So why in the world would you want or need a grill cover? Let me give you 2 quick reasons:
- It will double or triple the life-span of your grill
- It can look pretty cool if you get a cool cover
Did you know that the average grill can last 7-12 years with proper care? That life span can be cut by up to 75% when it is exposed to the elements?
Whether you’ve just dropped $3,900 on a Weber Summit or you went to Lowes and got a trusty $329 Char-Broil — you want to make it last. You’ve just got home, you’ve set up your grill, first burgers were fantastic… you’ve cleaned the grill up… so… time for a cover?
Just how important is a grill cover? Which ones are best? And maybe, you don’t really need one — so why?
This isn’t a deep topic… so basically do you need one or not?
Let’s dig in.
Do I Need a Grill Cover – Factors That Influence
Here’s my take – I learned the hard way about grill covers after watching my first nice Weber slowly deteriorate over two blazing Texas summers. The Texas sun can be just as hard as a Michigan winter on a grill. What a rookie mistake that was!
You might think all grills are the same when it comes to protection, but trust me, it’s a bit more complicated than that. I’ve owned 17 different grills (they say the avg person gets a new grill every 4-5 years). After 17 grills, I’ve figured out the answer to the question – do I need a grill cover?
First up, your local weather is a huge factor. If you’re dealing with constant rains like Frazier does up in Seattle (I’m a Kelsey Grammar fan), a cover isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. But the real killer on stainless still grills… living near the coast. That salt air is brutal on metal.
Where you keep your grill matters just as much as the weather. My current setup under a covered patio means I can get away with a lighter-weight cover. But back when my grill sat exposed on an open deck, that heavy-duty cover was worth every penny.
Here’s something most people don’t consider – the grill’s construction makes a massive difference. My powder-coated grill shows wear way faster than my neighbor’s premium stainless steel model. And don’t get me started on cast iron grates… I love em, but they’ll rust in a heartbeat without proper coverage.
For seasonal grillers, you might think you can skip the cover during your off-season. Big mistake. That’s actually when your grill needs the most protection, especially if you’re storing it outdoors.
The bottom line? Match your cover strategy to your situation. An expensive pellet grill sitting exposed in Florida needs serious protection, while a Blackstone grill under a porch in Arizona? Maybe not so much.
Benefits of Using a Grill Cover
Like I said… this isn’t a difficult topic, but let me give you some ammunition when someone questions you about dropping $100 for a branded Weber Genesis cover for your BBQ grille.
Reason #1 – The biggest game-changer I’ve noticed is how a quality cover fights against rust and corrosion. When I used to live in the Midwest, I watched my neighbor’s uncovered grill develop those tell-tale orange spots within a matter of months. No one wants to eat off that grille… it just isn’t healthy or appealing.
Meanwhile, my covered Weber’s lasted for years – even through the rains and high humidity.
Pro Tip: make sure to lift the cover occasionally on dry days to let any trapped moisture evaporate.
Reason #2 – You wouldn’t believe the weird stuff you will find in grills that are left uncovered –tree sap, bird droppings, leaves – and then the stuff you really don’t want wasp nests, birds and rodent nests. Spend the money on a cover and keep the bird crap off your grill!
Reason #3 – A quality cover will keep your grill much cleaner. Period. Plus, it will save you hours of cleaning time before each cookout. Those spring cleaning sessions used to take forever without a cover.
Reason #4 – Something people often overlook is UV damage. My first Char-Broil’s control panel literally crumbled after two years of direct sunlight. The plastic just couldn’t take it. Now with a UV-resistant cover, everything stays looking fresh.
Look, I know dropping extra cash on a cover might seem unnecessary when you’re already spending big on a grill. You 100% will spend more on replacement parts, corroded burners, starting kits, etc, in the long run without one. Think of it as cheap insurance for your outdoor cooking investment – haha.
Potential Drawbacks of Grill Covers
But what if you don’t need one? Do I need a grill cover? Um… maybe not.
Here’s something they don’t tell you in the manual: if you’re grilling multiple times a week like I was during summer BBQ season, that cover can become a real pain. I’d finish cooking, wait for everything to cool down, then have to remember to put the cover back on. Sometimes I’d be so tired after a late-night grilling session that I’d just think “I’ll do it tomorrow.” Spoiler alert: tomorrow’s weather doesn’t always cooperate!
