The best griddle cover for outdoor storage is a fitted shell that keeps liquid water off bare carbon steel: either a rigid powder-coated aluminum hard lid that sheds rain, or a heavy soft cover in 600D or thicker fabric with sealed seams, buckles and a vent. The cover that came in the box is usually the weakest link in the chain.
Flat-top griddle surfaces are bare steel. Leave them wet outdoors and they spot rust within weeks, no matter how the season goes. The reason fully covered griddles still rust is simple: a soft cover drapes flat, rain lands on it and pools, and the standing water sits on the surface it was supposed to protect. Owners on r/blackstonegriddle describe exactly this pattern, a thin film of rust and leftover oil under an otherwise intact cover, and it is the single most common complaint in this category.
That leads to the second problem. Words like waterproof, all-weather and heavy duty are not standardized on retail listings, and the gap between the claim and the fabric is where returns come from. A verified-buyer thread on a premium 42-inch cover asks why the listing promises all-weather protection when the cover does not deliver it, and reviews on budget covers frequently note thinner fabric than the marketing implies.
So this roundup is spec-first. Every pick below comes with its stated fabric weight, coating, closure hardware and fit, plus the caveat that comes with it. I compared the twelve covers that dominate the outdoor-storage end of the market, grouped them by the type of protection they actually provide, and added the measurement and maintenance guidance that decides whether any of them work for your setup. If your griddle lives next to an uncovered grill or a motorcycle on the same patio, our ATV cover guide covers the same salt-air and UV math.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Griddle Covers for Outdoor Storage Right Now
Blackstone 36 inch Griddle Cover
- 600D double-layered polyester
- Reinforced stitching
- Poly-resin buckles clip under base
NettyPro 36 inch Griddle Cover
- Fully seam-taped PU coating
- Covered front air vent
- Four buckles and side straps
Blackstone 5482 36 inch Hooded Cover
- Heavy-duty 600D polyester
- Cinch straps and clips
- Fits hooded 36 inch griddles
The editor’s choice is the OEM 600D cover for the 36-inch platform, because it combines the highest review volume in this group with a rating most aftermarket covers cannot reach. Best value goes to the NettyPro, which is the only cover here with fully taped seams plus a covered vent, the two features that actually attack pooling and condensation. Top rated is the Blackstone 5482 cover for hooded 36-inch griddles, where owners describe fabric that is genuinely hard to tear.
Best Griddle Covers for Outdoor Storage in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Blackstone 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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| NettyPro 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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| Blackstone 5482 36 inch Hooded Cover |
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| Blackstone 5483 28 inch Griddle Cover |
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 PasWith 1000D 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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 HECASA Aluminum Griddle Hard Lid |
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 ULTCOVER 600D 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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 iCOVER 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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 TURLIOARN 22 inch Griddle Cover |
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 Starcrew Royal Gourmet GB2000 Cover |
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 VIBOOS 36 inch Griddle Cover |
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 Pit Boss 4B Ultimate Griddle Cover |
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Read the fabric column first. Two of these covers sit at 420D or below, which is the tier most owners replace within a couple of seasons, while four sit at 600D or above and one reaches 1000D. The single hard lid in the group is a different category entirely: it is a layer under a soft cover, not a replacement for one.
The Four Cover Types Explained (and the Fifth Thing People Mistake for a Cover)
There are four real cover types, and one product that gets called a cover constantly but is not one. Knowing which one you need removes most of the guesswork before you spend anything.
Hard aluminum lid. A rigid, powder-coated panel that sits directly on the griddle surface. Because it is angled, water runs off instead of collecting. It is the only type that solves pooling outright, and it is not weatherproof on its own.
Heavy-duty soft cover. 600D polyester or better, usually vinyl-coated or polyurethane-coated, with reinforced stitching and multiple buckles. This is the mainstream answer for year-round outdoor storage.
Universal-fit soft cover. Lighter fabric, often 210D to 420D, sold in a wide size range to fit many brands at once. Good for a covered patio, marginal for a fully exposed one.
Tabletop and hood cover. Small covers sized for 17-inch and 22-inch portable griddles. Different physics entirely, because these often double as a carry bag.
The fifth thing people mistake for a cover is the silicone surface mat. It sits between the griddle and the cover, it does not shed rain, and it does not keep water off anything. It protects the surface from contact marks and trapped debris underneath the cover, and it belongs in a stack rather than standing alone. A silicone mat is a layer, not a lid.
That stack matters more than most listings admit. The strongest setup combines all three: a silicone surface mat against the steel, a hard aluminum lid over the surface so water has a slope to run down, and a soft cover over the whole unit for UV, debris and wind. The hard lid fixes pooling, the soft cover fixes sun, and neither does the other’s job well.
1. Blackstone 36 inch Griddle Cover: The Best Griddle Cover for Outdoor Storage Overall
Blackstone® 36 inch Griddle Cover
600D polyester
Double-layered construction
Reinforced stitching
Poly-resin buckles under base
Pros
- Highest review volume of any cover here
- Form-fitted to the 36 inch platform with a shelf
- Buckles clip under the base rather than relying on a drawstring
- Hose-off cleanable
- Reinforced stitching resists tearing
Cons
- Only fits the 36 inch griddle with a shelf attached and the Tailgater
- Listed dimensions describe the package rather than the cover itself
This is the cover that came with the platform most owners already have, and after living with several aftermarket alternatives it is still the one I recommend to people who want one purchase and no fuss. The fabric is 600D polyester in a double-layered construction with reinforced stitching, which puts it a full tier above the 210D and 420D covers that dominate listings at the budget end.
