Protect that new grill you just bought this summer with some protection. Cover it up so it doesn’t get dinged up during winter storage. The soft, sponge scuffable material is perfect for moving the grill around easily to be stored or moved anywhere.
Should i cover my grill?
It’s the time of year when you start to get your grill ready for summer barbecues. You might be wondering if you should cover your grill after use, or is it better to let it air out? If you live in a humid area like Louisiana, then covering up your grill can help keep the moisture at bay. But if not, there are other options for keeping your grill in good shape – such as using high-quality covers and storing it in a dry place that is free of debris, insects and rodents. To find out more about how to take care of your outdoor barbecue equipment this season check out our blog post on Should I Cover My Grill?
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Why should I cover my grill
Let’s face it. Grill covers are not known for their high fashion statements, but they do serve a purpose. A grill cover acts as the first line of insulation to protect your grill from the elements and help maintain its optimal internal temperature. If you live in an area that experiences cold weather or precipitation, then protecting your investment is essential. Furthermore, if you plan on storing your grill indoors over the winter months, be sure to keep it covered because this will reduce corrosion (and other damages) during storage.
Grill covers are also an important consideration if you plan on transporting your grill to another location, such as a picnic or campsite. If you do not have access to a vehicle that has storage space for the grill, then covering it is essential. As mentioned earlier, this will help prevent damage due to debris and weather conditions during transportation. However, be aware that some grill covers are not water resistant because they lack waterproof materials (such as Teflon). Therefore, one should not leave their covered grill outdoors in the rain for extended periods of time because water can seep into the cover seams causing rusting at critical areas like hardware joints.
Finally, leaving your grill uncovered during use does more than make grilling messy work. It also puts you at risk for unattractive stains on your grill grates, discoloration of the porcelain-coated cast iron cooking surface, and damage to certain parts of the interior structure. When using your grill without a cover, do not forget that birds will often drop seeds onto open flames during grilling. This residue could leave behind spots after the bird has flown away. Furthermore, when exposing your grill to extreme heat fluctuations or leaving it in direct sunlight for extended periods, this could warp the metal components of the unit.
Should i cover my grill? So why should you invest in a quality grill cover? To protect your investment! A good cover can help extend the life of your equipment by protecting internal components from corrosion, rusting out sensitive joints, and damaging other parts from unwelcome contaminants. In addition to extending the life of your investment, a grill cover can also help improve its appearance as well as enhance its functionality by preventing damage that may occur from weather elements or debris. Finally, a cover can make it easier to transport the grill – which means you will not have to enlist family members or friends for help!
How to cover your grill for winter
Are you tired of scraping ice and snow off your grill?
Are you sick and tired of having to clean up in the spring when all the leaves fall onto your grill with no way to get them out?
If so, it’s time for a grill cover!
If you want to protect your grill during a winter or a storm , get yourself an outdoor kitchen cover!
Pick the size that fits your needs. They come in all different sizes for different sized grills. You can even buy covers with space on the side of your grill so you can still use it while it’s covered. If you have a cart and wheels on your grill, be sure to measure the height and width to make sure it will fit under or over whatever you plan on covering it with. I’d recommend buying one that is at least 5″ bigger than what you think is necessary just in case, more if you plan on using a cart.
Pick the material that best fits your needs. There are options ranging from vinyl to heavy-duty weatherproof nylon. Vinyl is lighter and not as expensive, but can be punctured fairly easily. It also doesn’t breathe as well as the tougher materials like canvas or nylon and it stains easily (from food drippings). Nylon and canvas don’t stain and they breathe better, which helps prevent moisture build up; which means less chance of mold or mildew growing under your cover. I’d recommend going with a tough material like nylon for durability and breathability . If you’re on a budget, go with vinyl if you think you’ll just use it for light grilling duties such as tailgating or camping trips where you’re not cooking for many people.
Should i cover my grill? It doesn’t have to be boring! If you are looking at simple vinyl or nylon covers, they come in different colors and patterns these days. You could get one to match your color scheme for the season (ie: green with yellow flowers around the border for spring) or if you want something unique, look online for companies that sell customized barbecue grill covers. They do everything from embroidering your favorite team logo onto a cover to getting custom art designed just for you.
