A dependable outdoor cooking setup shouldn’t require a second mortgage. Whether you’re searing burgers for a Saturday crowd, slow-cooking ribs on a charcoal kettle, or just protecting a gas grill through winter rain, the right gear makes every cookout easier. This roundup covers nine solid picks, including three Weber charcoal kettles and a stack of weatherproof covers in multiple sizes, all chosen for real backyards and tight budgets.
The Essentials At A Glance
Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
Olforce 32 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof Outdoor
Olforce 32 Inch Grill Cover with Under Grill Mat
Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill 22-Inch
Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18-Inch
Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover with Undergrill Mat
Olforce 48 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof Outdoor
Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof All Protection
Mepple 60 Inch Grill Cover Waterproof All Protection
Inside Each Recommended Option
The Weber Original Kettle Premium is the version backyard charcoal fans tend to land on once they want something sturdier than the entry model. The 22-inch cooking surface handles a family dinner or a small gathering without crowding, and the porcelain-enameled bowl and lid hold heat reliably through long cooks.
Where this Premium earns its name is in the small conveniences. The hinged cooking grate lets you add fresh charcoal mid-session without lifting the whole grate, which is the kind of detail that turns a chore into a one-handed motion. Compared to the cover options further down this list, the kettle itself is the cook; everything after is about protecting it.
Everyday Perks
- Hinged grate makes mid-cook charcoal top-ups quick
- 22-inch grate fits burgers for a family of four in two zones
- Porcelain enamel on bowl and lid helps fight rust in damp climates
- One-Touch ash system sweeps spent coals into a high-capacity catcher
- Compatible with the wider Weber kettle accessory ecosystem
Things To Consider
- Charcoal-only design means longer pre-heat than propane setups
- Bottom ash catcher needs occasional emptying in wet weather to prevent rust at the seam
- Larger footprint than portable picks like the Jumbo Joe covered below
Key Product Details
Built With In Mind
Weekend backyard cooks who want charcoal flavor with fewer workarounds and are happy to invest in a long-term centerpiece grill.
Skip It When
You mostly need a portable grill for tailgates and camping, in which case the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18-Inch is a tighter match.
The Olforce 32 Inch Grill Cover is one of those small patio upgrades that quietly doubles the lifespan of an inexpensive grill. At 32 by 26 by 43 inches, it wraps around most two- and three-burner gas grills from Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, and similar mainstream brands.
What makes it appealing is the focus on weatherproofing without bulk. The vinyl-coated fabric is built to shed rain, resist UV fading, and keep grit from settling into the burner box between cooks. Compared to the bundle option that follows, this cover sticks to the cover-only job.
Well-Handled Touches
- Sized for mainstream two and three burner gas grills up to 32 inches wide
- Waterproof vinyl-coated fabric keeps rain from pooling on top
- UV-resistant surface holds color through sunny patios
- Lightweight design for easy on-and-off on a daily basis
Honest Caveats
- No bundled under-grill mat, unlike the Olforce cover-and-mat set below
- Tall side-cart grills may exceed the 43-inch height
- Thinner fabric than premium covers; owners commonly report taking care around sharp edges to avoid scuffs
Who It Suits Best
Sheltered patio owners with a small-to-mid gas grill who need straightforward rain and sun protection without extra accessories.
Look Elsewhere When
You want deck protection beneath the grill, in which case the Olforce 32 Inch Grill Cover with Under Grill Mat is the smarter buy.
The Olforce 32 Inch Grill Cover and Under Grill Mat bundle solves a problem most shoppers don’t think about until grease hits the deck. The cover matches the same 32-inch footprint as the standalone version above, while the included mat catches drips and spills underneath.
For wood decks, composite patios, or balcony rentals where stains matter, the mat is the practical win. The double-sided silicone-coated surface resists heat while containing the mess that always seems to escape the grease tray.
Where It Delivers
- Bundle pricing undercuts buying a separate cover and mat
- Heat-resistant mat protects wood and composite decks from hot drippings
- Cover fits mainstream two and three burner grills up to 32 inches wide
- Waterproof top surface plus mat underneath handles rain and grease together
Worth Noting
- Mat adds bulk to store when not in use
- Same 43-inch height limit as the standalone Olforce cover
- Mat needs occasional wiping to prevent residue buildup
Right Fit For
Renters and wood-deck owners with a small gas grill who want protection above and below in one purchase.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You run a larger four to six burner grill, where the Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover with Undergrill Mat gives you the room and mat combo you need.
The Weber Original Kettle Charcoal Grill is the simpler sibling of the Premium model reviewed first. It uses the same 22-inch grate and porcelain-enameled bowl and lid, but trims out the hinge and a few of the upgrades in exchange for a lower entry point.
For shoppers who care more about cooking than gimmicks, the core experience is what Weber built its name on: solid heat retention, predictable damper control, and a body that survives years of patio weather.
