Waterproof and unventilated is how a barbecue rusts under its cover

The best barbecue covers for 2026

A cover keeps rain off and, if it is the wrong one, keeps moisture in. The detail that separates a good cover from an expensive mistake is ventilation: a fully sealed waterproof bag over a barbecue that was warm when covered condenses inside and rusts the very grate it was bought to protect. Mesh vents solve it. Fit is the other half — covers are sold by model and by dimension, and a loose cover fills with wind while a tight one tears at the seams. Fabric weight and UV coating decide whether it lasts one season or five. We compare fit, fabric and coating, ventilation, straps and UV resistance.

By Jean-Benoit Buisson

What we recommend

i COVER 58 × 24 × 45 in, drawstring

The cheapest cover here at fourteen cents an inch, with a drawstring closure and double-line stitching.

Dimensions
58 × 24 × 45 in (W × D × H)
Fits
Most 3–5 burner grills up to 58 in wide
Named models
Weber Spirit E-210, E-310, E-315, E-330, E-335, S-315, plus Char-Broil, Monument, Brinkmann, Dyna-Glo, Nexgrill, Holland, Jenn Air
Material
Lightweight oxford with a waterproof PVC coating
Properties
Waterproof, dustproof, UV resistant
Fixing
Adjustable drawstring closure
Stitching
High-density double line
Cleaning
A simple rinse with water
Cost per inch of width
$0.14 — the lowest on this shelf
Denier
Not published by the maker
Air vents
None stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B081GQ217K
EAN
6970110733270
- Fourteen cents per inch of width, less than a third of what most covers here cost
- Double-line stitching is named, which is where a cover fails before the fabric does
- A drawstring and nothing else, where VIBOOS at $12.99 has a drawstring and side straps
Best for: A grill up to 58 inches wide, at the lowest price on this shelf

≈ $8
Check price on Amazon
VIBOOS 58 × 23 × 43 in, straps and drawstring

The only cover here with straps and a drawstring both, and the only one to publish a width-plus-depth limit.

Dimensions
58 × 23 × 43 in (W × D × H)
Fits
Most 3–5 burner grills up to 58 in wide
The published rule
A grill up to 60 in wide is acceptable as long as width plus depth is 80 in or less
Material
Waterproof polyester
Properties
Waterproof, dustproof, UV resistant, rip-proof, fade resistant
Fixing
Adjustable hook-and-loop on both sides AND a drawstring at the hem
Cleaning
Wipe with a cloth and dry in sunlight; not in a washing machine or dryer
Safety
Use only once the grill has cooled, and keep away from fire
Cost per inch of width
$0.22
Denier
Not published by the maker
Air vents
None stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B07W6SP4W1
EAN
0715002095953
- The only cover on this shelf with side straps and a drawstring hem both, which are the two different things that stop a cover lifting
- Publishes a width-plus-depth limit of 80 inches, which is the correct way to size a fabric envelope and the only such figure here
- No denier published, where four covers here publish 600D and the Tuyeho 900D
Best for: An exposed, windy spot — two fixings for twenty-two cents an inch

≈ $13
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Simple Houseware 58 × 24 × 48 in, 600D, 2 in straps

The tallest 58-inch cover here at 48 inches, with 600D fabric, two-inch straps and side handles.

Dimensions
58 × 24 × 48 in (L × W × H)
Height
48 in — the tallest 58 in cover on this shelf
Material
600D polyester with a heavy-duty vinyl-coated surface
Properties
Waterproof, dust resistant, UV resistant, tear resistant, wind resistant
Straps
Two, 2 in wide — the widest published here
Handles
Two sturdy side handles
Cleaning
Hose it down with water and let it dry in the sun
Cost per inch of width
$0.41
Fits
Most leading brands of grill with similar dimensions
Published bullets
Six — more than any other cover here
Air vents
None stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Lining
Not stated
Amazon reference
B07BLL9P4B
EAN
0811244030278
- Forty-eight inches tall, three inches more than the other 58-inch covers, which is what clears a tall lid or a warming rack
- Two-inch straps, the widest published on this shelf — Unicook’s are 1.5 inches and nobody else gives a figure
- Says nothing about which grill widths it fits, where SunPatio and Unicook publish a range
Best for: A tall grill — the extra three inches of height matter more than they sound

≈ $24
Check price on Amazon
YWWQYBYQ 56 × 27 × 46 in, 600D PU

A 600D PU-coated cover, and the only one here that says how long to wait — 20 to 25 minutes — before covering.