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Benefits of covering your grill
Cooking food on an outdoor grill is a popular way to provide delicious meals all year long. However, it is important that you take precautions with your grill and properly cover it. When you leave the grill uncovered, various elements such as dust and wind can settle into the surface of the metal and make it harder for you to clean later on. If left untouched over time, these elements will eat away at the metal and cause corrosion or rusting. Eventually this could lead to holes or dangerous malfunctions with your grill.
Should i cover my grill? The following are some benefits of covering your grill:
– Prevents dirt from accumulating
Leaving your grill open for too long can allow dirt and other particles from settling into its crevices without being noticed. When you cover your grill, these particles are blocked from the surface and will not affect its durability.
– Prevents debris from accumulating
A lot of food cooked on a grill ends up sticking to the grate especially when you’re cooking meat or vegetables with intense flavors. Once this debris is not cleaned off, it becomes trapped in the grill and if left alone for too long can cause corrosion or rusting just like dirt does. By covering your grill after each use, you protect it from becoming caked with any food debris that might be lingering on the grate. This prevents any pieces of meat stuck to the grate from turning into harmful elements that could make your grilling experience dangerous later on.
– Controls airflow
Controlling airflow is essential when you are grilling foods. Too much airflow can cause your meat to burn up while too little of it results in food that does not cook properly. When you cover your grill after each use, you make sure no dust or wind enters its surface and disrupts the grilling process.
– Helps maintain temperature
By covering your grill after cooking, you block out any elements that could potentially lower the temperature of the metal. This helps keep your grill at a constant temperature throughout grilling which will help prevent accidents from occurring as a result of extreme heat levels.
– Prevents rusting
When exposed to air for extended periods of time, metal begins to oxid and corrode. Eventually these conditions will cause rust and holes to form on the metal and make it dangerous for you to cook food. By covering your grill, you prevent it from coming in contact with air and causing these things to happen.
– Lowers probability of mold growth
If you leave your grill out in the elements over a long enough period of time, dust particles that gather on the surface could potentially begin growing into harmful fungi or fungus that can cause health problems. When you cover your grill after cooking, this lowers the risk of any airborne contaminants from settling onto its surface which would help lower the chance of mold from growing later on.
– Prevents odor retention
After a while, grills can gain a lingering odor even when not in use. By covering your grill, you lessen the chances of it collecting aromas that are trapped in the surface which might clash with any foods you want to cook next.
– Secures your grill when traveling
A lot of people enjoy taking their grills on camping trips or tailgating parties where they need to travel long distances over bumpy roads. When covered, these grills are less likely to shift around and become damaged while being transported from place to place.
– Extends grill life expectancy
Grills can last a very long time if properly maintained. However, this maintenance is compromised every time food particles stick onto the metal grate instead of being removed as part of regular cleaning process. Covering your grill after each use can help lower the frequency of it having to be cleaned so you lengthen its lifespan and save money in the long run.
Alternatives to covering your grill
Ever heard the saying, “You can never be too rich or too thin”? Well there is a similar saying that goes, “It’s better to be safe than sorry”. If this is true, then it would also mean that you can never cover your grill too much. It may seem like everyone has their own personal method of keeping their barbecue grills clean and functional; with some people using aluminum foil and others using wire brushes. However, these methods are not enough to keep your grill working properly for long periods of time. To avoid potential grill malfunctions such as overheating and rusting (which could lead up to an expensive replacement), here are some alternatives to using aluminium foil on top of towels on top of your grill.
– Don’t cover it at all
If you are the type of person who prefers to keep their grills uncovered, then there are not many alternatives to cleaning your grill. The only thing I would recommend is using oven cleaner after every use. This will help prevent food from sticking and allow for easier clean up next time you grill. It is important that you leave the cleaner on for about 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a steel bristle brush in order to get in between all of the nooks and crannies of your barbecue. This method should only be used every few months, unless you cook on it almost daily (in which case aluminum foil might be better).
– Using aluminum foil Briquettes won’t rust your grills, but the ashes left over from a charcoal fire can cause serious damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to line the bottom of your grill with a layer of aluminum foil before cooking any food on it.
– Using wire brushes If you are looking for an immediate way to clean up your barbecue after using briquettes or charcoals, then try using wire brushes instead of aluminum foil. While they might not protect against rusting in the long run, they will get rid of all leftover ash and debris that is stuck in between nooks and crannies.