Advantages To Know
- Same 22-inch cooking surface as the Premium kettle
- Porcelain enamel holds heat and resists rust through seasons
- One-Touch cleaning system sweeps ash into a removable catcher
- Lower price than the Premium, same iconic kettle shape
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Standard grate means removing the whole grate to add charcoal mid-cook
- No built-in lid holder, a small ergonomic miss on busy cooks
- Heavier than portable picks like the Jumbo Joe for transport
Feature Rundown
Made For
Backyard cooks who want the original Weber kettle experience without paying for Premium-level upgrades.
Swap It Out When
You grill on the go more than at home, where the Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill 18-Inch handles transport far better.
The Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill picks up where the standard Weber Smokey Joe leaves off, offering an 18-inch plated steel grate and a roomier cooking surface for tailgates, beach days, and car-camping trips.
At 18 inches it still feels portable, but the jump from a 14-inch Smokey Joe is real. You can lay out a full spread of burgers and dogs without rotating batches, which matters when the parking-lot crowd is hungry.
What Works In Its Favor
- 18-inch grate offers more cooking area than typical portable grills
- Porcelain-enameled bowl and lid handle travel bumps reasonably well
- Rust-resistant aluminum dampers and ash catcher keep the build light
- Glass-reinforced nylon handles stay cool enough to carry after pre-heat
Points To Keep In Mind
- Plated steel grate is less durable than the porcelain-coated grates on full-size Webers
- No lid lock for true one-handed carry
- Smaller charcoal capacity than the 22-inch kettles, so longer cooks need refills
Best Suited To
Tailgaters, campers, and small-condo balcony cooks who want Weber build quality in a grab-and-go package.
Not Your Match When
You host large backyard sessions and need a permanent cooking centerpiece, where the Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-Inch makes more sense.
The Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover with Undergrill Mat is built for the big backyard rig. At 65 by 24 by 44 inches, it covers most four to six burner gas grills from Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, and similar brands in the 58 to 63 inch range.
The standout feature is the heat-resistant under-grill mat. Made from double-sided silicone-coated glass fiber, it tolerates heat from a hot grill while protecting the deck underneath from grease and scorch marks.
What Stands Out
- Generous 65-inch length fits large four to six burner gas grills
- Fireproof, waterproof silicone-glass mat handles high-heat drippings
- UV and fade resistant outer cover holds up in direct sun
- Mat measures 48 by 38 inches for full coverage under most footprints
Less Ideal Details
- Bulkier to store than cover-only options
- Requires measuring grill length carefully, since 63 inches is the practical ceiling
- Mat should be inspected occasionally for wear at the edges
Technical Highlights
Who Should Grab It
Owners of full-size gas grills who want the most complete cover and mat bundle for serious weather protection.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Your setup is closer to 50 inches, where the Mepple 60 Inch Grill Cover All Protection delivers a snugger fit.
The Olforce 48 Inch Grill Cover steps up from the 32-inch Olforce cover into mid-size territory. At 48 by 22 by 40 inches, it fits most three to four burner grills up to 46 inches wide, including common Weber, Char-Broil, Kenmore, and Jenn Air models.
It’s the cover most shoppers probably actually need but rarely measure for. The vinyl outer shell and waterproof inner coating work together to keep rain from pooling on top and seeping into the burner box below.
Strong Points
- Fills the size gap between small and large grill covers
- 420D polyester with vinyl coating handles heavy rain
- Compatible with three to four burner grills from major brands
- UV-resistant shell prevents fading on sunny patios
Where It May Fall Short
- No mat bundled, so deck protection is on you
- 40-inch height may not fit tall carted grills
- Fabric is tough but lighter than commercial-grade covers
Who Will Love This
Patio owners with mid-size three and four burner gas grills who want a properly fitted cover without sizing up to a 60-inch option.
Consider Something Else When
Your grill is closer to four burners and includes a tall lid, where the Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover All Protection gives more vertical clearance.
The Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover shares dimensions with the Mepple bundle reviewed earlier, but drops the under-grill mat for a cover-only build at a friendlier price. At 65 by 24 by 44 inches, it targets the same 58 to 63 inch grill range.
The practical twist is the dual fabric handles on top, which make pulling the cover on and off less of a wrestling match. For daily cooks who don’t want to fight nylon every evening, that small detail earns its keep.
Everyday Wins
- Top handles simplify removal after a wet week
- Tall 44-inch height fits closed lid Genesis-style grills
- Universal compatibility with Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, Napoleon, Broil King
- UV and fade-proof exterior for uncovered outdoor storage
Practical Considerations
- No under-grill mat included
- Snug fit requires accurate grill measurement to avoid wind catch
- Handles are functional, not locking, so a bungee cord helps in storm zones
Feature Snapshot
Perfect Match For
Daily-cook households with a full-size gas grill who pull the cover on and off most evenings.
Another Choice May Suit
You want deck protection with the cover, where the Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover with Undergrill Mat adds the matching mat.
