Whether you're in the midst of grilling season or the dead of winter, you need to protect your grill from the elements, much like you would your patio furniture. Grill covers come in all shapes and sizes to fit different kinds of grills, including charcoal, gas, flat top and pellet grills. If you're not sure where to start, we broke down all of the best grill covers for each grill type, so you can get the most out of your BBQ during backyard cookouts.
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Amazon Basics Gas Grill Barbecue Cover Read More -
VIBOOS Grill Cover Read More
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Grillman Premium Grill Cover Read More
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Blackstone 8061612 Culinary Griddle Cover Read More
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Covers & All Custom Griddle Cover Read More
How We Tested
A grill cover's main function is durability. As a product made to protect the grill you've invested in, you'll want a cover that is resistant to all kinds of weather, be it rain, snow or heavy sunlight. It's a waiting game to see how effectively a grill cover protects a grill, so our testers put their grill covers on and monitored progress, keeping an eye out for snags or holes in the fabric, leakage, discoloration from the sun and more. The second factor we look for is fit. Some grill covers are made specifically for a certain type of grill and others accommodate different sizes and shapes. A good grill cover will be easy to take on or off and won't budge once it's secure.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Gas Grill Covers
Best Overall Gas Grill Cover
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 65 x 26 x 50 inches
This Amazon Basics grill cover comes in three sizes, ranging from 52 to 65 inches, and it has almost 12,500 reviews on Amazon with an overall rating of 4.6 stars. It's made with polyester and has a laminated PVC coating to protect against rain. And the drawstring and buckled straps at the bottom of the cover give it that extra security, if your grill is in between sizes.
Most reviewers found that the cover lasted them a few years, depending on your climate and how often you're taking it on and off. But several reviewers noted that the product has a one-year warranty for those cases when the cover doesn't work out. Overall, if you're only looking to spend $30, this grill cover is a great investment for protecting your gas grill.
Best Affordable Gas Grill Cover
- Material(s): Weather-resistant Oxford cloth
- Dimensions: 58 × 24 × 46 inches
If you spent all your cash on the grill itself, then this is the budget option for you. Although the MSRP on this grill cover is $30 (which is relatively affordable itself), it frequently goes on sale and can be as low as $10, according to CamelCamelCamel. It has an overall 4.4-star rating on Amazon with over 28,000 reviews, many of which note the cover's durability, security and affordability. And if that's not enough to persuade you, it comes in a whopping eight size options, from as small as 32 inches to as large as 72 inches.
That said, several reviewers noted that the material is noticeably thin. It flaps in the wind and can have a tendency to look wrinkly. But if you're looking to spend the bare minimum on a product that's still effective, then this grill cover is the way to go.
Best Upgrade Gas Grill Cover
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 3 inches
This grill cover from Grillman ticks all the boxes and for only $20 more than our top pick for gas grills. It's secure, easy to clean and won't give you trouble when putting it on your grill. Plus, its 4.4-star rating is backed by over 55,000 reviews on Amazon. While you're generally not buying a grill cover for aesthetics, this one offers three color options — black, gray and tan — which offers a degree of customizability.
Several reviews noted concerns about the cover's durability, particularly in the handles on the top of the cover. Luckily, reviewers also mentioned that they experienced excellent customer service when they did encounter problems. This grill cover would work for someone who's willing to spend a little more for longevity but still doesn't want to go the custom grill cover route.
Flat Top Grill Covers
Best Flat Top Grill Cover for Blackstone Griddles
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 11.3 x 11.5 inches
This cover is designed to fit Blackstone's Culinary Collection 30-Inch Griddle, so putting it on and taking it off is very seamless, according to our tester. "It fits over the top and the sides secure with buckled straps to keep it stable in windy conditions," he said. "A benefit is the zippered front panel that can be lifted up to access the propane storage or storage drawers without fully removing the cover."
Our tester said that he has noticed some slight fading after years of use, but isn't bothered by it. This cover is definitely a great option for someone who already owns this griddle. And if you're in the market, the cover is included with some of the Blackstone Culinary Collection Griddles.
Best Versatile Flat Top Grill Cover
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: Custom
Surprisingly, this custom grill cover from Covers & All might be the best bang for your buck, if you own a griddle. You can choose from three configurations, three fabrics and several colors. Plus, you give the brand exact measurements for a custom fit. You even get to choose the types of grommets and tie-downs you want, like drawstrings, zippers, elastics and more. Prices vary depending on your order, but they're not outrageous for a completely custom cover.
Of course, there is a catch. Some reviewers reported that their grill cover arrived too big. (Be sure to check the instructions for measuring.) Others noted that their order was significantly delayed. All in all, this isn't an option for someone in a hurry, but it is a way to ensure you get exactly what you want for a reasonable price.
Best Flat Top Grill Cover for Traeger Griddles
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 47 x 27 x 42 inches
Once again, this grill cover was made with a specific grill in mind, the Traeger Flatrock. Our tester noted that it gets the job done, but it might not be the most heavy-duty option available. "I think the price is a bit steep for the quality, but so far none of the zippers have malfunctioned, the material hasn't faded and it had protected my griddle from the unforgiving sun and lots of winter rain," she said. It's easy to take on and off, and when not in use, it's easy to fold up and store.
