School me: what's the point of bbq covers?

So, I know most people have some kind of waterproof cover for thier gas grills, but what really does it do? I've had my current grill, a wonderfully named "Fiesta Maximus 400", for 15 years or so. Never had a cover. Never really wanted one.

When I replace this, which might be this year because of all theoney I'm saving on kids summer camps, should I get a cover? Does a $90 cover make sense on a $600 grill? Does it extend the life? Is it more beautiful looking at faded vinyl instead of metal?

What, in short, is the deal?

Protect against hail and rust I believe

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Originally Posted by jabjab

Protect against hail and rust I believe

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Hail ripped the shit outta my cover by the 3rd or 4th year. Never replaced the cover. BBQ handles hail way better than that.

I use a cover on mine to stop UV damage from destroying all the plastic bits, like tire covers on an RV.

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Originally Posted by Darell_n

I use a cover on mine to stop UV damage from destroying all the plastic bits, like tire covers on an RV.

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I can buy that. Although, even on my Fiesta, the plastic is strong and sturdy as new, just faded.

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Originally Posted by jabjab

Protect against hail and rust I believe

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Wouldn't it CAUSE rust by trapping moisture? Calgary is a really dry climate, I'd think more airflow would be better.

Protect Plastic bits from sun and also keeping it clean.

Our dusty and pollen filled rains are gross. If you care about your bbq looking clean.

I have no delusions about it protecting from hail

For the grill I'm looking at, the cover is 15% of the price of the grill itself. And based on what I've seen at my friend's houses, that cover looks dirtier than the smooth metal ever could.

So far, covers not sounding worthwhile.

But the grill under the cover stays clean. Some people prefer to have their cooking appliances to have a semblance of cleanliness.

Preventing water intrusion is always good with something made of steel / cast iron.

Also. Don’t feel obligated to buy the nameplate matching cover, any cover will do. Wrap it in a tarp if that is more up your alley.

Provide the BBQ retailer a high margin item to upsell you with? That's about all I got...

Usually they get forgotten while left off while the BBQ cools off then the wind relocates them to a nearby province...

Pretty sure my bbq has always come with a cover anyway.

You knew what’s great margins for the bbq retailer. Needing to replace your grill after 3 years.

You don't need a $90 cover. Just wait till BBQ season is over, and buy the one Costco sells on sale for under $20

As for why, keeps my BBQ clean, no dust/dirt/water stains.


Heres the one I grabbed from Costco. Thicker than a snicker and feels good quality and has held up very well past few years.
Attachment 91847

I bought a cheap $30 cover for mine simply as I wanted to keep it clean.

Stays outside year round so helps with the snow as well.

Next obvious question, anyone have a line on Weber spirit II grills? I need a 219 and my buddy needs a 310. Buy two get $50 off?

I’ve been buying my replacement grills from grillspot.ca every 4 or 5 years. Click reorder for convenience. They were the cheapest back in the day. Still paying the same price, assume it’s a good deal? Haha

4 or 5 years? Brutal.

Buy a quality grill and it should last you 10-15 years minimum with minimal maintenance.

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Originally Posted by ExtraSlow

Next obvious question, anyone have a line on Weber spirit II grills? I need a 219 and my buddy needs a 310. Buy two get $50 off?

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Get a Genesis not a Spirit.

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Originally Posted by killramos

Buy a quality grill and it should last you 10-15 years minimum with minimal maintenance.

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Where does one find such quality grills? I always assumed it’s because I use wire brushes to clean that it’s wearing off the coating.

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Originally Posted by dj_rice

You don't need a $90 cover. Just wait till BBQ season is over, and buy the one Costco sells on sale for under $20

As for why, keeps my BBQ clean, no dust/dirt/water stains.


Heres the one I grabbed from Costco. Thicker than a snicker and feels good quality and has held up very well past few years.
Attachment 91847

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This cover is The Tits. I bought it for my Weber Summit and it's 2x better than the original.

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Originally Posted by rage2

Where does one find such quality grills? I always assumed it’s because I use wire brushes to clean that it’s wearing off the coating.

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Bbq Galore. Get a Napoleon.