Last updated on October 3rd, 2022
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I recently reviewed some new outdoor furniture covers, where I explained that the material needed for most garden furniture covers is actually different from the BBQ covers because there too thin and not durable enough for BBQs. That got me thinking, I needed to get my best BBQ cover guide updated because, over the last couple of years, I have tested several covers for several different BBQs.
My top 5 BBQ covers after some personal testing
- Sotor 600D Barbecue Cover – My best pick. A good combination of quality, durability and affordability.
- Grillman Premium Heavy-Duty Barbecue Cover – More expensive than most covers, but the quality speaks for itself. A very good cover.
- Bosmere Protector 6000 Kettle BBQ Cover – An affordable cover, but don’t expect it to last more than a couple of seasons.
- AmazonBasics Gas Grill Cover – Another good cover from Amazon themselves, also has air vents for better air circulation.
- Tenover Waterproof Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover – This is the only cover I recommend for BBQs that are made from 420D fabric.
At the moment, I’ve actually been testing a new gas bbq by Charboil with Tru infrared technology, which you can see in the picture above. This model claimed to cook evenly across the whole grill surface, it really is a game changer for gas cooking on a BBQ, but this is not what this review is about. Back to the best BBQ covers and my buyer’s guide.
There are a couple of things I take into consideration when buying a BBQ cover. Firstly, you need to get the right size, too big and it will move too much on the BBQ and likely rip in strong winds. I have actually found that this is more of a problem with the thinner 420D oxford fabric. Too small, and it obviously won’t fit, but if it does fit then it will be a tight fit, it might be too tight and will likely rip when putting it on. The problem with most BBQs is they have sharp corners, especially if they have side shelves.
You can sometimes buy covers, specifically for certain BBQs, at least for some of the major brands. I would get a tape measure out and actually measure your barbeque. It should be slightly larger than the width and depth, but slightly smaller in height because, ideally, it shouldn’t drag on the floor.
If it does, it will cut off air circulation, which causes mould to grow. This can be avoided with good air circulation. Some covers also have air pockets that let air in but will keep the rain out.
Also, the wheels on the BBQ will rip the fabric if you run over the bottom of the cover. Trust me, I’ve done this recently, as you can see in the picture above. Not a massive issue as it is so low down, but it will certainly start to rip and deteriorate there first.
Next, what fabric is the cover made from? Now there is a massive choice of BBQ covers to choose from, ranging from £10 to over £50, and they are made from a range of materials. I have personally found that the best material is probably 600D oxford fabric, with 420D oxford fabric being a good alternative. However, you need to be careful because it is much easier to rip. I would recommend going for a good quality 600D oxford fabric which you can see below, when compared to the thinner 420D fabric, looks a lot more durable.
I have found that you get what you pay for. However, I have found that the durability and waterproofness costs diminish quickly once you are over £20-£30 pounds. For example, my Sotor BBQ Cover was much cheaper than my Grillman Premium Barbecue Cover.
In fact, they could be the same cover except for the branding on the Grillman cover, they really are that similar. Both covers are what I consider to be good premium BBQ covers and I would highly recommend them both. Maybe the Grillman BBQ cover is a little better as it’s in its third year now. I know Grillmans customer service is also excellent as I had recommended it to someone personally, and they had issues with it fading after only a couple of months. Grillman quickly replaced it for free, and it’s been fine since. That being said, I’ve had no issues with my Sotor BBQ Cover, so can’t comment on their aftersales service.
So both these covers are made from high-density 600D oxford fabric with a PVC coated backing inside. Most manufacturers will claim this is much better than 420D or 210D fabric because 600D is thicker, but is this true?
Well, it’s not a straightforward answer. For BBQs, I would say definitely stick to 600D fabrics. For garden furniture, I would say no. You see, I like covers made from 420D fabric as long as it also has a PU layer because it’s thinner and lighter. This means it’s easier to put over large garden furniture sets, I personally use this Enzeno Cube Garden Furniture Covers for this. All I’m saying is don’t be tempted to pick up a cheaper cover for a large chair and think it will be ok on your BBQ as you will regret it.
A few other things to consider when buying a BBQ cover
There is a couple of often overlooked considerations to consider when buying a BBQ cover you often don’t think about. The first thing, make sure it has sealed taped seams. This is when the seams on joints are also sealed with a special tape seal. You can see what I’m referring to in the image above.
Also, look for a cover that actually comes with its own cover for when it’s not on the BBQ. I often leave my BBQ uncovered over the summer as I do use it a lot during testing.