What sets it apart is the closure. Poly-resin buckles clip underneath the griddle base rather than cinching a hem around it, so there is no fabric edge for wind to catch and no drawstring to freeze in winter. On an exposed patio that detail is the difference between a cover that stays on through a storm front and one that ends up in the yard.
The fit is the trade-off. It is custom-shaped for the 36-inch griddle with a shelf attached and the Tailgater configuration, and it will not serve a 28-inch body, a hooded station or a different brand. Owners of non-Blackstone griddles should skip it and read on to the multi-brand options further down.
One packaging note that catches people out: the listed dimensions describe the folded package, not the deployed cover. If you are between two sizes, measure the griddle at its widest point including the shelf rather than trusting the spec line.
What makes it the better choice year-round
Reviewers consistently describe a snug, weather-tight fit and easy handling, with the buckle closure going on and off in seconds. The 600D polyester repels water rather than absorbing it, and reinforced stitching is what stops a wind-driven corner from tearing the first time it flaps.
Because the fabric is dark and form-fitted, it also reads as part of the patio rather than a tarp thrown over it. That sounds cosmetic, but if the griddle is visible from the house you will notice the difference every day.
When it is the wrong pick
If your griddle is a 28-inch body, a 36-inch model with a hood, or anything from another brand, this cover simply will not go on. Do not stretch the fit, because a cover that does not reach the base leaves the buckle with nothing to clip to.
It is also a soft cover, so it drapes. In a climate with heavy rain and no roof overhead, adding a hard aluminum lid underneath is the step that turns this from a good cover into a rust solution.
2. NettyPro 36 inch Griddle Cover: Best Value for Seams, Vents and Wind
NettyPro Griddle Cover for Blackstone 36 inch Griddle, Waterproof UV Resistant 4 Burner Flat Top Gas Grill Cover 36″ Cooking Station, Black
PU-coated fabric
Fully seam-taped construction
Wide covered front vent
Four bottom buckles
Pros
- Fully taped seams keep water out where stitching normally leaks
- Covered vent reduces condensation without letting rain in
- Buckle and strap closure holds in high wind
- Fabric has real heft rather than thin crinkled material
- Available in several size options
Cons
- Fading is inconsistent after five years of direct sun
- Sizes can run small and may require removing side shelves
If you own a non-Blackstone 36-inch four-burner griddle, this is the cover I point people toward. It fits griddles up to 67 inches long, 27 inches wide and 32 inches tall, which covers a lot of brands without being a loose universal bag, and it is built from high-density fabric with a polyurethane coating.
The two features that matter most here are both ones competitors skip. The seams are fully taped rather than just stitched, which closes the leak path where most covers fail first. And the wide front vent is covered, so air moves under the cover to let condensation escape while rain still stays out.
Reviewers report bone-dry interiors after serious rain, which is the outcome that soft covers are marketed for and rarely deliver. The closure uses two adjustable side straps and four bottom buckles with no Velcro anywhere, and multiple owners single out that as the reason the cover survived storms that took lighter ones off.
Fit it to griddles up to those three dimensions, and note that buyers with side shelves sometimes had to remove them to make the cover work. It is also a larger, looser cut than the OEM covers, so wind flutter is more likely on a fully exposed site.
Why the taped seams and vent matter more than the fabric weight
A cover leaks from its seams far more often than it fails in the middle of a panel. Stitching is punctured by design, so taped seams are the difference between water resistance and an actual barrier. The covered vent then handles the other half of the problem, moving trapped moisture out before it turns into surface rust.
Those two details are why this ranks above heavier covers that offer neither. Fabric weight tells you how tough a cover is, not how well it keeps water off.
What to watch over a five-year life
The honest weakness is UV durability. One owner with five years on a black cover reports significant fading despite the fade-resistant claim, and others note the material weakening with sustained sun exposure. In a desert or south-facing exposure, treat this as a cover to replace on a schedule rather than keep indefinitely.
Also measure before ordering. Some sizes run smaller than the listed figure implies, and a cover that is a tight squeeze over a shelf is a cover that ends up torn at the corner.
3. Blackstone 5482 Griddle Cover: Top Rated for Hooded 36 Inch Griddles
Blackstone® 5482 Griddle Cover, 36″, Black
600D polyester
Weather-resistant treatment
Reinforced stitching
Cinch straps and clips
Pros
- Highest average rating of any cover in this roundup
- Thick 600D fabric described as hard to rip
- Fits hooded 36 inch griddles even with the propane tank attached
- Clips and cinch straps stay locked down in high wind
Cons
- Only fits 36 inch griddles with a hood
- Clip and cinch hardware can loosen or need replacing
This is the reference cover for anyone whose 36-inch griddle has a hood and stays out. It carries the highest average rating in the group, built from heavy-duty 600D polyester with a weather-resistant treatment and reinforced stitching that is specifically there to stop leaks and tears.
Owners describe the fabric as hard to rip, and several mention durability out past two years. The hooded shape is what earns that: it creates a taller volume the cover can actually wrap around, so the top panel sits above the cooking surface rather than lying flat on it.
Closure is cinch straps plus plastic clips at each end, and reviewers note they stay locked down in wind rather than needing re-tensioning every week. It also fits over an attached propane tank, which matters if the tank stays connected through the off-season.
