Finding the best Char-Broil grill cover comes down to one thing: fit. A cover that is too small will not close, and one that is too big flaps in the wind and lets rain pool on the lid. Get the size right and a $25 to $40 cover can protect your grill from sun, rain, and snow season after season.
This guide covers nine covers listed on Char-Broil’s own site, from small kettle covers to extra large covers for 5-6 burner gas grills. You will see sizes, features, price ranges, and the pros and cons of each. We also show how to measure your grill so you can buy once and get it right.
Quick Answer: The best Char-Broil grill cover is the one that matches your grill’s width, height, and depth. Our top pick is the Universal Large (3–6 burner, 62-inch width) for most gas grills. The budget pick is the All-Season Small for 2-burner grills, and the upgrade pick is the Universal Extra Large for big 5–6 burner grills.
Best Char-Broil Grill Cover Picks at a Glance
Price ranges are rounded from Char-Broil’s covers page.
| Cover | Key Spec | Best For | Price Range |
| Universal Large (CB1250037P2) | 3–6 burners; 62″ W x 42″ H x 24″ D (157 x 107 x 61 cm) | Most mid-size and large gas grills | 30–40 |
| Universal Medium (CB1250011P6) | 2–4 burners; side straps | Compact to mid-size gas grills | 30–35 |
| Universal Extra Large (CB1250012P4) | 5–6 burners | Big gas grills | 35–45 |
| All-Season Large 3-4 Burner (2118398R04) | 18 mil polyester; up to 62″ (157 cm) wide | 3-4 burner gas grills, large charcoal grills, smokers | 30–40 |
| Universal Small (CB1250116P6) | 2 burners; side straps | Compact 2-burner grills | 25–35 |
| All-Season Small Grill/Smoker (1269286R04) | Heavy-duty premium cover, 2 burner | Small grills and smokers on a budget | 20–30 |
| X-Small Kettle/Smoker Performance (9496789P06V) | Kettles up to 22″ (56 cm) wide | Kettles, post-mount grills, square smokers | 20–30 |
| Bistro Pro Grill Cover (CB1250073P4) | Custom-fit, side straps | Bistro Pro grills | 25–35 |
| Offset Smoker Cover (7345822) | Water-resistant polyester | Offset smokers | 20–30 |
The 9 Best Char-Broil Grill Covers Reviewed
1. Universal Large Grill Cover: Best Overall
Who it’s for: Owners of 3-6 burner gas grills who want the widest fit from one cover.
Key features: Char-Broil lists the Universal Large as 18 mil polyester with a sun fade liner, UV protection, sealed seams, and longer side straps. It measures 62 inches wide, 42 inches high, and 24 inches deep (157 x 107 x 61 cm). It weighs 4.4 lb (2 kg) and carries a 1-year limited warranty.
Pros:
- Covers the biggest range of common grill sizes
- Sealed seams and a UV liner are listed
- Easy to clean with soap and warm water
Cons:
- The product description says “heavy vinyl,” while the feature list says polyester
- Grills wider than 62 inches will not fit
2. Universal Medium Grill Cover: Best for Mid-Size Gas Grills
Who it’s for: Owners of 2-4 burner grills who want a close fit without paying for extra material.
Key features: Char-Broil describes the Universal Medium as heavy vinyl with side straps that hold it in place. It is compatible with 2-4 burner grills.
Pros:
- Tighter fit on smaller grills than a large cover
- Straps help in wind
- Sits in the middle of the Universal price range
Cons:
- No thickness or UV details on the collection page
- Overlaps in size with the Large for 3-4 burner grills, so measure first
3. Universal Extra Large Grill Cover: Best for Big Grills
Who it’s for: Owners of 5-6 burner grills and large combo cookers.
Key features: The Universal Extra Large is built for 5-6 burner grills and uses the same heavy vinyl and side-strap design as the rest of the line. It is the priciest cover in the Universal range.
Pros:
- Fits the largest Char-Broil gas grills
- Straps keep a big, sail-like cover from lifting
Cons:
- Hangs loose on small grills
- Costs more than the smaller sizes
4. All-Season Large 3-4 Burner Cover: Best for Sun and Rain Protection
Who it’s for: Owners of 3-4 burner gas grills, large charcoal grills, or smokers up to 62 inches wide.
