The Best Generator Covers for 2022 – Covers for Home Generators

In 2022, a lot of people learned the same lesson at the same time: when the power goes out, your generator suddenly becomes
the most popular “appliance” in the neighborhood. And like any VIP, it needs protection.
A good generator cover keeps rain, UV rays, dust, bird “comments,” sap, and general outdoor chaos from shortening the life of
your portable generator or standby home generator. The right cover can also make storage easier, reduce rust risk,
and help your machine look less like it fought a lawnmower and lost.

This guide breaks down what matters in a generator cover (materials, fit, ventilation, and weather resistance),
then shares the best generator cover types and standout options people leaned on in 2022 for both portable units and
home standby generators. Along the way, you’ll get practical sizing tips, real-world selection advice, and a few
“learn from someone else’s mistakes” momentsbecause the only thing worse than a power outage is a generator outage
during a power outage.

Generator Cover Safety Comes First (Yes, Before Shopping)

Let’s get the most important point out of the way: most generator covers are for storage, not for
operation. Running a generator requires lots of airflow and safe exhaust routing. Standard covers can trap heat
or interfere with ventilation and exhaust, which is a dangerous combo.

Quick safety rules you should never “wing it” on

• Portable generators belong outdoors. Keep them far from doors, windows, and vents (many safety guidelines use
  a 20-foot rule), and point exhaust away from the house.
• Don’t cover a hot generator. Allow it to cool completely before putting on a storage cover.
• If you need protection while running, use a purpose-built running canopy.
  These are designed to shed rain while maintaining airflow and keeping exhaust clear.
• Follow your manufacturer’s manual. When in doubt, the manual wins.

Why a Generator Cover Is Worth It

A generator cover is one of those unglamorous purchases that feels boring right up until it saves you money.
Here’s what a quality cover helps with:

• UV protection: Sunlight can fade plastics, dry out rubber, and weaken finishes over time.
• Moisture defense: Rain, snow, and condensation increase corrosion riskespecially if a generator sits outside or in a shed.
• Dust and debris control: Less grime means fewer headaches when you finally need to pull-start in a hurry.
• Cleaner storage: Covers keep your generator from turning into a shelf for every windblown leaf in the county.
• Better resale and longer service life: A generator that looks cared for is often a generator that was cared for.

How to Choose the Best Generator Cover

1) Measure like you mean it

Generator sizing is the #1 reason people return covers. Measure width, depth, and height at the
largest points, including handles or fuel caps if they stick up. Then compare to the cover’s “fits up to” dimensions.
For a better fit, choose a cover that’s slightly larger than your generator, but not so oversized that it becomes a wind sail.

2) Pick the right material (and know what the numbers mean)

In 2022, the most common “sweet spot” for generator covers was heavy-duty polyester (often listed as 600D).
“D” stands for deniera measure of fiber thickness. Higher denier usually means thicker fabric and better abrasion resistance.
Common materials you’ll see:

• 600D polyester/Oxford fabric: Durable, common, and typically a great balance of price and toughness.
• Vinyl or commercial vinyl: Very water resistant, often used in premium equipment covers, usually heavier.
• Solution-dyed fabrics (premium lines): Better UV/fade resistance over time, often in higher-end covers.

3) Water resistance vs. “waterproof”

Marketing can get… ambitious. A “water-resistant” cover handles normal rain. A “waterproof” cover usually means
coated fabric, seam taping, or a design that prevents seepage at stitching. If your generator lives outdoors or you
get sideways rain, prioritize stronger water protection and sealed seams.

4) Ventilation and moisture control

You want your generator protected from rain, but you also don’t want the cover turning into a humidity terrarium.
Look for features like air vents, breathable panels, or at minimum a design that doesn’t cling tightly
to metal surfaces in a way that traps moisture. (Moisture trapped against metal is basically rust’s favorite hobby.)

5) Wind-proof fit features

In windy areas, a loose cover can flap itself to death. The best generator covers typically include:

• Elastic hem or fitted base
• Drawstring tightening
• Buckle straps or click-close webbing
• Reinforced handles for easy on/off

The Best Generator Covers for 2022: Top Types and Standout Picks

Instead of pretending there’s one cover that fits every generator on Earth, let’s do this the smart way:
match the cover to how you actually use the generator. Below are the best cover categories for 2022 and the kinds of
products that consistently delivered in real-world home use.

Best Overall (Most Homes): Heavy-Duty 600D Storage Covers

For most homeowners with a portable generator that gets stored in a garage, shed, or under a patio roof,
a sturdy 600D polyester cover with an elastic hem and drawcord is the practical winner. It’s durable, easy to use,
and shields against dust, UV, and surprise weather.

