The BIG32 cover from Napoleon is designed to protect your 81 cm built-in griddle with the same care you take with every serving. Its technical fabric construction and specific fit for the 32″ Series 700 Built-In Griddle (BIG32FT) create a reliable barrier against the elements that take the most toll on an outdoor kitchen: rain, sun, dust, pollen and minor impacts from everyday use. The result is a griddle that’s ready to work when you are, with less pre-cleaning, better finish preservation and an elegant appearance even when the equipment is not in use.
🧵 Materials and construction
The heart of this cover is a heavy-duty black polyester that combines lightness and strength. This material performs well outdoors because it dries quickly, retains its shape over time, and withstands the friction of putting the cover on and taking it off. The water-repellent treatment helps moisture bead up on the surface instead of penetrating, while UV protection reduces fading from continued exposure to the sun. This balance between flexibility and strength makes the cover easy to handle, yet sturdy enough to do its job day after day.
🛡️ Protection and key features
The cover acts as a multi-factor shield: it keeps light rain and splashes at bay, prevents dust and pollen from settling on the cooking surface and limits marks caused by environmental dirt. The tailored fit, supported by adjustable side straps, allows the cover to be fastened so that it stays in place when the wind blows. The front panel with Velcro allows easy access to the cabinet or storage area without having to remove the entire cover, which is especially useful for small tasks between services. The ventilation grille promotes air circulation to minimise internal condensation, and the hanging loops make drying and storage more convenient.
🌦️ Outdoor performance
The cover maintains consistent performance throughout the seasons: in light rain, water runs off, in intense sunlight, the anti-UV layer helps preserve colour, and on humid days, ventilation reduces the feeling of a ‘closed environment’ under the cover. In coastal areas or areas with dust in the air, the surface of the cover is easy to clean, preventing these particles from ending up on the cooktop. All this translates into a longer service life for the equipment and a more cared-for appearance throughout the year.
🧩 Compatibility and custom fit
Designed specifically for the Napoleon 700 Series 32″ Built-in Griddle (BIG32FT), the cover follows the contours and perimeter of the built-in unit, promoting a clean visual seal and stable fit. This snug fit reduces wind flapping, prevents air pockets and makes it difficult for dust or water to enter around the edges. If your setup includes a countertop or cooktop module, the cover’s profile helps prevent it from rubbing against edges or protruding in critical areas, achieving a more discreet and comfortable integration.
🧺 Easy maintenance
Daily care is straightforward and hassle-free. After use, simply shake off any dust or wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap to remove any spots. The cover is machine washable on gentle cycles, allowing for a thorough clean when it has been exposed to the elements. Once washed, it dries quickly in the air; the hanging loops make it easy to hang up so that it can dry completely. With these simple routines, the cover will retain its feel and appearance for longer.
🎨 Design and aesthetics
The black finish provides a sleek, professional look that blends easily with steel, stone or composite countertops. The cover maintains clean, uniform lines, avoiding bulky folds and providing a tidy appearance when the griddle is not in use. The Velcro front panel adds a touch of practicality without breaking the visual continuity, making the whole unit look both functional and elegant.
🍳 Benefits for different styles of outdoor cooking
If you use your griddle every day—from perfectly crusted smash burgers to seared seafood—protecting the surface between sessions helps preserve the cure and natural non-stick properties, shortening pre-service times. For those who alternate between meat, fish and vegetables, keeping the plate clean and dry prevents residual flavours and promotes more consistent sealing. Even when cooking breakfast or sweet dishes, a well-maintained surface means more predictable temperatures, less start-up oil and more consistent results from the first batch.
🔒 Safety and ease of use
Safety starts with routine: only cover the griddle when it is completely cool and dry. Side straps stabilise the cover so it won’t move in gusts of wind, and integrated ventilation helps dissipate residual moisture, reducing the risk of condensation under the cover. Velcro access at the front minimises manoeuvring and twisting, which is appreciated in built-in modules or when workspace is tight. By following these guidelines, daily use is intuitive and safe.
🧳 Applications outside the BBQ realm
Beyond outdoor cooking, the cover is useful in semi-covered spaces to keep dust and pollen at bay, in storage rooms to protect during periods of inactivity, or during moving and transport to prevent accidental friction and dirt. It can also cover equipment of similar dimensions when you need to protect it temporarily, providing an extra layer of order and cleanliness to the work environment.
