touch in the sun, and will not get as hot UNDER the cover either. This means slightly less risk of heat-induced discoloration/damage.
The last “fancy” feature of this grill cover actually has little to nothing to do with the cover itself — this company also makes covers for patio furniture, so many customers like the fact that their entire patio can have a matching set of covers from the table to the lounge chair to the grill, instead of the standard black grill cover standing out like a sore thumb.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Unique color, less hot in the sun
Water-resistant polyester
Matches other patio furniture covers for a cohesive look
Air vents
Padded handles
Elastic velcro closures
3-year warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Won’t fit some of the uniquely-shaped grills quite right
Will not cover all the way down over wheels, leaving part of the grill open to weather exposure (not a suitable over-winter cover for many climates)
Not fully waterproof like others on our list[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. VicTsing Grill Cover, 30-Inch Waterproof BBQ Cover, 600D Heavy Duty Gas Grill Cover
This grill cover earns the second-place slot on our list in part due to having such a wide size variety that makes it a stellar option for even a variety of grill shapes.
Most grill covers are for your standard rectangular gas grill with dual side shelves, but this little waterproof grill cover comes in a fairly petite 30-inch size, which means it’s a more appropriate shape for anything from a charcoal grill to a small gas grill to even a smoker. If you do have a larger grill, you’ll be able to size up to about a 72-inch size cover if needed.
Made of 600D PVC-lined Oxford cloth, this cover is truly waterproof which does set it apart from some other merely water-resistant options. This makes is one of the best grill covers for winter, as well, to keep the snow from seeping through and causing water damage to your grill (especially important for stainless grill models).
Also of note is that the material is also sunproof to protect your grill from deteriorating due to UV damage, which helps your keep your grill lasting
This grill is also easy to clean — regularly giving it a gentle scrub with just a hose and a soft brush will do the trick to keep your cover lasting longer! With padded handles and easy-adjust nylon straps to custom fit to your grill shape, you’ll have your grill well-protected with this option.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Size options allow it to fit a wider variety of grills on the market
Waterproof and sunproof
Velcro straps to adjust fit, padded handles
Easy to clean[/i2pros][i2cons]Only a 45-day refund guarantee and a 12-month warranty
Some users complain of early fading, sooner than expected given weather exposure[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Mr. Bar-B-Q Platinum Prestige Large Grill Cover
Here we have a cover that is well-worthy of the top tier of our list due to the fact that it is a heat resistant grill cover.
Most grill covers will tell you to wait for the grill to cool considerably before re-covering. This heavy-duty grill cover allows you to recover your grill within just a few minutes of shutting it down, which despite a slightly higher price point might make it the
best grill cover for your money.
The material its made from is waterproof, sunproof, and flame and heat resistant, which means its an excellent choice no matter what type of grill you own!
You’ll enjoy more features like air vents to help prevent heat build-up, handles for easy removal, and velcro side straps to give it a snug fit and weather-resisting ability.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Heat and flame resistant – can cover the grill in minutes after shutting it down
Waterproof, sunproof
Air vents for faster cool down
Velcro straps to adjust fit
Limited lifetime warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Less versatile for multiple grill shapes
Can rip more easily than expected (but note warranty)[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. Kingkong 7152 Grill Cover for Weber Performer Charcoal Grills
This is one of the most highly-rated Amazon grill covers and it also offers yet another more unique shape to fit some of those more unique grill shapes. This particular cover is designed for a particular Weber charcoal grill, there are a few grill/smoker combos that would benefit from one of these asymmetrical covers as well, such as the ones with the offset firebox or offset smoker.
Kingkong made this cover well, out of durable 600D polyester and polyethylene for waterproofing, sun resistance, and overall good rip protection. This level of thickness of the material also does a great job keeping dust out, so your grill is much cleaner when you’re ready to get cooking.
The velcro straps are specific to the Weber performance grills, to hold the cover in place. This may not align well for all other models that this cover could fit, so keep that in mind if you get a lot of heavy winds where your grill is kept. They do make some other sizes, so consider the dimensions of your specific grill before purchasing.
Where this cover makes its mark is offering the same features as the Weber-branded grill cover for this series but at roughly half the price. Why spend more on a name when you can get one of the best grill covers on the market for so much less?
