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Should I Cover My Grill?

Should You Cover Your Grill?

So, you’ve finally found the perfect grill that you have spent hours scouring the internet and various stores for.

Now that it is in your hands, you probably have a range of questions in regard to the maintenance and upkeep of it.

One of the most common questions that tends to crop up when it comes to grills is whether or not you should cover it up.

After all, after you shell out an arm and a leg for the grill, sometimes it's not the most appetizing thought to pay more for a cover.

In this article, we are going to be answering this question, as well as diving into why grill covers can be considered such an important part of grill maintenance.

Let's get started.

Should I Cover My Grill?  The Short Answer

Let's begin by answering this question straight up.

In short, yes, you should most definitely cover your grill. It generally does not matter what kind of climate you live in or where you live - but it's more important to cover in some climates compared to others.

It also doesn't matter what kind of grill you have. No matter what the circumstances are, it is always a good idea to have a cover for your grill.

Why Should I Cover My Grill?

Should I Cover My Grill?

The reason why it is a good idea to cover your grill is so that you can increase its longevity in the long run as well as ensure that it maintains a strong performance.

Keeping your grill uncovered can also lead to cosmetic damage in the short term and performance loss in the long term. So all in all it is best to keep your grill covered up come rain or shine to keep it in tip-top shape.

Let's take a closer look at the reasons why you should keep your grill covered up.

Protection From Substances

Most of us will have our grill in the backyard, which often means that the grill will be in close proximity to a lawn.

If this is the case, then you run the risk of your grill being exposed to certain substances that are used to keep your lawn fresh and healthy.

This can include fertilizers, chemicals, and more.

While your garden is sure to be sparkling clean, free of bugs, and smelling fresher than ever before, it could spell disaster for your grill as it could lead to corrosion!

It could also be unhealthy for you, as if you cook with a grill that has been contaminated with chemicals or fertilizers, it could affect the food that you cook with it.

Protection From Weather

One of the first reasons that might come to mind when you think about covering your grill is the weather.

Snow and rain are especially damaging to a grill, due to being easily able to cause rust to develop in any of its parts.

It is important to adapt according to the weather climate that you have in your area.

For instance, you are likely to use your grill cover more frequently if you live somewhere where there is a lot of snow or that experiences heavy downpours.

Protection From Nature

We all love to embrace nature from time to time, but the elements within the natural world aren't going to do your grill any good.

This is an issue that is likely to occur if your grill is in an area with lots of greenery, plants, or trees.

There are all sorts of elements that can come into play in this situation, such as pollen, water spots, tree sap, dirt, or dust, all of which can contribute to the contamination of your grill.

Not only that, but areas with a lot of natural beauty could also have a lot of wildlife.

If you are not careful, you could find that your grill becomes popular with local animals and birds!

Best Materials For A Grill Cover

Grill covers should be made of sturdy, weatherproof materials.

Avoid anything that can rip or tear easily, as not only will they not last, but they will also start to look worn as time goes on.

Thankfully, the best kinds of materials are relatively common and easy to find, such as polyester, weatherproof nylon, vinyl, and oilcloth.

The Anti Grill Cover Debate

The fact that there is a question surrounding this matter in the first place suggests that there are debates to be had on both sides.

While a grill cover is definitely a recommended option - particularly if you live in wet or cold areas or areas with a lot of nature and wildlife - there are some who argue that a grill cover can do more harm than good.

Some of those who argue that this is the case make the following points.

Grill Covers Are Just A Small Part Of Grill Maintenance

There is a lot of truth to be had with this point, as there is no doubt that grills do indeed need care and attention, as well as a cover to keep them safe.

If a grill is poorly maintained, it will become damaged no matter what.

There are multiple factors at play, so make sure that you don't purely rely on a cover!

Moisture Trap

This is a major issue that some have with grill covers, as retention of moisture can lead to corrosion and rust more quickly with a cover.

This can be particularly troublesome during the winter and in coastal areas, where the weather tends to be more humid.

If this is a worry for you, make sure to let your grill breathe from time to time by removing the cover even when you’re not using it.

However, most of the time this issue is addressed simply by buying a properly fitting cover. A tight fit will ensure no moisture can get inside in the first place!

Final Thoughts

The short and sweet answer is that yes, grills should definitely be covered!

However, if you live in an area that is prone to humidity, then make sure to give your grill a chance to breathe to avoid a build-up of moisture.

Despite this possible issue, the positives of having a cover for your grill far outweigh the negatives.

If you want to keep your grill going for years to come, a cover is a necessity!

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