Do Gas Barbecues Really Need Covers?
Generally speaking, British weather is terrible for outdoor equipment. The UK experiences an average of 150-160 days of rainfall per year, where your uncovered gas barbecue is getting drenched.
Our climate combines high humidity year-round with dramatic temperature fluctuations. Winter brings freeze-thaw cycles that wreak havoc on metal components. Spring and autumn deliver relentless dampness that encourages rust and corrosion. Summer delivers UV radiation that fades and degrades plastic components.
If you live near the coast, salt-laden sea air accelerates metal corrosion. And British weather is consistently unpredictable. In your garden your barbecue is exposed to moisture in some form almost constantly.
And most UK homes lack the garage or shed space for seasonal storage. This makes protection even more critical.
What Happens to Uncovered Barbecues
On cheaper models you’ll notice surface rust forming in the first six months, particularly around bolts and joints. The stainless steel might look fine but check underneath. Grime and even algae start accumulating in damp crevices. Here’s something many people don’t expect: spiders absolutely love the dark, sheltered burner tubes of gas barbecues. They’ll build nests that block gas flow, causing uneven heating or even dangerous flare-ups.
By the end of year two, the damage becomes serious. Internal components, such as the burners, heat shields, and ignition systems can start failing. Moisture infiltrates the ignition mechanism, meaning you’re reaching for matches instead of pressing the button. The rubber hoses become brittle and cracked. Side tables warp from constant wet-dry cycles.
Fast forward to year four or five, and you’re looking at a barbecue that’s barely functional.
Costs
A decent gas barbecue in the UK costs between £300 and £1,500, with most households spending around £500. A quality cover costs between £30 and £100—typically about 5-10% of your BBQ’s price.
An uncovered gas barbecue UK typically lasts 3-5 years before it needs replacing. A covered one? 7-12 years.
Now consider the alternative. Without a cover, here’s what you’re likely to spend over five years:
Burner replacement: £50-£150
New ignition system: £25-£60
Heat shields or flavouriser bars: £40-£80
Regulator and hose replacement: £30-£50
That’s £145-£340 in repairs alone, assuming you’re handy enough to fit them yourself. Professional repairs add significantly more.
Keeping Your Barbecue Under a Patio
Unfortunately, sheltered doesn’t mean protected. Rain often comes with wind in the UK. That wind drives water into the exposed parts of your barbecue.
Then there’s morning dew, which condenses on metal surfaces even under cover. Dust and garden debris accumulate throughout summer. Insects still find their way into burner tubes. And unless your patio cover has walls on all sides, you’re nearly always getting moisture exposure during famous British weather.
The only time you can genuinely skip a cover barbecue is if your gas barbecue is in a fully enclosed outdoor kitchen or if you actually store it indoors between every use. For most UK homeowners, neither option is realistic.
Choosing the Right Cover for British Weather
Material matters enormously. Look for heavy-duty 600D polyester or PVC-backed fabric. Water-resistant means it’ll eventually soak through, while waterproof means genuine protection.
UV-resistant coating is essential too. And here’s something many people miss: breathability. A completely sealed cover traps moisture inside, creating a humid environment that encourages mould and rust. Look for covers that have air vents that allow moisture to escape while keeping rain out.
Also prioritise features like reinforced seams with double stitching, secure fastening systems to withstand wind, and a proper fit for your specific barbecue model. Without good fitting, your cover might act more like a sail. Universal covers are cheaper but often fit poorly, allowing water ingress.
Budget covers (£20-£35) typically last 1-2 years before degrading. Mid-range options (£40-£70) give you 3-5 years of protection. Premium covers (£80-£150) can last a decade. Given that even a premium cover costs less than replacing a single set of burners, when you think about costs it’s better to buy a good quality cover from the start.
Final Thoughts
In the UK climate, if you value your barbecue, a cover is essential. With a minimal investment of £30-£80 you can protect an asset worth hundreds of pounds and extend its lifespan by 5-7 years on average.
The question isn’t really “Do I need a cover?” but rather “Which cover do I need?” Measure your gas barbecue, invest in a quality cover, and protect your investment.
