To cover or not to cover? That is the question.

[JDD]

I don't know about you guys but I really hate putting my kettle covers on and taking them off, it's just a hassle.  Side note: all mine must have bungees because it is so windy where I live.

Who uses them, who doesn't? How well do they really protect anyway?

[G19]

Great question/post.  I just got a Performer and was thinking what I should do for it.  We don't get much rain so it's okay to leave open and follow the weather for rain I guess.

[Jason]

It doesn't rain much here, but gets really damp most nights, so my grills stay covered, when not getting frequent use. My main cookers stay uncovered, ready to cook, and get wiped down with a damp cloth while I get the coals going. My biggest concern is getting the ash dust cleaned off before it turns to concrete   

[TheDude]

Wood stuffs get covered. Especially @zavod44 stuffs. Plastic, not so much.

[zavod44]

I would highly recommend keeping the wood covered.  Sun as well as rain will cause the wood to weather over time.  It is a natural thing and it's best to try and take care of them.  They won't rot so much as they will just start to look aged.  I'm planning a write up on how to refinish the wood for those of you who may have not taken care of your handles as much as you maybe should have.  Troy may be one of the people who didn't always cover his handles, or maybe never.....and he has a set or two that's in need of some refinishing.  He is going to send them to me and I'll make them look fresh again, or at least try........more to come

Sent from a rotary phone

[pbe gummi bear]

I always cover mine to keep the water, dust, and pollen off. It also keeps the kettle cold callers away

[ECinEI]

Always cover all the time.  As mentioned above keeps moisture, dust, dirt and pollen off as well as protecting my fancy wood handles.  We live in coastal NC and we have a pretty harsh climate here and I believe it does protect the grills.  Plus during the warmer months it gives the tree frogs someplace to hide.  I can't take the cover off my performer without shooing 2-3 frogs away lest they get "cooked".

Even with bungees, how long can it take?

[swamprb]

I'm surrounded by Douglas Fir's, Maples and Cedar trees and this time of year the pollen is murder! Its a bitch to clean and cakes up after a rain. The rest of the year it rains. Then it rains. get the picture?

[LaTuFu]

Yes. Sun damages over time as well as rain, pollen, etc.

[firedude5015]

The ones that stay under my covered patio don't get covered. I even have a few SJs on display there, but they are all well protected, and I do wipe them down once a week (pollen).
The rest are in the barn, Vintage ones are covered, newer not so much.

[huntergreen]

no covers on mine, ever.

[Travis]

Keep your car in your garage, keep the camper stored in winter months, cover your grills and your pecker.... You'll live a long happy, un itchy life


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[wrehfield]

I have several,including a New Braunfels and they all are covered and all but two are stored inside. My creed-you take care of it, it will take care of you.

[dwnthehatch]

Mine are always covered. Even the ones stored indoors.

[wyd]

I always cover my Webers.  Might be a pain in the rear but all my grills stay brand new looking so to me covering it is worth it.