BEST PICK
RUNNER UP
Top 5 Best BBQ Covers
1. Sotor 600D Barbecue Cover
BEST PICK
The Sotor 600D barbecue cover is made from high-density 600D Oxford fabric material. Now this cover has been tested by myself and is in its third season.
The weatherproof material features a PVC lining to prevent water from seeping in when it rains or snows. It is also dustproof and UV resistant, which helps prevent the sun from fading the fabric and causing it to become brittle and start to peel and flake.
All this really means is that it’s actually only made from a really good durable material, it is also stitched and then also tape sealed as shown in the picture above.
This cover is compatible with most of the barbecue grills on the market, whether from a brand name or not. I’ve actually been using it on a standard gas BBQ, and more recently, I got a second one for my new Char-broil 3-burner BBQ. If you have 2-4 burners (I’ve used it on a 3 and 4 burner BBQ), you can easily secure this cover around the barbecue without it looking clumsy. It’s a nice fit, just measure your BBQ first to make sure you get the right size. This is important.
Like most decent covers, it has adjustable buckle straps on the sides and a drawstring at the bottom to provide a snug fit and prevent the wind from blowing it away.
This drawstring also helps keep the bottom of the cover off the floor, which improves airflow to prevent mould but at the same time also stops it from getting caught under the wheels and ripping. I’ve done this on more than one occasion when I did not tighten the drawstring around the bottom of the cover. This is my user error rather than a design flaw.
This cover also comes with handles that also make it easier to remove the cover. Finally, it does come with a storage bag to prevent it from getting dirty, which is a nice little extra that not all BBQ covers come with.
Pros
- Features a high-density 600D Oxford fabric with a PVC backing and taped seams.
- Compatible with different barbecue grill brands.
- It is waterproof, dustproof and UV resistant.
- Possesses double-stitched seams for durability.
- Features adjustable knuckles and a drawstring to fasten the cover.
- Comes with a storage bag.
Cons
- The colour of the cover fades over time.
Our recommendation
Overall, I’ve been really pleased with the Sotor 600D barbecue cover, and it’s now in its third season, so it’s proved to be durable. I have actually just purchased a new one as it was starting to peel a little and fade, to get 3 years out of a cover is about as long as they seem to last. For the price, I think it’s a great cover and much better than many alternatives that only last a season or less. I would highly recommend this cover.
2. Grillman Premium Heavy-Duty Barbecue Cover
Runner-up
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Grillman Premium Barbecue Cover is designed to be wide and fit around most BBQs, especially the top branded models. It doesn’t matter if you own a top-of-the-range gas Weber BBQ, Charcoal Brinkmann, or a state-of-the-art Char-Broil barbecue, this 58-inch cover will provide protection from the elements and everything the UK weather can throw at it.
It’s worth noting that you can get it in many different sizes, so get your tape measure out and make sure you order the right size. It should fit nicely without being too loose or too big. There should be a little room, so the sharp edges of a bbq don’t tear the fabric. This is probably the main cause of people complaining about them not lasting.
The high-quality cover is made from 600D Oxford fabric that has been lined with a PVC lining, and the premium stitching is also taped. This allows the cover to remain waterproof and waterproof. You can comfortably cover your barbecue and expect it to remain in good condition and last for at least 3-4 years if it’s looked after correctly and you buy the right size. On top of that, the material is strong enough to resist tearing easily, which is where most covers fail. It also offers resistance from UV rays, again, somewhere that most cheaper covers fail.
The cover is secured to the barbecue using hook and loop straps to prevent the wind from blowing it away, which is a nice feature. It additionally has a handle sewn in too, making moving the barbecue to storage easier. As mentioned, there are smaller covers also available, as well as larger covers, all the way up to 72 inches which is just over 6ft wide.
Pros
- Heavy duty cover made from durable 600D oxford material lined with PVC.
- Compatible with most barbecue brands.
- It is waterproof, UV resistant and water-resistant.
- Comes with hooks and straps to secure it from the wind.
- Available in many sizes from 30 inches to 72 inches.
Cons
- It’s a little expensive, but the quality more than makes up for the extra cost.
Our recommendation
The Grillman Premium Barbecue Cover is an awesome cover that will last if you buy the right size and secure it to your BBQ properly. I can’t stress this enough, you need to always measure your BBQ and get the right size. Overall, this is a great BBQ cover that will easily last a few seasons. If it were not for the price, this would be my best pick, but if you want a premium cover, this is well worth considering.
