Is there anything more fun than a lazy summer afternoon with an ice-cold drink and some burgers or veggies sizzling away on the grill? It ranks up there pretty high, doesn’t it!? Grilling is one of our favorite pastimes and it’s easy to see why.
Throwing food on the grill is an easy, almost foolproof way to cook, and it adds a layer of sociability you just can’t get in the kitchen. It encourages you to enjoy your back deck or patio with friends and family and keeps the heat of cooking outside.
Grills are pretty easy to use, whether you’re using charcoal or a gas grill, and as long as you’re attentive, they’re safe to use, as well. Don’t limit yourself to just hamburgers – you can cook almost any meat, and even use a tray for vegetables to get them nice and crispy!
It’s really no wonder people rank grilling as one of their favorite summer activities! If you don’t have a grill yet or are in the market for a new one, no sweat! I’m here to help you identify when to buy a grill and what to know before you buy.
Buying a grill can be expensive if you’re not careful, but it’s something that will last for years and can pay for itself, especially when you cook at home instead of going out. Grills can range from around $50 to thousands of dollars!
Whether you’re looking for a gas or charcoal grill, read on to see when it’s the best time to buy a grill!
Why You Need a Grill (or When to Change One)
If you don’t have a grill, you should definitely consider buying one. Here are a few reasons why you need a grill!
- You Love to Entertain! If you love to entertain, extend that atmosphere into the warmer months with a grill. Grilling allows you to cook a bit slower, and provides a central focal point for your party! Plus you can save the cleaning for later after the party is done.
- Your Current Grill is Damaged. Outside storage is what makes grills great but can also wear them down. The elements can take a toll on metal parts, causing them to rust, especially if stored in a humid environment. If your grill is damaged, it’s time for a new one.
- You Want to Get out of the Kitchen. Grilling is another way of cooking and has a cult following for a reason. If you’re looking for a way to shake up your dinner routine, consider learning how to grill, and you may never go back to your boring old stove!
There are many reasons to buy a grill, but it’s also important to get a great deal while you’re at it. Let’s take a look at the best time of year to buy a grill!
When is the Best Time to Buy a Grill?
It’s definitely very easy to determine the worst time of year to buy a grill. Retailers know that people get impatient and are willing to ignore the higher prices of grills in the peak summer season. Buying a grill from March through July will guarantee peak prices.
Now that you know when not to buy a grill, here are the best times of year to buy a grill:
Labor Day Sales
July 4th is the most popular holiday for grilling and after that, purchases for grills start to wind down. Since Labor Day in early September is the next major holiday, retailers know it’s their last chance to get rid of overstocked inventory.
Spend the Summer looking at models on warehouse floors and have one in mind by the time Labor Day sales start to pop up in late August. You may even be able to snag a floor model and get a deeper discount.
The good news is, the weather is still warm enough to enjoy it, even if you do make your purchase in September. Save a ton of money on grills by grabbing one at a Labor Day sale!
Black Friday
One of the best deals I ever got was on a grill at a midnight Black Friday Sale. I was able to knock off $300! Retailers are all competing for business, and some of them are willing to put grills on clearance for Black Friday to get them out of warehouses.
Because grills are seasonal, buying a grill on Black Friday is a great way to save money. You more than likely won’t have the variety that you would have on Labor Day, however, you can still find both charcoal and gas grills on sale as they’re looking to move merchandise.
Late Winter
New grill models come out in March, just in time for Spring. Any retailers who still have inventory from the year before are looking to clean house. They can get more money for newer grills with a few updated features than they can for last year’s models.
Keep your eyes peeled in January and February for grills at discounted prices, as well. You may have to go digging and be willing to shop online, but they’re still out there. Get a jump on your summer activities by purchasing your grill in late winter!
Now that you know when to buy a grill, let’s look at the best places to shop for a grill!
Best Places to Buy a Grill
There are a few places that seem to dominate the market when it comes to grill sales. Check out one of these retailers when searching for the grill that will light up your life!
The Big Three: Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart
If you drive by a Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart during the summer months, one thing is for certain: grills will be lined up on the sidewalk, luring you in. These three retailers are one of the first places people shop when looking for a grill.
Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart can offer competitive prices on both charcoal and gas grills and have a wide variety of sizes and features available. They also have reputable brands that have been around for years.
You can get tabletop grills, or grills that are free-standing, as well as grills that are perfect for a couple, or for those that like to cook for the whole street. Check out Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart to see any deals they’re offering before you buy.
Amazon
If you don’t mind online shopping, Amazon can be a good place to buy a grill. As with most online marketplaces, they can offer a competitive market, especially for new and upcoming brands that may not have made their way into the bigger retailers just yet.
Amazon can also offer brands that are popular in other countries but just as good as the ones that are popular in the USA. Also, you may be more apt to find accessories for your grill online that also may be left off the shelves of big box stores.
Also, be aware that although it may not be as good as Labor Day sales, check out Amazon on Prime Day in July to see if you can snag a deal. Give Amazon a look to see if they have what you’re looking for when you shop for your next grill.
Discount Warehouses
Although discount warehouses are more known for their deals on jars of pickles or toilet paper, stores like Costco and BJ’s Warehouse sell grills, also. Like most of what they advertise, you can find a great deal on grills if you buy at the right time.
