When Is the Best Time to Buy a Grill?
Updated: Nov. 02, 2022
Summer is grilling season, but it might not be the best time to buy a grill. Here is when you should be shopping, according to experts.
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Fact: The majority of American households own at least one grill. Some even own two. Whether you’re joining the millions of grill masters across the nation with the purchase of your first grill, looking to upgrade your current model or hunting for a second grilling machine, it pays to know the best time to buy a grill.
Just like understanding the best time to buy patio furniture, a hot tub and small appliances can help you save hundreds of dollars, shopping during the best time to buy a grill will help you take advantage of the top deals. If you’re aware of the best time to buy anything, for that matter, you’ll get the same goods for a lower price tag.
Ready to ring in the savings? Keep reading to learn the best time to buy a grill.
Why trust Reader’s Digest
In order to determine the best times to buy a grill, we interviewed two retail and shopping experts who have direct knowledge about the grill market. We also researched price trends at major retailers. All that ensures you’re getting accurate information and can truly take advantage of the very best deals on grills.
Best times to buy a grill
Kristin McGrath of shopping savings site RetailMeNot points out that outdoor grills are seasonal. And like any seasonal item, they go on sale just as the season changes. “For any kind of grill [including propane, electric and pellet], the best time to buy a grill is always near the end of summer into early fall,” she explains.
For the best selection, shop during Labor Day sales. “You might find even lower prices on what’s left after Labor Day, but selection will be slim,” she adds.
If you’re debating between buying now and waiting, consider this: McGrath says that now might be the ideal time to buy a grill because major retailers, including Home Depot and Lowe’s, have recently slashed prices up to $100. “[It’s] part of the larger pattern of retailers trying to offload larger home goods after overstocking during the supply chain disruptions,” she says. “So shoppers can and should start looking for deals now.”
| ♦ Best time to buy a grill |
| End of summer and early fall, especially during Labor Day weekend |
What time of year do grills go on sale?
Whether you’re concerned with the best time to buy Traeger grill or the best time to buy Weber grill, you’ll be thrilled to know there are certain months of the year when most grill brands are priced lower than usual. Here are the top times to shop:
- July: According to Kristen Gall, a retail and shopping expert with Rakuten, grills begin to go on sale after the Fourth of July, a holiday known as much for its grilled food as its commemoration of American independence. So while July may be smack dab in the middle of prime grilling season, it’s one of the best times of the summer to buy.
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September through November: If you can wait until the summer is over, you can get even better deals. You can expect lots of sales on grills during Labor Day weekend, and the fall and early winter offer prices you can’t beat. “These are the ‘off-season’ months for grills, when stores are doing their best to sell leftover inventory,” Gall says.
Worst times to buy a grill
Unless your grill is broken and needs immediate replacement, you’ll want to avoid buying a new one between March and June. “That is when the demand for grills increases, as consumers anticipate the summer months ahead,” explains Gall. Around this time, you’ll also notice that accessories for your grilling station are cropping up on retail sites.
One caveat: According to McGrath, summer is usually a period when merchants carry the most inventory. “So if getting the exact grill you want is more important than getting a big discount, the best time to buy a grill is in season,” she says.
Tips for buying a grill
Knowing the best time to buy a grill is half the battle. But there are other steps you can take to make sure you get the lowest prices.
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Buy a floor model. They tend to be cheaper, Gall says, because they have been on display for shoppers to look at ahead of purchasing. “Additionally, if a retailer is offering an open-box or refurbished grill, don’t hesitate to check it out, as it may have been barely used and work perfectly—for a discounted price,” she says.
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Comparison shop. Check out prices for the same grill at various retailers—you may find a better deal. “Some retailers may be open to price-matching as well, if you find that there are better deals out there,” adds Gall.
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Factor in delivery costs. If you order a grill online or are purchasing one from a store and it can’t fit in your car, make sure to factor in the price of delivery.
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Window shop in the summer. “Throughout the summer, take note of which grills your family and friends have and ask them how they like theirs,” suggests Gall. Keep a mental (or physical) record for when you buy during the off-season.
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Read reviews. Do your research and read reviews before you make a decision on the best grill for your house.
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Take measurements. Make sure you measure the space where you intend to place the grill, “so you can shop with ease, knowing what will fit best in your outdoor space,” says Gall.
Seven best grills you can buy right now
FAQ
Should I buy a new or used grill?
When deciding whether to buy a new or used grill, consider how long you plan to have it and how often you plan to use it, says Gall. “If you are planning to use it for a long span of time consistently, I would recommend investing in a new one that you can be sure will last for years,” she says. If not, you may be fine with a used grill.
How long should a grill last?
That depends on the level of care you take in maintaining your grill, including whether you clean and properly winterize your grill. Most last between 5 and 15 years before they need to be replaced, according to Gall. “Look into purchasing a warranty when buying a grill if you are wanting to ensure that you won’t have to worry about any issues to come down the road,” she suggests.
How much should I spend on a grill?
Some grills can go for as little as $100, while others will set you back upwards of $10,000. But a good-quality grill that’ll get the job done comes in around $500 to $1,000. “It’s a wide range that really depends on the durability and quality of the grill as well as the amount of features available,” says Gall.
More money in your wallet
Staying alert to the best time to buy appliances like grills will help you avoid overpaying. And now that you know the best time to buy a grill, it’s time to learn how to save in other areas. Once you know the best time to buy a house, or a snow blower and lawn mower, for instance, you’ll be well on your way to major savings.
Sources:
- Cision PR Newswire: “Outdoor Grill Sales in the US to Reach $2.6 Billion in 2021”
- Kristin McGrath, RetailMeNot
- Kristen Gall, retail and shopping expert with Rakuten