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Waterproof, sunproof, dustproof
Perfectly designed to fit a very unique grill shape
Asymmetrical design may fit other unique grills[/i2pros][i2cons]Velcro straps are specific to the Weber grill it’s designed for, may be useless on some other grill models
Does not cover the wheels[/i2cons][/i2pc]
5. Homitt Gas Grill Cover for 3-4 Burner Grills, Heavy-Duty Waterproof Cover
Here is another of the best grill covers for the money, with a seriously affordable price but solidly durable construction.
Like a couple of earlier options on this list, this cover is made from 600D Oxford cloth and polyester for waterproofing, sun proofing, etc.
With handles at each end and wide Velcro adjustable straps to help with wind-resistance, this grill cover has literally got you covered. It’s also available in multiple sizes to custom fit snugly to your grill to be one of the best grill covers for windy conditions.
Since most covers that you can buy tell you not to cover the grill when hot, many people find it annoying to wait so long to recover the grill. If you’re the type to only cover your grill over the winter, for example, instead of all year round because of this, you’re not alone. Homitt included a nice storage bag for your cover, so you can easily tuck it away and keep it clean until you want to use it again.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Waterproof, sunproof, dustproof
Storage bag included
Multiple size options
Fabric is more flexible/durable in cold conditions than some other brands[/i2pros][i2cons]Only a 12-month warranty
Does not last as long as desired[/i2cons][/i2pc]
6. Grillman Premium Heavy-Duty Gas Grill Cover
This cover is comparable to most others on this list and made of the same PVC-lined Oxford cloth to make it durable yet waterproof. As you’ve surely figured out by now, this isn’t just for function but for looks. No more cracked grill covers after just a couple of days in the sunshine!
As another third-party grill cover that is designed to fit multiple brands, you’ll find the usual extra features of handles and adjustable velcro straps to customize the fit and protect the cover from the wind ripping it off the grill.
This is also another model available in multiple sizes to fit just about any gas grill you can buy.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Durable and waterproof, sunproof, etc.
Multiple sizes available for almost any gas grill
Lifetime replacement guarantee warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]May fade sooner than expected[/i2cons][/i2pc]
7. Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Barbecue Gas Grill Cover
If you’re looking for the best heavy duty grill cover this is definitely a top-notch contender.
With side mesh air vents and the handles at an ideal height, you’ll be able to use or protect your grill with ease.
We love that the adjustable velcro straps are very low on this grill, instead of right under the side shelves like on most models. This makes the cover fit snug right down to the wheels, instead of leaving a long “skirt” of material to catch the wind and wrench on your grill’s side shelves.
This cover also features the same heavy-duty polyester/vinyl-backed fabric as most other covers on this list, making it another of the best durable grill covers.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Waterproof, sunproof, fadeproof, etc
Air vents allow wind force to dissipate more readily
Adjustable fit for multiple grill models
Multiple cover sizes available for a custom fit[/i2pros][i2cons]Not as wind-durable as desired in extremely windy climates[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Vailge Waterproof Heavy-Duty Gas Grill Cover
What we love the most about this cover is that it looks like a canvas grill cover but acts like any other heavy-duty grill cover, with the 600D polyester Oxford fabric at its core.
This truly heavy-duty canvas grill cover has a few features that really set it apart despite the very low price point. You’ll find the usual handles and side vents on this grill, plus straps for adjustment.
Where this grill cover stands out, however, is the buckle closure of the belts, meaning you don’t need to re-adjust the strap length every time to undo the side straps (like you would with velcro). It also has drawstring adjustments along the bottom edge of the cover for a truly snug fit!
In addition, it features a storage pocket right on the front of the grill, which is a great option for keeping cleaning tools and other grill accessories on hand and super clean.
This is another cover that is part of a complete set of matching patio furniture covers.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Waterproof, sunproof, weatherproof
Two points of adjustment for a snug fit
Storage pocket on front
Part of matching patio furniture covers set[/i2pros][i2cons]Light colored cover may show some dirt marks, unlike a black cover[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. Amazon Basics Gas Grill Cover, Small
If you’re in the market for a does-the-job, no-nonsense, quick to use grill cover, then this may be your best bet.