Like Amazon, most of these deals will be online, but they’re worth checking out and comparing to other options. Don’t be afraid to look at Costco or BJ’s Warehouse for a grill!
Ace Hardware
Did you know your local Ace Hardware is independently owned? They are, and they can influence greatly what they sell and discount. Ace Hardware is known for carrying ceramic grills like the Green Egg, and other specialty grills, as well. They carry a really wide selection of grills.
This is a great place to shop, as you may be able to use both local and corporate coupons. And, if you’re a regular, they may be able to give you insight into when they may be putting on a sale! Check out your local Ace Hardware when shopping for a grill!
Specialty Grill Shops
If you search online for grill shops near you, you may be able to find specialty retailers that specialize in grills. They may benefit from having floor model sales, or have a larger selection that may include previous year models for sale.
They can also add more expertise to help you narrow down your search if you’re not quite sure what to get. Check out specialty grill shops near you!
Now that you know where to shop, let’s take a look at considerations to keep in mind before buying your grill.
Important Things to Notice When Buying a Grill
When it’s time to buy a grill, just like with any purchase, you don’t want to rush into anything. There are some important things to consider before you buy a grill, as they can influence what type of grill is right for you.
- What kind of grill do you want?
There are different types of grills out there, and most of them differ based on the type of fuel they use.
| Grill Type | Fuel Type | Pros & Cons |
| Gas | Propane | Pros: – Tanks are exchangeable – Not affected by humidity – Faster Cooking Cons: – Not as flavorful – Must keep gas lines clean |
| Charcoal | Charcoal briquettes | Pros: – Smaller and easier to transport – Can buy charcoal almost anywhere – Flavorful Cons: – Can be smoky |
| Ceramic | Hardwood Charcoal lumps | Pros: – Excellent flavor – Do well with really long cooking times Cons:- Can be more expensive – Take a long time to get going if you’re looking for something quick and easy |
- How will you transport your grill?
One of the biggest influencing factors in buying your grill is how you will transport it. If you move around a lot, lugging a large, heavy, gas grill may not be worth your time. You may instead want to consider a lightweight charcoal grill since it’s fairly easier to carry.
You’ll also want to consider this when you make your purchase in case there are delivery charges or if this would be considered overweight or bulky item that would cost more to ship.
- What kind of grill are you allowed to have?
If you live in an apartment or townhome, there may be rules about what kind of grill you’re allowed to have. Check your bylaws to make sure you won’t purchase something you can’t use!
- Where will you store your grill?
Because grills must be used outside, they are often susceptible to the elements. Having a plan for where and how you will store your grill is important. If it’s going to be in the open on a deck, you’ll want to consider buying a grill cover.
Likewise, if you have a shed, how difficult is it to move back and forth? Make sure you consider where it will be stored and how frequently you will need to move it before you buy your grill.
Once you’ve considered the important things before buying, check out these tips on how to save when buying a grill!
Tips on Saving when Buying a Grill
There are a few ways to save money when buying a grill. Make sure you take advantage of these ways to save before you overspend on such a costly item!
Buy a Floor Model
When it comes time to make your purchase, you may find one of the best deals on an in-store floor model. This is where buying in person may be better than buying online. You can also negotiate if it’s scratched or dented.
Check out floor models first for one of the best ways to save on a grill.
Avoid Shopping in the peak of Summer
Grills will be marked up for peak prices during summer. If you want to save, it’s best to avoid this time when looking for a grill. Even if you check out sales, be wary of markups during the summer months.
Don’t Buy a Bigger Grill than you Need
It’s easy to see those behemoth grills on sale and think how great it’d be to host the neighborhood but stop for a second. A bigger grill can be hundreds of dollars more, and you may not want to shell out so much money for something you want to do once.
You can still host a party with a smaller grill, you’ll just have to cook in batches…but isn’t hanging out by the grill part of the fun? Think about how often you’ll use your grill and buy something you know you’ll get used out of.
You can always upgrade later if it proves time after time to be too small.
FAQs on the Best Time to Buy a Grill
When is the best time to buy a grill?
The best time to buy a grill is during a Labor Day sale at the end of summer. Most retailers don’t want to hold their inventory until the next season.
Where do I buy propane for a grill?
You can buy propane at many gas stations, grocery stores, and big-box stores like Walmart. You can also buy propane at a discount at Costco. Many places only allow you to exchange your empty tank for a new one, but some places will refill an existing tank for you.
What is the best grill to buy?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Start by narrowing down what fuel source you feel the most comfortable using, then set a budget and see what you can really afford. Also, factor in the cost of how often you’ll need to replace fuel.
Where can I buy a Blackstone Grill?
You can purchase a Blackstone grill and other specialty grills at places like Ace Hardware.
Best Time to Buy a Grill
Hopefully, you’re starting to check out what’s available so you’ll be ready when Labor Day sales roll around and grills go on sale. Don’t forget to check out your local Ace Hardware, as well as the nearest Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
And, if you’re especially excited about cooking outside to keep your house cooler this summer, check out these other ways to save on electricity while you’re at it.