The Mepple 60 Inch Grill Cover is the slightly trimmer sibling of the 65-inch Mepple covers above. At 60 by 23 by 43 inches, it fits most three to six burner grills in the 50 to 58 inch range, which actually covers more setups than the longer 65-inch version.
It’s a quiet workhorse: waterproof, UV resistant, and shaped to fit the dimensions most gas grills actually land in. For shoppers who measure first, the fit tends to look more tailored than oversized.
Notable Gains
- 60-inch length suits the majority of mid-large gas grills
- Top fabric handles speed up daily removal
- Universal compatibility with Genesis, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, Napoleon, Broil King
- Waterproof shell sheds pooling rain effectively
Things To Weigh
- No bundled mat, so deck protection is separate
- 43-inch height is shorter than the 44-inch 65-inch Mepple covers
- Snug fit may bunch on grills with prominent side shelves
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Homeowners with mainstream 50 to 58 inch gas grills who want a tailored-fit cover without oversizing.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Your grill stretches past 60 inches or has a tall closed lid, where the Mepple 65 Inch Grill Cover All Protection offers more vertical room.
Choosing The Right Grill And Cover Combination
Measure Twice, Buy Once
The fastest way to ruin a cover purchase is to skip measuring the grill. Cover sizing runs by overall width, depth, and height with the lid closed, not just by burner count. For Weber charcoal kettles, the 22-inch Original and Premium models share the same footprint, so covers marketed for “22-inch kettles” generally fit both, while the 18-inch Jumbo Joe needs a smaller portable cover or a soft blanket in a pinch.
Gas grill covers are even more sensitive. The difference between a 48-inch and a 60-inch cover is real, and an over-tight cover can stress seams while an over-loose one balloons in the wind and wears at the corners.
Match Fuel Type To Cooking Style
Charcoal kettles reward patience with deeper smoke flavor and typically run less expensive than comparable gas rigs, but they take longer to reach cooking temperature and produce more ash to manage. The Weber Original Kettle family leans into that trade-off with a One-Touch ash system that simplifies cleanup. Gas grills heat faster but need consistent cover protection to keep spiders, moisture, and rust out of the burner tubes.
Consider Where The Grill Lives
A grill on a covered porch needs less aggressive waterproofing than one sitting fully exposed in a rainy climate. In exposed setups, the mat-and-cover bundles from Olforce and Mepple earn their keep by protecting both the grill and the deck surface. In milder climates, a cover-only pick may be enough.
Plan For Storage And Transport
Portable charcoal kettles like the Jumbo Joe are designed to fold down and ride in a trunk, while full-size kettles stay planted on the patio. If the grill moves often, weight and handle comfort matter more than grate size. For covers, bulk and folded size affect where they live between uses, so a cover-and-mat bundle may need a dedicated bin or deck box.
Smart Considerations Before You Decide
Common Shopping Slip Ups
The most frequent mistake is buying a cover based on burner count rather than measured dimensions, which leads to either a tight fight at install or a floppy cover that wears early. The other classic slip is underestimating weather exposure, then watching a budget cover give out after one storm season.
For grills, skipping the grate material check is a common miss. Porcelain-coated cast iron holds heat longer and resists rust better than plain plated steel, which matters more in humid climates where moisture sits on the grate between cooks.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Spending up on the Weber Premium kettle over the classic Original buys the hinged grate and a more polished cleaning system, both of which add up over years of weekend cooking. Spending up on a Mepple or Olforce cover typically buys thicker fabric, stronger seams, and a heat-resistant mat, which translate directly into more seasons of service.
Higher-tier covers also tend to include better top handles and air vents, small touches that keep mildew down and make daily removal less of a chore. For shoppers who grill year-round, those upgrades pay back quickly in saved replacement cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which grill cover size fits my setup?
Measure your grill’s width, depth, and height with the lid closed, then match those numbers to the cover dimensions listed on the product page. When in doubt, size up rather than down.
Are charcoal kettles harder to maintain than gas grills?
Charcoal kettles require more ash cleanup and longer pre-heat times, but they have fewer mechanical parts to break. Gas grills heat faster but need burner tube care and consistent cover protection.
Can I use one cover for multiple grill brands?
Yes, most universal covers in this roundup are designed to fit Weber, Char-Broil, Nexgrill, Kenmore, and similar mainstream gas grill lines, as long as the measurements line up.
Do I really need an under-grill mat?
You need a mat if the grill sits on wood, composite, or rental balcony decking where grease stains and heat marks are a concern. On concrete patios, a mat is helpful but less critical.
Is the Weber Jumbo Joe big enough for a family?
For a family of four, the 18-inch grate handles a typical cookout in batches. For larger gatherings or simultaneous sides and mains, the 22-inch kettles are easier to manage.
Closing Remarks
A great grill and a well-fitted cover turn the backyard into a second kitchen without much fuss. Pick the kettle that matches your patience, measure for the cover before clicking through, and your setup will serve you through slow weekend smokes and quick weeknight burgers alike.