The Best Grill Covers of 2026: Compared by Material, Wind, and Warranty
Carly Vicknair - Senior Marketing Specialist, Coverstore
Carly is a Senior Marketing Specialist who brings product expertise and real customer insight to her writing on outdoor living and cover care.
Originally posted 09/09/2019. Updated July 2026.
The best grill covers keep water, sun, wind, and wildlife off your grill without trapping the moisture that causes rust. Left exposed, rain, snow, dirt, and bird droppings will leave your grill dirty and damaged. While grills are designed to be durable and kept outside, you can extend the life of your outdoor barbecue with a cover.
The problem is that the market is flooded. A quick online search or a stroll through a home improvement store will leave you puzzling between dozens of brands, and most grill cover reviews compare covers that were never built to last more than a season.
We have sold over 200,000 grill covers as a specialty cover provider since 2005, and have been asked every question you can imagine. Below are our three best rated grill covers, what each one is built for, and how to pick between them.
How We Chose These Covers
These are not covers we tested against competitors in a lab. They are the three Coverstore grill covers that our own customers rate highest, ranked by verified review volume and average rating, then separated by the type of grill each one is built to fit.
- Review volume and rating from verified customer reviews on each product page
- Material and construction, including denier weight, dye method, and seam finishing
- Wind security, meaning straps, drawcords, and elastic hems
- Ventilation, since a cover that traps moisture causes the rust it is meant to prevent
- Warranty length backed by the manufacturer
Grill Cover Comparison
All three are water resistant and breathable. The difference is material weight, how the cover secures in wind, and how long it is warrantied.
| Collection | Material | Wind Security | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultima | 600D solution dyed polyester, ripstop grid | Two side buckle straps, middle under grill strap, autolocking drawcord | 7 years | Cart and BBQ grills in harsh weather |
| Elite | 300D polyester | Full elastic hem plus autolocking drawcord | 3 years | Large island and outdoor kitchen grills |
| Classic | 12 gauge commercial vinyl with polyester lining | Full elastic hem | 2 years | Built-in grills in mild or sheltered conditions |
1. Best Grill Cover for Cart and BBQ Grills: Ultima
Over 6,700 reviews, rated 4.8 out of 5.
If you are looking for the best protection possible for your BBQ grill, opt for an Ultima Cart Grill Cover. Ultima is one of our sturdiest grill cover materials and offers unmatched protection from all types of weather, which is why it is our pick for the best bbq grill cover in exposed backyards. You can see the full feature breakdown on the Ultima Ripstop cart grill cover product page.
"It is a good-looking, well-made cover with excellent functional straps to keep it in place during wind events. Our grill stays completely clean and dry using the Coverstore cover."
"We could not be happier with our grill cover! It is a nice weight and has many options to secure the cover for those windy days! We don't have to look for our cover in the neighborhood anymore when it is windy!"
600 Denier Solution Dyed Polyester With Ripstop Grid
Denier is a measure of fabric thickness. 600D is one of the heaviest grill cover fabrics on the market, which is what makes this the best heavy duty grill cover in our lineup and a customer favorite.
The material includes a subtle ripstop grid pattern to make the cover stronger. This gives the cover excellent tear and rip strength and also resists cracking in extreme temperatures.
Ultima covers do not break down after prolonged sun exposure, thanks to the strength of the material and the dyeing process. The Ultima polyester grill cover material has color added using the solution dyeing method, where color is fully embedded in each fiber. Stock dyed material has color only on the outside of the threads. No water is used during solution dyeing, which makes Ultima covers eco friendly.
Buckle Straps and Adjustable Drawcord
Two side buckle straps on each end cinch the cover tight and keep it secure during high winds. A middle buckle strap slides beneath the bottom of the grill for an extra layer of wind protection that many grill covers do not offer. You will not be able to use this strap if the body of your grill extends fully to the ground.
The bottom hem contains a durable drawcord for excellent wind protection. It is autolocking, so you do not have to worry about it coming undone if you forget to tighten it fully. If you are shopping for the best grill cover for high wind areas, this combination of straps and drawcord is the feature set to look for.
Covered Mesh Vent
A mesh vent at the front of the cover allows moisture to evaporate quickly, removing the risk of mold and mildew growth. While the cover is highly water resistant, there is a chance that condensation and small water droplets will sneak in. A mesh vent ensures the cover gets proper airflow so water does not pool or sit in place, which is what causes mold, mildew, and rust.
Handles
Grill covers can be cumbersome. Ultima covers alleviate that by making it easy to lift the cover on and off.
Double Stitched Seams and Waterproof Seam Binding
The seams of Ultima covers are finished using the double stitch method to prevent fraying and tearing. In lesser quality covers, seams are a point of weakness. With Ultima's rot resistant thread and waterproof binding, the seams add strength and integrity.
Overall, if you are looking for a cart grill cover, Ultima is the way to go. With multiple sizes and custom covers available, you are guaranteed to find a great fit for your grill. All Ultima covers include a 7 year manufacturer's warranty, so you can rest assured you are getting the best grill cover available.