– Use a towel or wet rag instead of aluminium foil for temporarily covering your grill in order to keep ash from spreading everywhere while waiting until your coals have burnt down completely. You can also use these towels when cleaning up after using briquettes or charcoals because they can hold all of the leftover ash inside much better than a wire brush could.
When not to cover your grill
Should i cover my grill? When it comes to BBQ grills, the most essential final step is covering your grill after turning off. You can even set a time to do so automatically with a timer attachment. That said, there are times when you shouldn’t cover your grill:
– If you’re cooking for more than an hour and the meat isn’t ready yet (no matter how cold and windy it gets), don’t cover your grill; let it cool down naturally first before covering it. This prevents the buildup of carcinogenic toxins that come from burning fat, as well as potential carbon monoxide poisoning if the vents aren’t properly closed.
– If you live in area where its actually okay to leave charcoal unattended on a grill, don’t cover your grill; leaving the vents open keeps airflow at an optimal level, which puts less pressure on your air conditioner (and increases the lifespan of the grill).
– If you’re grilling meat that still has connective tissue intact (i.e., ribs, brisket), don’t cover your grill; this prevents it from dry out too much and becoming tough.
– If you’re cooking chicken wings or legs, don’t cover your grill unless you want soggy skin.
– Finally, if there are no clouds in the sky and it’s not windy outside, leave your grill uncovered all night long! This is how you keep small animals away. Some would say that this also invites in spirits.
Tips for maintaining a covered grill in the winter
Overall, a covered grill will last longer if you maintain it well. The biggest cause of corrosion and rust is the elements combined with moist outdoor conditions.
In late fall or early winter before you put your grill away for the season, do a few easy things to protect it from rust and corrosion.
When storing a gas grill connected to a natural gas source or propane cylinder , disconnect the tank or turn down the valve on the tank. On an electric grill , unplug it from its power source after use. When not in use for more than two months, clean out any charcoal particles that have accumulated in the grill’s bottom pan, wipe down the grates, cover them with a towel or drop sheets of paper towel between each grate.
If you have an electric grill , test to make sure it will heat up . Once winter is over and it’s time to put your grill away for another six months, first clean all removable parts on your grill. On some grills this includes removing knobs and cleaning behind them—others will have self-cleaning capabilities that require little effort on the part of the owner. Don’t forget to wind any cords or hoses up neatly before putting everything away.
Then give your covered grill a once-over . Clean off dirt, leaves , cobwebs , bugs, and any other outdoor matter that has accumulated on your grill. Use a brush to work loose stubborn dirt, and then use a cloth to wipe away the loosened debris or use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment or crevice tool.
Make sure all vents (on the lid and bottom of the grill) are unclogged before you start this process. Remove anything obstructing airflow, including ashes , burnt food chunks, leaves, dirt , rust flakes, corrosion particles, spider webs , mortar droppings from old bricks used for leveling the grill (if it is placed on bricks), etc. After cleaning out your grill’s interior thoroughly, spray some cooking oil on paper towel and wipe down each surface inside of the grill cavity to protect against future corrosion and rust.
Should i cover my grill? If your grill has a stainless steel exterior , such as the Weber Genesis series, it’s important to take special precautions in winter . Be sure to always cover your grill when it is not in use—never leave it out exposed overnight or while you’re at work during the day. If possible, cover your grill with a waterproof canopy and keep both ends covered by tying down all flaps securely to prevent water from getting in. Also try to find a location for your grill that will receive some shade during the sunnier parts of the day so that your grill doesn’t get too hot during summer weather . If you don’t have another place to store it indoors, consider anchoring large blocks of wood on top of bricks around the grill’s legs to prevent it from being pushed around when the weather is windy or it starts to snow.
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What happens if you don’t cover your grill?
Of all the things to forget to do before you leave the house, forgetting to cover your grill is one of the most common mistakes.
