Best Time to Buy a Grill: Seasonal Deals, Shopping Tips & How to Choose the Right Model

Grill shopping isn’t just about what you buy; it’s about when you buy it.

Prices swing all year long, and if you time it right, you can grab a premium grill for way less than what your neighbor paid in May.

Here’s the deal: spring is when shiny new models hit the floor, summer is when everyone overpays for them, and fall is when smart shoppers cash in. That’s the real best time to buy a grill.

In this guide, we’ll break down grill deals by season, share a few grill buying tips most people overlook, and help you figure out how to choose a grill that’ll actually last.

This is hands-down the best time to buy a grill.

Retailers are done with BBQ season and start clearing space for patio heaters and holiday décor, which means deep discounts, especially after Labor Day.

From August through October, you’ll see 40–80% off on select models at major retailers.

 Even premium brands like Weber and Traeger see markdowns as last year’s models get phased out. 

If you’re not picky about color or features, this window is your jackpot.

Spring isn’t deal season, it’s launch season.

Manufacturers roll out shiny new models around March, and early promos pop up around Memorial Day. 

You’ll find lots of variety, but prices are mostly full retail.

If you want a specific brand or feature (like Wi-Fi controls or infrared burners), spring’s the time to grab it before it sells out. 

But if saving money’s your goal, hold off till late summer.

Holiday weekends bring flashy sales, but not all of them are real deals.

• Memorial Day:great for bundle offers (grill + accessories) but mostly full-price models with “sale” tags slapped on.

• July 4th: prices usually dip after the holiday when demand drops and stores need to move stock.

• Labor Day:marks the start of true clearance season, that’s when retailers get serious.

If you absolutely need a grill mid-season, aim for the week after a major holiday, not the weekend itself.

Once the leaves fall, so do the prices.

From Black Friday through January, stores unload leftover inventory, especially floor models and open-box units. Black Friday deals can rival Labor Day, and sometimes even beat them.

You won’t find as many choices, but you can score big if you’re flexible.

Timing’s one part of the game, how you shop is the other. Even outside peak sales, there are ways to score serious savings if you know where (and how) to look.

1. Track Prices Like a Pro

Grill prices fluctuate more than you think. Use tools like Honey, CamelCamelCamel, or PriceSpy to monitor your favorite models.

Set an alert and let the data tell you when to pounce.

2. Check Clearance Aisles & Floor Models

If you’re shopping in-store, always check the clearance section in the outdoor living aisle.

Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s start marking down grills in late summer, and you can often negotiate even more on floor models or display units.

They’re already assembled, and managers usually want them gone before winter stock arrives.

3. Compare Online vs In-Store

Online deals can undercut in-store prices, especially around Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

But don’t write off local stores just yet. Smaller hardware shops and regional dealers often run “hidden gem” sales to clear inventory quietly.

You might find a high-end grill collecting dust in the corner, and walk away with a steal.

4. Look for Bundles, Not Just Discounts

Sometimes the best value isn’t a lower price, it’s free gear thrown in.

Online retailers often bundle covers, toolsets, or rotisserie kits with premium grills during fall sales.

It’s a smart way to stretch your money if you’re upgrading your setup or buying for a new outdoor kitchen.

5. Be Wary of “Fake Sales”

If a deal looks too good to be true in May… it probably is.

Many spring “sales” simply list inflated original prices. The real drops happen later, from August to November is when stores actually cut margins.

The grill world’s heating up, and not just from the burners. Here’s what’s new and worth watching this year.

Smart Grills Take Over

Grills are officially joining the smart home club.

From Wi-Fi–enabled Weber and Traeger models to digital temperature control on pellet and charcoal units, 2025 is all about convenience.

You can monitor your cook, get alerts, and adjust temps right from your phone, perfect for long smokes or lazy Sundays.

Built to Last

After years of cutting corners, brands are putting durability back in focus.

Expect more 304-grade stainless steel, heavier lids, and cast aluminum bodies designed to fight rust and heat fatigue.

Some brands are even rolling out longer warranties and modular replacement parts instead of full-unit replacements.

Eco-Friendly Grilling

Sustainability is creeping into outdoor cooking.

Pellet grills are using recycled wood pellets, electric grills are getting more efficient, and some charcoal makers are offering coconut- or bamboo-based briquettes.

Even refillable propane programs are becoming more common.

More Deals, More Competition

Retailers are competing harder than ever post-2020 boom.

With slower sales, expect more frequent markdowns, bundled accessories, and off-season promos, especially from online sellers.

Translation: 2026 is a buyer’s market.

Buying a grill is part timing, part judgment.

If you shop smart, hitting that late summer to fall window, you’ll get the same high-end gear everyone else paid full price for in May.

So take your time, compare models, and trust the process. The goal isn’t just to find a deal, it’s to find your grill.

And if that perfect grill happens to be waiting on sale, even better. You’ll find some of the season’s best deals right now at  BBQ Kitchen Pros.

Go ahead and grab the grill everyone else will be jealous of next summer.