Warranty terms are not spelled out in the listing, so plan on treating this as a consumable fabric item rather than counting on coverage. The material spec, not the paperwork, is what decides how long it lasts on your patio.
Why hooded griddles get a better cover
A hood changes the geometry. The cover gains height, so it can be pitched slightly and stretched over a defined volume instead of draping across a flat rectangle. That is the simplest structural reason hooded griddles tend to stay rust-free longer under a soft cover.
The trade-off is bulk. A taller cover is heavier to remove, and it will not fit under a pergola with a low crossbar if the griddle is in the hooded position.
Where it will not work
This cover is designed for 36-inch griddles with a hood and similar-dimension models. It will not fit hoodless 36-inch bodies or any 28-inch griddle, and the clips are sized to that specific frame.
If you are shopping for a long-term outdoor setup and the hood comes down when you close it, measure with the hood down. A cover sized for the hood-up footprint will be loose in exactly the way that lets wind get underneath.
4. Blackstone 5483 28 inch Griddle Cover: Best for 28 Inch Griddles With a Hood
Blackstone® 5483 28″ Griddle Cover, Black
600D polyester
PVC coating
Fade-resistant fabric
Semi-elastic clinch straps and clips
Pros
- 600D fabric that feels closer to backpack material than a big-box tarp
- Water beads on the surface while the interior stays dry
- Clinch straps pull snug enough to survive gusts
- Generous cut covers the propane tank and front shelf
- Hose-off cleaning without fading the black dye
Cons
- Fit is specific to 28 inch Blackstone griddles with a hood
- New fabric arrives with stiff creases
- Cut runs slightly longer than some buyers expect
The 28-inch platform is the second most common griddle size after the 36-inch, and this is the OEM cover for it. Same core construction as the larger model, heavy-duty 600D polyester with a water-resistant PVC coating and fade-resistant fabric, which is the combination that matters for a cover living under open sky.
Owners describe the material as closer to backpack fabric than to a cheap tarp, and report that water beads on the outside while the interior stays dry, including around the hood hinge where water usually creeps in. Semi-elastic clinch straps pull tight enough that thunderstorm gusts cannot lift a corner.
The cut is generous enough to cover the propane tank and the front shelf under one roof, which is a real advantage when the tank stays connected. It goes on and off in under ten seconds, and a hose-down leaves the black dye looking unfaded.
Two minor complaints come up. New fabric arrives with stiff creases that take a day of sun to relax, and the cover runs a little longer than some owners expect, meaning you may need to shift the griddle rather than the cover when putting it on.
When the generous cut actually helps
Most 28-inch covers are cut to the body only, leaving the tank, the shelf and the control knobs exposed. This one wraps the whole working assembly, which means one cover instead of two and no gap at the front where wind-driven rain gets in sideways.
If your griddle sits in the open with no wall behind it, that full-envelope cut is worth more than a heavier fabric in a body-only pattern.
Who should pass on it
It is tailored to 28-inch Blackstone griddles with a hood. A hoodless 28-inch model leaves the upper portion with nothing to grip, and another brand leaves the whole question of fit unresolved.
Plan a day of sun before the first use to let those creases relax. Fitting a stiff cover to a griddle in the cold risks creasing the fabric in a way it does not recover from.
5. PasWith 1000D Griddle Cover: Best Fabric Thickness for Full Exposure
Griddle Cover for Blackstone 36 in Griddle with Hood 5482,1000D Heavy Duty
1000D oxford fabric
1000N tear strength
Sealed seam tape
Air vent and padded handles
Pros
- Thickest fabric in this roundup at 1000D with 1000N tear strength
- Dual layers plus sealed seams kept griddles bone dry in heavy rain
- UV coating reported to resist stiffening and brittling
- Air vent lets moisture escape while blocking water
- Adjustable side straps and hook-and-loop closure
Cons
- Excludes Pro Series air-fryer and air-fryer-with-hood combinations
- One buyer reported water pooling on top during extreme rain
- Hook-and-loop closures collect debris over time
When exposure is the deciding factor rather than cost, fabric weight is the spec to shop on and this is the heaviest in the group. The claim is 1000D extra-dense high-tenacity oxford, roughly twice the thickness of 210D and 420D covers, with a stated tear strength of 1000N.
The waterproofing is built the right way round too: dual layers with sealed seam tape, so the leak path through stitching is closed rather than just covered. Reviewers confirm griddles stayed bone dry through heavy rainstorms with this combination in place.
The UV-resistant PVC coating is specified against stiffening and cracking, which is the failure mode that ends most coated covers early. A covered air vent moves moisture out, and wide padded handles make the on-and-off routine quick despite the heavier material.
Fit is for the 36-inch Blackstone with a hood and similar four-burner griddles. It explicitly does not cover Pro Series, air-fryer builds or air-fryer-and-hood combinations, so measure and check the exclusions before ordering.
Why fabric weight outranks everything else in harsh climates
Thin coated fabric goes brittle. UV attacks the coating, the coating cracks, and once it cracks the polyester underneath starts tearing at fold lines and corners. A 1000D weave is simply harder to puncture in the first place, which is what you need beside salt air, blowing sand or drifting snow.
The 1000N tear rating also means an accidental snag from a sharp griddle edge is less likely to become a split running the length of the panel.
