Char-Griller Durable Polyester Grill and Smoker Cover with
✅ PROS
- True waterproof protection — the PVC-backed polyester sheds rain completely, not just water-resistant
- Fits generously over most 4-6 burner grills and offset smokers with room to spare
- Reinforced handles and air vents prevent wind lift-off and interior condensation buildup
❌ CONS
- Material feels thinner than premium covers — don't expect heavy canvas durability for 5+ years
- No adjustable drawstring or buckles; the elastic hem does the work, which can loosen over time
- Limited color options — black only, which shows dust and bird droppings quickly
The Verdict
Let me cut through the noise: a grill cover is the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy for a $500+ grill. The Char-Griller Durable Polyester Grill and Smoker Cover is the kind of product that sits in the “buy it and forget it” category — but only if you understand what you’re actually getting.
What’s Actually in the Box
This is a straightforward cover, no assembly puzzle. You get the cover itself, made from that advertised durable polyester with a PVC backing. The dimensions run roughly 68" wide by 30" deep by 42" tall — that’s the sweet spot for most 4-to-6 burner gas grills and standard offset smokers. The elastic hem cinches it around the base, and there are reinforced handles positioned on each side for lifting. Two air vents sit near the top, which matters more than most people think.
Real-World Performance
Here’s where this cover earns its 4.8-star rating. The PVC-backed polyester isn’t marketing fluff — it genuinely repels water. I’ve seen dozens of covers claim “waterproof” and then soak through after six months of UV exposure. This one holds up because the waterproofing is laminated into the material, not sprayed on as a topical treatment that degrades.
One buyer put it plainly: “Survived a full Florida hurricane season — not a drop of water on the grill underneath.” Another noted: “The air vents are the reason I bought this. My old cover trapped moisture and rusted my burners. This one breathes.” That’s the difference between a cover that protects your investment and one that actively destroys it from condensation.
The fit is generous, which is a double-edged sword. If you have a standard Weber or Char-Broil 4-burner, it’ll drape nicely with the elastic hem keeping it snug. But if you own a compact 2-burner or a massive 8-burner with a side burner, expect some bunching or stretching at the seams.
What Buyers Keep Praising
The overwhelming sentiment across those 240 ratings is reliability. People don’t write enthusiastic reviews for grill covers — they write them when the cover quietly does its job for years. Specific feedback highlights:
- The handles — actually useful for lifting off a hot grill without burning your forearms
- The air vents — preventing that musty, moldy smell that plagues cheaper covers
- The value — sitting well below premium options from Weber or Broil King while delivering comparable protection
Where It Falls Short
Honest assessment time. This isn’t a heavy-duty, marine-grade cover. The material is serviceable, but it’s not going to survive a decade of harsh northern winters. If you live somewhere with brutal ice storms and 60 mph winds, you might get two to three seasons before the stitching starts to fatigue.
The elastic hem is also the weak point. There’s no drawstring or buckle system, so once that elastic stretches out — usually after 18-24 months — the cover can balloon in high wind. A couple of bungee cords solves this for about $5, but it’s worth knowing upfront.
And yes, it’s black. Every smudge, pollen speck, and bird dropping shows. You’ll be hosing it off more often than you’d like.
Who Should Buy This
Buy it if: You own a standard 4-6 burner gas grill or offset smoker, you want genuine waterproof protection without paying premium prices, and you’ll replace it in 2-3 years as normal wear-and-tear.
Skip it if: You have a non-standard grill shape (built-in units, kamado smokers, or kettle grills), you demand 5+ years of harsh-weather performance, or you want color options to match your patio aesthetic.
FAQ
Q: Will this fit my Pit Boss or Traeger pellet grill? A: Pellet grills generally run taller and narrower than gas grills. The 42" height clears most models, but the 68" width can be baggy. Check your exact dimensions — if your grill is under 60" wide, this will look a little loose but function fine.
Q: Does the PVC backing make it stiff and hard to fold? A: Slightly, especially in cold weather. It’s not as pliable as plain polyester, but it’s not unwieldy. You’ll want to store it flat or loosely folded — tight folding can crease the PVC layer.
Q: Can I use this on a hot grill? A: No, and you shouldn’t with any cover. Let the grill cool completely — the PVC backing can melt or warp if placed on a hot surface.
The Verdict
4.6/5 — Buy it.
This is the sensible middle-ground grill cover. It’s not the cheapest, not the most premium, but it hits the reliability-to-price ratio that most shoppers actually need. The waterproofing genuinely works, the vents prevent condensation damage, and the fit covers the vast majority of standard grills on the market. If you’re not expecting a decade of abuse, this is the one.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.