Dimensions
56 × 27 × 46 in (L × W × H)
Depth
27 in — deeper than any 58 in cover here
Material
600D cloth with a PU coating
Properties
Protects against heavy rain, snow, direct sun, tearing and fading
Fixing
Two adjustable Velcro straps at the sides
Cooling time
Wait 20–25 minutes for the grill to cool before covering — the only figure of its kind here
Cleaning
Rinse with water, then wipe lightly with a cloth
Named brands
Weber, Brinkmann, Char-Broil, Kenmore, Nexgrill, Holland, Jenn Air
Cost per inch of width
$0.50
Air vents
None stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Lining
Not stated
Strap width
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B0D72RRK8Y
EAN
0016392216851
- The only cover on this shelf that gives a cooling time — 20 to 25 minutes — where four others only say "once cooled"
- Twenty-seven inches deep, more than any 58-inch cover here, which suits a grill with a front shelf
- Fifty cents an inch of width, and 56 inches is the narrowest of the mid-priced covers here
Best for: A deep grill with a front shelf, where depth matters more than width

≈ $27
Check price on Amazon
ZHSX 82 × 27 × 50 in, 600D oxford

The widest cover here at 82 inches, in 600D oxford, with a sealing strip along the stitching.

Dimensions
82 × 27 × 50 in (W × D × H)
Width
82 in — the widest on this shelf
Fits
Most 3 to 4 burner grills
Material
600D heavy-duty waterproof oxford cloth
Seams
Thickened stitching with a waterproof seal strip
Fixing
Adjustable Velcro on both sides
Properties
Waterproof, dustproof, anti-UV
Cleaning
Wipe with a cloth; not in a washing machine or dryer
Named brands
Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, Brinkmann, Jenn Air, Dyna-Glo, Holland
Cost per inch of width
$0.35
Air vents
None stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Strap width
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B0DJ6N59HC
EAN
0768795836043
- Eighty-two inches wide and fifty tall — the only cover here that reaches an outdoor-kitchen run or a grill with both side tables up
- The only cover on this shelf that names a waterproof seal strip on the seams, which is where water actually gets in
- Says it fits 3 to 4 burner grills while measuring 82 inches, with no grill-width range to work from
Best for: A very wide grill, an outdoor-kitchen run, or a grill with both side shelves up

≈ $29
Check price on Amazon
Formosa Covers 75 × 26 × 48 in, vinyl with cotton lining

A 75-inch vinyl cover with an insulated cotton lining and air vents, for a six-foot grill island.

Dimensions
75 × 26 × 48 in (L × D × H)
Sized for
A 6 to 6.25 foot outdoor kitchen island
Material
Waterproof vinyl exterior
Lining
Soft insulated cotton, stated to prevent scratches
Air vents
Yes — one of only two covers here with them
Properties
Waterproof, UV resistant; the vinyl is stated to prevent cracks forming
Color
Black
Named islands
Tytus, Mont Alpi 805, Nexgrill, Blackstone, Charbroiler
Caution
Let the grill or island cool down before covering
Cleaning
Wipe with a damp cloth
Cost per inch of width
$0.40
Denier
Not published by the maker
Fixing
Not stated — no straps or drawstring published
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B0872JMQXQ
EAN
0810015503416
- One of only two covers here with air vents, which is what lets trapped moisture leave
- An insulated cotton lining with the reason given: an unlined cover scuffs stainless steel
- Publishes no fixing at all — no straps and no drawstring, on a cover six feet wide
Best for: A six-foot built-in grill island, where the cover has to span a whole run

≈ $30
Check price on Amazon
COMFY LIME 58 × 24 × 45 in, 600D, 3-year warranty

A 600D cover with a three-year limited warranty, one of only two warranties published on this shelf.

