The service dept does not monitor these forums,so giving them a call is always a good bet.
That said,we usually figure if any controls are outside and exposed to the rain,hanging a palstic sack ,that the groceries come in, can't hurt.
Having had the earlier smokette,up thru the commercial models,that is the only thing we protected.
I've cook in tropical rains,and 50-60 mph winds,and that's all we do.
The CS folks ,out in dry country,don't even do that.
Hope this helps a little.