You’ll find air vents as with most covers, to minimize wind billowing. In addition, it’s built of medium-duty 300D polyester, making it still waterproof and sunproof, but slightly less durable than it’s 600D competitors.
This is the only truly “drop and go” cover on this list, with an elastic edge along the bottom — this means you simply get the cover over the grill and down and you’re done. No straps to fuss over and adjust every time, making it more likely for some of us to actually use the grill covers we bought. #win
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Quicker to use than most adjustable strap covers
Medium duty will suit many conditions for an affordable price[/i2pros][i2cons]Not as durable as other options
1-year warranty is less than others on this list[/i2cons][/i2pc]
10. Cuisinart CGC-19 VersaStand Grill Tote Cover
Let’s not forget the grill covering needs of our travelers and our campers!
Just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean you don’t need a grill cover. If you’re camping for an extended time and want to leave your portable grill out but at least somewhat protected, you’ll definitely want to consider a cover for that grill.
This option is designed for a specific model of portable tabletop grills, but that’s on reason not to use it for similar-sized and shaped portable grills.
Made of 600D polyester, you can expect the same water resistance and durability as the full-size options on this list.
What sets this cover apart as very cool and unique is that you can also use it as part of the portability of your grill.
To carry your little portable grill, use this cover as a tote bag. To protect your grill when set up but not in use, put the bag upside down to use as a cover. Simple and done!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Unique multi-functional design
Increases the ease of portability of your grill
Durable 600D fabric is waterproof, sunproof, etc.[/i2pros][i2cons]Small size and shape may restrict which portable grills are compatible[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Why Should You Buy The Best Grill Cover, vs Just Any Cover?
This shouldn’t even be a real question.
You want to buy the best cover because you’ll otherwise likely be replacing your cover every year or so.
The point of the cover is to protect your grill investment. If you buy a poor quality cover that just keeps ripping more and more as the year goes on, you’re exposing your grill to the elements and just asking for the materials to start discoloring, deteriorating, etc. as time wears on.
In addition, covers that are not well made to also be waterproof, sunproof, etc, will allow those elements to not just get to your grill but in the case of water especially, to sit and stay in contact with the grill longer than if you left it uncovered.
Make the smart choice and buy a grill cover that isn’t going to anti-protect your grill and in face speed up the wearing out process.
Buying Guide For The Best Grill Cover
Material Type / Durability
You’ll be making the best choice on the material if you choose that which is the most weather-durable. In grill covers, that’s usually going to be a flexible, pliable polyester, like the 600D covers in this list.
Do your research, however, to make sure that other buyers are not seeing premature cracking, flaking, and wear on their covers. Any covers that experience this sort of damage in a short time are poorly made compared to their competitors.
You should also look for durable stitching, as opposed to glued or pressed seams. This will help ensure a longer-lasting seam, which helps the grill cover retain its shape and durability for longer.
Size
Be sure to measure your grill prior to purchasing a grill cover. Each manufacturer may have its own slightly different way of considering dimensions, so be sure to check against each option that you’re considering to see what grill size it will fit.
In general, it is recommended to buy a grill cover that is slightly larger than your grill size, if needed, than slightly smaller. This will ensure corners of side shelves, for example, won’t be misaligned and cause stress points which can easily and quickly become tears.
A larger grill cover does also provide a bigger “balloon” should the wind get up under it, so make sure that the cover has adequate adjustment straps to ensure a snug fit if your grill is an in-between size and you need to go with a slightly too large cover.
Extra Features
Extra features are usually just that — extra.
But they exist for a reason, and that reason is to help your grill cover last as long as possible, and in turn, help your grill to last as long as possible.
Air vents on the best grill covers will both help reduce the condensation build-up from moisture in the air as well as from a slightly warm grill when covered, but when well-designed they also provide an exit point for any wind gusts that get up and under the grill cover. A balloon with a hole in the top can’t really blow away very well, after all.
Handles are a bonus, but handy to have for a smooth removal experience. They also minimize the chances of you unintentionally grabbing the fabric against a stress point on the grill body.
Overall, from handles to storage pockets, to the fit adjustment straps, you’ll need to decide what you need most when it comes to a grill cover — a complete, functional item or a glorified, shaped bag to put over the grill when not in use.
Tips To Make Your Grill Cover Last Longer
1. Avoid Sharp Edges
This should go without saying but sharp edges can cause tears in your grill cover.