2. Best Grill Cover for Island Grills: Elite
Over 400 reviews, rated 4.8 out of 5.
Island grills are typically quite large, making the Elite collection a great blend of price and protection. Island grill covers can be used for built-in grills where you want to cover the entire counter, as well as for larger cart style grills. Full specs are on the Elite island grill cover product page.
"Very well made, love the elastic bottom. Big difference from the cover that came with my island grill that already faded and ripped after only ten months."
"The covers ordered fit exactly as measured. They are great looking and durable. We are completely satisfied."
300 Denier Polyester
Elite island grill covers are constructed from 300D polyester. This is a step below the Ultima 600D material but still provides a durable grill cover. The lighter fabric works well for large grills because it makes putting the cover on and taking it off easier. Elite covers also fold up tightly, so storing a large island cover is not a pain.
Elastic Hem and Adjustable Drawcord
The entire bottom hem of this cover includes elastic to help keep the cover secure. For more protection on windy days and during storms, use the adjustable autolocking drawcord to cinch the cover tight.
Mesh Vent
A mesh vent across the front of the cover promotes airflow to prevent mold, mildew, and rust. It also helps prevent the cover from ballooning during high winds, which matters for island grill covers because there are no buckle straps.
The key to finding the best island grill cover is picking a material strong enough to last for years while staying light enough to handle easily. The Elite island grill cover hits both marks and comes with a 3 year manufacturer's warranty.
3. Best Grill Cover for Built-In Grills: Classic
Over 600 reviews, rated 4.7 out of 5.
The Classic Built-In Grill Cover protects without hurting your wallet. These cost efficient built in grill covers fit easily over your grill head for a simple protection solution. See sizing on the Classic built-in grill cover product page.
"Great fit, and the two tighteners on the front and back make this cover one of the best I've bought from the Coverstore. Two Thumbs Up!!"
"Fits well and protects our built in grill perfectly."
12 Gauge Commercial Vinyl With Polyester Lining
Classic covers are built with a sturdy, water resistant vinyl. Vinyl costs less than polyester, so Classic covers are more cost effective than the Elite and Ultima collections, but they will not last as long in extreme climates.
Classic built-in grill covers include a thin interior polyester lining that helps with the overall structure and shape of the cover. A cover made solely from vinyl would stiffen in cold weather, but the polyester lining keeps this cover pliable year round.
Elastic Hem
Elastic runs around the full bottom hem, making the cover easy to put on and take off. If you live in an area with frequent high winds, consider the Elite or Ultima built-in covers, which add a drawcord to the elastic hem. For low wind areas, Classic built-in grill covers will protect your grill for years.
If you want the best built-in grill cover at a reasonable price, the Classic collection is what you need. All Classic collection grill covers include a 2 year manufacturer's warranty.
Grill Cover 101
Video Summary
An overview of what separates one grill cover from another, covering the material and construction differences, the features that keep a cover secure, and how to pick the right cover for your grill.
If You Do Not Have a Cart, Island, or Built-In Grill
Those three shapes cover most backyards, but they are not the only ones we make covers for. A rectangular cover stretched over a rounded or oversized grill leaves gaps that let water and debris in, so match the shape first and the material second.
Smokers
Offset and vertical smokers have chimneys, side fireboxes, and door handles that snag a poorly shaped cover. Ventilation matters more here than on any other grill type, since a smoker holds interior moisture and seasoning that you do not want sealed in. Browse our smoker covers.
Kamado and Ceramic Grills
Ceramic grills are heavy, rounded, and often sit in a nest or table, which means a standard rectangular cover will not sit flush. Fit is the whole game with these. See our ceramic and kamado style grill covers.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills carry a hopper on one side, so the cover needs extra width and a secure hem to keep rain out of the pellets. Wet pellets swell and jam the auger, which makes covering a pellet grill less optional than it is on a gas grill. Start with all grill covers and search by your measured dimensions.
Kettle Grills
Kettles are round with a narrow leg base, so look for a cover with a drawcord that can cinch under the bowl rather than one that hangs loose to the ground.
Flat Top Griddles
Griddles have a wide open cooking surface that rusts fast if it sits wet, and side shelves that change the footprint depending on whether they are up or down. Measure with the shelves in the position you plan to store them.
For any of these, if nothing standard fits, we build custom grill covers for Cart and BBQ, Island, Smokers, Kettles, and Flat Tops to the dimensions you provide. Custom smoker covers and griddle covers are worth the extra step, since an ill fitting cover flaps in wind and wears through at the corners.
Will a Universal Grill Cover Fit Your Grill?
Usually yes, as long as you measure first. Universal grill covers are sized by dimensions rather than by brand and model, and they fit a wide range of grill shapes because most cart and gas grills share a similar rectangular footprint. That is why a generic gas grill cover often works fine on a Char-Broil, a Nexgrill, or a Dyna-Glo.
Two things decide whether a universal grill cover works for you. The first is width, measured from the outer edges of the side shelves. The second is how the cover secures at the bottom, because a universal cover that is a few inches loose is fine with a drawcord and straps, and a problem without them.
