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The 11 Best Grill Covers of 2024 to Protect Your Grill

Extend the life of your backyard investment with a grill cover.

Collage of Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover on a grey patterned and beige linen background

Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan

Your grill may be one of your biggest culinary investments, yet it also likely lives outdoors at the mercy of the elements. Investing in a quality grill cover helps defend your grill from wind, moisture, and debris so it's in top shape for all of your future cookouts.

The best place to start is with your grill manufacturer. Many make grill covers that are specifically designed for their models, so you'll be sure that the cover lines up properly with all the nooks and crannies.

If there isn't one, or it just doesn't work for you, then you'll need to widen your net a bit. Look for covers made of a durable fabric designed to stand up to the elements, as well as features like adjustable straps and wind vents. Your cover should be roughly 2 inches larger than your grill's dimensions to make it easy to use. We researched the best grill covers for all kinds of grills and specific requirements.

Best Overall

Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover

Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • This well-built cover comes in a slew of sizes, with velcro straps to keep it from flying off.

Keep in Mind
  • The cover is non-vented, which means you may need to uncover your grill periodically to prevent moisture buildup.

The reigning champion in this space is the Grillman Premium. Many people leave their grills outside year-round, so they've made their cover waterproof as well as UV- and wind-resistant thanks to the PVC-lined fabric.

It comes in six sizes and three colors, making it suitable for a wide range of both grills and patio designs. When inclement weather comes calling, the adjustable velcro straps will make sure the cover stays on tight.

This cover's only downside is that the covers are not vented, so if you live in a humid climate, you'll want to make sure you're uncovering your grill regularly to prevent too much moisture build up under the cover.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Available sizes: Six

Best Polyester

Classic Accessories BBQ Grill Cover

Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Details like bound seams and high-density stitching work hard to keep water and wind away from your grill.

Keep in Mind
  • The lighter color might show stains and wear-and-tear more than a dark cover.

The Classic Accessories BBQ Grill Cover is one of the best grill covers because it’s heavy-duty and designed to last for years—throughout all the elements. It’s made from strong polyester and features extra touches like bound seams and high-density stitching that won’t pull or stretch with long-term use. 

It’s treated to be water-resistant and features a protective laminated backing for added longevity and weather protection. We also like that this option features built-in air vents that help prevent damage from humidity and wind. It comes in nine sizes to suit a wide variety of grill styles.

Due to its light beige colorway, this option might end up showing dirt stains or signs of wear more quickly than a darker grill cover would. If you live in a particularly dusty or windy region, you might be better off looking for a black grill cover instead.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: No | UV Protection: No | Available sizes: Nine |

Best Budget

Simple Houseware Grill Cover

Simple Houseware BBQ Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • The size range from 32 to 72 inches means the cover should fit a huge range of grill options.

Keep in Mind
  • It doesn't handle high temperatures as well as some other styles.

You don’t have to spend a lot to get one of the best grill covers. This pick from Simple Houseware stands out for its ease of use, value for money, and impressive fabric thickness. The 600-denier polyester will protect against water, dust, and UV rays while also being rip- and wind-resistant, so it should be able to handle whatever Mother Nature can throw at it. 

With options ranging from 32 to 72 inches and helpful side fasteners, you can find the right fit, no matter your grill size. But check your dimensions carefully when ordering—different sizes have varying lengths, so make sure you're considering the cover's distance from the ground, too.

If you live in a super hot climate, you may want to keep this grill cover out of direct sunlight, otherwise, you might notice visible wear-and-tear more quickly (though it does offer some UV protection).

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: Yes| Available sizes: Seven

Best Canvas

Amazon Basics Gas Grill Cover

Amazon Basics Gas Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Enforced seams and PVC undercoating ensure that the canvas grill cover is rip-resistant, making it a great option for windy climates.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s only available in medium, large, and extra-large—no small sizes.