Dimensions
58 × 24 × 45 in (L × W × H)
Material
Rugged 600D polyester with a waterproof coating
Warranty
3-year limited, against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship
Fits
Many medium-to-large grills when the dimensions match
Named brands
Weber, Weber Genesis, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, Expert Grill, Blackstone, Napoleon, Dyna-Glo, Monument, Kenmore, KitchenAid, Broil King
Properties
Waterproof coating to block rain and moisture; dust and the elements
Also stated for
Use as a smoker cover
Cost per inch of width
$0.57
Air vents
None stated
Fixing
Not stated — no straps or drawstring published
Lining
Not stated
Cleaning
Not stated
Amazon reference
B0FXR4NHHR
EAN
5061014451207
- A three-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects, which only one other cover here offers
- Publishes 600D and tells you to measure before ordering rather than promising a fit
- Fifty-seven cents an inch — four times the iCOVER of exactly the same 58 × 24 × 45 inches
Best for: A buyer who wants a warranty rather than the cheapest cover of this size

≈ $33
Check price on Amazon
Unicook 65 × 24 × 44 in, vented, 1.5 in straps

The only cover here with covered mesh vents on both sides, and it publishes the grill widths it fits.

Dimensions
65 × 24 × 44 in (W × D × H)
Fits
Most 3 to 5 burner grills, 57 to 63 in wide
Air vents
Wide covered mesh vents at both sides, to let moisture escape
Second vent benefit
The maker states the air circulation also stops the cover blowing away
Material
Fade-resistant fabric with a vinyl coating, water-repellent processed
Resistance
Colorfastness, UV, rain, tearing and cold cracking
Straps
Heavy-duty, 1.5 in wide
Handles
Fabric handles at two sides, also usable for hanging and storage
Wheels
Not designed to cover the wheels entirely — the grill can be moved with the cover on
Weight
1800 g (63.5 oz)
Cost per inch of width
$0.52
Denier
Not published by the maker
Lining
Not stated
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B00VG12YXS
EAN
0713179825762
- Covered mesh vents on both sides — the thing nine of eleven covers here lack, and what stops a covered grill sitting wet all night
- Publishes the grill widths it fits (57 to 63 inches), its strap width (1.5 inches) and its weight (1800 g (63.5 oz))
- No denier published, where five covers here claim 600D and one 900D
Best for: A grill that gets covered damp — the only vented cover here with straps and handles

≈ $34
Check price on Amazon
SunPatio 55 × 23 × 42 in, vinyl lined

A vinyl-lined polyester cover whose handles double as loops to hang it on while the grill is in use.

Dimensions
55 × 23 × 42 in (W × D × H)
Fits
Most 3 and 4 burner gas grills, 48 to 53 in wide
Material
UV-resistant FadeStop polyester with a waterproof vinyl lining
Resistance
Fading, tearing and cold cracking
Handles
Two fabric handles near the top, usable as loops to hang the cover at the side while the grill is in use
Straps
Two adjustable fastening straps at the sides
Advice from the maker
Measure the grill first and choose a cover with space to spare
Support
A reply within 24 hours is stated
Cost per inch of width
$0.62 — the second-highest of the mass-market covers here, behind the Tuyeho
Air vents
None stated
Denier
Not published by the maker
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Strap width
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B0759JM2N6
EAN
0682698796009
- A waterproof vinyl lining, which is the right lining for a cover that gets put on damp
- Handles designed to double as hanging loops — the detail that stops a cover sitting in a wet heap on the ground
- Sixty-two cents an inch of width, the most expensive cover here apart from the custom-fit Summerset
Best for: A smaller three or four burner grill, from a maker that tells you to size up

≈ $39
Check price on Amazon
Tuyeho 65 × 30 × 46 in, 900D PVC-backed

The heaviest fabric here at 900D with a PVC backing, thirty inches deep, with a stated lifetime warranty.