However, the grill cover does have one noticeable weakness. "Water and moisture bead right off it, but it doesn't do much to keep pests away — the bottom is entirely open, like most covers, which allows rodents to make their move with ease," she said. It's a good grill cover for someone who is looking to splurge, but there are definitely cheaper options for those on a budget.
Charcoal Grill Covers
Best Charcoal Grill Cover for Kamado Joe Grills
- Material(s): Plastic
- Dimensions: 33.5 x 33.5 x 48.5 inches
If you're looking for a grill cover backed by a brand name or you own a Kamado Joe, this one offers excellent protection. The overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon, totaling an impressive 4.8-star rating, speak to the thick, well-fitted and durable construction of the cover. Unfortunately, the grill cover only comes in two sizes — 18 and 24 inches — and has a distinctly round shape that won't fit all grills. But for those with a Kamado Joe, Big Green Egg or similarly-shaped 18-inch charcoal grill, this sturdy cover is well worth the money.
Best Charcoal Grill Cover for Weber Grills
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 35 x 25 x 27
While you might think thick, heavy material is the best equation for an effective grill cover, Weber's is notably lightweight yet still durable. Because of this, it's easy to pull onto your grill and it has a strap for added security. The one above is made to specifically fit 22-inch grills, but Weber does offer several other grill covers in various shapes and sizes.
As you can see, the cover doesn't cover the grill's wheels, which could be an issue if you're looking for full-length protection. Another limitation is that the cover only fits Weber grills, so you'd want to search for a cover that's compatible with your model if you're not a Weber owner.
Best Versatile Charcoal Grill Cover
- Material(s): Vinyl
- Dimensions: 57.3 x 26.8 x 58 inches
Durable material is make or break when it comes to grill covers. Thanks to its water-resistant vinyl exterior and soft felt lining, this grill cover from Blaze will protect your grill from the elements and the cover itself. Reviewers can attest to the strength and weatherproofness of the material as it feels and looks like a high-quality cover. However, they also note that the fit is rather tight, putting pressure on the somewhat sharp corners. If you own a compatible grill or want to go for the built-in option, this cover will likely last you years.
Pellet Grill Covers
Best Overall Pellet Grill Cover
- Material(s): Vinyl
- Dimensions: 35 x 22 x 32 inches
Water- and fade-resistance are a must for a product that will spend most of its lifetime outside, and this one has them both. Reviewers rave that the cover fits their grill like a glove and offers sturdy, secure protection, thanks to the velcro straps. As for cleaning, all you have to do is hose the cover down and let it air dry.
No grill cover lasts forever, especially if it's spending 24/7 outside, but reviewers did note that this one had to be replaced every few years. But $27 is a relatively small price to pay for years worth of coverage for your grill, so if you have a compatible pellet grill we'd give this one a spin. Just be sure to check the list of models and dimensions carefully before buying.
Best Budget Pellet Grill Cover
- Material(s): Vinyl
- Dimensions: 53 x 27 x 49 inches
This pellet grill cover from Shinestar offers a secure drawstring and easy-to-use zipper. The exterior of the cover has a PVC coating that makes it waterproof and UV-resistant. The design is not quite universal, but it does fit a handful of brands, like Traeger and Z Grills. Some reviewers did complain that the cover has a looser fit than expected, in part because it was built to accommodate a variety of grills. But despite its more roomy design, we think this grill cover would actually be a good fit for grill owners worried about wind, thanks to its drawstring and zipper.
Best Upgrade Pellet Grill Cover
- Material(s): Polyester
- Dimensions: 51.2 x 22.5 x 48.4 inches
This pellet grill cover from Z Grills is the perfect upgrade because of its full-length waterproof coverage. Still reasonably priced at $50, the cover essentially offers a custom fit for the compatible models and reviewers say it looks pretty good too. Unfortunately, some reviews did note that the grill cover is prone to fading. But with all its other benefits, it's worth the splurge for current Z Grills owners. (Just make sure to check that you have a compatible model.)
What to Look for in a Grill Cover
Durability
The durability of a grill cover lies in its material and construction. While there's no one material that is best for protecting against the weather, you should look for words like water resistance, UV protection, etc. And check reviews for any word of fraying or tearing as a grill cover won't do much if you tear a hole in it when you first put it on.
Size
You want your grill cover to fit as securely as possible to avoid being torn off in the wind or allowing your grill to be exposed to the elements. That's why you'll want to pay close attention to dimensions (look out for covers that are at least 2 inches bigger than your grill) and keep an eye out for what clasps, zippers or straps the cover has.
Why Do I Need a Grill Cover?
Grill covers protect your grill from weather and wildlife. At worst, they'll help your grill look better and stay clean longer, and at best, they'll protect your grill from serious damage and rust — particularly if you have to store your grill outside in the winter.
How Often Should I Cover My Grill?
If you want to keep your grill working and looking like new for as long as possible, then you should be covering it as often as you can (while allowing for it to cool after you cook, of course). At the very least, major weather events are the most important time to break out the cover, especially if you don't have a place to store your grill inside.