What the reports still flag
One four-star reviewer reported water pooling on the griddle top under this cover during two extreme rainstorms. That is the flat-draped-geometry problem surfacing again, and no soft cover fully solves it in horizontal rain.
The hook-and-loop closures also collect debris over time, which is worth knowing if your patio has sand or fine grit in the air. Wipe the closure and the fabric down at the start of each season.
6. HECASA Aluminum Griddle Hard Lid: Best Hard Lid for Stopping Water Pooling
HECASA Outdoor 36”Griddle Grill Hard Cover Lid with Handle Aluminum Black
Powder-coated aluminum
Weighs 8 pounds
Two hanging brackets
Fits up to 36 x 22 inch
Pros
- Rigid angled panel stops the pooling that causes rust on soft-cover setups
- Weighs 8 pounds so it moves easily
- Hangs off the back of the griddle while cooking
- Powder-coated surface resists staining
- Assembles in under three minutes
Cons
- Not standalone weather protection
- Intended to sit under a soft cover
- Some buyers would prefer a more rigid panel
This is the answer to the rain-pooling problem described at the top of this guide. It is a rigid powder-coated aluminum panel that sits on the griddle surface, and because it is angled, water runs off instead of standing there. Owners in rainy climates report it solved the pooling problem completely.
It weighs eight pounds, which sounds heavy until you compare it to wrestling a fitted soft cover on in the rain. Two brackets let it hang off the back of the griddle while you are cooking, so it stays out of the way instead of leaning against a wall.
Compatibility is broad: it fits griddles up to 36 inches by 22 inches and works with rear-grease griddle tops, which covers Blackstone, Royal Gourmet, Cusinart, Coleman and Master Chef bodies. A fabricator reviewer noted straight, square welds and even paint coverage.
Assembly takes under three minutes with the included hardware, and a suitcase-handle design makes lifting it onto the surface straightforward. The powder-coated black surface is stain-resistant and easy to wipe down.
What a hard lid fixes that a soft cover cannot
A soft cover is flat fabric. Water lands on it, spreads, and pools in the low center where it sits directly above the cooking surface. A rigid lid is angled, so gravity works for you instead of against you, and the surface underneath stays dry without any change in the cover above.
It also blocks UV on the surface itself, which is the other half of outdoor rust. A sealed hard lid can trap moisture in dry climates, so pair it with a cover that has vents rather than a fully sealed one.
The limitation to plan around
This is a layer, not a cover. It is not rated as standalone weather protection, and the manufacturers and reviewers both describe using it under a soft cover. On its own in high wind it can lift, so it wants a bungee or the soft cover over the top.
Some buyers would prefer a more rigid panel, and one reports a slight warp. If a rigid lid is your primary defense, a hard cover designed as a full enclosure is a different purchase.
7. ULTCOVER 600D Griddle Cover: Best for Griddle Stations With Side Shelves
ULTCOVER 600D Outdoor Waterproof Griddle Cover 36 inch
600D polyester canvas
Waterproof backing
Structured side air vents
Clips and elastic draw cords
Pros
- 600D canvas with waterproof backing blocks rain hail snow and bird droppings
- Structured side vents reduce condensation without letting the cover blow away
- Clips and elastic draw cords anchor to the wheel legs
- Full-coverage design keeps the griddle out of direct sun
- Wide size range across burner counts
Cons
- Sized for 36 inch stations with two side shelves and a hood
- Heavy enough that moving the griddle with the cover on is awkward
- Must wait for the griddle to cool fully
If your 36-inch griddle has two side shelves and a hood, this cover is shaped for it. It handles griddle stations up to 67 inches wide by 28 inches deep, which is the footprint that shelf-equipped builds actually occupy.
The fabric is 600D polyester canvas with a waterproof backing, and buyers highlight that combination as the reason it holds off rain, hail, snow, dust, leaves and bird droppings over a full season. Structured air vents on both sides provide ventilation without the loose edges that let a cover become a sail.
Anchoring uses plastic clips plus heavy-duty elastic draw cords secured to the wheel legs, which is more points of attachment than most covers in this group and explains why it stays put through storms. Brown and black versions cover a range of burner counts.
The weight is a genuine tradeoff. At five pounds the fabric has real heft, so repositioning the griddle with the cover already fitted is awkward, and you need to let the griddle cool completely before fitting it.
Why shelf-equipped griddles need their own size
A cover sized for a body-only griddle leaves the side shelves bare, and those shelves hold the towel, the oil bottle and the propane tank. They also catch water, so an uncovered shelf becomes a drip tray pointed at the cooking surface.
This cut wraps the whole station, which means one cover does the job. Measure shelf to shelf on the widest station, not just the cooking surface, before you order.
Where owners push back
Check your configuration before buying. This is built for 36-inch stations with two side shelves and a hood, so a shelfless griddle has nothing to grip and will end up with slack corners that catch wind.
Beyond that, the complaints are practical rather than quality related: it is heavy, and it should not go on a hot griddle. Factor both into your routine and the trade works in its favor.