• Why it’s a 2022 favorite: Great balance of durability and price; widely available in multiple sizes.
• What to look for: 600D fabric, double stitching, water-resistant coating, elastic base, drawstring, and at least one handle.
• Best for: 5,000–10,000W open-frame generators, common “emergency backup” portable models.

Best Budget Pick: Universal Weatherproof Covers from Major Tool Brands

Big-name tool and generator brands often sell universal covers designed around the most common generator footprints.
These covers aren’t always fancy, but they’re usually sized sensibly and designed for the kinds of generators those
brands sell. If you want a straightforward cover that fits without drama, this is often a safe bet.

• Example features seen in 2022: Elastic-banded base, drawstring adjustment, and water-resistant material.
• Best for: People who want a “buy it once, stop thinking about it” cover for standard-size generators.
• Watch out for: Some budget covers are thinnerfine for indoor storage, less ideal for year-round outdoor exposure.

Best for Small Inverter Generators: Compact, Snug-Fit Covers

Inverter generators are often smaller, quieter, and more “grab-and-go” than open-frame units. That means the best cover
is usually a compact one that hugs the shape, stays put, and doesn’t feel like you put a king-size bedsheet on a carry-on suitcase.

• Best for: 1,000–4,000W inverter generators (camping, tailgating, small backup loads).
• Look for: Tight sizing, handle access, and quick on/off.
• Bonus points: A cover that’s easy to fold and store with the generator accessories.

Best for “Messy” Storage (Garages, Sheds, Jobsites): Vinyl-Style Equipment Covers

If your generator gets stored where things get banged aroundworkshops, construction-adjacent spaces, busy garages
a heavier vinyl-style cover can be a strong choice. Many of these feature thicker exterior material and a lining that helps prevent scuffs.

• Best for: Portable generators that live around tools, ladders, bikes, and the general chaos of real life.
• Look for: Reinforced seams, abrasion resistance, and a secure hem.
• Trade-off: Heavier covers can be less breathable, so make sure the generator is fully dry and cool before covering.

Best Premium Upgrade: Ripstop, Fade-Resistant “Heavy-Duty” Lines

Premium covers typically upgrade three things: fabric quality, UV resistance, and durability of straps/closures.
If your generator lives outside under a carport or on a pad for long stretches, the premium tier can be worth it.

• Best for: Harsh sun, frequent storms, or people who keep their generator ready-to-go outdoors (but covered when off).
• Look for: Ripstop construction, solution-dyed fabric, strong webbing straps, and vents.
• Value note: Paying more can make sense if it prevents corrosion, fading, or a cover replacement every season.

Best for Rainy Outages: Purpose-Built Running Covers (Canopies)

Sometimes the power goes out during the exact weather you’d rather not stand in. In those moments, people in 2022
often looked for generator running coverscanopy-style systems designed to keep rain off while maintaining ventilation.
These are not simple slipcovers; they typically include a framework or structured canopy and must be installed correctly.

• Best for: Emergency use in rain/snow when you must operate outdoors.
• Look for: Clear airflow design, heat-safe materials, compatibility with your generator frame, and instructions that emphasize exhaust clearance.
• Important: Never improvise with a tarp over a running generator. If you need “while running” protection, use a product made for that purpose.

Best for Home Standby Generators: Custom-Fit Standby Covers

Standby generators (like common air-cooled home standby units) typically live on a pad outdoors and already have an enclosure.
Some homeowners still choose a cover for extended storage situations (seasonal protection, construction dust, or extra UV defense),
but you must be careful: standby units need airflow and have maintenance access points.

• Best for: Temporary protection during renovations, long periods of inactivity, or dusty environments.
• Look for: Covers specifically labeled for standby/home generators with correct dimensions and a secure fit.
• Practical tip: Don’t cover a standby generator in a way that traps moisture against the enclosure or blocks vents.

Best Generator Cover Features Checklist (2022 Buyer’s Cheat Sheet)

If you’re comparing covers and they all start to look the same (because, yes, a cover is basically “fabric that sits there”),
this checklist helps you separate the good from the “will disintegrate by Tuesday.”

• Material: 600D polyester/Oxford or heavier; bonus for ripstop on premium covers.
• Seams: Double-stitched; seam tape is a plus for stronger waterproofing.
• Coating: Water-resistant or waterproof coating; UV protection claims that sound realistic, not magical.
• Fit: Elastic hem + drawcord; straps/buckles if you deal with wind.
• Ventilation: Vents or breathable design to reduce moisture buildup.
• Ease of use: Handles, zipper panels, or simple slip-on design.

