Outdoor Living & Lifestyles - Grill Cover Advice?

I can't believe that this hasn't been discussed here at DIY, but I sure couldn't find it.

My wife and I just piurchased an Aussie Monaro Chracoal grill with wood side plates and were wondering if we should purchase a cover for it, and if so what should we look for in a cover?

All I could find on EBay were monster vinyl covers with football or mfg logos. I'd like something flat black with no logos and a good fit 45" x 20".

Any experience with what works, or should I not bother with a cover?

They come small, medium, and large. See this link: http://www.barbecue-store.com/covers-5334.htm

I've got a different brand of grill, but I buy mine at Lowe's.

They are notorious for being an apartment for wayward spiders... but I read somewhere that a clear one vs. a black one will help keep 'em out.

I use my grill at least twice a week in the summer, so no spiders here. Definitely get a cover. Every grill I have ever left outdoors uncovered has deteriorated fast (2 seasons of use, tops). Plus, they look nicer with a cover on them.

I would also add to spend the few extra bucks and buy a quality cover. I've bought the generics before and they just don't last long at all.

just my two cents, but I have a Weber That's been outside in Massachusetts for 8 years. I bought a felt-lined cover for about $10 at Ocean State Job Lots, a local overstock dumping ground sort of place, but I rarely use it. I grill year-round and, while I intended to cover it for snowstorms, I've found it easier to just light it even with 6 inches of snow on it (when I see from the kitchen window that the snow has melted, it's time to grill!). The black painted finish is automotive grade and shows zero signs of weathering, and the plastic trim and side shelf scrub clean pretty readily. The cover was a drag to get off after snows, but it is well made, fits, and only cost $10.

i agree with Eddie. BTW,, your weber's painted surfaces are powder coat and your lid is ceramic. that's why they last so long. i have one that is twelve years old and another that is six.