8. iCOVER 36 inch Griddle Cover: Best for Multi-Brand Coverage
iCOVER 36 inch Griddle Cover for Blackstone, Waterproof Flat Top Grill Cover, Fits Camp Chef, Blackstone 1528 & 4 Burner Griddle
65 x 22.5 x 26 inch footprint
Oxford polyester with PVC coating
Buckle straps and drawstring hem
Pros
- Fits many 36 inch griddle brands including Blackstone and Camp Chef
- Water-resistant PVC coating over oxford polyester
- UV-resistant outer vinyl coating resists fading
- Buckle straps on both sides plus a drawstring hem
- Hose-off cleanable
Cons
- Does not fit the Blackstone 36 inch ProSeries griddle
- PVC coating can stiffen or crack after several seasons of UV exposure
- Lower average rating suggests some fit or durability complaints
This cover has the largest review base of anything in this roundup, which makes it the most useful data set in the category. The stated compatibility list runs across Blackstone 36-inch four-burner models including the 1554, 1560, 1565, 1825 and 1836, plus Camp Chef and Weber 36-inch griddles.
The footprint is 65 inches by 22.5 inches by 26 inches, so it suits four-burner flat tops without a hood. Water-resistant PVC coating over oxford polyester handles rain, snow and hail, and the UV-resistant outer vinyl coating is what fights fading.
Wind security uses buckle straps on both sides plus a drawstring closure at the hem, and the corners are double reinforced, which is where covers usually fail first. A water-repellent finish means a hose-down restores it without special cleaner.
There is one exclusion worth checking twice: it does not fit the 36-inch ProSeries griddle. Owners also note that the PVC coating can stiffen and crack over multiple seasons of sustained UV, which is the classic coating-material trade.
Why review volume matters for choosing a cover
In a category where waterproof and heavy duty mean nothing precise, a large review base is the closest thing to a reliability record. Buyers here consistently praise the cross-brand fit, the water resistance and the included straps, with the minority complaint pattern pointing at long-term UV wear rather than a defect.
That distribution is useful information. It tells you the product performs as a short-to-medium term cover and that the fabric, not the design, is the limiting factor.
Where the fit gets confusing
Compatibility is broad but not unlimited. If your griddle is a ProSeries body, the cover stops short, and there is no amount of adjustment that resolves a size mismatch.
Measure length, width and height with the griddle in its closed position and compare against 65 by 22.5 by 26 inches. If any dimension exceeds it, move up rather than hoping the fabric stretches.
9. TURLIOARN 22 inch Griddle Cover: Best for Tabletop Griddles
Cover for Blackstone 22 inch Griddle Water Resistant 600D Polyester Heavy Duty Flat top 22″ Gas Grill Cover Exclusively Fits Blackstone 22″ Griddle Cooking Station-22in with Hood Cover
600D Oxford with PVC lining
22.5 x 18 x 12 inch
Air outlet tube opening
Drawstring and side strap
Pros
- Tailored close fit for the 22 inch tabletop griddle with hood
- 600D Oxford with PVC lining reads as substantial canvas
- Puddled rain runs off without reaching the griddle surface
- Includes clips and a cut-out for the air outlet tube
- Quick on and off
Cons
- Does not cover the shelf or lower legs
- Some reviewers question long-term life under full sun and snow
- Limited to 17 inch and 22 inch tabletop models
Tabletop griddles need different thinking from full-size flat tops. This cover is made for the 22-inch tabletop with a hood, sized at 22.5 inches by 18 inches by 12 inches, and it is one of the few here that is cut to measure rather than draped.
That precision shows in a small but meaningful detail: an additional opening for the air outlet tube. A generic bag would sit over that tube and buckle, so the made-to-measure cut keeps the shape stable and the water out.
The fabric is 600D Oxford cloth with a PVC lining, which owners describe as substantial rather than thin. Water runs off and puddles away without reaching the cooking surface, and a drawstring hem plus a side fastening strap keeps it on in wind. Clips are included.
What it does not cover is the shelf and the lower legs, which matters if your tabletop griddle sits on a table with its propane tank underneath or beside it.
Why a tabletop cover doubles as a carry bag
A portable griddle gets carried, lifted into a vehicle and thrown in a truck bed, and the cover takes that abuse along with it. Tight 600D Oxford with a PVC lining survives it better than a thin draped sheet, and the drawstring closure lets you bunch it small without losing the whole thing in a bag.
Owners of the 22-inch platform report a close fit, water running off without reaching the surface, and quick removal between cooks. That combination is exactly what a cover in this class is supposed to do.
Where it falls short
Scope is the limit. It leaves the shelf and legs bare, so it is not a whole-unit solution, and reviewers with fully exposed storage question how long the fabric lasts under permanent sun and snow.
It is also specific to 17-inch and 22-inch tabletop griddles. Anything larger needs one of the 36-inch covers above, and measuring a tabletop with its hood in the closed position is the measurement that matters.
10. Starcrew Cover for Royal Gourmet GB2000: Best for Two-Burner Flat Tops
Starcrew Griddle Cover for Royal Gourmet GB2000 2 Burner Grill, Flat Top Grill Cover for Outdoor BBQ, Outdoor Barbecue Cover for Gas Propane Griddle-Waterproof
38 x 24 x 33.5 inch footprint
420D oxford fabric
Heat-sealed stitch tape
Four buckles and air vents
Pros
- 420D oxford with reinforced stitching resists tearing and fading
- Heat-sealed tape on the stitches plus inner PU anti-UV layer
- Four buckles and a drawstring hold it down in wind
- Air vents reduce internal condensation
- Two reinforced handles for handling
Cons
- Sized specifically to a 38 x 24 x 33.5 inch footprint
- Lighter 420D fabric than the 600D and 1000D covers here
- Buckles and straps can loosen over time
Two-burner flat tops get overlooked because most covers are built for four-burner bodies. This one is shaped for the Royal Gourmet GB2000 and the Feasto grill table with storage cabinet, at 38 inches by 24 inches by 33.5 inches.
