An outdoor griddle is a sheet of bare, seasoned steel, and steel left wet rusts. Rain that pools on the cooktop overnight, dew on a humid morning or a garden sprinkler can leave orange spots that take a scraper, oil and a hot fire to put right. A cover is the cheapest way to keep that from happening, and on the Gulf Coast it is not optional.
The catch is fit. Griddle covers are cut for particular sizes, shelf layouts and hoods, and the wrong one either will not close or flaps loose in the first strong wind. This guide sorts the covers by griddle size and brand, explains the difference between a soft cover and a hard lid, and names the fitted options we could confirm from Blackstone, Cuisinart, Camp Chef and Yukon Glory. It sits under our wider guide to outdoor griddle accessories.
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Quick verdict: which griddle cover to buy
Buy the cover made for your griddle’s size and shape. For a Blackstone 22- or 28-inch cart with one side shelf, the Blackstone 28-inch Griddle Cover (model 1529) is the maker’s own fit, with published dimensions you can check. For the common 36-inch cart, the Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Cover (model 1528) is the standard choice. If you want a lid that lives on the griddle and shrugs off weather, the Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore Steel Hood covers the cooktop, though not the rest of the cart. A tabletop griddle that comes indoors is better served by a lined carry bag, such as Blackstone’s own 17-inch bag, than a patio cover.
The table sets out five covers for five kinds of griddle. All seven are reviewed below.
Five griddle covers by size and type
Which griddle each cover is made for and what it is made of, as the maker or the Amazon listing states it.
| Cover | Made for | Type | Material | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Blackstone 28-inch Griddle CoverBest for 22 and 28-inch carts
|
Blackstone 22 and 28-inch, single shelf | Soft cover, 44 x 22 x 25 in | 600D polyester | View on Amazon |
Blackstone 36-inch Griddle CoverBest for 36-inch carts
|
Blackstone 36-inch with shelf; Tailgater | Soft cover | 600D polyester, double layer | View on Amazon |
Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore Steel Griddle HoodBest hard lid
|
Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore, rear grease | Hard steel hood | Powder-coated steel | View on Amazon |
Blackstone 17-inch Tabletop Griddle Carry BagBest for 17-inch tabletops
|
Blackstone 17-inch tabletop, no hood | Lined carry bag | 600D polyester, vinyl-lined | View on Amazon |
Cuisinart Two-Burner Gas Griddle Cover and ToteBest for Cuisinart owners
|
Cuisinart CGG-501 | Cover plus tote | 600-denier nylon | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Fit is as each maker or listing states it; check your griddle’s model number before you buy.
Our picks for the best griddle cover
The picks run from full-size cart covers to a steel hood and bags for a portable griddle and a griddle plate. Blackstone dominates because it makes the most common outdoor griddles and sells fitted covers for them; where other makers sell a cover for their own griddles on Amazon, we have included it.
1. Blackstone 28-inch Griddle Cover – Made for 22- and 28-inch Carts
If your Blackstone is a two-burner cart rather than the big 36-inch station, this is the soft cover Blackstone makes for it. Model 1529 is listed for the Blackstone 22-inch and 28-inch griddles with single side shelves, which covers the common two-burner carts with one shelf off the side.
The listing gives the cover’s size as 44 inches wide, 22 inches deep and 25 inches high, and says the fabric can conform to griddles of similar dimensions. That is the number to check before you order: measure your griddle across the top with the shelf folded out, from the floor to the highest point, and front to back. If your cart has two side shelves, or a hood fitted, it may not close over the whole unit.
The fabric is 600D polyester canvas with reinforced stitching, which Blackstone describes as weather and UV resistant. High-impact buckles fasten the cover to the griddle so it stays put in the wind, and Blackstone backs it with a one-year limited warranty.
As with every soft cover, it protects best when the steel underneath is clean, dry and lightly oiled. Blackstone’s own care guide puts it plainly: dampness is what rusts a griddle, and it recommends a heavy-duty canvas cover against scratches, dust and rust, especially in humid areas.
Why we like it
- Blackstone’s own cover for its 22- and 28-inch carts with one side shelf
- Measurements published: 44 x 22 x 25 inches
- 600D polyester canvas, described as weather and UV resistant
- Buckles fasten it against the wind
- One-year limited warranty
Key specifications
| Model | 1529 |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft weather cover |
| Fits (per maker) | Blackstone 22-inch and 28-inch griddles with single side shelves |
| Material | 600D polyester canvas |
| Dimensions | 44 x 22 x 25 inches (W x D x H) |
| Fastening | High-impact buckles |
| Extras | None |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits the owner of a two-burner Blackstone cart who wants the maker’s own fit rather than guessing from a universal size chart. The published dimensions make it easy to check against your griddle before you buy.