The best grill cover made of canvas in our books is the Amazon Basics Gas Grill Barbecue Cover. This option is totally waterproof and provides UV protection, so you don’t have to worry about keeping it outside throughout the year (even in the snow). 

It also features laminated PVC undercoating to help ensure wind and rain won’t get into your grill. There are also durable interlocking seams that help ensure the cover won’t rip or split with heavy use as well as straps that click into place to hold your grill cover straight even during heavy wind.

Although the canvas grill cover is designed to fit most sized grills, it’s only available in four sizes—medium, large, and extra-large. It probably isn’t the best choice for small grills. No matter your grill, triple-check the dimensions to ensure the cover won’t be too loose or too tight.

Product Details: Material: Canvas | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Available sizes: Four

Best for Kettle Grills

Jiesuo BBQ Grill Cover

Jiesuo 22-Inch BBQ Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • Ideally shaped for kettle grills, this option comes with velcro straps to ensure it stays in place through inclement weather.

Keep in Mind
  • The cover could be a little bit longer; it’s a tight fit on taller grills.

Kettle-style grills need a specific kind of grill cover in order to remain protected from the elements. The round shape of the Jiesuo BBQ Grill Cover is designed to roll over your kettle grill thanks to the slightly elasticized polyester material. Velcro straps at the bottom ensure your cover will stay in place throughout inclement weather.

This option has a waterproof PVC lining to further protect from the elements as well as a rip- and abrasion-resistant finish that will help ensure your cover lasts for years to come without getting banged up or suffering any aesthetic damage. 

The only downside is that this option is a bit on the short side and might not cover taller grills. As always, get your grill’s exact measurements before choosing the best grill cover for your personal needs.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: No | Available sizes: Four

Best for Kamado Grills

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Cover

Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • The two sizes—18 and 24 inches—are compatible with most major charcoal ceramic grills.

Keep in Mind
  • This option is pricy for a pick that doesn’t offer UV protection and will fade over time.

If you’ve invested in a Kamado Joe or Green Egg, you likely want to ensure you’re picking up an equally premium grill cover to protect your investment. 

The Kamado Joe Classic Joe Grill Cover is going to be the best grill cover if you want something that’ll perfectly fit your charcoal grill. It’s available in 18 inches and 24 inches (which is the standard size of most round ceramic grills) and the full-length cover ensures the entire grill will remain safe from the elements. 

It’s waterproof and made from industrial-strength fabric but this option doesn’t offer UV protection. If you keep your grill in the exposed sun, this means you might risk the grill fading over time, it shouldn’t affect the longevity of the grill itself.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: No | Available sizes: Two

Best for Barrel Grills

Turtle Life Round BBQ Grill Cover

Turtle Life Round BBQ Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • This option includes a built-in drawstring which makes it easier to fit comfortably on all barrel-style grills, even if they’re between sizes.

Keep in Mind
  • The sizing runs a bit small; if you’re unsure, it’s best to size up

The Turtle Life Round BBQ Grill Cover is designed specifically for barrel grills, and with three different sizes available, it’ll be your best bet to score something affordable that’ll fit your specific model properly. 

The polyester material ties at the bottom with a built-in drawstring to better secure it to your barrel grill, so you won’t have to worry about your cover flapping in the wind or exposing the grill to the elements. We also really like that this option is relatively budget-friendly compared to similarly made products on the market.

Keep in mind that although this option comes in three sizes, it runs a bit small. If the dimensions of your grill are on the edge, we suggest sizing up and relying on tightening the drawstring around your grill, rather than ending up with a cover that’s too tight.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV Protection: Yes | Available sizes: Three

Best for Freestanding Grills

iCOVER Waterproof BBQ Gas Grill Cover

iCOVER Waterproof BBQ Gas Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • This freestanding grill cover comes in a 30-inch size that can suit smaller grills.

