Grill Covers

Grill covers are the weatherproof barrier between your investment and the UV exposure, moisture, and debris that degrade unprotected outdoor cooking hardware season after season, all within the grills and outdoor kitchens catalog. Shop every size, fabric grade, and fit configuration here and keep your grill protected year-round.

The Buyer's Guide to Grill Covers

Denier Count and Water Column Rating: How to Read Fabric Specifications

Not all outdoor fabrics protect your equipment equally. Two primary technical specifications tell you exactly how a material will perform under harsh weather conditions.

Understanding Denier Count 

Denier measures the structural thickness and weight of the individual fabric threads. A higher number translates directly to a heavier, more abrasion-resistant shell. Entry-level options use thin 150 to 300 denier fabric. Premium covers utilize 600 denier or higher to successfully resist tearing under heavy wind loads.

Evaluating Water Column Ratings 

Water column metrics measure waterproof efficiency in millimeters. A fabric rated at 1,000 mm handles light seasonal rain showers safely. For high-rainfall climates or coastal properties, insist on a rating of 1,500 mm or greater to prevent moisture from seeping through to your internal grill parts.

Measuring for a Precise Fit: The Dimensions That Actually Matter

A cover that does not fit correctly leaves massive structural gaps. These openings allow moisture, UV rays, pests, and debris to reach your pristine cooking surfaces.

  • Overall Width: Measure from the outermost edge of the left side shelf to the outermost edge of the right side shelf.
  • Total Depth: Find the deepest point of the appliance by measuring from the front face of the control knobs to the furthest back curve of the lid hood.
  • Vertical Height: Measure from the very top of the closed lid down to the ground.

Choose a size that sits roughly 1 to 2 inches off the patio floor. This slight clearance ensures your fabric does not drag in standing puddles or block crucial ground-level airflow.

Model-Specific vs. Universal Covers: Which Fits Better

Universal covers are engineered to fit a massive variety of brands loosely. Because they are cut to generic dimensions, they often bag up, sag, and create large pockets that collect rainwater.

Model-specific configurations match the exact contours of your cook box and cart base perfectly. This tailored fit eliminates excess fabric bulk, giving your patio a clean look. Protecting your investment ensures that secondary grilling accessories stored inside the cart compartments stay perfectly dry and free from rust.

Ventilation and Breathability: Why Cheap Covers Cause More Damage

An airtight cover can actually damage your appliance much faster than leaving it completely exposed to the open air.

The Condensation Trap 

Ambient moisture evaporates from the ground and rises up beneath your cooking frame. If your cover lacks proper ventilation paths, that rising humidity becomes completely trapped inside. It settles directly onto your steel burners, electronics, and cooking grates.

Engineered Mesh Vents 

Premium grill covers feature lined mesh vents hidden beneath protective fabric flaps. These air pathways allow internal moisture to escape freely while blocking rain from entering. This constant air exchange keeps your internal environments dry and rust-free.

Tie-Down Systems and Wind Resistance: What Holds in a Storm

High winds can easily transform a loose outdoor shield into a makeshift sail, ripping it off your patio completely.

Drawstring Closures 

Basic drawstrings cinch the bottom hem slightly but often slip under sudden stress. They provide minimal protection during severe thunderstorms or high-velocity coastal winds.

Heavy-Duty Straps and Buckles 

Look for covers equipped with quick-release plastic buckles and thick hook-and-loop straps. Anchoring these straps directly around the wheels or cart legs locks the fabric securely to the chassis framing. This mechanical connection ensures your protective layer stays firmly in place during intense weather events.



Let’s Match the Right Cover to Your Grill

A properly specified grill cover is the lowest-cost and highest-return investment in your outdoor cooking setup, protecting thousands of dollars of hardware from the UV, moisture, and debris that cause avoidable deterioration. Whether you are measuring for a model-specific fit, selecting a fabric weight for a coastal environment, or choosing tie-down hardware for a high-wind location, our NFI certified experts are ready to help you find the right cover for your setup. Call us today for expert guidance, and enjoy free shipping on all qualifying orders over $99.

Frequently Asked Questions About Grill Covers

  • What is the best cover for the grill?

    The best grill cover is one made from a thick, weather-resistant material that offers full UV protection and waterproofing. Look for options that feature secure adjustable straps or buckles to keep the cover anchored during high winds, as well as built-in air vents to prevent internal condensation. Ultimately, the best choice is a heavy-duty option that is tailored closely to your grill's specific dimensions for tight, uniform coverage.

  • Is it better to cover a grill or leave it uncovered?

    It is much better to keep your grill covered when it is not in use to shield it from rain, snow, sunlight, and debris. Providing this barrier prevents rust, keeps pests out, and significantly extends the operational lifespan of your cooker. Just ensure the grill has cooled down completely and is completely dry before slipping the cover on, as trapping existing moisture underneath can actually accelerate corrosion.

  • What are the different types of grill covers?

    Grill covers are primarily categorized by the specific style of cooker they are built to fit, such as standard cart-style gas grill covers, round kettle covers, built-in island covers, and tall smoker or kamado covers. They can also be distinguished by their material weight, ranging from lightweight polyester sheets for basic dust protection to thick, multi-layered, all-weather guards. Selecting the right type depends heavily on the shape of your grill and how harsh your local climate is.

  • What are the two types of grills?

    The two most common and traditional types of outdoor cookers are gas grills and charcoal grills. Gas models provide maximum convenience, turning on instantly and offering precise temperature control via liquid propane or natural gas lines. Charcoal models are favored by traditional barbecue enthusiasts for their ability to reach incredibly high searing temperatures and infuse food with an authentic, smoky flavor.

  • What kind of fabric is used for grill covers?

    Most premium grill covers are constructed from high-density, weather-resistant polyester, which is highly valued for its durability and resistance to tearing. This fabric is typically treated or layered with a waterproof vinyl or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) lining to repel heavy rain and snow. Other heavy-duty options include commercial-grade vinyl and specialized canvas blends designed to withstand prolonged sun exposure without cracking or fading.