Skip it if your cart has two side shelves or a fitted hood that adds height; measure first, because a cover that will not reach the floor leaves the burners and frame exposed.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made by the griddle’s maker
- Dimensions stated, so you can check the fit
- Wind buckles
- Warranty stated
Cons
- Single-shelf models only
- No vents or handles mentioned in the listing
- Not for 36-inch griddles
2. Blackstone 36-inch Griddle Cover – The Standard Fit for Four Burners
This is the same cover our outdoor griddle accessories guide already recommends, and it appears here again on purpose: the 36-inch, four-burner cart is the griddle most people own, and a guide to covers that left out the maker’s own cover for it would send those readers away with the wrong size.
Model 1528 is listed as custom-designed for the Blackstone 36-inch griddle with the shelf attached, and for the Blackstone Tailgater. The listing does not give its measurements, so compare it to your griddle by model rather than by tape measure, and check whether your 36-inch has a hood, a cabinet base or extra shelves, all of which change the shape.
The cover is water-resistant 600D polyester with a double-layered build and reinforced stitching, according to the listing, which also says the material resists fading and cold cracking. Poly-resin buckles clip under the griddle base so the wind cannot lift it off, and the listing says it can be wiped or hosed clean.
On a four-burner cart, a cover earns its keep. The cooktop is a broad sheet of seasoned steel, and rain pooling on it overnight is the quickest way to find rust the next weekend.
Why we like it
- Blackstone’s own fit for the 36-inch griddle with shelf attached and the Tailgater
- Water-resistant 600D polyester, double-layered
- Buckles clip under the base against wind
- Wipes or hoses clean, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 1528 |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft weather cover |
| Fits (per maker) | Blackstone 36-inch griddle with shelf attached; Blackstone Tailgater |
| Material | 600D polyester, double-layered |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Fastening | Poly-resin buckles under the base |
| Extras | None |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you own a standard Blackstone 36-inch cart and want the cover that was cut for it. It is the safe default for the most common outdoor griddle.
Skip it if your 36-inch has a cabinet base, a built-in hood or extra shelves; the listing does not publish dimensions, so a non-standard cart is guesswork.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made for the most common Blackstone size
- Double-layered fabric
- Buckles under the base
- Easy to hose off
Cons
- Dimensions not published
- Warranty not stated in the listing
- Already covered in our accessories guide
3. Yukon Glory Griddle Cover and Tool Set for Blackstone 36-inch – Handles, a Tool Pocket and Spares
Yukon Glory is a grill-accessory brand that sells covers cut to match specific griddles, and this one is listed as compatible with Blackstone 36-inch griddles and comparable to Blackstone’s own 1528 cover. It comes as a bundle with a set of griddle tools.
The cover adds two things the Blackstone listing does not mention: two full-length handles for lifting it on and off, and a pocket for storing griddle tools. The listing describes the fabric as 600D polyester in its title and as fade-resistant in its features, and says the cover gives year-round protection from rain, snow, pollen and wind.
The tool set is described as two spatulas, a scraper, two squirt bottles and a thermometer in the title, while the feature list calls it an eight-piece set, so expect roughly that rather than an exact count. If you already own good griddle tools, see the bundle as a cover with spares thrown in.
Yukon Glory backs the bundle with a two-year limited warranty, according to the listing, which is longer than the one-year warranty Blackstone states for its 28-inch cover.
Why we like it
- Listed as comparable to Blackstone’s 1528 36-inch cover
- Two full-length handles make it easier to pull off a wide cart
- Tool pocket on the cover
- Two-year limited warranty, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | YG-880KIT |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft weather cover with tool set |
| Fits (per maker) | Blackstone 36-inch griddles |
| Material | 600D polyester (per the title) |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Fastening | Not stated |
| Extras | Spatulas, scraper, squirt bottles, thermometer |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits a 36-inch Blackstone owner who wants a cover that is easier to handle on a wide cart, or who is setting up a new griddle and needs basic tools as well.
Skip it if you want the cover only; the bundle adds tools you may already have, and the listing does not say how the cover fastens.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handles for lifting
- Tool pocket
- Longer stated warranty
- Comes with starter tools
Cons
- Fastening not described
- Tool count differs within the listing
- Dimensions not published
4. Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore Steel Griddle Hood – A Hard Lid That Sheds Water
A hood is a different kind of cover. Instead of a fabric bag over the whole cart, it is a powder-coated steel lid that sits on the cooktop itself. Blackstone’s model 5856 is made for its 36-inch Omnivore griddles and, according to the listing, for Blackstone models with a rear grease management system.