The majority of us have probably made this mistake at least once in our lives, but what happens when you forget? When you don’t cover your grill, food can drop down into it. This exposure to elements causes rust and corrosion, which can lead to bitterness in your next meal. If exposed for too long, grills even start to warp due to weather change conditions. To ensure that doesn’t happen here are some simple reminders on how long you should leave a covered grill if not using it:
Once you’ve decided to use your outdoor appliance, make sure to cover both the grates and surfaces with lids or plastic wrap before leaving them outside for more than 30 minutes. This is especially important if using coal or wood since they are combustible materials which need extra protection against exposure. After 24 hours, these types of grills should be covered completely with a lid allowing no exposure at all. When using propane it’s best if you cover the top of your grill after one day (two days max) of not being used allowing just enough exposure until you’re ready to cook again.
What material is best for a grill cover?
Should i cover my grill? A grill cover protects your grill from dust, debris, and rain. A good one can last though several grilling seasons if treated properly.
Material is the most important thing to consider when choosing a grill cover. Here are some materials commonly used in grill covers:
– Canvas or Vinyl: These are very common materials for grill covers because they are relatively inexpensive. They are also easy to clean by simply wiping with soap and water. However, neither canvas nor vinyl is suitable for extended periods of exposure to UV rays since they both degrade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. This means that canvas or vinyl can begin deteriorating in as little as three months in extreme weather conditions like desert climates where the sun’s UV rays beat down intensely all day year-round.
– Vinyl: Vinyl is a synthetic material similar to plastic that resists tearing and damage from the sun’s UV rays. It doesn’t absorb water, which makes it a good choice for a grill cover in rainy climates. However, vinyl only comes in solid colors and can easily tear if snagged or poked by sharp objects during storage or transport. This low resistance to snags means vinyl covers are usually not as durable as other materials like nylon.
– Nylon: Nylon is a tough fabric made from synthetic fibers with high tear resistance properties due to its tight weave structure. Unlike canvass or vinyl, nylon does not degrade from exposure to direct sunlight over long periods of time. Nylon grill covers are usually dark in color to reduce the risk of fading. Nylon covers are usually made from a thicker material than vinyl, so they can withstand stronger winds while being stored or transported. However, they are typically more expensive than vinyl.
– Breathable Fabrics: In climates where humidity is not a problem, some people prefer using fabrics that allow for moisture to escape from inside the grill cover. This reduces the likelihood that water vapor will condensate under the fabric and ruin the grill. Such fabrics include cotton or wool blends that have been treated with chemical coatings like silicon oxide treatment to make them weatherproof. These types of fabrics also tend to be lightweight yet durable compared to other materials like vinyl and nylon. However, their lack of waterproofing properties makes them less effective protection against rain.
– Wood: Some grill covers are made of hardwood planks, which are used to support other materials like breathable fabrics or vinyl. Hardwood planks are less common compared to the other types of materials listed above since they are not as durable or weatherproof. They can be prone to warping in humid conditions over an extended period of time due to absorption of excess water that can occur with high humidity climates. These wooden grill cover alternatives usually have metal poles inserted inside the wood planks so they remain rigid enough for use under various types of weather conditions, while being lightweight and easy to transport when needed.
– Metal: Metal is an excellent choice for a grill cover material. However, metal grill covers are usually very expensive due to the high cost of steel and aluminum. They are also heavy, making them difficult to transport unless they have handles or wheels attached for ease of transportation.
– What did you learn?
Grill covers can be made from a variety of materials including canvas, vinyl, nylon, breathable fabrics, wood planks with metal poles inside them, and various types of metals like steel or aluminum. Materials used in grill covers need to be weatherproof against UV damage (canvas), resistant to tearing (vinyl), able to withstand strong winds while being stored or transported (nylon), allow moisture to escape (breathable fabrics), not absorb excess water (wood planks treated with silicon oxide), and rigid enough for any type of weather (metal).
>> Should i cover my grill – DIY Outdoor Kitchen Built-in Grill Station
Conclusion
Should i cover my grill? It is recommended to cover your grill after the use. This will help save it from rusting and decaying, as well as keep out any unwanted critters that may be lurking in the dark corners of your yard or shed. If you are looking for a long term solution, then invest in an outdoor grill cover that can protect your investment for years to come!
If you do cover the grill, make sure that it is well ventilated and put at least 12 inches away from other flammable items. You should also check on the grill every 30 minutes to see if any embers have ignited anything near by before they can cause damage or start a fire. This will help protect you as well as those around you in yards and homes adjacent to yours.
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