Should You Cover Your Grill?

When you’re cooking on your grill, should you cover it? It is a question that many people have, and the answer is not always the same. Here, I’ll explore when you should and shouldn’t cover your grill. I’ll also provide some tips for getting the best results. If you’re a beginner or an experienced griller, read on to learn more!

When To Cover Your Grill?

There are a few situations when you might want to cover your grill. You might do it to protect the food from the elements or to keep the heat in. Let’s explore a few of these situations.

1.      Protecting The Food From The Elements:

If you’re cooking in windy or rainy conditions, it’s a good idea to cover your food. This will protect it from being blown around or wetted by the weather.

2.      Keeping The Heat In:

The grill cover will also help to keep the heat in, which can be beneficial if you’re cooking in cool weather. It can speed up the cooking process.

3. Cooking With Indirect Heat:

Indirect heat is when you cook the food on one side of the grill, with the coals on the other. This is a good method for cooking tougher cuts of meat. If you’re using indirect heat, you’ll want to cover the grill to keep the heat in and cook the food evenly.

If you are cooking with direct heat (with the coals underneath the food), you don’t need to cover the grill.

4. Smoking:

In order to smoke food on a grill, you’ll need to cover it. This is because smoking requires low temperatures and long cooking times. By covering the grill, you can trap the smoke and create the perfect conditions for smoking food. For best results, use a heavy-duty grill cover made specifically for smoking. If you love smoking Turkey, this handy blog on how to smoke a turkey on a grill is worth taking a look.

5. Roasting:

While you can roast food without a cover, using one will help to speed up the process. This is because the cover traps the heat, which roasts the food faster. In addition, it helps to keep the food moist, which is important for roasted meats.

6. Braising:

Braising is one kind of cooking where you brown the food, then cook it in liquid. This can be accomplished on the stovetop, in the oven, or on the grill. The liquid can be anything from water to wine, and it helps to tenderize the food as it cooks.

When braising on the grill, you’ll want to use a cover to trap the heat and prevent the liquid from evaporating.

7. Grilling Delicate Foods:

Delicate foods like fish or vegetables can be easily damaged by the direct heat of the grill. If you’re grilling delicate foods, it’s best to cover them so that they don’t stick or fall through the grate.

When Not To Cover Your Grill?

Now that you’ve explored when you should cover your grill let’s look at a few situations when you shouldn’t.

• Grilling At High Temperatures:

If you’re cooking at high temperatures, you don’t need to cover the grill. In fact, covering the grill can actually make it harder to get the food cooked through. This is because the cover traps the heat, which can cause the food to overcook.

• Cooking With Direct Heat:

As mentioned before, cooking with direct heat doesn’t require a cover. In fact, covering the grill can actually make it harder to get a good sear on the food.

How To Cover Your Grill?

If you’ve decided that you need to cover your grill, there are a few things you should know.

1.      Choose The Right Cover:

First, you need to make sure you choose the right cover. If you’re going to be grilling in extreme conditions, you’ll need a heavy-duty cover that can stand up to the elements. For smoking, you’ll need a cover specifically designed for smoking. And if you’re roasting, you’ll want a cover that traps the heat.

2.      Clean The Grill:

Before you cover the grill, you need to make sure it’s clean. This will prevent the cover from getting dirty and prolong its life. Also, be sure to remove any food or grease from the grate. Check out this post on how to clean a gas grill.

3.      Let The Grill Cool:

If you’ve been grilling, you’ll need to let the grill cool before covering it. This is because the cover can trap the heat and cause a fire. You should also open the vents to allow the grill to cool more quickly.

4.      Put It On Correctly:

When you’re ready to put the cover on, make sure you do it correctly. First, put the cover over the top of the grill. Then, pull it down so that it covers the sides. Finally, secure the cover in place so that it doesn’t blow away.