Use and Maintenance
Caring for the cover is as simple as it is effective: a few basic habits will keep the polyester water-repellent, the fit tailored and the UV protection at its best. In this section, you will learn how to put on and remove the cover without tension, how to clean it after each use, how to wash it gently and how to store it correctly to prevent condensation or deformation. With these routines, you'll prevent mould, discolouration and premature wear, and your
BIG32FT built-in iron will always be ready to cook in any season.
Placing and removing
- Wait until the iron is completely cool. Touch the edge of the cabinet and the lid; if they are still warm, wait a few more minutes.
- Make sure the surface is dry. If you have cleaned the hob or it has rained, dry any puddles and drops to prevent condensation under the cover.
- Remove any debris from the area. Empty the grease tray if applicable and clean any crumbs, ash or dust from the countertop so that nothing is trapped.
- Shake the cover. A couple of shakes will remove loose dust and small debris that could scratch surfaces.
- Place the cover from the back to the front. Align the centre seam with the axis of the iron so that the fit is symmetrical.
- Adjust the corners. Bring the edges to their final position without forcing them; the fabric should fall without excessive tension.
- Close the front panel with Velcro. Press along the entire strip to seal it well and prevent dust from entering.
- Adjust the side straps with the buckles. Tighten just enough so that it does not flap in the wind; if you see any creases, loosen them slightly.
- Check the ventilation. Make sure that the ventilation grille is clear and not blocked by walls or accessories.
- Final check. Walk around the unit, check that it does not rub against the edges of the countertop and that it hangs evenly.
- Correct removal. To remove, loosen the straps, open the Velcro and lift from the front towards the back; fold without creasing excessively.
Quick cleaning after each use
- Removal of dust and leaves. Wipe the entire surface with a dry cloth or soft bristle brush.
- Spot cleaning. Use a cloth slightly dampened with water and mild soap; use gentle circular motions.
- Controlled rinsing. If you used soap, remove it with a cloth dampened only with water so that no residue remains.
- Immediate drying. Dry with a clean cloth or let the air do its work for a few minutes before covering again.
- Check seams and Velcro fasteners. Remove any fibres or fluff stuck to the Velcro to maintain its grip.
- Check straps. Make sure that the buckles and pins are free of accumulated dirt that could make them difficult to fasten.
Washing the cover
- Close everything before washing. Secure Velcro fasteners and buckles so that they do not catch on the fabric during washing.
- Wash inside out whenever possible. This protects the outer finish and any lettering.
- Use cold water and a mild detergent. Use a short or delicate cycle; the aim is to remove dirt without damaging the fibres.
- Avoid bleach and fabric softeners. These can damage water-repellent coatings and affect the colour.
- Recommended washing bag. If you have one, put the cover in it to reduce friction with the drum.
- Do not tumble dry or iron. Excessive heat will damage the treatment and may cause the garment to lose its shape.
- Hand washing as an alternative. In a bucket with cold water and mild detergent, press the fabric without wringing it; rinse until the water runs clear.
Drying and storage
- Drain without wringing. After washing, let the water drain by gravity.
- Air dry in a ventilated area. Use the ties to hang the cover; avoid prolonged direct sunlight during drying.
- Check the inside. Make sure that the lining and seams are completely dry to prevent a damp smell.
- Careful storage. Fold into large folds or roll up; avoid sharp creases that may crack the surface layer over time.
- Long-term storage. Store in a dry place, away from light, with no weight on top; a moisture-proof bag may help in humid climates.
- Periodic review. If you store it for weeks/months, inspect it every 30 days to air it out and check that everything is in order.
Precautions
- Do not cover hot surfaces. Always wait for the iron to cool down to avoid damage to the fabric and condensation.
- Do not cover if there is visible moisture. Trapped water can cause mould and unpleasant odours.
- Avoid puddles. If a ‘pocket’ of water forms after rain, remove it by hand from underneath so as not to strain the seams.
- Keep sharp objects away. Knives, tongs with sharp edges or countertop edges can tear the fabric.
- Do not use solvents or aggressive products. Strong alcohols, bleach or degreasers can damage the coating.
- Do not use the cover as a drag sheet. It is designed to cover, not to withstand friction on the ground.
Seasonal maintenance (recommended)
- Daily/after use: Shake, check for stains and check straps.
- Monthly: More thorough cleaning of the exterior, check seams and Velcro, remove lint.
- Quarterly/change of season: Wash thoroughly if it has been exposed to the elements, rearrange storage folds so as not to ‘mark’ the fabric and check the overall condition.
Climates and environments
- Coast: Remove salt with a damp cloth and fresh water and dry. Salt accelerates wear if it builds up.