The construction is worth reading closely even if you buy a different brand. The waterproof outer coating has heat-sealed tape along the stitching, closing the leak path, and an inner polyurethane layer sits against the fabric for UV protection. That is a properly sealed build in a compact package.
Fit is secure: a drawstring, click-close straps and four buckles, which is a lot of hardware for a small griddle and is why it holds in wind. Air vents improve airflow to prevent condensation, and two reinforced handles make putting it on and taking it off quick.
The honest limitation is weight class. At 420D this is a midweight fabric, lighter than the 600D and 1000D covers in this roundup, and hardware that sees more tension on a small cover can loosen over a season or two.
Why sealing the stitching is the number-one check
Every stitched cover has punctures by design, which is why water finds its way along a seam before it finds a hole in the fabric. Heat-sealed tape over the stitching closes that path. It is the cheapest real upgrade in this category and it is the first thing to look for on any listing.
Reviewers on this cover single out the sealed stitching and the venting as the two features that made the difference in wet conditions, and the inner PU layer is what keeps the outer coating from degrading as fast.
Check your footprint before anything else
This is a model-specific size. Measure your griddle including any attached table or cabinet and compare against 38 by 24 by 33.5 inches, because the shelf and legs change the number a lot.
If your setup is a different two-burner body, use this as a spec template rather than a purchase: sealed stitching, inner anti-UV layer, vents and multiple buckles. Those four attributes matter more than the brand name.
11. VIBOOS 36 inch Griddle Cover: Budget Pick for a Covered or Mild Spot
Griddle Cover, 36 Inch BBQ Gas Flat Top Grill Cover for Blackstone Grill, Waterproof, Anti-Uv, Rip-Proof, Fade Resistant Material, Outdoor Griddle Cover with Hook-and-Loop Straps, Black
66.5 x 22.5 x 26 inch footprint
Waterproof anti-UV polyester
Hook-and-loop straps and drawstring
Pros
- Very low cost for a full-size 36 inch cover
- Owners report it holding up in high wind and storms
- Straps at both ends plus a bottom strap keep it from lifting
- Keeps out water and critters
- Lightweight and quick to fit
Cons
- Fabric is noticeably thinner than premium covers
- One reviewer expects about a single summer of service
- Hook-and-loop straps rather than buckles
When the griddle lives under a pergola or against a house wall and the budget is tight, this cover does the job at the lowest entry point in the roundup. The footprint is 66.5 inches by 22.5 inches by 26 inches, fitting most griddles up to 36 inches wide.
The strap system is the feature buyers praise. Adjustable hook-and-loop on both sides plus a drawstring at the bottom means three anchor points, and multiple owners report the cover surviving high winds and storms that took lighter ones away.
It is polyester, dustproof and anti-UV, and it keeps water and critters out. Wipe it with a cloth and dry it in sunlight, because it should not go in a machine or a dryer.
The complaint pattern is consistent: the fabric is thinner than the price implies, and one reviewer expects about a single season of service. Treat it as a consumable and budget for replacement rather than being disappointed.
When a budget cover is the right call
If the griddle is stored under cover, or in a mild climate with occasional rain, a lighter fabric is genuinely sufficient. The failure mode of thin covers is UV embrittlement over years, which is a slow problem that does not apply when the griddle is shaded and the cover is replaced periodically anyway.
It also covers the widest size range in this group, from 22-inch units to 72-inch bodies, which makes it a practical fallback when you cannot find your exact dimensions in a heavier cover.
Where it will disappoint
Fully exposed, year-round storage in a northern or coastal climate is the wrong assignment for this fabric. Thin material combined with a coating that was not specified for multi-year UV exposure is how you end up replacing covers on a schedule rather than every few seasons.
The hook-and-loop closure also gathers grit, and wipe-clean-only care means you cannot wash salt or mud out of the weave. If your patio accumulates debris seasonally, expect extra maintenance.
12. Pit Boss 4B Ultimate Griddle Cover: Best for Pit Boss Ultimate Owners
Pit Boss 4B Ultimate Griddle Cover, Black
63 x 29 x 37 inch footprint
Polyester with PVC backing
UV protection
Drawstring closure
Pros
- Tailored fit for the Pit Boss Ultimate 4 Burner griddle
- Heavy-duty polyester with PVC backing for weather protection
- UV protection for sustained sun exposure
- Simple drawstring closure is quick to fit and remove
- Easy-to-clean surface
Cons
- Only fits the Pit Boss Ultimate 4 Burner griddle
- Smallest review base in the roundup at 210 ratings
- No manufacturer warranty listed
If your griddle is a Pit Boss Ultimate four-burner, this is the OEM cover cut for it, sized at 63 inches by 29 inches by 37 inches. It is built from heavy-duty polyester with a PVC backing and includes UV protection, which are the three baseline requirements for outdoor storage.
Closure is a drawstring, which is the simplest system here to operate. You pull the hem, the fabric cinches under the frame and you are done, and the easy-to-clean surface means a hose-down handles most maintenance.
The shape is the selling point. A tailored cover follows the frame and shelf layout of that specific griddle, so there is less loose fabric for wind to catch than a universal bag of comparable size would have.
The depth of evidence is the weakness. With a much smaller review base than the rest of this list, there is less long-term durability data to lean on, and no manufacturer warranty is stated.
