How to Measure a BBQ for a Cover: UK Size Guide
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Quick answer: measure your BBQ at its widest, deepest and tallest points while it is in its normal stored position. Include side shelves, handles, control knobs, chimneys and any other fixed parts. Compare all three measurements with the cover dimensions before buying; a match on width alone is not enough.
A well-fitted cover is easier to secure, less likely to flap in the wind and less likely to collect large pools of rainwater. This guide gives you a simple way to measure gas BBQs, charcoal grills, smokers and kettle BBQs in centimetres, then check the result against a product listing.
What you need
- A tape measure marked in centimetres
- Your BBQ assembled in the position in which it will be stored
- A note on your phone or the worksheet below
- The size diagram or dimension order shown on the cover listing
Before you measure
Let the BBQ cool completely, clean away loose ash or grease and close the lid. Fold or remove only the parts that you genuinely fold or remove every time you store it. If the side shelves normally stay extended, measure with them extended. If one folds down for storage, measure it in that stored position.
Do not rely only on a BBQ's quoted cooking area or burner count. Two four-burner gas BBQs can have very different outside dimensions, and a handle or side shelf can be the widest point.
The three measurements that matter
1. Width: measure from left to right
Measure across the widest horizontal point. On a gas BBQ this normally means from the outside edge of one side shelf to the outside edge of the other. Include fixed side burners, utensil hooks or handles if they project beyond the main body.
2. Depth: measure from front to back
Measure the deepest point from the front of the BBQ to the back. Include the lid handle, control knobs and any rear housing that sticks out. Keep the lid closed while measuring.
3. Height: measure from bottom to top
Measure from the lowest point the cover needs to protect to the highest fixed point, with the lid closed. Include a chimney, thermometer housing or tall handle where relevant. For a wheeled cart, measure from the bottom of the frame or the position where you want the cover to finish—not automatically from the patio to the top.
Write the result in this order: width × depth × height. Then check the seller's size diagram because some listings use a different order.
| Measurement | Direction | Include |
|---|---|---|
| Width | Left to right | Side shelves, fixed side burner and projecting hooks |
| Depth | Front to back | Lid handle, knobs and rear housing |
| Height | Bottom to highest point | Closed lid, chimney and fixed upper parts |
How to measure a round kettle BBQ
For a kettle BBQ, first measure the diameter across the widest part of the bowl or frame. Then measure the height from the point where the cover should finish to the top of the closed lid and handle. If the model has a side shelf, cart or large wheels that extend beyond the bowl, use the full outside width and depth instead of the bowl diameter alone.
How to choose the closest cover size
- Check every dimension. The cover must accommodate the BBQ's width, depth and height.
- Do not size down. A cover that is smaller in any direction can strain at the corners or fail to pass over handles and shelves.
- Allow practical clearance. A little room helps the cover go on and off, but an excessively large cover can sag, flap or pool water.
- Use the listing's own diagram. Never assume that the first number is the width; confirm how that particular seller labels its dimensions.
- Check the securing method. Straps, buckles, elastic hems or drawcords help manage a slightly roomy fit.
If your BBQ sits between two sizes, the larger option is usually the safer starting point, provided its straps or hem can secure the excess fabric. Compare the actual difference rather than choosing a dramatically larger cover.
A real multi-size example
Our silver-coated polyester Oxford cloth BBQ cover currently comes in eight listed sizes. This is useful when a standard small, medium or large label is too vague:
| Listed size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| 1 | 77 × 66 × 100 cm |
| 2 | 98 × 60 × 148 cm |
| 3 | 145 × 61 × 117 cm |
| 4 | 150 × 100 × 125 cm |
| 5 | 71 × 71 × 56 cm |
| 6 | 77 × 77 × 58 cm |
| 7 | 170 × 60 × 117 cm |
| 8 | 190 × 71 × 117 cm |
Use the product page's dimension diagram to confirm the order of those figures, then select only after comparing all sides with your notes. You can also browse the full BBQ covers collection for round, compact and larger rectangular options.
Common measuring mistakes
- Measuring only the main grill body: side shelves and handles are often the true widest points.
- Leaving the lid open: covers are designed to fit the BBQ in its stored, closed position.
- Using the box dimensions: packaging measurements are not the assembled appliance dimensions.
- Assuming all dimension orders are identical: always check the diagram or size key.
- Buying far too large “to be safe”: excess material is harder to secure and can hold water.
- Ignoring a chimney or rear housing: one projection can change the required depth or height.
Check the fit when it arrives
Test the cover only when the BBQ is cool and dry. It should pass over the corners without force, sit naturally around the body and leave enough room for you to fasten the straps or hem. Check that no sharp edge is pulling tightly against the fabric.
A cover is probably too small if seams are under visible tension, corners will not seat or the fastening cannot close. It is probably too large if a large amount of material lies on the ground, the top forms a deep basin or the cover cannot be secured against wind.
Care matters as much as fit
Never cover a hot BBQ. Let the appliance cool, remove food residue and make sure both the BBQ and the inside of the cover can dry. Secure the cover using its fitted straps or drawcord rather than trapping loose material underneath the wheels. Follow the care instructions supplied with both the BBQ and the cover, especially during long periods of storage.
Terms such as water-resistant and waterproof are not interchangeable, so check the individual product specification rather than assuming every outdoor cover offers the same protection.
BBQ cover measuring worksheet
- BBQ make and model: ____________________
- Normal stored position: shelves up / shelves folded / other
- Width at widest point: ______ cm
- Depth at deepest point: ______ cm
- Height to highest point: ______ cm
- Fixed projections included: ____________________
- Chosen cover dimensions: ______ × ______ × ______ cm
- Fastening type checked: yes / no
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a cover using only the BBQ model number?
A model-specific cover can be convenient, but measuring the assembled BBQ still helps confirm the fit—especially if accessories, replacement shelves or a different cart have been added.
Should I include handles and control knobs?
Yes. Include any fixed part that projects beyond the main body. A front handle can change the depth and side controls can change the width.
Should a BBQ cover touch the ground?
Use the finish position shown by the cover manufacturer. Avoid choosing unnecessary extra length simply to make the fabric touch the patio; a secure fit and sensible airflow are more useful than loose material around the base.
Can I put the cover on straight after cooking?
No. Wait until the BBQ has cooled completely, then follow the appliance and cover care instructions.
Ready to compare sizes?
Keep your three measurements beside you and explore our BBQ covers. Check the size diagram on the individual product page before ordering, and contact us if a listing needs clarification.