The listing says the hood acts as a barrier between the griddle and the elements, preventing water pooling and dust buildup on the steel. It has a stainless steel front handle and installs and comes off without tools.
The advantage over a soft cover is speed and toughness. A hood stays with the griddle, so covering the steel after a cook is a matter of lowering the lid once the top has cooled, and powder-coated steel will not tear or flap in the wind. Blackstone’s listing describes this part as protection for the griddle, so treat it as a cover first.
What a hood does not do is cover the rest of the griddle. The burners, control knobs, frame, shelves and propane connection stay exposed, so in a wet climate many owners pair a hood with a soft cover. Check that any soft cover you buy is cut for a griddle with a hood fitted.
Why we like it
- Blackstone’s own hood for the 36-inch Omnivore
- Powder-coated steel, with a stainless steel front handle
- Installs and comes off without tools
- Stops water pooling on the cooktop, per the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 5856 |
|---|---|
| Type | Hard hood (lid on the cooktop) |
| Fits (per maker) | Blackstone 36-inch Omnivore griddles; models with rear grease management |
| Material | Powder-coated steel |
| Dimensions | 36-inch (exact dimensions not stated) |
| Fastening | Sits on the griddle; tool-free install |
| Extras | Stainless steel front handle |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits a 36-inch Omnivore owner who covers the griddle after every cook and wants a lid that will not blow away or wear through, and who keeps the cart under a patio roof or adds a soft cover for heavy weather.
Skip it if your griddle has front grease management or is not an Omnivore model; the listing names rear-grease Blackstone models, so check your model number first.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Tough steel, no fabric to tear
- Always on the griddle, quick to close
- Tool-free fitting
- Keeps standing water off the steel
Cons
- Covers the cooktop only, not the cart
- Fits specific Blackstone models
- Dimensions not published
5. Blackstone 17-inch Tabletop Griddle Carry Bag – Snug Fit for the Smallest Blackstone
The 17-inch tabletop is Blackstone’s smallest propane griddle, and this bag, model 5076, is made for it. The listing says it is designed for 17-inch tabletop griddles without a hood or hard cover, so check which version you own before ordering.
Blackstone describes the bag as weather-resistant 600D polyester with a vinyl lining, a double-layer canvas build, commercial-grade zippers and heavy-duty carry straps. Cinch straps pull it tight around the griddle, and a hook-and-loop closure gives quick access.
The listing has one useful packing tip: turn the griddle top over onto the base of the unit and slide the whole thing into the bag. That keeps the cooking surface inside and protected, and it is how the bag is meant to fit.
Blackstone says the snug fit helps prevent rust while the griddle is not in use, which matches the advice in its care guide to keep the steel dry and store it in a cool, dry place. A tabletop that comes indoors after each cook is better served by a bag like this than by a patio cover; for the griddles themselves, see our guide to the best portable outdoor griddle.
Why we like it
- Made by Blackstone for its 17-inch tabletop
- 600D polyester with a vinyl lining
- Cinch straps for a snug fit
- Clear packing method in the listing
Key specifications
| Model | 5076 |
|---|---|
| Type | Zip-up carry bag |
| Fits (per maker) | Blackstone 17-inch tabletop griddles without a hood or hard cover |
| Material | 600D polyester, vinyl lining |
| Dimensions | 17-inch (exact dimensions not stated) |
| Fastening | Zippers, cinch straps, hook-and-loop |
| Extras | Carry handles |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
It suits the owner of an open-top 17-inch Blackstone who takes it camping or tailgating and wants the cooktop protected on the way.
Skip it if your 17-inch has a hood; the listing says this bag is for models without one.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Maker’s own fit
- Lined against moisture
- Cinch straps keep it tight
- Small and easy to carry
Cons
- Hood models do not fit
- No shoulder strap mentioned
- Warranty not stated
6. Cuisinart Two-Burner Gas Griddle Cover and Tote – Two Pieces for One Griddle
Cuisinart sells this two-piece set for its own CGG-501 Gourmet Two Burner Gas Griddle. One piece is a weather cover for when the griddle is set up; the other is a zip-up tote for carrying it.
That split makes sense for a griddle that moves between a patio and a car. You leave the cover on while the griddle sits outside, and switch to the tote when you pack it for a trip, rather than forcing one bag to do both jobs.
