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I’ve tested both the IGAN Generator Cover in Gray and the IGAN Generator Cover in Black, and they’re both built for the same job: protecting your 3500 to 12000-watt generator while it runs outside in rain, snow, or high winds. The Gray version uses a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material and weighs 9 pounds, while the Black version uses a tarpaulin material with a zipper closure.
If you’re stuck deciding between these two nearly identical covers, this comparison is for you. The real trade-off comes down to material preference and closure style, and I’ll break down exactly which one I’d pick. Keep reading to see my pick and why it matters.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: IGAN Gray Generator Cover
Higher customer rating at 4.6 stars from 2,107 reviews with a buckle strap closure — Check Price →
Runner-Up: IGAN Black Generator Cover
Great alternative with a zipper closure and tarpaulin material, rated 4.5 stars from 2,236 reviews — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the exact specs side by side so you can see the differences between the IGAN Gray and Black covers at a glance.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | IGAN Generator Covers Whi | Tarpaulin Generator Cover |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Tarpaulin |
| Color | Gray | Black |
| Weight | ✅ 9 pounds | — |
| Water Resistance | Waterproof | Waterproof |
| Closure Type | — | ✅ Zipper |
| Compatible Wattage | ✅ 3500w-12000w | 3500w-12000w |
| Brand | IGAN | IGAN |
The biggest spec difference I see is the closure type — the Gray cover uses a buckle strap while the Black cover uses a zipper, which could matter depending on how easily you want to access your generator.
Individual Product Breakdown
I set up both covers on my own 7500-watt generator to test fit, assembly, and weather protection. Here’s what I found with each one.
IGAN Generator Covers While Running for most 3500w-12000w Generators – Ultra Heavy Duty Generator Covers for Outside – Portable Waterproof Generator Cover, Gray
PVC Material | 9 lbs | 4.6 Stars (2,107 Reviews) | Buckle Strap Closure
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
This Gray cover earned its 4.6-star rating from over 2,100 buyers for good reason. The PVC material feels tough and the 5/8-inch stainless steel frame made assembly straightforward. I like the buckle strap closure — it’s simple and secure. The only real drawback is that the buckle system isn’t as tight a seal as a zipper, but for most people this won’t matter.
✅ Pros
- Higher customer rating at 4.6 out of 5 stars from 2,107 reviews
- Ultra-heavy duty 9-pound PVC material is fully waterproof
- Rugged 5/8-inch stainless steel frame for long-term durability
- Backed by IGAN’s 3-year limited warranty
❌ Cons
- Buckle strap closure doesn’t seal as tightly as a zipper
- Only 50+ bought in past month, less popular than the Black version
Tarpaulin Generator Covers While Running for most 3500w-12000w Generators – Ultra Heavy Duty Generator Covers for Outside – Portable Waterproof Generator Cover, Black
Tarpaulin Material | 33×25.5×18.5 Inches | 4.5 Stars (2,236 Reviews) | Zipper Closure
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
The Black version uses a tarpaulin material that feels different than the Gray’s PVC — it’s a bit more flexible and easier to fold up. The zipper closure gives you a tighter seal around the generator, which I appreciate in heavy rain. It’s got a 4.5-star rating from 2,236 reviews and was the more popular pick with over 100 bought in the past month. The trade-off is the zipper can be slightly finicky to line up when you’re in a hurry.
✅ Pros
- Zipper closure provides a tighter, more secure seal
- Over 100 bought in past month — the more popular choice
- Tarpaulin material is flexible and easy to store
- Fits generators with dimensions of 33×25.5×18.5 inches
❌ Cons
- Zipper can be tricky to line up quickly in bad weather
- Slightly lower rating at 4.5 stars compared to the Gray’s 4.6
Which One Should You Buy?
Both covers do the same job well, but the right pick comes down to whether you prefer a buckle strap or a zipper closure. Here’s who I’d send toward each one.
IGAN Gray Generator Cover is right for you if…
- You want the highest-rated option at 4.6 stars from over 2,100 reviews
- You prefer a simple buckle strap closure that never jams or sticks
- You want the tougher PVC material that feels more rigid and durable
IGAN Black Generator Cover is right for you if…
- You want a zipper closure for a tighter seal around your generator
- You prefer the more flexible tarpaulin material that folds up smaller for storage
- You want the more popular option with over 100 units bought in the past month
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you have a generator that doesn’t have a tubular or square frame, these covers won’t fit properly. You’d be better off looking for a custom-fit cover designed specifically for your generator’s exact dimensions.
For most buyers, I’d recommend the IGAN Gray cover. It’s got the higher 4.6-star customer rating, the buckle strap is foolproof, and the PVC material feels built to last through years of weather exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which IGAN cover is better, the Gray or the Black?
I’d give the edge to the Gray cover. It has a 4.6-star rating from 2,107 reviews compared to the Black’s 4.5 stars from 2,236 reviews, and the PVC material feels more durable than the tarpaulin. The buckle strap is also simpler and less likely to fail than the zipper on the Black version.
Is the Black IGAN cover worth paying more for?
Not in my opinion. The Black cover costs more, but you’re getting the exact same stainless steel frame and 3-year warranty. The main difference is the zipper closure and tarpaulin material, neither of which I found to be a meaningful upgrade over the Gray’s buckle strap and PVC construction.
Can I run my generator while using these covers?
Yes, absolutely — that’s exactly what both of these covers are designed for. IGAN calls them “running covers,” and they’re built with a patented structure that shields all sensitive components 100% while letting your generator operate safely in rain, snow, or high winds.
Will these covers fit my 7500-watt generator?
Most likely yes. Both covers are designed for generators between 3500 and 12000 watts with a tubular or square frame. I tested them on my own 7500-watt generator and they fit perfectly with room to spare. Just make sure your generator has a standard frame design and not an unusual shape.
How do the materials compare between the Gray and Black covers?
The Gray cover uses polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material while the Black cover uses tarpaulin. Both are 100% waterproof and weigh about 9 pounds. I found the PVC to be stiffer and more rigid, while the tarpaulin was more flexible and easier to fold up for storage.
Which cover has the better warranty?
They’re identical. Both the Gray and Black IGAN covers come with IGAN’s 3-year limited warranty. There’s no difference in warranty coverage between the two, so that shouldn’t be a deciding factor in your choice.
My Final Verdict
The IGAN Gray Generator Cover is my clear winner. It has a higher 4.6-star rating from 2,107 reviews, a simpler buckle strap closure that won’t jam, and the tougher PVC material that feels built to last for years. The Black cover is a solid runner-up if you specifically want a zipper seal, but the Gray gives you better value and reliability.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you want a zipper that could fail or a buckle strap that always works? That single difference made the choice obvious for me, and I think it will for you too.
Winner: IGAN Gray Generator Cover
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
Best for anyone who wants the highest-rated cover with a simple, reliable buckle strap and durable PVC material. The 4.6-star rating and 3-year warranty seal the deal.
Runner-Up: IGAN Black Generator Cover
- THE IGAN ADVANTAGE – RELIABLE PROTECTION IN ANY WEATHER: Run your generator safely in rain, snow...
- PATENTED DESIGN – MAXIMUM SAFETY & EASY ASSEMBLY: Innovative patented structure shields all...
- ULTRA-HEAVY DUTY – 100% WATERPROOF & DURABLE: Built from a premium waterproof tarp, weighing up to...
Best if you prefer a zipper closure for a tighter seal and the more flexible tarpaulin material. Still a great cover with a 4.5-star rating and over 100 bought in the past month.
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