Key features: Char-Broil lists the All-Season Large as 18 mil polyester with a rainwater protective liner. It has UV protection for fade resistance, sealed seams for water resistance, and longer side straps. It cleans with soap and warm water.
Pros:
- Thick fabric with a liner
- Works for gas grills, charcoal grills, and smokers
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Same 62-inch limit as the Universal Large
5. Universal Small Grill Cover: Best for Compact Grills
Who it’s for: Owners of 2-burner grills.
Key features: The Universal Small uses heavy vinyl with side straps. It is made for 2-burner grills.
Pros:
- Close fit on small grills, so less flapping
- Straps are included
Cons:
- Costs a bit more than the All-Season Small
- Too small for any 3-burner grill
6. All-Season Small Grill/Smoker Cover: Best Budget Pick
Who it’s for: Owners of 2-burner grills or small smokers who want low cost.
Key features: Char-Broil lists the All-Season Small as a heavy-duty premium 2-burner cover. The page gives few other details.
Pros:
- One of the lowest prices on the list
- Works for small grills and smokers
Cons:
- Limited published specs
- Too small for larger grills
7. X-Small Kettle/Smoker Performance Cover: Best for Kettles
Who it’s for: Kettle grill owners and anyone with a post-mount grill, a cart-style grill with folding side shelves, or most square smokers.
Key features: The X-Small Kettle/Smoker fits kettle-style grills up to 22 inches (56 cm) wide. It has adjustable straps.
Pros:
- Fits several small cooker styles
- Adjustable straps help with shape
Cons:
- Only fits kettles up to 22 inches wide
- Not for gas grills with large side shelves
8. Bistro Pro Grill Cover: Best Custom Fit
Who it’s for: Owners of Char-Broil Bistro Pro grills.
Key features: The Bistro Pro cover is a Performance Series custom-fit cover made from heavy vinyl, with side straps. Because it is built for one grill line, it hugs the shape closely. A separate Bistro Pro tabletop cover is also sold.
Pros:
- Made for one grill, so the fit is tight
- Straps hold it in place
Cons:
- Only useful for Bistro Pro owners
- Cannot be used if you upgrade to a different grill
9. Offset Smoker Cover: Best for Offset Smokers
Who it’s for: Owners of offset smokers.
Key features: Char-Broil designs the Offset Smoker Cover specifically for offset smokers, using a water-resistant, durable polyester shield. It slips on and fastens up.
Pros:
- Shaped for the firebox and chamber layout
- Polyester shell
Cons:
- Limited published dimensions
Building or buying an offset? Our guides to lump charcoal in an offset smoker, the best affordable offset smoker, and the best cheap offset smoker cover the cooker itself.
How to Choose the Best Char-Broil Grill Cover
Use this checklist before you click “add to cart.” It takes five minutes and prevents returns.
1. Find Your Model Number and Measure
Get your model number from the owner’s manual or Char-Broil’s Find Model Number page. Then measure width, height, and depth with the lid closed and side shelves up. Write all three numbers down in inches.
Pitmaster Tip: Measure with the shelves up and the lid closed, then snap a photo of the grill with the tape in place. A phone photo is easy to check against a cover’s listed size.
2. Size Beats Burner Count
Burner count is a rough guide, not a fit guarantee. Char-Broil lists the Universal Medium for 2-4 burner grills and the Universal Large for 3-6 burner grills, so a 4-burner grill could take either. Use the width and depth numbers to decide.
A good fit is snug but not tight. If the cover pulls hard at the seams, go up a size. If you can gather a big loose pool of fabric, go down.
Common Mistake: Buying by burner count alone. Two 4-burner grills can have very different widths and shelf layouts, and a cover that is too small tears at the seams.
3. Check the Material and Seams
Compare what each cover is made from. Char-Broil lists the Universal Large and the All-Season Large as 18 mil polyester with a liner, while the Universal Small, Medium, and Extra Large are described as heavy vinyl. Polyester with a liner usually resists sun fade better, and vinyl is usually stiffer and easy to wipe.
Look for sealed seams, UV protection, and a lining. Those features help with sun fade and water resistance, but no cover is fully waterproof.
4. Look at the Straps
Straps keep wind from lifting the cover. Char-Broil’s Universal Large lists longer side straps for a more secure fit. Cinch them under the grill cart or around the legs so the cover cannot flap.