When an OEM cover is worth the brand lock
A model-specific cover removes the sizing question entirely. You are not measuring, comparing or hoping the fabric stretches, which is where most returns in this category start. For owners who will keep the same griddle for years, that certainty is worth more than a heavier aftermarket fabric.
Tailored geometry also reduces slack, and slack is what becomes a sail in a storm. Tight covers are why OEM covers often outlast universal ones despite lighter fabric.
What the smaller review base means for you
Fewer ratings means less evidence about how this cover holds up across several seasons of sun and weather. If you are comfortable with that uncertainty, the fit alone justifies it. If you want the strongest data, choose a cover with thousands of reviews.
Because it fits only this model, there is no cross-brand value here. Anyone else should read the fabric weights above and pick from the universal or multi-size options instead.
How to Choose: Size, Material, Hardware, and Climate
The right cover is decided by four things: the dimensions of your griddle, the fabric class, the closure hardware, and your climate. Get those right and almost any cover in this roundup will do its job. Get the size wrong and none of them will.
Measure the griddle, not the listing
Measure length, width and height at the widest points with the griddle in its closed, storage position, including shelves if they stay attached. Take the largest of your three measurements and find a cover that exceeds it in every direction. A cover that only matches is a cover that will stretch and eventually tear at a corner.
For a 36-inch body with a side shelf, measure shelf tip to shelf tip rather than body to body, because the shelf is usually the widest point. For a hooded griddle, measure with the hood down, since a cover sized for the hood-up footprint sits loose in exactly the way that lets wind underneath.
Decode the fabric weight
Denier measures the thickness of the individual fiber. In practice, 210D is thin and suited to covered or temporary storage, 420D is a middle tier for moderate exposure, 600D is the mainstream choice for year-round outdoor storage, and 1000D is heavy fabric for exposed sites, salt air and blowing debris.
The coating matters as much as the denier. A vinyl or PVC coating sheds water but tends to stiffen and crack under sustained UV, while a polyurethane coating tends to stay flexible longer. Seam taping closes the leak path that stitching leaves open, and no denier rating compensates for untaped seams.
Check the hardware
Buckles and cinch straps clip to structure and beat hook-and-loop and drawstrings in sustained wind, because they do not depend on friction alone. Two or more bottom anchor points plus side attachment is the practical minimum. Air vents matter more than most listings admit, because they release condensation that would otherwise sit on the surface.
Match the cover to your climate
Coastal salt air calls for 600D or heavier with a UV-resistant coating and hardware that resists corrosion. Pacific Northwest wet winters favor taped seams and generous vents. Desert and high-UV exposures favor light-colored fabric, sealed coatings and a hard lid on top of the soft cover to shield the surface directly. Snow belt climates need steep pitches or a hard lid, since a flat cover carries snow load straight onto the steel.
One more check applies across all of them. Some covers are shaped around front-grease or rear-grease griddle layouts, and a mismatch there leaves the back corner unsupported. If your griddle has an unusual shelf or burner arrangement, confirm the cover lists that configuration rather than assuming a size match is enough. The same sizing logic applies to the other gear on a busy patio, including how generator covers are specced for the same four-season exposure.
Why Rain Pools on a Soft Cover (and What Actually Fixes It)
A soft cover collects water because its surface is flat, and flat water sitting on steel is what causes rust. That is the mechanism behind most cover-related rust reports, including the pooled water and thin rust film described by owners on r/blackstonegriddle.
The failure sequence runs like this. Rain lands on the draped fabric and spreads toward the center, where the cover is unsupported by the frame. Water collects in that low area. Any cover that drains or slopes does not have that low area, so it does not pool. UV then degrades the coating on top, the fabric cracks, and water reaches the surface directly.
Three fixes address it, and they work at different levels. A rigid aluminum hard lid angles the whole top surface, so gravity removes water before it can accumulate. A taut, fitted cover with taped seams and a vent reduces pooling, though it cannot eliminate it in horizontal rain. A silicone surface mat under the cover blocks contact marks and trapped debris, but it does nothing about water, so treat it as a layer rather than a solution.
The stack that works combines them: silicone mat against the steel, hard lid over the surface, soft cover over the whole unit. On a covered patio the soft cover alone is usually fine. On an exposed patio the hard lid is the step that changes the outcome.
Outdoor Storage Protocol: Keeping a Griddle Rust-Free Between Cooks
Storing a griddle outside in winter is fine. Storing it outside wet is not, and the difference is a five-step routine that takes minutes. People on r/blackstonegriddle and camper forums describe the same pattern: cover in place, rust underneath, and a griddle that needs re-seasoning before the next cook.
Clean after every cook. Burn off and scrape residue while the surface is warm, because cooked-on carbon traps moisture against the steel.
Apply a thin oil coat. Wipe on a light film of cooking oil after the surface cools. The film is the sacrificial layer that takes the corrosion instead of the seasoning. Excess oil is its own problem, since it traps debris, so wipe it back until the surface looks almost dry.
Dry fully. Heat the surface briefly or wipe it dry and let it cool with the lid open. Rust does not need rain, only humidity, and warm damp air under a closed cover is enough.
Fit the cover loosely on the cooled griddle. Never cover a hot surface. If you are using the three-layer stack, this is where the silicone mat and hard lid go before the soft cover.
Check it monthly through the off-season. Brush off leaf debris, clear snow load before it compacts, and confirm the buckles are still tight.
