An outdoor grill, whether charcoal or gas, is like having an extension of the kitchen outside. Like your kitchen appliances, you want your grill to remain in top condition and to perform well.
One of the most important things you can do to care for your grill is invest in a grill cover. After all, you've more than likely spent a great deal of time choosing the grill which is right for you and you've probably spent a nice chunk of change on your grill.
Placing your grill outside in the elements without a grill cover is like throwing your child outside without clothing. Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but I did want to illustrate that a grill cover is one of the most important grill accessories.
How to Choose a Grill Cover
The important thing about grill covers is that by using one, you can extend the life of your burner grill. Grills that have been properly taken care of have been known to last from 10 to 20 years. If your grill lasts that long, then you can justify the expense. There are a few important questions to consider when buying a grill cover. It's especially important since there are many grill models and grill design out there so it is crucial to choose the right one!
What Size Grill Cover Do You Need?
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If your grill cover does not fit properly then you'd be just as well off not purchasing a grill cover. An improperly fitting grill cover is not going to perform its most important function, which is to cover your grill.
If the grill cover does not fit the grill, then the grill cover is going to blow off during a wind or rainstorm, leaving your grill exposed to the elements. Rain is one of the biggest "killers" of grills. Exposing your grill to rain ensures it is going to rust and ruin. If you've ever taken a trip to a park that has outdoor charcoal grills, then you know the damage the elements can do to a grill. All those grills look like giant hunks of rust scattered about a park. Who wants to put food on those rusty grates?
Trying to pull a grill cover that is too small over a grill is a futile exercise that leaves you panting and cursing as one side pops up when you yank the opposing side down. A grill cover that is too large allows the wind and rain to blow under it, rusting your grill even though in theory the grill is covered.
Make sure you know the exact product dimensions before making a purchase.
Is the Grill Cover of Good Quality?
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Buying a cheap grill cover is not going to help your grill. One that is made of cheap vinyl and that is not lined is going to rip and tear. You may as well grab a garbage bag and cover your grill with it instead.
Not only that, a cheap grill cover is going to need replacing on a constant basis. By the time your grill has reached the end of its lifespan, you will have spent more on the replacement of cheap grill covers than you would have spent had you made the initial investment in a good quality grill cover.
The grill cover has to protect your grill from elements and needs to be made of water-resistance materials. Make sure you get yourself a waterproof BBQ grill cover that also has enough inches wide to cover your grill and protect it properly!
Where to Buy a Grill Cover?
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BBQ grill cover can be found in most hardware stores or in big box retail stores. You can also generally find grill covers wherever you purchased your grill. In addition, you can find grill covers online.
It is important to know the make and model of your grill as well as the size in order to purchase the best quality and best fitting grill cover.
Bear in mind also that a good grill cover will keep your grill cleaner. No one likes having to clean the grill each time before they can use it to grill their food. Once all the scrubbing and cleaning has been done with your grill brush or other grill tools, you're generally too tired to grill the food.
To Wrap Up
With proper care and a high-quality, well-fitting grill cover, your charcoal or gas grill can last you for many years to come, ensuring that you can always grill when the mood strikes. That's why it is good to invest in something more durable that will serve you and your grill for many years to come!