If you have very sharp edges on your side shelves, as is a common problem point on many stainless gas grill models, be very careful and particular about the fit for the grill cover you choose, to make sure the corners of those shelves align properly against reinforced seams and not just in the middle of a panel of the cover.
If you keep grilling tools on your storage hooks, make sure that they are in a position that won’t put undue pressure on the cover, or else find an alternative storage location for them.
2. Go Easy On Cleaning
The covers on this list are quite durable, but they are not designed to be exposed to the chemicals in soaps very often, as this can start to prematurely break down the waterproofing.
Most covers, per manufacturer instructions, indicate a simple cleaning with water and a soft-bristle brush as needed, without much need for any sort of detergent.
If you find that detergent is warranted, on occasion, choose a gentle soap and avoid harsh chemicals.
3. Avoid Temperature Extremes
Grill covers are designed to keep your grill protected from the elements but nature is nature — sometimes the elements get a little out of control.
Do your best to keep your covered grill out of direct sunlight during a high heat wave, to help minimize possible breakdown to the material in those sort of extreme heats.
In cold, wintery climates, bring your covered grill into a garage or shed for storage, to help keep direct icy temperatures off of the grill and cover.
Extreme temperatures in either direction contribute to an increased likelihood of cracks and breaking down, due to microscopic damage to the material itself.
4. Keep It Dry When Not In Use
Sure, maybe the cover you chose says it’s waterproof.
That’s an indication, however, of the fact that it will keep your grill from getting wet (and rusting your shiny stainless steel baby, for example), but it doesn’t mean that the cover itself is meant to withstand constant moisture when it’s in a folded (or, let’s be honest, wadded up) pile on your deck while you’re cooking away.
If when uncovering your grill for use you notice the cover is wet, let it lay as flat/spread out as possible to allow it to dry before the next use.
If you use the grill only over winter, perhaps, make sure any snow and ice are fully removed and dry before folding it up for storage. Mold and mildew won’t do you any favors for keeping your grill cover fabric in top condition for the long term.
Best Grill Covers Frequently Asked Questions
Why Should I Cover My Grill?
The simplest answer is that grills are built to be covered. There are almost no materials out there that are indefinitely weatherproof, which means the average stainless steel gas grill is going to experience rust development in a very short time if left uncovered and rained on regularly.
If you want to leave it uncovered in the summer and only cover it in the wet or cold seasons, then by all means feel free. Just be aware that every time your grill is exposed to rain or direct sunlight is that much faster that you are likely to see discoloration, damage, holes, etc.
Do I Need To Cover My Grill In Winter?
We can’t make you, so no you don’t NEED to. But you’d be smart to.
Even stored in a garage, the icy cold temperatures can get to your grill. Keeping the temperatures from directly touching as much of the surface of your grill as possible will do a nice job of keeping the material lasting longer, and deteriorating due to weather damage more slowly.
If you store your grill outdoors all year round, then yes, you absolutely need to cover your grill. A winter-long pile of snow sitting on top of a stainless grill and blowing in vents to stick to burners and cooking grates is just asking for rust damage and parts that need replacing in even just one season, over an especially wet and hard winter.
How Long Can I Expect My Grill Cover To Last?
This is directly related to the quality of the grill cover that you purchase.
Many covers offer only a 1-3 year warranty, so with average weather, sun, and abrasion exposure that’s about the typical lifespan of the average cover.
Where you can feel like your cover lasts longer is to buy one of the best grill covers that offer a lifetime replacement warranty. This means you can keep getting a replacement as needed, which effectively feels like your cover lasts forever.
Final Thoughts: What Is The Best Grill Cover Overall?
What is the best grill cover?
As you can see from about half of the unique options on our list, that’s a pretty subjective question that really depends on WHAT grill you’re trying to cover.
But for the average backyard gas grill, we love the Classic Accessories 73912 Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover. It has comparable durability to every other cover on this list, a very eye-catching and pleasant color scheme, and the fact that it matches a very complete set of patio furniture covers means you can have a gorgeous back patio view even when it’s under a foot of snow.
Regardless of the grill cover you choose, all of the above options are so affordable and solid in durability that anyone can afford to take a gamble without even doing much research, and not regret their decision.
