Barbecue, like apple pie, is an all-American favorite. Enjoyed since the 1950's, thoughts of backyard barbecues bring back memories of fresh cut summer grass, Dad's juicy burgers, and Mom's delicious potato salad and fruity punch, of friends and family sitting around the picnic table, munching on savory hot dogs, fresh and juicy from that beautiful grill that sat there faithfully, year after year.

That fresh summery taste of grilled food didn't just happen on its own. Dad had to take good care of that grill, cleaned after each use, with the barbecue cover tucking in the barbecue for the evening, keeping out harsh elements and insects looking for a new home. Putting that cover on was a smart decision. Without it, the knobs on it might be accidentally turned. With these lessons in mind, Dad probably would recommend that you use a grill cover too.

The two main purposes of barbecue covers are protection of the grill and safety. Barbecue grills can cost as much as, or sometimes more, than a regular indoor stove. There's no price on safety.

When shopping for barbecue covers, don't skimp on quality. Look for barbecue covers made of sturdy, waterproof material which fits the size of your grill and is heavy enough to provide protection from heat and cold.

As for protection, grills often have an attractive, super shiny finish in them. Scratches on the enamel finish can be avoided with a good quality cover. Use the cover whenever the barbecue is not in use. Overhead flying feathered friends may deposit droppings on your barbecue while you're not looking, an unattractive start when you're getting ready to cook up a big juicy burger!

Barbecue covers are an important safety measure. Children are especially playful during the summer and curius year around. They may be enticed by knobs and controls, accidentally turning on the barbecue. This can cause propane leaks and fire hazards. When not in use, a grill with a cover helps deter these mishaps.

After summer is over, and the barbecue retires to its humble spot behind the house, it shouldn't be left bare. During the off-season, while the barbecue hibernates, waiting for its next assignment, insects tend to nest in this little abode. After summer, wasps have a habit of nesting inside, providing a shock for the owner when he opens it up next year. Barbecue covers also prevent insects from crawling into and dying in your grill, so it will be just as clean as the last time you used it.

Be sure barbecue covers are flame retardant, so in the event that the grill was inadvertantly left on, your barbecue cover might save your life by smothering out the fire. This is no excuse for leaving the propane on. Even with a barbecue cover, proper safety measures should always be taken.