If you have recently purchased a free standing barbeque, you might be wondering about the best way to protect your investment. Should you purchase a grill cover? Or is a specially designed cover a waste of money?
Will a grill cover cause more harm than good?
Some people will tell you that a grill cover will encourage rust formation, but this myth has been debunked. In reality, purchasing a well fitting grill cover can be one of the best ways to keep your grill looking new for longer. A high quality grill can last for years if it is well maintained, so protecting your grill can help you make the most of your initial investment.
Do certain types of grills require a cover?
If you have a stainless steel grill, you should take extra care to protect it from lawn chemicals, pesticides, and other types of corrosive agents. While stainless steel is not prone to rust formation, it can easily be tarnished by other chemical agents. A grill cover can be a quick and easy way to protect your grill. After all, a protective grill cover will always be much more affordable than a brand new grill.
A new BBQ grill can last for years if it is well maintained, so it is important to take care of it. A high quality grill cover can last 5 to 10 years, protecting your grill so that it is ready to go now and in the future.
Should I buy a name brand grill cover?
Many grill manufacturers also produce covers that are perfectly fitted to each of their grills. While this can be one of the easiest ways to protect your grill from the elements, there are more affordable off brand options that will protect your grill just as well. Do not feel obligated to buy your grill cover from a specific company if you find another option that fits your grill.
Should you buy a felt or flannel lined grill cover?
While it is not necessary to purchase a name brand grill cover, you should avoid choosing one that is lined with felt or flannel. These soft fabrics will not protect your grill any better than a rougher material. In fact, these felt lined grill covers can actually be noticeably worse than those made from more durable fabrics.
The soft linings will attract mice and squirrels that are looking for materials they can use to build their nests. These small creatures will tear away pieces of your grill cover, quickly rendering it useless. A cover with rips and holes is almost as bad as no cover at all. Instead, you should opt for a grill cover that is made from nylon, vinyl, polyester, or another type of water resistant fabric.
What else should you avoid when choosing a grill cover?
Some brands of grill covers incorporate vents or other openings in the top. This is great if you are storing your grill in a covered area, but if your grill is stored in an open space, you will want to make sure you choose a cover that is water tight.
While a cheap grill cover might seem like a great way to save some money, you should make sure that you do not skimp on quality too much. A high quality grill cover might be more expensive, but it can last for a decade with the proper care. Cheaper grill covers are usually made from flimsy fabric and will often need to be replaced each year.
On the other hand, some grill covers are made from extremely thick materials. While this can make them last longer, it can also make them more difficult to maneuver, making it more time consuming and physically challenging to cover and uncover your grill during the season. You will most likely want to opt for a grill cover that is thick enough to stand up to constant use but still thin enough that it is not too heavy to manipulate.
Anything else to consider?
If you are storing your grill in an uncovered area and you live in an area that is prone to strong gusts of wind, you will want to find a grill cover that can be secured with velcro straps. Your grill cover will not do you any good if it is blown away during the first strong storm of the season.
If you are looking to buy a grill, browse our website or contact one of our team members. We can set you up with the perfect grill for your backyard and then help you find a high quality cover that fits your new grill.