Do Grill Covers Prevent Rust?
Barbecue grills are made entirely of metal from the base to the grill rids. Most grills come with a cover, but if yours doesn’t, you have to get one.
Most people wonder, do grill covers prevent rust? Yes, grill covers prevent rust. When you don’t cover the grill, it’s exposed to wind and water, which causes it to rust.
Rust is hard to clean, but it also leads to a poor working surface and gives the grill an ugly look.
Cover your grill when you aren’t using it. How you do it depends on where you live. If you live in a warm climate, cover the grill when it has cooled down, and it will be protected from the rain.
If you live in a cold area where it’s cold and snow, cover it with a tight-fitting vinyl cover.
If possible, after covering the grill, store it in the garage or a shed.
Other reasons to get a grill cover
Other than the cover preventing rust from coming about, it also has plenty of other benefits that include:
Protecting the grill from weather elements: The grill cover protects the grill from weather elements that Mother Nature throws at it. Whether it’s hail, snow, rain, sleet, dirt, or falling twigs, the cover will protect the grill from it.
Critter control: The covers also come in handy at keeping pests out. When you leave your grill outside, opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and other animals come looking for grease and drippings. Bees, spiders, wasps, and other bugs make uncovered grills their home.
When you place the cover in place, you prevent these from getting inside the grill.
Prevent ash paste from forming: The ash paste forms when rainwater mixes with charcoal ash at the grill’s bottom. When the paste hardens, it turns into a cement-like substance that is hard to remove. The substance also dramatically reduces the efficiency of the grill.
Protect the grill fuel: If you store wood, charcoal, and other fuel types under the grill, the outdoor grill cover will protect them from being exposed to moisture and being useless.
Extend the life of the grill: A grill cover keeps the grill looking good for years. When you cover the grill after use, you prevent lawn chemicals and corrosive agents from acting on the metal and tarnishing it.
What materials are used in making grill covers?
Outdoor grill covers are made from these materials:
Canvas: They are the cheapest option and also the most durable material
Polyester: They are the most common grill covers you will come across. Polyester is lightweight, easy to clean, and tough enough to withstand a wide range of weather conditions. The only caveat is that it’s not durable enough, so you have to replace it after a few years.
Vinyl: Vinyl grill covers are waterproof, so they provide optimum rain and snow protection. Just like polyester covers, they don’t last for long.
Types of grill covers
There are many types of grill covers in the market that you can buy. The most common ones being:
Weber grill covers
These are premium covers, so you should be prepared to part with a substantial amount of money.
In addition to lasting for a long time, they also snugly fit your grill. They are made from lightweight, durable polyester fabric.
Third-party grill covers
These covers are cheaper and often of lower quality. Homeowners that have used them report that they last one or two years.
Before you buy the covers, check the reviews to know the pain points of the people. If you live in windy areas, go for covers with Velcro straps that will help you secure the cover to the grill.
Custom grill covers
Many companies make custom grill covers. From their name, the grills are made specifically for your grill. They are made from vinyl, and as you might guess, they are expensive to purchase.
What should you look out for when buying grill covers?
For you to buy the right grill cover, you should look out for these features:
Size: You want a grill cover that is the right size for your grill. If it’s too small, it won’t provide you with ample protection. At the same time, if it’s too big, it might allow animals to sneak in.
Pockets: Pockets come in handy when you are looking for a unit that allows you to store the utensils close at hand.
Straps: A grill cover with straps keeps the cover in place even in windy conditions. Straps also come in handy at keeping unwanted pests out of the grill.
Air vents: A grill cover with air vents will prevent moisture and condensation from building up. This prevents rust from coming about.
Material: You don’t want a grill cover that will come apart after a few uses, do you? Go for a cover made from a tough, durable material.
How to prevent your grill from rusting
Other than covering it, there are plenty of other ways in which you can prevent the grill from rusting. Some of these ways include:
Avoid pouring liquids directly on the grill.
If you are like me, you love the BBQ source. Unfortunately, pouring it on the food while grilling puts the grills at the risk of rusting.
To prevent it from happening, apply marinades directly on the food while in the kitchen. Not when grilling.
Clean the grill
To prevent rust, clean the grill after each use. If you have a gas grill, allow the grill to cool down before you start the cleaning. If there are any grill particles stuck in the grill grates, use a brush to remove them.
Do you have a charcoal grill? The best time to clean it is when it’s hot.
Before you scrub the grill with a brush, sprinkle some water over the grates. This will remove any food particles that might be there.
Once the grill has cooled down, get rid of any leftover ashes or coal and clean the box with soapy water.
Deep clean the grill as often as possible.
It’s also wise to deep clean the grill regularly. For you to do it, you should detach the grates, then using a solution of hot water, mild dish soap, and baking soda, clean the grates.
Soak the grates for an hour, then follow it up with a brush. After the grill has cooled, wipe the grates with a soft cloth to remove any food that might have stuck there.
Once you are done, use a non-abrasive cleaner and cloth to clean the burners. Keep the drip trays dry and clean as they are vulnerable to moisture build-up.
Use a paper brush to clean the burner holes and inlet holes.
Remember to also clean the outside of the grill with a mild-dishwashing soap and/or polish suited for the grill’s exterior.
Oil the grill
When you buy the grill for the first time, it’s recommended that you season it using vegetable oil. The purpose of doing this is to prepare the grill for use.
Don’t apply oil only the first time you are using the grill. Also, apply it every time you are using it.
Apply a thin layer of oil over the grate, and it will repel the moisture, keeping your grill from rusting. Watch the type of oil you use. As a rule of thumb, avoid aerosol vegetable oil as it’s dangerous.
The best way of doing it is by pouring the oil on a rag or a brush and apply it to the grates. Allow the oil to sit on the grate without removing it, for maximum protection.
Make your grill last for years.
When you are investing in a grill, getting a grill cover is a no-brainer. Grill covers are cheap, effective, and will ensure that you keep enjoying your grill for years to come.
