Grill Covers That Actually Block Rain, Not Just Dust
Weber’s Premium Grill Cover suits owners of Weber gas grills who want a tailored fit over a generic sheet. Unicook’s Heavy Duty Waterproof Cover fits a wider range of grill sizes with taped seams. iCOVER’s Gas Grill Cover adds a front zipper panel for checking propane without removing the whole cover.
A cover built for the wrong size grill leaves gaps where rain pools on the lid. Weber’s Premium Grill Cover fits specific Genesis models exactly, while fabric with taped seams like Unicook’s keeps water out across a wider range of grill widths. Fit and seam construction matter more here than price.
Grill covers range from basic water resistant sheets to fully taped waterproof shells, and the difference shows up after the first real storm. We compared published fabric type, seam construction, and venting design rather than relying on front of box claims about durability.
How to pick the right one
What grill cover fabric actually blocks Water resistant fabric slows rain but can still let moisture through during a long storm. Fully waterproof covers like Unicook’s use taped seams that seal stitch holes, which matters more in climates with regular rain than in mostly dry regions.
Sizing a cover to your specific grill Universal covers list a width range and leave extra slack at the corners, while tailored covers like Weber’s Premium or Kingkong’s 7107 match one model exactly. A loose fit flaps more in wind and lets rain pool in the folds.
Covers built for Weber and other tailored fits Owners of a specific Weber Genesis model get a closer fit from a cover cut for that exact unit than from a generic sheet rated by inches. The tradeoff is losing that cover entirely if the grill is ever replaced.
Access panels and venting that prevent mold A sealed cover traps humidity against a grill that was not fully dry before covering, which can lead to mold on plastic parts. Vents like those on Weber’s and NEXCOVER’s covers let trapped moisture escape, and iCOVER’s zipper panel adds a way to check the tank without removing the whole cover.
The top picks, ranked
Weber Premium Grill Cover
Vinyl backed polyester is cut to match specific Weber Genesis dimensions rather than a loose universal shape. Velcro straps at the base keep wind from lifting the cover during storms, and a top vent limits trapped moisture.
Pros
- Exact fit avoids the gaps loose universal covers leave
- Velcro straps resist wind lift during storms
- Vent reduces trapped moisture under the cover
Cons
- Only fits specific Weber grill models
- Costs more than universal sized covers
Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Grill Cover
600D polyester with taped seams blocks water completely rather than just slowing it down like basic fabric. Air vents on the side limit heat buildup that can warp plastic grill parts in direct sun.
Pros
- Taped seams stop water better than untaped fabric
- Fits a wide range of grill widths
- Side vents reduce heat buildup in sun
Cons
- Thicker fabric is bulkier to fold for storage
- Universal sizing leaves more slack than a tailored fit
NEXCOVER Heavy Duty Grill Cover
Oxford fabric rated for UV exposure covers grills up to 75 inches wide, suited to larger built in or multi burner units. A carry handle and adjustable straps make it easier to remove and refit quickly.
Pros
- Covers larger grills that smaller universal covers miss
- UV rated fabric resists fading in direct sun
- Carry handle makes removal easier
Cons
- Oversized fit on smaller grills can flap more in wind
- Heavier fabric takes longer to dry after rain
iCOVER Gas Grill Cover
A front zipper panel allows checking the propane tank or control knobs without pulling the whole cover off. The 600D fabric underneath is waterproof and rated for grills up to 70 inches with seven or more burners.
Pros
- Zipper panel skips removing the whole cover to check gas
- Waterproof fabric handles sizable grills reliably
- Reinforced seams hold up under regular use
Cons
- Zipper needs occasional cleaning to avoid sticking
- Larger size is less suited to compact grills
Kingkong Grill Cover 7107 for Weber Genesis II
Cut specifically for Weber Genesis II E-315 and E-330 models, this cover avoids the loose draping that universal covers leave at the corners. Rip and fade resistant fabric holds up through repeated sun exposure.
