Best Time to Buy a Grill

It’s easy to be tempted to purchase a new BBQ grill as soon as the weather starts to get nice and warm. After all, summer is the best season for outdoor parties, Father’s Day lands in June, and graduation and weddings abound as well. It’s no wonder retailers don’t usually discount their grills during this popular purchasing time.

So, when is the best time to buy a grill?

We’ve compiled some tips and tricks below to help you save the most on all your BBQ grilling needs.

August-September

This is generally considered the best time for “end of season” sales on gas and charcoal grills. Retailers want to get rid of all their summer stock so they can highlight fall and winter deals. Not to mention you have Labor Day in September, which is a great time to see coupons for grills everywhere. If you can wait until August or September, you'll save an average of 40-60% off retail

Major Holidays

If you absolutely need a new grill ASAP, at least try to wait until a major holiday comes around. Holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Father’s Day will often have some great deals. For example, Wal-Mart had discounts on gas grills up to 45% on Labor Day in 2018. Unfortunately, some of these dates (Father’s Day especially) may only have discounts on specific brands or models, so if you’re looking for a specific grill, you may not be able to save as much. Always check big box stores like Kohl’s, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Big Lots, Costco, and Sears, as they will almost always have at least a percentage off their entire site during these holiday periods.

Also, don’t knock Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Even though you may not need a new grill during the winter, you can find some killer deals during these major holidays.

Any Time...with Select Options

Need that new grill right now? Try one of the following ways to save any time:

• Local Warehouses: Buying local can save you big, because you can not only haggle to get the price down but these merchants can often undercut big chain stores to sell.
• End of Season & Closeouts: BJ’s, Costco, and Sam’s Club often have end of season sales where you can save up to 70% off grills. Sites like Kohl’s, Tuesday Morning, Big Lots, Sears, and Sears Outlets also often have closeout deals on specific models.
• Used: Maybe you don’t automatically think good things when you think “used grills”, but you can find some real gems. People getting rid of last year’s models in favor for whatever new upgrades have come out means you can score a true bargain on a near brand new grill. Check apps like OfferUp and sites like Craigslist, or try your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or Savers.
• Floor Models: Did you know Lowe’s, Home Depot, and even Wal-Mart sell floor models of their grills? They do! And you can save big on those. They may have a scratch or two, but for the price, you can’t beat it.

When NOT to Buy a Grill

In short, you’ll find that the worst time to purchase a grill is usually exactly when you need that grill! But here are a few additional tips for when not to buy a grill:

• Replace your grill before it breaks: otherwise, you’re at the mercy of retail prices!
• Don’t buy during grill season: unless you see a killer deal between March and July, try to wait to purchase your grill until after summer has passed to save upwards of 50%.
• Don’t fall for bells and whistles: do you really need all the extra add-ons that a brand new grill has? How often will you use these features? Only buy what you need, and that’ll save you in the long run.

Hopefully this guide has helped you understand when to purchase a new grill, whether that’s charcoal, gas, or even electric. Make sure to do your research on the models you like and shop around. You’re sure to find a great deal on the perfect grill for your needs.