Examples: Matching Cover Size to Common Generator Types

Example 1: 3,500W inverter generator

Many popular 3,500W inverter generators have a compact, suitcase-like form. A snug cover with handle access and
a tight hem works best. Choose a size that covers the height of the handle area without being excessively long.

Example 2: 7,500W open-frame portable generator

These are the classic “storm backup” unitsbigger footprint, exposed frame, sometimes with wheels.
Look for a cover designed for roughly the 5,000–10,000W category with a strong hem and enough room for the top fuel cap area.
If your generator has a wheel kit, confirm whether the cover is designed to fit over the wheels.

Example 3: Air-cooled home standby generator

Standby units are enclosure-based and vary by brand/model. Measure carefully and choose a cover made for standby generators,
not a universal portable cover. You want protection without blocking vents or access panels.

Care Tips: Make Your Generator Cover Last Longer

• Cover only when cool and dry: Heat + trapped moisture is a recipe for corrosion and funky odors.
• Secure it in wind: Use straps/drawcords; don’t rely on gravity to do a job it never applied for.
• Clean occasionally: Hose off dust, pollen, and sap; let it fully dry before re-covering.
• Avoid sharp edges: If your generator has rough corners, a thicker cover or reinforced corners helps prevent tears.

Real-World Experiences (Extra ): Lessons Homeowners Learned in 2022

Generator covers are one of those purchases that don’t inspire bragging rights. Nobody posts,
“Look at my incredible elastic hem!”but homeowners and DIYers who relied on generators in 2022
tended to repeat the same experiences and lessons after storm season, hurricane season, and the everyday
surprise outages that happen when a squirrel decides your transformer looks tasty.

Experience #1: The “tarp experiment” usually ends badly.
When the rain is coming down sideways, the temptation is to throw a tarp over the generator “just for a minute.”
The problem is that tarps are great at blocking rain and also great at blocking airflowtwo things a running generator
cares about more than your feelings. People who switched from improvising to using a purpose-built running canopy
often mentioned feeling more confident because the canopy is structured, sheds water, and is designed around keeping
exhaust and ventilation areas clear. In other words, it’s engineered instead of “held together with hope.”

Experience #2: Oversizing a cover creates a wind-powered percussion instrument.
Many folks bought the biggest cover they could find, thinking bigger means better protection.
Then the first windy day arrived and the cover turned into a flapping, snapping noise machinesometimes rubbing against
the frame hard enough to scuff paint or wear fabric at contact points. The best outcomes usually came from choosing a cover
that fit closely, then using drawcords or buckle straps to keep it from ballooning.
If you’ve ever listened to a loose cover slap around at 2 a.m., you already understand why fit matters.

Experience #3: Breathability matters more than you think.
A cover can protect your generator from rain while also trapping moisture underneathespecially in humid climates or when
temperature swings create condensation. Homeowners who stored generators outdoors (even under partial shelter) often found that
a cover with vents or a more breathable construction helped reduce that “clammy” trapped moisture feeling when the cover came off.
The goal is to keep weather out without creating a mini greenhouse on top of metal parts.

Experience #4: The cover becomes part of the “outage routine.”
In 2022, many people built a simple rhythm: uncover the generator, roll it to a safe outdoor location, operate it correctly,
then shut it down, let it cool, and cover it again. The “let it cool” step is where patience pays off.
Owners who rushed this step sometimes ended up with heat-softened coatings, warped fabric, or covers that wore out faster.
The people happiest with their covers treated them like gearnot decorationstoring them clean and dry and putting them on only
when the generator was ready.

Experience #5: A good cover reduces stress when you need the generator most.
During an outage, the last thing you want is to discover your generator is dusty, wet, or full of debris because it sat uncovered.
Homeowners who consistently used a cover often described the same benefit: when the power went out, the generator was ready.
It started more easily, looked better maintained, and felt less like a “project” and more like a solution.
A cover won’t replace maintenance, but it does reduce the odds that your generator’s first challenge is fighting the weather
before it even produces electricity.

Conclusion: The Right Cover Is Simple Insurance

The best generator covers of 2022 weren’t necessarily the most expensivethey were the ones that matched the generator’s size,
handled the local weather, stayed put in wind, and didn’t trap moisture like a plastic bag.
For most homes, a heavy-duty 600D storage cover with a secure hem is the practical go-to.
If you need protection during operation, choose a purpose-built running canopy designed for safe airflow and exhaust clearance.
And if you’re covering a standby home generator, be extra cautious about ventilation and fit.

Bottom line: buy the cover that makes it easiest to protect your generator consistently. Because the “best” generator cover is
the one you’ll actually useevery time.