How & When To Use Your Grill Cover
Since the first person bought the first grill, people have been wondering “To Cover Or Not To Cover”. An argument as heated as grilling with the lid up or down, and which came first- the chicken or the egg. How to use a grill cover seems like a simple concept, but in actual fact, it’s a bit of a conundrum. After setting up my beautiful new Prestige PRO™ I followed the instructions on what to do when you get a new Napoleon, then proceeded to season my grids. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t with me. As I let the grill cool down after my first meal cooked on this pristine Prestige PRO™, a storm rolled in before I could cover the grill again. It rained so hard, that half of my back yard washed away. My grill cover, while water-resistant, couldn’t handle the deluge and was soaked. My poor new grill left to face the elements unprotected. It was days before the cover was dry, and the same went for my grill. I was paralyzed with paranoia. When you meet the grill of your dreams, you want to take care of it. I finally covered my Prestige PRO™ 500 again, determined to find out when and where it is best to use a cover.
Covering the bases
Covering one’s grill isn’t a hard and fast rule. Sometimes it is actually beneficial to not cover, and other times a combination of covering and not covering is what is needed. I talked to a Napoleon Product Expert who explained how to know what to do. Although it is always a good idea to have a cover for your grill, a Napoleon Grill is built to stand up to the weather no matter where you are. Less expensive grills aren’t built to our standards of quality and require a little more care to make them last. Basically, if you own a Napoleon Grill and forget to cover it, don’t panic, a little bad weather won’t do much harm.
Humid climates:
If you live anywhere that is hot and/or humid, or experience weather that is humid, like areas on both the East and West Coast, as well as anywhere from the bottom third of Texas up to Saskatchewan these areas all fall under the humid zone. Humid doesn’t necessarily mean that the weather is hot and tropical. It can also mean damp – think a foggy day in London. In areas that experience weather like this, it can be a bad idea to cover your grill. Covering your grill can lead to said humidity being trapped under the cover and against the grill, leading to corrosion. Napoleon’s covers are built for airflow and have vents in them to assist in releasing excess humidity, however, it’s still a good idea to give your grill some air sometimes. Your Napoleon will be perfectly fine if you prefer to cover it unless it is in use, just remember to give it a wipe down periodically and use a stainless polish to protect it.
Coastal climates:
Living by the ocean is scenic and relaxing unless you’re a grill. The salty air and erratic weather are particularly difficult to manage. Our Napoleon Product Expert recommends that you cover, especially when expecting heavy rain and snow, or other inclement weather. Further, it is best to perform a weekly wipe down with a damp cloth, followed by a thorough drying. This removes any salty residue and ensures a long life for your grill.
Dry climates:
If you live anywhere that is consistently dry - the rest of Texas up through the States and Alberta over to the Rockies, you’re safe to leave the grill uncovered, though we still recommend covering to prevent coatings of dust or debris coating the grill. There’s not much that can hurt a Napoleon Grill. Napoleon’s Product Expert suggests making sure you cover the grill during extreme weather for protection at the very least.
All climates:
No matter where you live, it’s a good idea to keep your grill in a sheltered area with space between the grill and any walls, and out of direct wind when possible. For safety reasons, please, never grill in a completely enclosed space, in your garage, or operate your gas grill indoors.
Oh no! I forgot!
Sometimes you make a perfect meal and while waiting for your grill to cool down, the sky opens up and your poor grill (and cover) get soaked. Or you turned off the burners and went inside for a delicious meal, completely forgetting about your grill for days, even weeks at a time. Don’t fret. This is perfectly alright. Although it’s recommended to have a cover for your grill, it is not necessary to keep your grill covered 24/7. Just remember to give your grill a good wipe down about once a month, and cover it when necessary. The more you take care of your grill, the longer it can make great meals with you. Check out our selection of covers and maintenance products to round out your team and keep your grill like new for ages to come.