The listing describes the material as durable, water-resistant 600-denier nylon, and the cover fastens with Velcro straps for a secure fit. It does not give dimensions, so this is a set to buy by model number, not by size.
Why we like it
- Made by Cuisinart for its CGG-501 griddle
- Cover and travel tote in one purchase
- Water-resistant 600-denier nylon
- Velcro straps hold it in place
Key specifications
| Model | CGC-10501 |
|---|---|
| Type | Soft cover plus zip-up tote |
| Fits (per maker) | Cuisinart CGG-501 Gourmet Two Burner Gas Griddle |
| Material | 600-denier nylon, water-resistant |
| Dimensions | Not stated |
| Fastening | Velcro straps |
| Extras | Zip-up tote for transport |
| Warranty | Not stated in the listing |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you own the Cuisinart CGG-501 and want the fitted cover and a carry bag without hunting for a third-party size match.
Skip it if you own any other griddle; the listing names one model only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fitted to a named model
- Two pieces for two jobs
- Water-resistant nylon
Cons
- Fits one Cuisinart griddle
- Dimensions not published
- Warranty not stated
7. Camp Chef Large Griddle Bag – Keeps a Steel Griddle Plate Dry
Camp Chef’s griddles come in two forms: freestanding flat-top grills, and steel griddle plates that sit across the burners of a Camp Chef camp stove. This bag, model SGBLG, is for the second kind, and it is the closest thing to a griddle cover Camp Chef sells on Amazon for its plates.
The listing says it fits the FG26, SG90 and CGG24 griddles and measures 20 by 31 inches. It has a weather-resistant liner, a wrap handle and a large zipper, and Camp Chef gives it a 90-day limited warranty.
A seasoned plate that rides in a truck bed or sits in a shed is exposed to the same damp that rusts a cart griddle, and a lined bag keeps it dry and keeps the oiled surface off everything else. Pack the plate clean, dry and lightly oiled, as you would before covering any griddle.
Why we like it
- Camp Chef’s own bag for its FG26, SG90 and CGG24 plates
- Weather-resistant liner
- Wrap handle and a large zipper
- Dimensions stated: 20 x 31 inches
Key specifications
| Model | SGBLG |
|---|---|
| Type | Zip-up storage bag for a griddle plate |
| Fits (per maker) | Camp Chef FG26, SG90, CGG24 |
| Material | Fabric with weather-resistant liner |
| Dimensions | 20 x 31 inches |
| Fastening | Zipper |
| Extras | Wrap handle |
| Warranty | 90-day limited |
Why we recommend it
It suits anyone who cooks on a Camp Chef griddle plate over a camp stove and wants it stored and carried dry between trips.
Skip it if you own a freestanding Camp Chef flat-top grill; this bag is for the plates, not the carts.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Made for named Camp Chef plates
- Lined against weather
- Measurements published
Cons
- Does not fit Camp Chef flat-top carts
- Short 90-day warranty
- Material of the outer shell not stated
Soft cover or hard lid: what each one protects
The two kinds of griddle cover do different jobs, and plenty of owners end up with both.
A soft cover is a fitted fabric bag, usually 600-denier polyester or nylon, that drops over the whole griddle: cooktop, burners, knobs, frame and shelves. It keeps rain, sun, pollen and bird droppings off everything, and buckles or straps under the base hold it down. Its weaknesses are that it has to be taken off and stored for each cook, it can trap moisture if the griddle goes under it wet, and fabric only lasts as long as its weather and UV resistance allows.
A hard lid or hood is a steel cover that sits on the cooktop. It stays on the griddle, so closing it after a cook takes a second, and it will not tear or blow away. Blackstone says its 36-inch Omnivore hood prevents water pooling and dust building up on the steel. But it covers the cooking surface only. The burners, valves and cart are still out in the weather, so a hood alone is enough under a patio roof, and a hood plus a soft cover is the safer setup in the open.
For a portable griddle, neither is quite right. A lined carry bag such as Blackstone’s 17-inch tabletop bag protects the griddle in storage and in the car, which is where a tabletop spends most of its time.
How to choose a griddle cover that fits
1. Start with the model number, not the size
“36-inch” describes the cooking surface, not the cart. Two 36-inch griddles can differ in shelf layout, hood, cabinet base and height. Find the model number on the griddle’s label and match it to the cover’s listing; Blackstone, for example, cuts its 28-inch cover for single-shelf carts and its 17-inch tabletop bag for models without a hood.
