Best Grill Covers
The best grill covers for gas grills, pellet grills, kamados and griddles, plus how to measure, choose fabric and avoid trapping moisture.
Disclosure: TheSmokerReport is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
The short answer
The best grill cover is usually the one your grill’s maker sells for your exact model, because it fits properly around shelves, hoppers and handles. Weber, Traeger, Kamado Joe, Blackstone and Masterbuilt all sell fitted covers. If no fitted cover exists, or you want to save money, a heavy-duty universal cover from Unicook or Grillman in the right size, with vents and secure straps, does the job. Always let the grill cool fully before covering it.
Our picks at a glance
| Pick | Cover | Type | Best for | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Weber gas grills | Weber Premium grill cover | Fitted | Spirit and Genesis owners | Amazon |
| Best for pellet grills | Traeger full-length cover | Fitted, covers hopper | Traeger owners | Amazon |
| Best for kamados | Kamado Joe fitted cover | Fitted | Classic Joe and Big Joe | Amazon |
| Best for griddles | Blackstone griddle cover | Fitted | Blackstone flat tops | Amazon |
| Best for gravity smokers | Masterbuilt Gravity Series cover | Fitted | Gravity 560/800/1050 owners | Amazon |
| Best universal value | Unicook heavy-duty cover | Universal, many sizes | Any grill, tight budget | Amazon |
| Best universal premium | Grillman premium cover | Universal, many sizes | Windy, wet climates | Amazon |
How we picked
We compared manufacturer specifications and owner reviews across major retailers, focusing on fit, fabric weight and coatings, UV resistance, how well covers stay put in wind, venting to limit condensation, and long-term owner reports of cracking, fading and tearing.
Do you really need a grill cover?
For most grills, yes. A cover keeps rain, pollen, leaves, bird droppings and sun off the finish, slows rust on painted steel and hardware, and protects electronics on pellet grills, gravity smokers and WiFi controllers. It also keeps spiders and insects out of burner tubes, a common cause of poor flames on gas grills.
There’s one important caveat: in humid or coastal climates a cover can trap moisture against the grill. Choose a vented cover, never cover a wet grill, and remove the cover occasionally on dry days so the grill can air out. If your grill lives under a roof, a cover still helps with dust and pollen.
1. Weber Premium cover: best for Weber gas grills
Weber makes covers sized for each of its grill families, so the fit around side tables and handles is tidy. The Premium line uses a heavier, weather-resistant fabric, and fitted shapes mean less flapping in wind. Search by your grill’s series and burner count (for example Spirit 3-burner or Genesis 3-burner) to get the right one.
Good to know: Weber has redesigned the Spirit and Genesis lines over the years; match the cover to your grill’s model year.
Check the Weber Premium grill cover on Amazon →
2. Traeger full-length cover: best for pellet grills
Pellet grills have a hopper and controller that must stay dry, since damp pellets swell and can jam the auger. Traeger’s full-length covers are shaped for each grill line (Pro, Ironwood, Timberline and others) and cover the hopper completely.
Good to know: still empty or protect the hopper if the grill will sit unused through a wet season.
Check the Traeger grill cover on Amazon →
3. Kamado Joe fitted cover: best for kamados
Kamado covers need to fit over the egg-shaped dome and around the cart and side shelves. Kamado Joe sells covers sized for the Classic, Big Joe and other models. Ceramic doesn’t rust, but a cover protects the gasket, hinge, vent and cart from weather.
Check the Kamado Joe cover on Amazon →
4. Blackstone griddle cover: best for flat tops
Griddle tops are seasoned carbon steel, which rusts quickly if left wet. Blackstone sells covers sized for its 22-, 28- and 36-inch griddles (with and without hoods); pair one with a hard griddle lid or hood for the best protection.
Good to know: apply a light coat of oil after each cook before covering to keep the seasoning healthy.
Check the Blackstone griddle cover on Amazon →
5. Masterbuilt Gravity Series cover: best for gravity smokers
Gravity-fed smokers have a tall hopper, a fan and a digital controller, so a fitted cover that drapes over the hopper matters. Masterbuilt sells covers for its Gravity Series models.
Check the Masterbuilt Gravity Series cover on Amazon →
6. Unicook heavy-duty cover: best universal value
Unicook sells universal covers in a wide range of sizes with water-resistant fabric, vents and fastening straps. They’re a good fit for off-brand grills, older grills and griddles where a fitted cover isn’t available.
Good to know: measure your grill’s width, depth and height with shelves up or down (however you store it) and pick the next size up, not down.
Check the Unicook grill cover on Amazon →
7. Grillman premium cover: best universal premium
Grillman’s covers are built from heavier fabric with straps and buckles designed to stay put in wind, making them a popular upgrade for exposed decks and rainy climates. Like other universal covers, size carefully.
Check the Grillman grill cover on Amazon →
How to measure for a universal cover
| Measure | How |
|---|---|
| Width | Side to side at the widest point, including side shelves (if left up) and handles |
| Depth | Front to back at the deepest point, including the lid handle and any rear hooks |
| Height | Ground to the top of the closed lid or chimney |
Add a couple of inches of slack to each dimension. A cover that’s slightly loose but strapped down lasts longer than one stretched tight over corners.
Buying checklist
- Fit: fitted covers from your grill’s maker are best; universal covers should match your measurements.
- Fabric: heavier polyester with a waterproof backing and UV protection lasts longer in sun.
- Vents: help moisture escape and reduce wind lift.
- Straps and drawcords: keep the cover on during storms.
- Handles: make it easy to put on and take off, which means you’ll actually use it.
- Coverage: covers that reach close to the ground protect the cart and tank area; leave a gap if moisture is a concern.
Grill cover care and safety
- Let the grill cool completely before covering. A hot grill can melt or ignite the fabric.
- Close propane tank valves before covering a gas grill. Never store spare propane tanks under the cover against the grill body.
- Brush off leaves and standing water so the fabric doesn’t sag and pool.
- Wash with mild soap and water; avoid harsh cleaners that strip waterproof coatings.
FAQ
Should you cover your grill?
Yes, in most cases. A cover protects against rain, sun, pollen and pests. Use a vented cover in humid climates and never cover a wet or hot grill.
Do grill covers cause rust?
They can if moisture gets trapped. Choose a vented cover, let the grill dry before covering it, and air it out occasionally in humid weather.
Is a fitted or universal grill cover better?
A fitted cover from your grill’s manufacturer usually fits best and stays on better in wind. A universal cover is cheaper and works well if sized correctly.
How long do grill covers last?
It depends on sun, wind and fabric quality. Many owners replace covers every few years once fabric fades, cracks or loses its waterproofing.
When should I put the grill cover on?
After every cook once the grill has fully cooled, and whenever the grill will sit unused for more than a day or two.