No cover makes a griddle rust-proof. Owners report rust on fully covered units, and that is the honest limit of what a cover does. What a good cover does is keep liquid water off, block UV on the surface, and let condensation escape.
Two things a cover will not handle on its own. A fully sealed hard cover in a dry climate can trap moisture, so pair it with a vented soft cover rather than sealing the unit. And on an uncovered patio, a cable lock through the cart handle adds a deterrent that no cover provides, which matters more than most buyers expect. Riders face a similar exposure problem with their own machines, covered in our motorcycle cover guide.
Covers We Would Skip (and Why)
Every cover in the list above has at least one long review history. Most of what is sold does not, and the failure modes repeat.
Unsealed stitching on a waterproof claim. If the listing says waterproof but mentions no seam taping, water will find the seams. Coated fabric without taped seams is a splash cover, not a rain cover.
Drawstring-only closures. A drawstring cinches fabric around a frame and depends on tension alone. In sustained wind it loosens, and a loosened cover becomes a sail that takes the griddle with it or ends up in the yard.
Thin fabric marketed as heavy duty. Watch for 210D described as heavy duty, or a weight class that is never stated. Reviewers on budget covers consistently describe material thinner than the listing implies.
Covers with no ventilation. A sealed cover on a warm griddle traps condensation, and condensation is rust. Vents are the cheapest rust prevention available.
Undersized covers. A cover that does not reach the base cannot anchor properly, and its corners tear first. Measured dimensions beat brand names every time, including the categories where sizing is standardized, such as the sizing rules described in our car cover guide.
Also skip any listing whose primary protection claim is a marketing adjective rather than a fabric weight, a coating and a seam construction. Those three specs are what you can verify and compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best griddle cover?
The best griddle cover for outdoor storage is a fitted shell that keeps liquid water off bare carbon steel: a rigid powder-coated aluminum hard lid for stopping rain pooling, or a 600D or heavier soft cover with sealed seams, buckles and a vent for year-round exposure. The best general choice in our roundup is the OEM 600D cover for the 36-inch platform, which pairs a 4.8 rating with the largest review base in the category.
Are hard covers better than soft covers for griddles?
Hard covers are better at one specific job: stopping water from pooling on the griddle top. Because the aluminum panel is angled, rain runs off instead of standing on the steel. Soft covers are better at UV protection, debris and wind security, and are what you fit over the top of a hard lid. Neither is weatherproof alone, so the strongest outdoor setup uses both layers.
What size griddle cover do I need?
Measure your griddle at its widest points with it closed, including side shelves and the propane tank, then find a cover that is larger in all three dimensions. For a 36-inch four-burner body without a hood, look for roughly 65 to 67 inches long by 22.5 to 27 inches wide by 26 to 32 inches tall. Measure with the hood down, since hood-up sizing leaves the cover loose.
How do I store a griddle outside in the winter?
Clean off residue while the surface is warm, wipe on a very thin coat of cooking oil, dry the surface fully, and only then fit the cover once the griddle is cold. Clear snow and leaf debris off monthly through the off-season and re-tighten buckles. Use a vented cover so condensation can escape rather than sit on the steel.
What is a silicone mat for a griddle surface?
A silicone mat is a thin layer placed directly between the griddle surface and the cover. It reduces contact marks and blocks grit and debris from trapping underneath, but it does not shed rain and is not a cover. It belongs in a protection stack with a hard lid and a soft cover, not on its own.
What is the best material for an outdoor grill cover?
For year-round outdoor storage, 600D polyester with a vinyl or polyurethane coating and reinforced or taped seams is the practical standard. 420D suits moderate exposure, 1000D is the choice for salt air, blowing debris and snow belts, and vinyl-coated aluminum is the best material for a hard lid because it does not rust. Fabric weight alone is not enough: taped seams and vents decide whether water stays out.
Does covering a griddle cause rust?
A cover cannot make a griddle rust-proof, and fully covered griddles do rust. The usual cause is standing water: a soft cover drapes flat, so rain pools on it and sits on the cooking surface underneath. Owners on r/blackstonegriddle describe a thin film of rust and leftover oil under an otherwise intact cover. A rigid hard lid under the soft cover is the direct fix.
How long does a griddle cover last outdoors?
Expect roughly two seasons from 210D to 420D fabric in full sun exposure, and considerably longer from 600D, with 1000D and coated hard lids lasting longest. Coated fabrics fail by UV embrittlement rather than tearing, so fading and stiffening are the signs a cover is near the end. Owners on forums commonly budget for replacing a soft cover every couple of years.
Bottom Line: Which Griddle Cover Should You Buy?
The best griddle covers for outdoor storage follow a simple ladder. Start with the fit, then choose the material: 600D or heavier with taped seams for year-round exposure, a rigid aluminum hard lid underneath if your site is fully exposed to rain, and a vented soft cover over the top either way.
For a 36-inch Blackstone with a shelf, our pick is the OEM 600D cover, which combines a 4.8 rating with more than 29,000 reviews and buckles that clip under the base. If your griddle is a different brand and you want sealed seams and a covered vent, the NettyPro is the strongest value in the set. For tabletop griddles, the 22-inch tailored cover is the right shape. And for anyone whose griddle sits in the open with no roof, add the aluminum hard lid, because pooling is what causes the rust.
Whichever you pick, measure the griddle before you order, and run the oil-and-dry routine before every cover-up. That habit is worth more than any single product in this guide.