Dimensions
65 × 30 × 46 in (L × W × H)
Depth
30 in — the deepest on this shelf
Material
900D polyester with a PVC backing and a waterproof coating
Denier
900D — the heaviest fabric published here
Resistance
All-weather, UV resistant, dustproof; robust stitching for tear resistance
Fixing
Hook-and-loop fasteners for a secure fit
Handles
Padded
Warranty
Lifetime, stated by the maker
Named brands
Weber, Char-Broil, Brinkmann, Holland, Jenn Air
Cost per inch of width
$0.72 — the highest of the mass-market covers here
Air vents
None stated
Lining
Not stated
Strap width
Not published by the maker
Grill width range
Not published by the maker
Amazon reference
B08D623X6Y
EAN
0655302976296
- Nine hundred denier with a PVC backing — fifty per cent more thread weight than the five 600D covers here
- A stated lifetime warranty, the strongest on this shelf and one of only two warranties at all
- Seventy-two cents an inch of width, the most expensive cover here apart from the custom-fit Summerset
Best for: A deep grill in a harsh climate, where the heaviest fabric and a lifetime warranty are the point

≈ $47
Check price on Amazon
Summerset 44 in, 2-ply vinyl, 6804 g (240 oz)

A custom-tailored two-ply vinyl cover at 6804 g (240 oz), nearly four times the mass of a wider cover here.

Fits
The Summerset TRL Deluxe Series 44-inch freestanding grill, and that grill only
Material
Heavyweight 2-ply vinyl, stated crack-resistant
Lining
Smooth polyester, to prevent scuffing the stainless finish
Fit
Custom tailored
Fixing
Tightens securely with a drawstring
Protection
UV protection and a guard against the elements
Weight
6804 g (240 oz) — the heaviest cover here by far
Weight comparison
3.8× the Unicook (1800 g (63.5 oz)), which is 21 in wider
Cost per inch of width
$3.56 — twenty-five times the iCOVER
Air vents
None stated
Denier
Not applicable — vinyl sheet rather than coated cloth
Straps
None — a drawstring only
Warranty
Not published by the maker
Universal fit
None — this is a part for one grill
Amazon reference
B01I5SBWVE
EAN
0691023095199
- Six thousand eight hundred grams of two-ply vinyl, nearly four times the mass of the next-heaviest cover here and for a smaller grill
- Cut to one grill, so there is no slack to flap and no large volume of damp air under it
- Three dollars fifty-six per inch of width — twenty-five times the iCOVER, and it fits one grill only
Best for: A Summerset TRL Deluxe 44-inch grill — and nothing else

≈ $155
Check price on Amazon

By need, across barbecue covers

Protecting an appliance that stays outside

Damp does far more damage than a barbecue suffers in use. A decent cover extends an appliance by several years.

Summerset CARTCOV-44D

Covering without ruin

Even a plain cover prevents water accumulating in the kettle, which is what kills barbecues.

i COVER G21660-58

Across barbecue covers, who each type suits

Permanent outdoor storage: Thick fabric, a lining and straps are necessary. A light cover tears through in one windy season.
Seasonal protection: To cover between two weekends, a plain cover is amply enough and stores easily.
Windy area: Straps and drawcords are the first criterion here. A cover that blows away protects nothing.

The trade-offs to weigh on barbecue covers

A cover that keeps rain out and damp in: A completely sealed cover traps the moisture inside and rusts what it protects. Vents are indispensable, not decorative.
Thickness against handling: Heavy fabric resists wind and ultraviolet light, and folds badly for storage. A bulky cover is a cover that does not go back on.
Made to measure against universal: A fitted cover protects better and fits only one model. A universal cover flaps and lets rain in from below.

What gets asked about barbecue covers

Do I have to wait for the barbecue to be cold?

Imperatively, several hours. A cover put on a hot appliance melts or burns, and traps the moisture.

Is a fully waterproof barbecue cover better?

Not if it has no ventilation: the condensation stays inside and rusts. Look for eyelets or vents.

How do I measure before buying?

Width, depth and height of the barbecue, lid closed and side shelves open if they stay in place. A cover that is too tight does not come down far enough.