5. Account for Shelves and Side Burners
A side burner or fold-up shelf adds width. Measure with those parts in place, or the cover will sit crooked. If you are unsure what a side burner adds to your grill, read our guide on what a side burner is used for.
6. Match the Cover to the Cooker
Gas grills, kettles, offset smokers, and griddles all have different shapes. Char-Broil also sells Performance Series griddle covers in 28-inch and 36-inch sizes. Those are for Char-Broil griddles, not grills. If you want other brands, see our list of heavy duty grill covers.
7. Think About Warranty and Budget
Char-Broil lists a 1-year limited warranty for the Universal Large. Most covers in this guide sit between $20 and $45, so paying a little more for the right size is usually smarter than saving $5 on a poor fit.
How We Picked These Covers
We focused on Char-Broil’s own published information. Our criteria were:
- Fit range: Does the cover match common grill sizes and cooker types?
- Published specs: Does Char-Broil list the material, seams, UV protection, and size?
- Closure: Are straps listed?
- Value: Is the price in line with the features?
- Cooker match: Is there a cover for gas grills, kettles, smokers, and small grills?
To be clear, these picks come from manufacturer specs and fit guidance, not from our own weather testing.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Your Grill Cover
A cover only works if you use it well. These habits help it last.
- Cool the grill first. Do not cover a hot grill, since heat can damage the fabric and trap moisture. Wait until the grates and body are cool to the touch.
- Brush and wipe the grates. Leftover grease can attract pests and cause rust under a cover.
- Dry everything. Wipe off rain or dew from the grill before covering it. Shake water off the cover too.
- Fasten the straps. Wind is the main enemy of a cover that fits loosely.
- Wash it when dirty. Char-Broil says its All-Season cover cleans easily with soap and warm water. Rinse and air dry fully before folding.
- Inspect each season. Check seams, straps, and thin spots, and replace the cover if it is cracked or torn.
- Do not leave it on the ground. When you cook, fold the cover and place it somewhere dry.
When the weather warms up, a quick check helps before the first cook of the season. Our guide on how to start a grill walks through the steps.
FAQ: Best Char-Broil Grill Cover
What size Char-Broil grill cover do I need?
Go by width, not burner count. Measure your grill from end to end with the lid closed and side shelves up, plus height and depth. Then compare to the cover’s listed dimensions. For example, the Universal Large lists 62 x 42 x 24 inches, so grills wider than 62 inches will not fit well.
Are Char-Broil grill covers waterproof?
Char-Broil describes its covers as water resistant, with sealed seams on some models, not fully waterproof. Heavy rain, pooled water, and snow weight can still find a way in. Pick a snug fit, cinch the side straps, and let the cover dry before you store it.
Can you use a non-Char-Broil cover on a Char-Broil grill?
Yes, if the dimensions match. Covers are sized by width, height, and depth, not brand. Measure your grill, then check the cover’s listed size. A cover that is too tight strains the seams, and one that is too loose can catch wind and blow off.
Should you cover a Char-Broil grill in winter?
Yes, covering protects the grill from snow, ice, and moisture that can cause rust. Make sure the grill is completely cool and dry first, and the cover is dry too. Check under the cover every few weeks, because trapped moisture can still cause problems.
How do you clean a Char-Broil grill cover?
Char-Broil lists its All-Season cover as easy to clean with soap and warm water. Wipe it down with a soft sponge, rinse with a hose, and hang it to air dry completely. Skip harsh cleaners and the washing machine, which can damage the coating and seams. Check your cover’s tag first.
How do I find my Char-Broil grill model number?
Char-Broil has a “Find Model Number” help page on its website. Your owner’s manual and product registration should list it too. Write it down with your grill’s width, height, and depth before you shop for a cover, so you can match the fit.
Conclusion
The best Char-Broil grill cover is the one that fits your grill closely, uses a sturdy material, and closes with straps. For most gas grills, the Universal Large is the safest starting point, as long as your grill is under 62 inches wide. Smaller grills do better with the Medium, Small, or All-Season Small, and big 5-6 burner grills need the Extra Large.
Measure twice, check your model number, and keep the cover dry and clean. That small routine protects your grill, and your next cookout starts with a grill that is ready to light.
Laura Smith
I'm Laura, I like all the kind of delicious grilled foods which makes me hungry all the time I see them. That's why I built this blog to share with you all of my Grilling experiences, recipes, and all the tips about foods that I've learned from food experts.