Summer is grilling season, but it might not be the best time to buy a grill. Here's when you should be shopping for grills, according to experts.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Grill?
Updated on Apr. 25, 2025
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 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 learn about the best time to buy a grill for your backyard setup? Here’s what money-saving and shopping experts suggest.
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What is the best time to buy a grill?
According to experts, the best time to buy a grill varies based on your priorities, like whether you’re most concerned with saving money or getting a specific model. 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. “So shoppers can and should start looking for deals now,” she says.
| ♦ Best time to buy a grill |
| End of summer and early fall, especially during Labor Day weekend |
Will tariffs affect the best time to buy a grill?
Possibly, so if saving money is your top concern, you might want to start shopping. The best time to buy a grill could be right now, before tariffs raise prices.
Could tariffs actually make grills more costly? Yes—potentially a lot more. Tariffs, particularly those on imported metal products, can greatly increase the cost of producing and shipping grills. In fact, a metro Atlanta Ace Hardware is already advising customers to purchase now before prices rise.
“We started to get notifications from our big manufacturers and distributors to expect price increases either effective April or May, so some of them are just going into effect,” Brad LaGrua, the business development manager for Intown Ace Hardware, told Atlanta’s WXIA-TV news.
Some retailers estimate that tariffs on foreign steel could increase grill prices by up to 30%. One Cincinnati Ace Hardware is already claiming that some Weber grills are likely to hike 10% to 20% this spring. Since most grills or grill components are manufactured overseas—or depend on components from countries hit by new tariffs—consumers will soon be paying extra, even if the grill is made in the U.S.
If you’re in the market for a new grill, taking one home before these tariffs kick in fully could save you money.
What time of year do grills go on sale?
Whether you’re concerned with the best time to buy a Traeger grill or Weber machine, 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.
- 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.
What are the 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.
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.
| ♦ Worst time to buy a grill |
| Between March and June |
Tips for finding the right grill at the best price
Just knowing the best time to buy a grill isn’t enough. Smart shopping habits can help you save more. Here are other steps you can take to make sure you get the lowest prices:
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.
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.
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.
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.
Read reviews
Do your research and read reviews before you make a decision on the best grill for your house.
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.
FAQs
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 five 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.
About the experts
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Sources:
- Kristin McGrath, shopping expert with RetailMeNot
- Kristen Gall, retail and shopping expert with Rakuten
- Cision PR Newswire: “Outdoor Grill Sales in the US to Reach $2.6 Billion in 2021”
- WXIA-TV: “Local hardware store advising customers to buy grills now as tariffs threaten metal goods”
- The New York Times: “Trump’s Tariffs Leave No Safe Harbor for American Importers”
- WCPO: “BBQ grills, new cars, auto repair: What may soon jump in price if tariffs take effect”