Read next: Best BBQ Gazebos
3. Bosmere Protector 6000 Kettle BBQ Cover
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
Bosmere has a reputation for making good quality covers for both BBQs and garden furniture. The Bosmere Protector 6000 Kettle BBQ Cover is available in three colours and is a really good yet affordable cover.
This specific model is a kettle barbecue cover, but you can also get it for other styles and sizes of BBQs too. Like my previous two picks, it’s made from 600D oxford fabric that’s backed with PVC to prevent any water from seeping in. It also has another water-repellent layer on the surface of the oxford fabric. It also has double stitching for durability like the Sotor bbq covers, and the top seams are waterproof to prevent water from seeping in when it rains.
This cover will accommodate most of the kettle barbecue brands available on the market, especially Weber. It measures 68cm H x 71cm and it also features bungee cords to secure it around the barbecue, which is a nice touch. You do not have to worry about the cover fading in the sun as it is UV resistant, although it will almost definitely fade after a season or two. I’ve never had a bbq cover that didn’t.
This model comes with a 6 year guarantee, I’ve never seen another cover with a warranty as long as that. This speaks for itself, although I’d be surprised if you did get 6 years out of it unless you kept it in a garage or shed over winter.
Pros
- Made from durable PVC backed polyester material.
- Features a water-repellent coating to prevent the water from seeping in.
- Comes with bungee cords to secure the cover around the barbecue.
- Available in different colours.
- It is UV resistant thus it won’t fade fast.
- Comes with a 6 year guarantee.
Our recommendation
The Bosmere Protector 6000 Kettle BBQ Cover is designed for those who own a kettle barbecue such as the Weber 67cm. That being said, it is available in other sizes for standard BBQs. This 600D oxford fabric cover is of decent quality that will keep your barbecue protected from the elements for a long time.
I think for most people with kettle style BBQs, this is probably one of the best covers currently available. It would be interesting to see if anyone has actually used this cover for 6 years, I think you’re doing well if it last 4 years. Overall, well worth considering.
4. AmazonBasics Gas Grill Cover
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The AmazonBasics Grill Cover (which is obviously) designed by Amazon as an affordable option is designed for everyday use, this size I reviewed is suitable for those with barbecues up to 111.7cm W x 55.8cm D. However, they also do several larger sizes, going up to 187.9cm by 66cm for those with larger BBQs.
This barbecue cover is made from strong polyester material, but I’m unsure of the specific specifications of it. It does have water-resistant backing to keep water from getting to the barbecue, but a feature I do like is that it has air vents. The only issue you might get is during a storm, the water blowing up and through the vent. The weather-protected cover also has UV resistance too.
To prevent the cover from blowing away in the wind, the cover features an elasticated skirt at the bottom, which is a good design.
Pros
- Made from quality woven polyester.
- It is UV-resistant, and it has a water-resistant backing.
- Comes with bungee cords to secure the cover.
- Features air vents to prevent billowing and condensation.
Cons
- Water might seep through if left out in heavy rain.
Our recommendation
The AmazonBasics Grill Cover is a good cover for its price and has been well thought out. It is easy to fit around your barbecue, especially if you select the right size, and it’s worth noting they sell around 6 different sizes, so you should be able to find the right size for your own BBQ for a snug fit.
Overall, I think it’s an excellent bbq cover, and if you need to replace it every couple of years, it’s not the end of the world as it is so affordable. Personally, I would pay more for a longer-lasting cover. However, I know some people have a smaller budget, and this is a great cover for those individuals.
5. Tenover Waterproof Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover
Buy on Amazon.co.uk
The Tenover Waterproof Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover measures 145cm x 61cm x 117cm and is compatible with popular brand names like Weber, Cosmos Grill, Char-Broil and George Foreman, among others, pretty much any BBQ.
To keep up with the demands of the outdoors, the cover is made from a high-density fabric. This is actually made from 420D nylon oxford fabric and it’s very waterproof and also has a PVC lining inside. You can keep your barbecue protected from dust and moisture, therefore, maintaining its condition. This material is lighter and not as durable as 600D fabric, so you need to make sure you get the right size to prevent it from tearing. On the plus side, the fabric is very lightweight, which makes it easy to pull over the BBQ.
This cover wraps around the barbecue, and it is secured by loop and hook straps. There is an additional drawstring feature at the bottom that secures the cover around the base of the barbecue, making it windproof.