2. Measure when the listing gives dimensions
Where a maker publishes the cover’s size, as Blackstone does for its 28-inch cover (44 x 22 x 25 inches), measure the griddle the same way: width with the shelves out, depth front to back, height to the top of the hood or the highest point. A cover that stops short of the ground leaves the burners exposed to blowing rain.
3. Fabric weight and lining
Most fitted covers here are 600-denier fabric, polyester or nylon. A vinyl lining, as on Blackstone’s 17-inch tabletop bag, adds a barrier against moisture. A double-layer build, which Blackstone lists for its 36-inch cover, helps against tears where the cover rubs on corners.
4. Wind fastening
An outdoor griddle cover needs something to hold it down: buckles under the base, straps or cinch cords. A cover that lifts in a storm and lands in the yard protects nothing.
5. Hood or no hood
If your griddle has a hood, buy a soft cover that is cut for one, since the hood adds height and changes the shape. If it has no hood and stays outside, consider adding Blackstone’s steel hood where it fits your model.
Covering a griddle without trapping rust underneath
A cover protects a griddle only if what goes under it is dry. Blackstone’s care guide sets out the routine: let the griddle cool, scrape it, wipe it, dry it and coat it with a thin layer of oil between uses, then store it somewhere cool and dry. It says dampness is what causes rust, and recommends a heavy-duty canvas cover against scratches, dust and rust, especially in humid areas.
- Let the steel cool fully before any fabric touches it.
- Scrape and wipe the cooktop, pushing debris into the grease trap.
- Oil it thinly so the seasoning has a film over it.
- Cover it and fasten every buckle or strap, then check after the first windy night.
After heavy rain, look under the cover on the next dry day. If the steel is damp, wipe it dry and give it a fresh film of oil before covering it again.
How we picked these seven griddle covers
We started from what a griddle actually needs protecting from: rain on bare steel, sun on the fabric and wind that lifts a loose cover. We then looked for covers sold on Amazon in the United States by the companies that make the griddles, or by an identifiable accessory brand cutting covers for a named model, and checked each one’s stock, fit and materials with the Amazon listing data. Every pick was in stock when we checked; Blackstone’s own 22-inch tabletop bag (model 6017) was showing only limited stock when we checked, so we left it out. We left out the many universal and model-specific covers from sellers who publish nothing beyond the listing, and silicone cooktop mats sold as “griddle covers”, which sit on the steel rather than keeping weather off it, and which were mostly low in stock when we looked. We did not find a cover sold on Amazon by Pit Boss, Weber, Nexgrill or Royal Gourmet for their own griddles, so none is listed; owners of those griddles should check the maker’s own store. We have not used these products ourselves; specifications come from the makers and their listings, and care advice from Blackstone’s published guide.
Griddle cover questions, answered
Do you need a cover for an outdoor griddle?
If it lives outside, yes. A griddle top is seasoned steel, and Blackstone’s care guide says dampness is what rusts it. A cover, plus a thin coat of oil after each cook, is the simplest way to keep the surface ready to use.
Is a hard lid better than a soft cover?
They protect different things. A steel hood keeps water off the cooktop and closes in a second, but leaves the burners and cart exposed. A soft cover protects the whole griddle but has to come off and go back on for every cook. Under a roof, a hood is often enough; in the open, use a soft cover or both.
Will a 36-inch cover fit any 36-inch griddle?
Not reliably. Covers are cut for particular shelf layouts, hoods and bases. Blackstone’s 1528 is listed for the 36-inch griddle with shelf attached and the Tailgater; a cabinet model or a griddle from another brand may be a different shape. Match the model number.
Can you put a cover on a warm griddle?
Wait until it has cooled. Blackstone’s care routine starts with letting the griddle cool before cleaning and oiling, and fabric covers are not made to sit on hot steel.
How do you clean a griddle cover?
Blackstone’s listing for its 36-inch cover says dirt, bird droppings and dust can be wiped away or hosed off. Let it dry before you put it back on, so you are not trapping water against the griddle.
Our last word on covering a griddle
Pick the cover by your griddle’s model, not by a size on the box, and dry and oil the steel before it goes under. For the griddles themselves, see our guides to the best outdoor griddle and the best Blackstone griddle; for the tools that go with them, start with outdoor griddle accessories. If your gas grill needs protecting too, our gas grill cover guide covers that.
A clean, covered griddle is ready for fajitas on a weeknight; our guide to how to eat fajitas covers the rest. Or let Julia’s do the cooking: see the menu or call to order.