Some BBQ manufacturers supply bespoke covers as an optional accessory but generic covers are viable alternatives or a great choice if your barbecue doesn't come with a cover.

It's obvious that barbecues, however well they are built, need protection from the elements when they are left outside for any length of time. This is of course particularly important over inclement winter months when the weather deteriorates and they are used less frequently.

When buying a Napoleon barbecue you have the opportunity of adding a cover along with other accessories. Each one is specific to a particular model and made from a durable water and UV resistant fabric that is fade and crack resistant. There are mesh vents so that air can circulate and loops allow the cover to be hung up out of the way when not needed.

Beefeater barbecues have a choice of two covers for their impressive range, the standard version is made from PVC and has a fleece lining, while more robust protection is offered by a premium heavy duty vinyl alternative which is fully waterproof and will stand up to the worst of the British weather.

Gas Barbecue in a CharBroil Cover

Char-Broil 3 and 4 burner barbecues can be protected throughout the year by a sealed seam polyester cover which has a weather resistant PVC outer coating, there are also side straps to fasten the cover securely. If you have Char-Broil's highly portable Grill2Go, there's a cover/carry case that protects and has room for utensils, tools and gas canisters.

Buschbeck masonry barbecues clearly require a bespoke cover due to their tall flues. These are available with a zipper, hook and loop tapes to hold the cover in place whatever the weather. Other premium covers are available that accommodate this manufacturer's more conventionally shaped grills.

If you already have a barbecue but no cover or your chosen model doesn't have the option of a cover, then purchasing one manufactured by Bosmere is an excellent idea. They are made from top quality woven polyester with a PVC backing, and there is a huge choice to protect various sized barbecues from different makers.

Weatherproof and easy to wipe clean, Bosmere covers have brass coated eyelets through which cords secure the BBQ and prevent the cover from being displaced in high winds. These high quality covers offer frost, snow and rain protection, and the fabric is UV stabilized to guarantee that it will not be damaged by sunlight.