Outdoor grills are almost considered a staple in most American homes. The average sale of outdoor grills is around 1.4 billion in the United States alone. If you own an outdoor grill, you know the weather is not always ideal for grilling, and you work to keep your investment clean and in good condition. What happens when a storm comes up, and your grill gets rained all over?
If your outdoor grill gets rained on, it is going to be just fine. Outdoor grills are made to withstand elements. While you will not want to frequently leave it out in poor weather conditions, limited exposure will not likely harm your grill.
In this article, you will learn about what to do if your outdoor grill gets wet and how you can prevent it from getting rained on.
Outdoor Grills Have Protection
When you purchase a grill intended for outdoor use, you can rest assured that a few raindrops will not do anything to harm your grill seriously. Most grills are made for outdoor use and are coated with rust-resistant paint. However, it would help if you still cared to protect your grill from the elements when possible.
What If My Grill Gets Rained On?
Unfortunately, the weather does not always cooperate, and pop-up storms are unpredictable. If you have ever been outside grilling when a pop-up rainstorm has occurred, you know that your grill will fall victim to the rain. If this happens, it is not going to ruin your grill. Sure, it may ruin your grilling mood, but the grill will be just fine with a bit of care.
If your grill gets rained on, there are a couple of different things you can do to help maintain the function of the grill.
Move the grill under cover: If you are outside grilling and it begins to rain, you may be able to move the grill under the protection of a patio or large patio umbrella. Do NOT move a gas grill into a closed space! You need to ensure the area you choose to move the grill too is safe and well-ventilated.
Dry the grill: Once the rain has stopped, make sure you take time to wipe any excess water from the grill. If the grill is warm, you may need to wait until it is cool to accomplish this task safely.
Should I Buy a Cover for My Grill?
If you cannot store your grill in a protected area, you will want to invest in a quality grill cover. When you begin to search for grill covers, you will find many different options. There are some things you need to keep in mind when buying the best grill cover for your needs.
Cost: You will find a wide range of prices when it comes to grill covers. The price will be dependent on the size, material, and warranty. If you are looking for the “Roles Royce” of grill covers, you can expect to spend over $350. However, if you are looking for a simple grill cover that keeps the elements out, you can find one for around $30.
Material: When purchasing a grill cover, you will find many materials they can be made from, and some are more durable than others. The more durable the material, the more expensive the cover will be.
Size: If you have a large grill, you can expect to spend a bit more on a cover that will fully protect your grill. There are some circumstances where a grill cover may need to be specially made, especially if you have a built-in grill that is not mobile.
What Materials Are Grill Covers Made With?
Grill covers come in a variety of materials, some are more durable than others, and your climate and budget may dictate the choice of material. It is important to note that most grill covers are made with heavy, waterproof material.
Vinyl: Vinyl is the most common material used to make grill covers. It would be best if you remembered that all vinyl is not made equally. While all vinyl will protect from rain and water, there are different gauges of vinyl that you can purchase. Here are some quality options to look at.
- Unicook
- Dobar
- BroilPro
If you choose to use a thin gauge vinyl, which is typically less expensive, you will find it less durable than a more expensive vinyl cover. In the absence of heavy winds, which can cause the cover to pull on the grill, you will be able to get at least one season from a less expensive vinyl product. However, if you are looking for a long-term solution, you will want to invest in a more durable cover.
Polyester: Some grill covers are made with weather-treated polyester. This material can be a bit less expensive without limiting its durability. Many people choose polyester because you can use it in all weather conditions. Here are some polyester options.
- Weber
- Simple Houseware
- Broil King
Canvas: The least expensive grill cover option is a canvas. It is very durable and can be used year-round, making it an excellent choice for many homeowners. An added benefit of canvas grill covers is their ability to be made fireproof. Here are some canvas options to look at.
- Classic Accessories
- iCover
- Netty Pro
As you can see, there are many options when it comes to quality grill covers. When making a choice, you will need to decide which option will best fit your needs. Some grills even come with their covers, but they are often not of the highest quality.
What if the Inside of the Grill Cover Gets Wet?
You have left your grill cover lying in the open, and it has gotten rained on. While this is not a huge issue, you want to make sure that you completely dry the cover before placing it over the grill. If you cover the grill with a damp cover, you will run the risk of your grill rusting.
If your grill has gotten wet, you will want to either put it into the dryer or hang it up in a location that will allow it to air out and fully dry. Pay close attention to the care instructions on your cover before using a dryer. While dry most covers at a low heat setting, not all covers can handle the heat.
Final Thoughts
While you can feel confident that your grill will not be damaged by getting wet, it is best to prevent it from happening. You can accomplish this by purchasing a quality grill cover. Remember never to use a wet grill cover, or you will harm your grill.