When dirt accumulates, you don’t need much force to clean the cover. By simply using a hose you can clear off the dirt and dry the cover in preparation for storage in the bag provided. The storage bag comes with a zip to secure the storage bag.
Pros
- Compatible with different barbecue grill brand names.
- Made from durable 420D nylon oxford fabric with a PVC lining.
- It is waterproof and UV resistant.
- Comes with a storage bag.
- Features drawstring, hook and loop fasteners to secure the cover around the barbecue.
- Sold at an affordable price.
Cons
- Fabric is a little thinner than you might think and could tear.
Our recommendation
For BBQs, I tend to avoid covers made from 420D fabric because they just aren’t that thick, however, the waterproof properties are really good, and if you buy the right size, you shouldn’t have issues with tearing. Get that right, and you have gotten yourself an excellent cover.
On the plus side, it’s light and much more affordable than the other alternatives, just don’t expect it to last more than a season or two.
Buyer’s Guide
In this section, we explore some of the considerations to make before selecting the best grill cover. Even if you own a kettle grill, you still need to make an informed decision regarding the best kettle grill bbq cover out of the many available on the market. The good thing is that they are fairly simple products, and choosing a great cover is easy enough if you take a few considerations into account.
Material
This is a very important factor to consider because you do not want to waste money on low-quality covers. The type of material used should be capable of withstanding the sun’s UV rays as well as heavy rain, snow, ice and storms. In many cases, materials like nylon, polyester, and oxford fabrics are all used to make BBQ covers. These fabrics can manage wear and tear, especially if they are of a high density. Personally, I recommend looking for covers made from 600D oxford fabric as it’s thick, durable and waterproof.
If you just want a cover for your barbecue that sits in a shaded place, then you have more leeway as to the density of the material. Barbecues that are predominantly outside most of the year require something more hardwearing.
Compatibility
There are very many different types of barbecue grills on the market from different brands. Whichever cover you select should be able to suit the barbecue grill model that you have. Whether you have a barbecue with two burners or four, you should be able to find a cover that fits without being too snug.
Compare the measurements of the barbecue and the possible cover to see if it will fit. Measure your BBQs width, depth and height to make sure it will fit, it should be slightly larger. If the cover is too large, it will blow in the wind and tear.
Fastenings
Because these covers are not weighted down, it is easy for the wind to blow them away especially if it blows up from underneath. The best bbq cover will feature two or more methods of fastenings. This is to ensure that the cover is secured on the sides and at the bottom, usually with a drawstring. Most covers feature the hook and loop strap to secure the sides or adjustable knuckles. The bottom of the cover is secured by a drawstring so that it does not billow in the wind.
Protection from the weather
By purchasing a cover, you are making an active decision to protect your barbecue from the elements. It would be a shame if the cover you selected failed to do so. To prevent this, you have to select a cover that has been weatherproofed. This includes water-resistance/waterproof features, UV resistance, dust resistance, and windproof features.
If you are leaving your barbecue outdoors then water resistance and UV resistance are very important. Poor quality covers tend to disintegrate quickly in the sun. Check the customer reviews for a potential cover to see if it is durable in the long run. If previous customers have no complaints about the product years down the line then that is the best grill cover.
Ease of use
First things first, any cover you buy should be easy to slip on the barbecue. If it is frustrating to put on or remove it, then it is not worth the frustration.
Secondly, the cover should be easy to clean. Fabrics that stain easily look unappealing and will be a struggle to keep clean. If you can hose the dirt off, that would be perfect.
Finally, select a model that offers a storage bag because it makes it simple to store the cover when it is not in use. You don’t have to fumble around the garage looking for your cover because you will know exactly where it is.
Warranty
Our best kettle grill bbq cover offers a warranty of 6 years. This indicates that the cover would at least serve you for 6 years before maybe starting to be affected by the sun’s UV rays and weather in general.
Selecting a cover with a warranty assures you that your money did not go to waste. Not all covers come with a long warranty, so be sure to check out customer reviews to have insight into the longevity of the cover.
Final Conclusion
I hope with my review. I have proven how easy it is to get your hands on the best bbq cover. All it takes is understanding the features that you require from a grill cover and a good understanding of the different materials you can choose from. Remember, 600D fabric is probably the best, some are made from 420D fabric and to me, this is just not durable enough for a BBQ’s sharp edges, unless you have a round BBQ (kettle BBQ), then 420D would probably be okay too.
Last update on 2024-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