5.      Store It Properly:

When you’re not using the cover, make sure you store it properly. It means keeping this clean and dry and in a place where it won’t get damaged. You can also buy a storage bag to keep the cover in good condition.

What To Use To Cover Your Grill?

There are a few other options you can use to cover your grill. When choosing a material, you’ll want to consider things like durability, breathability, and resistance to weather.

1.      Tarps:

A tarp is a good option if you are looking for something that’s durable and weatherproof. However, tarps can be difficult to put on, and they don’t allow the grill to breath.

2.      Grill Covers:

A grill cover will be best if you need something that’s easy to put on and take off. Grill covers are also usually weatherproof and breathable. However, they can be expensive, and they might not last as long as a tarp.

3.      Foil:

Foil is another option you can use to cover your grill. For most people, foil is the easiest and most convenient option. It’s also very inexpensive. However, foil isn’t as durable as a tarp or grill cover, and it doesn’t allow the grill to breathe.

4.      Newspaper:

Newspaper can be used to cover your grill, but it’s not the best option. Newspaper is not very durable, and it won’t last long.

Grill Covers You Can Make Yourself!

What if you don’t want to buy a grill cover? You can always make your own! Without further ado, here are a few DIY grill cover ideas.

1.      Tarp And Bungee Cords:

This is a great option if you need something long-lasting and weatherproof. All you need is a tarp and some bungee cords. To make the cover, simply drape the tarp over the grill and secure it in place with the bungee cords.

2.      Foil And Duct Tape:

It is a quick and easy option that anyone can do. Simply cover the grill with foil and secure it in place with duct tape. This will create a barrier that can keep the elements out.

3.      Newspaper And String:

If want a quick and easy solution, you can use newspaper to cover your grill. Simply crumple up some newspaper and secure it to the grill with string. It makes a decent barrier, but it won’t last long.

These are just a few other options you have for covering your grill. So, should you cover your grill? It’s up to you! Just remember to consider things like durability, breathability, and resistance to weather when making your decision.

Tips For Maintaining Your Grill Cover!

No matter what kind of grill cover you have, it’s important to take care of it. Here are some amazing tips, and they will help you keep your grill cover in good condition.

1.      Clean It:

Be sure to clean your grill cover regularly. This will prevent it from getting damaged or stained. On a monthly basis, you should spot clean it with soapy water. You can also hose it down to remove any dirt or debris.

2.      Inspect It:

You should also inspect your grill cover regularly. Look for signs of wear and tear, and make sure there are no holes or tears. It is also a good thought to check for mold or mildew. If you notice any damage, be sure to repair it right away.

3.      Repair It:

If you do see any damage, be sure to repair it as soon as possible. This will prevent the problem from getting worse. Also, if you have a grill cover with a warranty, be sure to take advantage of it.

4.      Store It Properly:

When you’re not using the cover, make sure you store it properly. It means keeping this clean and dry and in a place where it won’t get damaged. You can also buy a storage bag to keep the cover in good condition.

5.      Keep It Away From Fire:

You should also avoid storing the grill cover near any sources of heat or fire. This could cause the cover to melt or catch on fire. In addition, be sure to keep it away from any sharp objects that could puncture it.

6.      Don’t Put It On A Hot Grill:

You should also avoid putting the cover on a hot grill. This could damage the cover or cause it to melt.

7.      Be Careful When Removing It:

When you’re ready to remove the cover, be careful not to rip or tear it. Make sure you hold onto the edges of the cover so you can control how it’s removed.

Following these tips can support you keep your grill cover in good condition. This way, you can be sure it will last for many grilling seasons to come!

Conclusion

While it’s not always necessary to cover your grill, doing so can help you achieve better results. If you have a covered grill, use it! It will help keep the heat in and cook your food more evenly. Experiment with different ways of covering your grill and find what works best for you.

With a little practice, you’ll be able to produce perfectly grilled meals every time. Don’t forget to check out GrillCharms for more tips and tricks on grilling!