Can you imagine walking out onto your deck on the first warm day of spring with a platter of burger patties to discover that your beloved grill didn’t make it through the winter? A nightmare.

From birdbaths to water faucets, the winter months aren’t always friendly to outdoor accessories—your beloved Weber included. Sadly, snow, rain, and ice can cause an unused grill to rust and corrode, and in some cases, damage it beyond repair. 

If you don’t use your grill regularly throughout the winter, experts recommend purchasing a cover to protect it from dirt and harsh weather conditions that cause rust and corrosion. A small investment in a well-made cover upfront can extend the lifespan of your grill and prevent future heartbreak.

The Benefits Of Covering Your Grill In Winter

Grill covers are one of the best ways to protect a grill that cannot be moved indoors in the winter. Available at countless price points and in a number of materials, they offer protection from winter weather conditions that can cause rust and corrosion, so you can be barbecue ready come springtime.

Grill covers can also serve as deterrents to small animals that might want to hunker down and build a nest in your grill for the winter. 

Potential Drawbacks Of Covering Your Grill

Without proper ventilation, moisture can accumulate under your grill cover, doing more harm than good. If your cover does not have vents, you can prevent moisture build up by uncovering it periodically so it can dry out. 

Take your climate into consideration. While grill covers are a must in regions that experience heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and a lot of moisture, you might be able to get away without one in areas that see only an occasional freeze.  

Make sure your grill cover fits well but isn’t too tight. This will allow for some air circulation which helps prevent moisture build-up.

Types Of Grill Covers

The most common materials for grill covers are vinyl, polyester, and canvas. Choosing the best option depends on your budget and where you live. 

Vinyl covers, the most readily available choice on the market, offer standard protection for your grill. Affordable and appropriate in most climates, vinyl grill covers are waterproof and usually come with adjustable straps to keep them snug and secure in windy weather. As the experts at Cover Store point out on their website, however, you get what you pay for. The options in most big box stores are made with low-quality vinyl which doesn’t perform well in environments with heavy sun exposure. “Average vinyl covers have a short lifespan, and you’ll likely find yourself in a constant need for replacements,” the Cover Store blog notes.

For a better-quality grill cover, a “thick and durable” polyester option will stand up to many weather conditions. Unlike vinyl, polyester grill covers won’t crack or peel in extreme heat or cold. 

The most expensive option, heavy-duty canvas covers provide the most insulation from extreme weather conditions. Naturally waterproof and thicker than vinyl or polyester, canvas grill covers offer increased durability.