Pros
- Tailored cut matches Genesis II dimensions precisely
- Fade resistant fabric holds color through seasons
- Air vent limits moisture buildup underneath
Cons
- Only fits the specific Genesis II models listed
- Not an option for other grill brands or sizes
Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover
Ripstop fabric resists tearing from branches or rough handling better than standard woven covers. It is water resistant rather than fully waterproof, which suits covered patios more than fully exposed decks.
Pros
- Ripstop weave resists tearing better than basic fabric
- Padded handle makes carrying more comfortable
- Lighter weight than heavy 600D alternatives
Cons
- Water resistant rating is weaker than fully waterproof covers
- Best suited to partly covered patio areas
Char-Broil Performance Grill Cover
PVC backed fabric covers standard 2 to 4 burner gas grills at a lower price than premium branded covers. An elastic cord hem cinches around the base instead of separate straps.
Pros
- Priced below most tailored and heavy duty covers
- Elastic hem simplifies fitting without buckles
- Fade resistant fabric holds up through a season
Cons
- Less waterproof than taped seam alternatives
- Fit is looser than a tailored model specific cover
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Fabric | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber Premium Grill Cover | Vinyl backed polyester | Best overall | 9.3 | Check price |
| 2 | Unicook Heavy Duty Waterproof Grill Cover | 600D polyester, taped seams | Best fully waterproof | 9.0 | Check price |
| 3 | NEXCOVER Heavy Duty Grill Cover | 600D oxford, UV resistant | Best for large grills | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | iCOVER Gas Grill Cover | 600D polyester, waterproof | Best with access panel | 8.6 | Check price |
| 5 | Kingkong Grill Cover 7107 for Weber Genesis II | Rip and fade resistant polyester | Best tailored fit for Genesis II | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | Classic Accessories Veranda Grill Cover | Ripstop polyester | Best lightweight ripstop | 8.2 | Check price |
| 7 | Char-Broil Performance Grill Cover | PVC backed polyester | Best budget pick | 8.0 | Check price |
Frequently asked questions
Are grill covers actually waterproof?
Some are. Unicook and iCOVER use taped seams rated fully waterproof, while others like Classic Accessories Veranda are only water resistant.
What size grill cover do I need?
Measure your grill’s width, depth, and height first, then check the cover’s listed range. Tailored covers like Weber’s Premium only fit specific model dimensions.
Do grill covers cause mold or mildew?
They can if the grill is covered while still damp or if the cover lacks venting. Covers with top or side vents, like Weber’s and NEXCOVER’s, reduce trapped moisture.
How do I stop a grill cover from flapping in wind?
Velcro straps at the base, found on covers like Weber’s Premium and Kingkong’s 7107, hold the hem down better than a loose elastic cord.
Is a universal grill cover as good as a tailored one?
A universal cover like Unicook’s fits a size range reasonably well, but a tailored cover avoids the gaps that let rain and wind reach the grill.
Can I leave a grill cover on all winter?
Most covers are rated for year round outdoor use, though checking occasionally for trapped moisture or snow buildup helps the grill underneath stay dry.
What is the difference between PVC backed and 600D fabric?
PVC backed fabric like Char-Broil’s Performance cover is lighter and more affordable, while 600D fabric used by Unicook and NEXCOVER resists tearing and UV fading longer.
Do any grill covers let me check the propane tank without removing them?
iCOVER’s Gas Grill Cover includes a front zipper panel built for that exact purpose.
How do I clean a grill cover?
Most fabric covers can be wiped down with mild soap and water, then air dried fully before refitting to avoid trapping moisture underneath.
The bottom line
Weber’s Premium Grill Cover is the strongest pick for anyone with a matching Weber grill, since the tailored fit beats a universal sheet on wind and rain protection. Owners of other brands or larger grills should choose Unicook’s taped seam cover instead, and anyone who checks their propane tank often should prioritize iCOVER’s zipper panel design.
Sierra Daniels
Sierra's background is in landscape design and nursery retail. She focuses on lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture and gear durability, weighing published specs against how materials actually hold up outside.