The wind situation has been a whole other adventure. Lost my first cover completely during a spring storm – found it two houses down, looking like it had been through a war. Learned real quick that cheap covers are basically expensive kites. Even with my current premium cover (which wasn’t cheap, by the way), I still have to check the straps regularly to keep it secure.
The wrong cover can make your grill mold. Nasty! Something that really bugs me is the ventilation issue. Even with my properly fitted cover, moisture can get trapped underneath if I don’t position it just right. I’ve started propping up one corner slightly on dry days to let the grill “breathe.” It’s not perfect, but it beats dealing with rust spots.
And let’s talk about cost – a quality cover (as a rule… think $50+ for a quality cover) that actually fits your grill model can set you back almost as much as a good cooking session’s worth of ribeyes. Sure beats replacing corroded parts, but it’s still an expense that catches some folks off guard.
How to Decide If You Need a Grill Cover
Time to decide — Do I need a grill cover or not?
Let me share something that changed my perspective on grill covers completely. After agonizing over whether to buy one for my first serious grill, I made a costly assumption that my partly-covered deck would provide enough protection. Spoiler: it definitely didn’t.
Making this decision really comes down to your specific situation. I live in an area where we get those surprise afternoon thunderstorms, and let me tell you – watching rain blow sideways onto my uncovered grill was the reality check I needed. Take a good look at your setup. Is your grill somewhat protected, or is it out there battling the elements like mine was?
The material of your grill matters more than I initially realized. My friend’s basic stainless steel grill has weathered our climate like a champ, while my powder-coated model started showing wear within months of exposure. Before dropping money on a cover, really inspect your grill’s construction. Those high-end marine-grade stainless steel models might not need as much babying.
Here’s something I wish I’d considered sooner: how often do you actually maintain your grill? Be honest with yourself. I used to think I’d clean and check my grill weekly. Reality? More like monthly, if that. If you’re not regularly inspecting for early signs of wear or rust, a cover becomes even more crucial.
Let’s talk numbers for a second. My mid-range cover cost about $70, which felt steep until I had to replace a rusted burner assembly that ran me $150. Sometimes you’ve got to spend money to save money, right? Though if you’re working with a budget charcoal grill, maybe that fancy cover money is better saved toward your next grill upgrade.
For perspective, you can see what a Weber-branded cover costs here.
One last thing – don’t overlook alternative protection methods. My brother-in-law in Indy has a 3-car garage. He just wheels his grill in and out of the 3rd door of his garage. No cover needed.
Best Practices for Grill Protection (With or Without a Cover)
I’ve gone through quite the journey figuring out how to keep my grills in top shape. After making pretty much every maintenance mistake possible, I’ve finally nailed down a routine that actually works – whether you’re team cover or not.
The biggest game-changer for me wasn’t even about covers – it was establishing a real cleaning routine. I used to be that person who’d only deep clean when things started looking rough. Now I’ve got a simple system: quick brush after every cook, deeper clean every month, and a serious deep dive quarterly. The difference in my grill’s longevity has been night and day.
Here’s something that took me way too long to figure out – ventilation is crucial even if you’re using a cover. Had a nasty surprise last summer when I discovered moisture building up under my “waterproof” cover during humid spells. Now I use these little grill cover vent props I found, and it’s made a huge difference. During really humid weeks, I’ll even remove the cover completely on sunny days to let everything dry out properly.
Seasonal care has become my secret weapon. Every fall, I do what I call my “winter prep” – deep cleaning, checking all the components, and applying a light coat of high-temp oil to my grates. For those dealing with serious winters like I did in the northeast, consider storing your grill in a garage or shed if possible. I learned this after watching my neighbor’s grill turn into an ice sculpture one particularly brutal January.
Speaking of professional maintenance – don’t wait until something breaks! I get my gas grill inspected every two years now, after a scary incident with a corroded gas line. The $80 inspection fee feels pretty reasonable compared to replacing the whole grill. For char-grilled enthusiasts, keep an eye on those thermometer calibrations and lid hinges – they’re usually the first things to go.
Fun fact: I actually keep a maintenance log now (yes, I’m that person). It might sound over-the-top, but it helps me track when I last replaced parts or did major cleaning. Plus, it’s pretty satisfying to see how long you can keep a well-maintained grill running smoothly!
Conclusion
The decision to use a grill cover ultimately depends on your specific circumstances, but in most cases, some form of protection is beneficial for extending your grill’s life. Consider your environment, usage patterns, and investment level to make the best choice for your situation. Remember – whether you choose to cover or not, regular maintenance is key to keeping your grill in prime cooking condition for years to come.