Are Grill Covers Really Needed?

[Abraham]

Roughly, 5 years ago, I bought a very expensive propane grill, in my estimation anyway (plus $1100) and the sales folk really urged me to buy a cover for it and keep it covered. (obviously when not in use...) They were selling the covers inexpensively, I bought one and diligently used it.

My wife insisted if I had to cover our grill it would be up to me to keep it covered as putting the darn thing on was something of a small pain and frankly since she does 99.9% of the grilling labor, I agreed.

Two weeks ago it was in such tatters, I gave it the 'heave ho'.

Now, I wonder if I should buy another or was I sold a 'bill of goods' as no, it's not really necessary to cover it or yes, it's a good idea.

Anyone here know the skinny?

Thanks!

[RossA]

How much of your grill is stainless steel? Rust is a big thing to protect against. Also, I find that bird poop on the grill is rather unattractive and needs to be cleaned off regularly. That being said, I have never used a cover.

[WTR]

What is the grill made of? Is the grill out of the weather?

[FCH]

Your grill would have been exposed to all the weather that destroyed your cover. Grill covers are a lot cheaper to replace than grills.

[philip964]

Anything outside needs to be covered unless you like spending your weekend washing things.

I have some pretty lounge chairs that sit out side. I was cheap and didn't buy the covers. I won't use them now as it would take an hour of cleaning, before I could relax on one.

[Abraham]

It's a Weber Genesis Special Edition.

What's it made of...?

Don't know.

It's partially out of the weather, but can be rained on to a certain degree.

I know that's pretty ambiguous, but if the rain slants down from the south it's protected, from the north it'll get rained on.

And thanks guys for your responses.

[TexasJohnBoy]

I just bought a new one for my grill, so there's my answer. They cost less than $30 typically unless you have a huge grill

[Abraham]

Alright, I'll go back to covering my grill for the many, logical reasons stated by ya'll.

And, thank you!

I'll be showing this thread to She Who Must...of course, she'll just laugh at me and tell me "no problem" if I remain the designated 'coverer'...

[C-dub]

I do not have a grill cover for my Egg. I am able to move it underneath a patio roof to protect it mostly from the elements. However, it is mostly ceramic and not prone to rust.

[RPBrown]

I have a duel grille/smoker meaning it has one side that is propane and the other side is charcoal and it has a fire box on the end to smoke meat in the charcoal side. Mine is made of steel so I do keep it covered but even so, some of the grates and burners get rusty but thats part of grilling.

[flechero]

If you keep it out in the elements... you probably should cover it. I don't cover my charcoal grill because it runs 3-5 days a week. But I have had to refinish the side table twice so far due to UV deterioration.

The pellet grill only gets used on weekends so I keep it covered because it really prolongs the life and makes a big difference.

[Abraham]

I've got another Weber that is strictly charcoal and it's 'my' baby.

I've never covered it and it's completely out in the open.

Darn ole propane sissy grills that need covers.

Metro sexual grills need covers, while manly charcoal only grills don't need covers...grumble, snort, grumble...

[RoyGBiv]

It's not the grill, it's the stand that holds the grill....
My beautiful cast ALUMINUM grill went in the trash when the steel stand that held it rusted away.
I cover my new grill every time.

[Take Down Sicko]

For 1100 dollars i think it should be made of solid gold...YIKS! Most expensive i ever bought cost 600 dollar at Ace hardware.

[carlson1]

I keep all of mine covered. I think they last longer.