Are straps useful?

In a windy area, they are the main criterion. An unfastened cover ends up at the neighbor’s at the first gust.

How long does a cover last?

One to five seasons depending on the fabric and exposure to ultraviolet light. The sun does more damage than the rain.

Can it be washed?

With a sponge and soapy water, never in a machine: the water-repellent treatment does not survive a wash.

Should a barbecue stored under a shelter be covered?

The moisture in the air is enough to rust grates and burners. A cover remains useful even out of direct rain.

Should you wait until the barbecue is cold?

Yes, completely: a cover put over a warm bowl melts in places and sticks to the enamel. One night of waiting costs less than a ruined cover and lid.

The essentials of barbecue covers

A cover adds years to a barbecue left outside, provided it is ventilated: completely sealed, it traps condensation and rusts what it protects. Cold barbecue, measurements taken with the lid closed, and straps if the wind blows.

Overview: barbecue covers

Most affordable here: i COVER G21660-58, at $8.
Highest figure for cost per inch of width: Summerset CARTCOV-44D ($3.56 — twenty-five times the iCOVER).
Highest figure for dimensions: ZHSX skz-479 (82 × 27 × 50 in (W × D × H)).

The whole set of barbecue covers, as a table

We show a column only when four utensils in five publish its value. The rest would stay empty and settle nothing.

Model	Price	Air vents	Cost per inch of width	Material	Dimensions
i COVER G21660-58	$8	None stated	$0.14 — the lowest on this shelf	Lightweight oxford with a waterproof PVC coating	58 × 24 × 45 in (W × D × H)
VIBOOS grill-cover	$13	None stated	$0.22	Waterproof polyester	58 × 23 × 43 in (W × D × H)
Simple Houseware BQ-001-1	$24	None stated	$0.41	600D polyester with a heavy-duty vinyl-coated surface	58 × 24 × 48 in (L × W × H)
YWWQYBYQ SKU001063	$27	None stated	$0.50	600D cloth with a PU coating	56 × 27 × 46 in (L × W × H)
ZHSX skz-479	$29	None stated	$0.35	600D heavy-duty waterproof oxford cloth	82 × 27 × 50 in (W × D × H)
Formosa Covers 75 × 26 × 48 in	$30	Yes — one of only two covers here with them	$0.40	Waterproof vinyl exterior	75 × 26 × 48 in (L × D × H)
COMFY LIME BBQGC1	$33	None stated	$0.57	Rugged 600D polyester with a waterproof coating	58 × 24 × 45 in (L × W × H)
Unicook B600201	$34	Wide covered mesh vents at both sides, to let moisture escape	$0.52	Fade-resistant fabric with a vinyl coating, water-repellent processed	65 × 24 × 44 in (W × D × H)
SunPatio SGC1055	$39	None stated	$0.62 — the second-highest of the mass-market covers here, behind the Tuyeho	UV-resistant FadeStop polyester with a waterproof vinyl lining	55 × 23 × 42 in (W × D × H)
Tuyeho 001	$47	None stated	$0.72 — the highest of the mass-market covers here	900D polyester with a PVC backing and a waterproof coating	65 × 30 × 46 in (L × W × H)
Summerset CARTCOV-44D	$155	None stated	$3.56 — twenty-five times the iCOVER	Heavyweight 2-ply vinyl, stated crack-resistant	—

Where your budget takes you here

Lower range

$8 – $24

3 models

i COVER G21660-58, VIBOOS grill-cover, Simple Houseware BQ-001-1

Mid range

$27 – $30

3 models

YWWQYBYQ SKU001063, ZHSX skz-479, Formosa Covers 75 × 26 × 48 in

Upper range

$33 – $155

5 models

COMFY LIME BBQGC1, Unicook B600201, SunPatio SGC1055

Where this comes from

Specifications: manufacturer sheets for cookware and kitchen knives and the matching Amazon product pages. Prices and availability: Keepa. Every figure in this table names its source.

Most recent revision in this category: October 4, 2026.

What we judge barbecue covers on

Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.