Whether it’s a way of life or just an occasional treat, grilling requires an investment. Many people spend weeks or even months deciding on the perfect grill for their home. Unfortunately, if they don’t also choose the right grill cover to protect their investment from the elements, it won’t last long.

The best grill cover will be the right size and shape for your grill. It will feature vents to help with air circulation and have some sort of tie-down feature, so the cover won't blow away in the wind. Additionally, your grill cover will be made of durable material, so it will last season after season.

To learn more about what makes a grill cover great, keep reading. If you already know what you're looking for, consider one of the highly rated grill covers that we've listed in this article.

For maximum protection, it is important to get a grill cover that is the right size for your grill. To find the perfect fit, you need to measure the maximum height, width, and depth of your grill and match all three measurements as closely as possible to the cover. It’s fine to go a couple inches larger, but do not go smaller.

Since grills come in a variety of shapes, it’s best to find a grill cover specifically designed for your grill type to get the best fit. If you have a charcoal grill or a smoker, for instance, those grills will have a much different shape than a two-burner electric grill.

• Polyester: This is a good choice, as it is lightweight and durable. A treated polyester grill cover will be more durable and better equipped to resist the elements.
• Canvas: A canvas cover can also be a good option if it is chemically treated to be weather-resistant and fortified with polyurethane to make it more durable.
• Vinyl: If you are interested in a vinyl cover for its reliable waterproof properties, be sure you purchase a heavy-duty one, otherwise you will be disappointed with its durability.

Another important aspect to consider is how to secure your grill cover. If there are no tie-downs, your grill cover won’t stay put if it’s windy. Tie-downs range from elastic, which keeps the bottom snug, to Velcro straps, which allow you to tighten the cover as much as you want. Other models may come with hooks or loops that either attach directly to the grill or slip around the legs.

Besides the essential considerations that we covered in the previous section, there are a number of other features that can be highly desirable. The following is a list of features that you may find on different grill covers.

• Air vents: The best grill covers feature air vents that promote circulation without allowing additional moisture to enter. They also help combat mildew and rust.
• Handles: Having durable handles stitched into your grill cover is a desirable feature that can make it easier to move your grill after it has been covered.
• Reinforced seams: Any kind of special stitching on the seams of a grill cover can help the cover last. Whether it is reinforced stitching or an invisible seam, look for a grill cover that has had extra care placed on the stitching.
• Coating: When purchasing a grill cover, look for one that has been treated or coated to provide additional protection for your grill. You want a cover that is fade-resistant, flame-resistant, weather-resistant, waterproof, and durable.
• Pockets: Some grill covers feature zippered pockets to provide a convenient place where you can store your grilling tools.

Inexpensive: For approximately $12 to $21, these grill covers are designed to be affordable. A no-frills cover made of inexpensive materials is the norm. However, it is possible to find a quality grill cover in this range if you do some research.

Mid-range: From $21 to roughly $40 you can find high-quality durable grill covers with many desirable features, such as handles, tie-down straps, and air vents. You should be able to find your ideal grill cover in this range.

Expensive: Over $50 is when you get into reliable name-brand products. It’s important to note that while these covers are designed to fit specific manufacturer's grills, it doesn't necessarily mean they work better than a mid-range option.

Your grill cover has an important job: it protects your grill from a wide variety of elements that can damage your investment. However, your grill cover can benefit from a little TLC as well. The following is a list of tips that can help keep your grill cover in tip-top shape.

• When your grill will be covered for a prolonged period of time, occasionally remove it to check for moisture and mildew.
• During the grilling season, wash your grill cover regularly to prevent food buildup that may attract animals. Sometimes a quick hit with a garden hose is all it takes to keep it clean.
• Always wash your grill cover by hand, not by machine.
• For a more thorough cleaning, it’s best to use a bucket with warm water and mild soap.
• Do not use abrasive chemicals when cleaning your grill cover.
• Remember to clean carefully, as aggressive scrubbing may damage your grill cover.
• If you need to remove mold, be sure to dilute the bleach before applying it to your grill cover. To dilute, add, at most, one-fourth cup of bleach to a gallon of warm water.
• Thoroughly rinse your grill cover with a hose after cleaning.
• Dry the grill cover with a soft towel after rinsing.
• Allow your grill cover to air dry by either hanging it on a line or laying it out flat.
• Be sure your grill cover is completely dry before placing it on your grill.

VicTsing’s 30-Inch Waterproof Grill Cover is affordably priced yet has a number of features, such as handles, tie-downs, and UV protection, that you can typically find on high-end covers. If you're worried about rust, UNICOOK's 55-inch Heavy-Duty Waterproof Grill Cover has two air circulation vents to help reduce moisture buildup. It also includes fastening straps, handles, and a fade-resistant coating. Lastly, Yukon Glory’s Premium Grill Cover is designed to fit Weber 200/300 Gas Grills (from 2007 to 2014). As an added incentive, the company is including a free meat thermometer and grill mat with purchase.

Q. Why do I need a grill cover?
A. You've made an investment in your outdoor grill, often a sizable investment, so you want your grill to last more than one season. Rain, snow, salt, dust, pollen, lawn chemicals, UV rays, animals, bird droppings, and humidity are all a threat to your grill. When you purchase a grill cover, you are purchasing protection from all of these potential hazards.

Q. Won't a grill cover rust my grill because it traps moisture?
A. While it’s true that trapped moisture can promote the growth of mold and make your grill rust, usually it is low-end covers or user mistakes that are the bigger problem. The best grill covers will not only keep moisture from getting in, but they will allow it to get out via a feature such as a vent, which allows air to better circulate. To prevent rust, it’s extremely important that the grill and the grill cover are both completely dry before covering and your grill is not stored in a shaded area.

Q. Do I need to purchase my grill cover from the same company that manufactured my grill?
A. No. As long as you've followed the recommendations outlined in this guide, you can find a high-quality grill cover from another manufacturer that is perfectly suited for your grill. If you skipped the first part of this article, navigate back to the "key considerations" section to learn what you need to look for.