Keep in Mind
  • The length is quite long and the cover might drag on the ground if your grill is on the shorter side

The best grill cover for freestanding grills in our books is the iCOVER Waterproof BBQ Gas Grill Cover. It’s budget-friendly compared to similar options and comes in seven sizes from 30 inches to 70 inches to best suit the dimensions of your grill. 

It’s weather-resistant across the board, so you won’t have to worry about wind, rain, snow, or UV rays damaging your grill or its cover, even if you tend to keep your grill outside year-round for easy access.

Although this option comes in a nice variety of sizes, it does run a bit long and could be too long for certain grill styles. That said, it has a built-in drawstring on the base that you can adjust quite well if it does drag on the ground below your grill.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV protection: Yes | Available sizes: Seven

Best for Built-In Grills

CoverMates Built-In Grill Cover

Covermates Built-In Grill Cover

Amazon

Why You Should Get It
  • This versatile option comes in a variety of colors and materials to best suit your needs and style.

Keep in Mind
  • It’s lightweight compared to other options.

It’s not easy to find the best grill cover to suit a custom built-in grill—but the Covermates Built–in Grill Cover is a solid option that doesn’t require bespoke fitting or spending a ton of cash.

The durable grill cover is available in eight different sizes and comes with a built-in drawstring which makes it relatively easy to fit most built-in grill sizes. It also comes in both vinyl and polyester.

This option is available in a variety of different colors—think charcoal, black, and tan—to best suit the aesthetic of your outdoor space. The material is waterproof and offers UV protection, but it’s a bit lightweight compared to other covers and might not be ideal for particularly windy regions.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV protection: Yes | Available sizes: Eight

Best Heavy-Duty

Unicook Grill Cover

Grill Cover

Unicook

Why You Should Get It
  • This cover is made of extra color-fast fabric so it will stay looking nice.

Keep in Mind
  • The seams of the handles aren't quite as well reinforced as the rest of it and may require more delicate handling.

The Heavy-Duty Unicook is resistant to fading, tearing, and water, so not only will it keep your grill looking nice, it will look neat and tidy, too. The polyester fabric is beefed up with vinyl backing and a water-repellent coating, and won't fade from UV rays or crack in the cold. That said, the handles aren't as well reinforced as the rest of the cover, so handle those with care.

There are also two hidden mesh air vents to let moisture out and wind flow through, without letting in rain or debris. It can accommodate grills up to 53 inches wide, and fastening straps on either side will help you find the perfect fit, though Unicook also makes a similar cover in multiple other sizes if this one doesn't match your grill's dimensions.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Waterproof: Yes | UV protection: Yes | Available sizes: One

Best Smoker

Unicook Electric Smoker Cover

GRIDDLE COVER
Courtesy of Amazon
Why You Should Get It
  • This pick can protect your vertical smoker with three covers that should fit most models.

Keep in Mind
  • Make sure you take handles into account when measuring for width, and keep in mind that this isn't designed to cover your smoker's legs all the way to the ground.

Like circular grills, vertical smokers have a distinct shape and need specific covers to keep them protected. This extremely popular smoker cover is made from fade-resistant fabric that's both water-repellent-processed and vinyl-coated for maximum moisture protection. It fits most popular models, which is why it's the best grill cover for this style.

Accessories like velcro fastening straps and reinforced fabric removal handles, which can also be used for hanging the cover while not in use, all make managing it a breeze. Keep in mind that you should measure your grill's handles when tallying width to make sure you get the right size, and note that this won't cover the smoker's legs entirely.

Product Details: Material: Polyester with vinyl lining | Waterproof: Yes | UV protection: Yes | Available sizes: Three

The Bottom Line

Our top pick is the Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover. While it doesn't have ventilation openings, its solid build, adjustable straps, and multiple size and color options make it the best option for the widest range of buyers.

What to Know About Grill Covers Before Shopping

Grill size and dimensions

Probably the most important thing to know before you venture into the world of grill cover shopping is the exact dimensions of your grill. Start with the model number if necessary, and then you can either look it up on the manufacturer's website from there or search specifically for covers designed for that model.

