Intro
Ever wondered why some grills look pristine after years of use while others rust away within months? The secret often isn’t in the grill itself—it’s the humble BBQ cover. While it might seem like a minor accessory, a quality grill cover is the difference between a grill that lasts for years and one that becomes a rusty eyesore on your patio.
A BBQ cover might seem like a small investment, but it’s the unsung hero of backyard grilling. Rain, snow, UV rays, and dust can destroy your grill over time—but a good BBQ cover shields it from the elements. It’s also one area where you can save big by not splurging on expensive manufacturer-branded BBQ covers that wear out just as fast as third party options. We’ll explain why aftermarket BBQ covers are a smart buy, how to measure your grill for the perfect fit, and our top picks for 2025.
Just remember, if your grill is out in the elements, no cover will last forever and you will eventually need to replace it. Keeping your grill under shelter, away from rain and UV rays 100% of the time will extend the life of your cover significantly—sometimes to the point where the cover never needs replacing. This is the best way to avoid having to continuously pay for replacements.
Why Buy a BBQ Cover?
There is some confusion about the purpose of a cover, however the benefits range from keeping the exterior cleaner to lessening moisture from getting inside the grill itself and degrading the components – especially if you have electrical parts.
A good way to think about it is like a car sitting in the driveway. Even if you don’t drive it, after a few weeks it will look pretty dirty as particles of dust and pollution in the air are absorbed by raindrops and dew and land straight onto your car. This same effect happens with outdoor grills. Cars are designed to be out in the weather, driving through rain and hail, grills are not!
There is one exception to this rule – some grills do not need any covers. These are the type you will see at a hotel or a park. They are specifically designed to withstand the weather and are usually made from marine grade stainless steel. These grills are made for this durability ahead of cooking performance and so we do not recommend looking into them no matter how tempting. They will also quickly break the bank.
You can certainly use some judgement, however, on charcoal grills. There are plenty of decade old Weber Kettle grills that have been sitting out in the sun with no cover and they don’t seem to be too bad. Grills which have a full porcelain enamel body and no parts that are susceptible to rust can fit into this category, however there is no debate that a cover still offers protection and keeps them cleaner.
Why Expensive Manufacturer Covers Might Not Be Worth It
This is where you are paying for the branding and peace of mind that there is a minimum standard of materials being used. You are also paying here for convenience – there is no measuring or time spent on comparing options. Manufacturer covers are also made to fit your grill perfectly.
We try to bridge the gap on the convenience factor for you and then that really only leaves two considerations:
1. Do you want the branding visible while your grill is under cover? While this may sound strange to some people, many enthusiasts fall in love with a BBQ brand and might prefer to have their Weber, Traeger, or other branded grills proudly displaying matching covers.
2. Is it a specialty BBQ? Similar to the top image of the pizza oven cover, it can be difficult to find a well made and well fitting cover for less standard sizes. This is because there isn’t enough of a market for manufacturers to put time, research and money into designing high quality alternatives.
If these covers lasted 10 or 20 years, then we wouldn’t need to worry about this. In fact, the entire third-party market for BBQ covers wouldn’t need to exist. The sad reality is that no matter how premium and high-quality a grill cover is, it will eventually fail and need replacing. After a couple of years in the sun, cracks will appear and the cover will start looking worse for wear.
Most grill brands (Weber, Traeger, etc.) sell covers that can set you back well over $100, but they’re rarely more durable than third-party options. Sunlight, moisture, and temperature swings degrade even premium materials over 2–3 years and they will start feeling crunchy instead of nice and flexible. Instead of overspending, prioritize:
- Thick material (600D polyester or heavier)
- UV-resistant coating
- Vents to prevent mold
How to Measure Your Grill for a Perfect Fit
It’s important to get a good fitting cover. Because Grills are not all made the same with their trolley features (some may have side tables that do not fold down), it’s important to get all parts of the grill inside the cover and not just buy a cover because it says it fits a 4 burner.
Always allow a bit of wiggle room (make sure the cover is bigger than your measurements). Some covers will come with a tightening strap, often that you can velcro up after you have plonked it onto your grill so look out for handy features like that to ensure it is snug once one.
- Length/Width: Measure from the farthest points (e.g., side shelves, handles).
- Height: Include any chimney stacks or vents.
- Add 2–3 inches for a snug but not tight fit.
Some of the top Aftermarket BBQ Covers
1. Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover
Price: $35-$55 (depending on size)
Material: Heavy-duty 600D polyester
Average Rating: Approximately 4.5 stars based on over 5,000 reviews.
Sizes: 15+ options (fits grills up to 70″ long)
Pros: High quality, durable, good fit, attractive design, UV-resistant, air vents, elastic hem cord, padded handles.
Cons: Price might be higher, some fit issues for specific models, not fireproof.
Check price on Amazon: Classic Accessories Veranda grill cover
2. Zober Premium Waterproof BBQ Grill Cover
Price: $28-$40
Material: 420D Oxford fabric + PEVA lining
Average Rating: Approximately 4.3 stars based on over 2,000 reviews.
Sizes: 6 options (up to 60″ grills)
Pros: Good value for money, waterproof, fits various sizes, reinforced seams, mildew-proof, fade-resistant.
Cons: May not be as durable, thin straps, some quality issues.
Check price on Amazon: Zober Premium BBQ grill cover
3. Unicook Grill Cover
Price: $20-$35
Material: 600D polyester + PVC backing
Average Rating: Approximately 4.2 stars based on over 1,500 reviews.
Sizes: Multiple options (up to 55″ grills)
Pros: Budget-friendly, waterproof, UV-resistant, air vents, fade-resistant.
Cons: Less durable, fit issues for some models, no separate storage bag, may show signs of wear over time.
Check price on Amazon: Unicook 55-inch grill cover
4. Grillman Premium BBQ Grill Cover (New for 2025)
Price: $30-$45
Material: Heavy-duty 600D Oxford fabric
Average Rating: Approximately 4.6 stars based on over 3,000 reviews.
Sizes: Multiple sizes for most grill types
Pros: Durable, good fit, premium quality, weather-resistant, UV-protected, air vents, hook and loop strap
Cons: Price might be higher, slightly heavy.
Check price on Amazon: Grillman Premium BBQ grill cover
Comparison of Top BBQ Covers for 2025
| Cover | Price | Material | Largest Size | UV Protection | Vents | Warranty |
| Classic Accessories | $35-$55 | 600D Polyester | 70″ | Yes | Yes | 3 years |
| Zober Premium | $28-$40 | 420D Oxford + PEVA lining | 60″ | Yes | No | 1 year |
| Unicook | $20-$35 | 600D Polyester + Vinyl | 55″ | Yes | Yes | None |
| Grillman Premium | $30-$45 | 600D Oxford | 72″ | Yes | Yes | 2 years |
When to Replace Your BBQ Cover
Even the best covers last 2–5 years. Watch for:
- Fading or peeling fabric
- Torn seams or broken straps
- Water pooling (loss of waterproofing)
- Brittleness or cracking when touched
Conclusion
Skip the overpriced manufacturer BBQ covers—aftermarket options work just as well for a fraction of the cost. Focus on material thickness, UV protection, and accurate sizing. Our Amazon picks above offer durability without the markup, so you can protect your grill and keep cash in your pocket.
Final Takeaway: Measure your grill, pick a mid-range cover with good features, and be prepared to replace it every few years. Your grill will thank you with many more seasons of perfect barbecues!