- Cold and snow: Do not let snow accumulate; remove it by hand or with a soft brush from top to bottom.
- Strong wind: Tighten the straps a little more and check that the outline is snug; if you are expecting a storm, remove the cover and store it indoors.
- Near a swimming pool: Rinse the surface occasionally to remove any chlorine residue that may affect the colour over time.
Troubleshooting
- Mould or damp smell: Wash with cold water and a neutral detergent; dry completely in the air. Check that the board is always dry before covering.
- Stubborn stains: Repeat spot cleaning with neutral soap and a soft cloth; avoid rubbing with hard scouring pads.
- Loss of water repellency: This may decrease after many washes. Keep washing to a minimum and avoid fabric softeners; if necessary, use a generic fabric waterproofing spray following the instructions (always on an inconspicuous area first).
- Tears or open seams: Do not use the cover if there are large tears; repair with fabric patches or contact technical support to prevent the tear from getting bigger.
Recipe for garlic prawns with a citrus twist (grilled)
This express version of the classic garlic prawns makes the most of the power and uniformity of the grill: intense searing, golden garlic without burning and an aromatic finish with lemon zest and fresh parsley. The trick is to
preheat well,
dry the seafood thoroughly and
work in two areas: one hotter to sear the prawns and another at a lower temperature to cook the garlic gently. The result: juicy prawns with a slightly crispy edge and a light, delicious juice that's perfect for dipping bread into.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 800 g prawns (12–16 pieces), raw
- 4–5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
- 1 dried chilli pepper or ½ teaspoon of flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (≈30 ml)
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon (and 1 teaspoon of juice at the end, optional)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Flaky salt and black pepper to taste
- Crisp bread for serving
- Optional for deglazing: 1–2 tablespoons white wine or a splash of water
Steps
- Mise en place. Peel the prawns, letting the tail on if you like the presentation; remove the intestine with a toothpick or skewer. Dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper and season lightly.
- Smart preheating. Heat the griddle for 8–10 minutes: create a high zone (≈220–240 °C) and a medium zone (≈180–200 °C) if your equipment allows it.
- Flavour the oil. In the medium zone, add the oil, garlic and chilli pepper. Stir for 30–40 seconds until the garlic begins to sear very gently; slide the garlic oil to a warm corner so that it does not burn.
- Quick searing. Transfer the prawns to the high zone. Place them in a single layer and do not move them for 90 seconds to achieve an appetising crust.
- Turn over. Turn each piece and cook for another 60–90 seconds, until they are pink and opaque but still juicy.
- Combine flavours. Bring the garlic oil back from the warm area and mix it with the prawns for 10–15 seconds. If you want a juicier base, deglaze with white wine or a splash of water and let it bubble for 20 seconds.
- A touch of citrus and herbs. Remove from the heat, add the lemon zest and parsley. Season with salt and pepper; if you like, add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice at the end.
- Serve immediately. Serve immediately with crusty bread to soak up the garlic juice.
- Pro tip. Keep the griddle well seasoned: you'll need less oil, it will stick less and the searing will be more even.
- Quick cleaning. While the griddle is still warm, scrape gently with a spatula and wipe with a slightly damp cloth; dry to protect the seasoning.
Vegetarian variation of Mushrooms with garlic and a hint of citrus
Why it works: cardoon, oyster or portobello mushrooms have a meaty texture that reacts very well to the direct heat of the griddle, absorbing the garlic oil and enhancing the freshness of the lemon.
Ingredients (4 servings)
- 600–700 g cardoon/oyster/portobello mushrooms, sliced into 1 cm pieces
- 4–5 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (≈30 ml)
- 1 dried chilli pepper or ½ teaspoon of flakes (optional)
- Zest of 1 lemon + 1 teaspoon of juice
- 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and black pepper
Steps.
- Preparation. Clean the mushrooms with a cloth; avoid wetting them so as not to dilute the flavours. Season lightly.
- Preheat. As before, create a high zone (220–240 °C) and a medium zone (180–200 °C).
- Garlic oil. In the middle zone, heat the oil with garlic and chilli for 30–40 seconds; set aside in a warm corner.
- Searing. Sear the mushrooms in the upper zone for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula to ensure good contact and remove surface water.
- Express glazing. Pour the garlic oil over the mushrooms; if you like a hint of umami, add the soy sauce and sauté for 20–30 seconds.
- Citrus finish. Remove from the heat, add the zest, parsley and juice. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