"The size of your grill cover should correlate with the grill that it is intended to help protect," says Drew Turnipseed, former marketing director of Grilla Grills. "Ideally the cover should fit snugly around the grill and fully encase it without leaving any exposed surface area that could potentially rust."

Grill cover material

You also want a thick, durable material to stand between your grill and the elements. Most of the best covers are made from polyester, but make sure it's water-repellent or at least water-resistant, as well as UV-resistant and tear-resistant.

Additional features

Vents are a nice addition to a grill cover because they help prevent any humidity buildup (which can result in ice in cold temperatures or water damage) and let wind blow through the cover, rather than up it, on windy days. We also like adjustable features like velcro straps or adjustable drawcords to fine-tune the cover's fit to the grill.

Your Questions, Answered

Are covers good for grills?

Absolutely. If your grill lives outdoors, as most do, a good grill cover is basically a necessity

"Grill covers are important no matter where you live," says Surinder Multani, owner of BBQ Outlets. "Even if you plan on storing your grill in your garage during the off-season, grill covers help protect the grill from dirt and dust collecting.

Additionally, depending on if you are using your grill all year round and leaving your grill outdoors, residual food scraps or smells can attract animals, and you'll want to make sure they don't have access to anything." You can also help keep animals at bay by cleaning your grill after every use.

If you're by the beach, you're facing moisture and salt in the air, notes Multani; if you're somewhere chillier, you're facing snow and the metal-warping impacts of temperature shifts. "Metal can expand and contract in your grill, which can cause pressure on specific parts of the grill, shortening the life of the grill. An insulated grill cover can help prevent that from happening," he says.

Add in the usual rain and wind that come standard with changes in weather, tree debris, dust, and even animals, and you're looking at a lot of wear and tear on your grill. A cover will help extend the life of your investment and keep it in much better shape during those years.

What size cover does my grill need?

“One size does not fit all and if you can't take off and put on the cover without difficulties, you'll likely stop using your grill,” says Josh Aslanian, owner of Fireside BBQ Appliances. “Make sure it fits your grill like a glove—snug but not too tight—so that you can keep on grilling and protect your investment at the same time.”

Ideally, your grill cover should be roughly 2 inches longer than your grill. This will make it easy to get on and off without damaging the cover, but it won't have so much extra space that it risks blowing away or allowing pests and animals inside.

How do you maintain a grill cover?

Most grill covers are extremely low maintenance. Make sure you're being careful while putting the cover on and taking it off, as this is where you're facing the most potential for accidental tears. If it starts getting dirty, just blast it with your garden hose and hang it out to air dry.

"Grill cover maintenance is a relatively simple affair and one should be prepared to replace their grill cover from time to time," says Turnipseed. "Remember the cover is there to protect your grill so it is quite normal for it to get a little dirty. I recommend simply rinsing off the cover with cold water and letting it air dry in the sun afterwards. I try to avoid using soaps and other cleaning agents as this will end up drying out the cover and causing it to crack."

Who We Are

Rena Behar has been researching and writing product reviews and assessments at a variety of publications, including Wirecutter, Travel + Leisure, Reviewed.com, and more for the past eight years. We also surveyed a number of experts in the grilling and outdoor retail space to learn more about caring for grill covers and what makes a good choice, including Drew Turnipseed, former marketing director of Grilla Grills, and Surinder Multani, owner of BBQ Outlets.

Kaitlyn McInnis is an experienced lifestyle writer and online shopping enthusiast. While she's typically an avid traveler, she's currently splitting her time between her cabin in the woods and apartment in a century-old châteauesque building in Montreal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts focused in English Literature and is currently working toward a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction at the University of King's College. She consulted Josh Aslanian, owner of Fireside BBQ Appliances, for this article.

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