A brand fitted cover is still the better choice if your grill has an unusual profile, a side burner cabinet, or a hopper. You can check by brand and model on our popular grill brands page, or shop by dimensions after measuring your grill.
What to Look for in a Grill Cover
Whether you buy from us or not, these are the five things worth checking before you spend money on a grill cover.
Material and Weight
Grill cover material is the single biggest predictor of lifespan. Higher denier polyester lasts longer and resists tearing, and solution dyed grill cover fabric holds its color instead of fading. Commercial grade vinyl is a reasonable budget option in mild climates, but standard vinyl stiffens and cracks in the cold.
Water Resistance, Not Waterproofing
A fully waterproof cover traps condensation underneath it. Look for a highly water resistant grill cover for rain that still breathes, paired with a vent. That combination is what keeps a grill dry in a storm without growing mildew afterward.
Wind Security
Straps, buckles, elastic hems, and autolocking drawcords are what keep a cover on the grill instead of down the street. In high wind regions, prioritize a cover with both straps and a drawcord.
Fit
A cover that is too tight will not go on, and one that is far too large will billow. A couple of extra inches is fine, and a custom size is the answer when nothing standard fits.
Warranty
Warranty length is the clearest signal of what a manufacturer expects from their own product. Our warranties run 2, 3, and 7 years across the Classic, Elite, and Ultima collections.
Using a Grill Cover Through Winter
A grill winter cover is doing a harder job than a summer one. It is holding up under snow load, freeze and thaw cycles, and months of sitting untouched, which is where cheap covers split at the seams and stiff vinyl cracks.
Three things matter for winter grill covers. Use a material that stays pliable in the cold, which means polyester or a lined commercial vinyl rather than bare vinyl. Make sure the grill is completely dry before you cover it, since moisture sealed under a cover through a freeze is how rust starts. And secure every strap and drawcord, because winter storms are when uncovered grills happen.
If you are storing the grill for the season rather than using it occasionally, give it a full clean first. Our guide on how to clean a grill walks through what to do before it goes under the cover.
Grill Cover Frequently Asked Questions
What material is best for a grill cover?
Solution dyed polyester in a heavier denier is the most durable grill cover material, because the color is embedded in the fiber and the weight resists tearing and UV breakdown. Commercial grade vinyl with a polyester lining is a solid lower cost option in mild climates. Avoid thin unlined vinyl, which stiffens and cracks in cold weather.
What is the best grill cover for high wind areas?
Look for a cover with both buckle straps and an autolocking drawcord rather than one or the other. Our Ultima cart covers add a middle strap that runs under the grill, which is the feature customers in windy regions mention most often.
Are grill covers waterproof or water resistant?
Ours are highly water resistant and breathable, and that is deliberate. A fully waterproof cover seals in condensation, which causes the mold, mildew, and rust a cover is supposed to prevent. Water resistance plus a mesh vent gives you protection from rain without trapping moisture.
Can I use a generic grill cover instead of a brand specific one?
In most cases yes. Universal grill covers are sized by dimensions rather than brand, and standard cart and gas grills share a similar footprint, so a generic cover usually fits well as long as you measure the width across the side shelves. Choose a brand fitted or custom cover instead if your grill has a side burner cabinet, a pellet hopper, or an unusual shape.
How do I measure my grill?
Careful measurement is vital in finding the right size cover for your grill. Follow our how to measure guides for detailed instructions.
Which of your collections is right for me?
The collection you choose depends on the weather you face, where your grill is located, and your price point. If you live in a mild climate or keep your grill under a covered patio or in a garage, a Classic collection cover will get the job done. For moderate climates and more exposed grills, opt for Elite. If you want the best of the best or live in an area with intense weather, choose Ultima. For more detail, view our Material Comparison Chart.
How do I find the right size cover?
You can search by your grill's dimensions or by brand and model. To search by brand and model, go to the Grill Covers page or our Popular Grill Brands page and select your grill brand and model.
To shop by size, find your style of grill on the Grill Covers page. Our most popular categories are BBQ or Cart Grills, Built-In Grills, and Island Grills. If you are not sure which style you need, View All Grill Covers. Then select Search by Size and enter your dimensions after measuring your grill.
What if you don't carry my grill brand or size?
It is fine to pick a cover slightly larger than your grill. A couple of extra inches makes the cover easier to put on, and the drawcord and buckle straps will keep it secure. We recommend choosing a cover 1 to 2 inches shorter than the actual height of your grill, which does not apply to built-in grills. That works with the mesh vent to keep your grill protected from mold, mildew, and rust.
If you want the best fitting cover and cannot find your size, choose a custom size. We offer Custom Grill Covers for Cart and BBQ, Island, Smokers, Kettles, and Flat Tops.
How do I clean a grill cover?
Mild dish soap, water, and a soft brush handle most of it. Full instructions are in our guide on how to clean a grill cover.
Grill Covers in Action
Some of our favorite customer photos of these covers on real grills.
Find the Cover That Fits
Shop by grill brand and model or by size, with standard and custom options across all three collections.
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