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The Short Answer
Grills follow the seasons, and the best deals land at the end of one. Labor Day kicks off end-of-season clearance, when stores cut inventory 30 to 50 percent to make room for next year, and it runs right through September and October. Shopping in peak summer? The 4th of July and Memorial Day bring the best selection with solid holiday markdowns, and Black Friday is a quieter third option.
A grill is one of the most seasonal things you can buy, which is exactly why timing it right saves you so much. The same Weber or Traeger can swing well over a hundred dollars depending on whether you shop when everyone wants one or when stores are trying to get rid of them.
Here's the surprise: the hottest grilling months are the worst time to buy. Prices peak in spring when demand does, then fall off a cliff after Labor Day as retailers clear the shelves for next season. Here's how the year really breaks down, the five grills we'd buy today, and the moves that beat even an end-of-season price.
The Grill Deal Calendar
Every sale window, ranked by how much you save
We scored each shopping window on the size of the discount you can realistically expect on a grill. Longer, greener bar means a better time to buy.
The single best window. Retailers run end-of-season clearance and cut grills 30 to 50 percent to clear inventory for next year. Selection thins as it goes, so pounce early.
The best in-season deals, with the widest selection of the year and real 20 to 40 percent holiday markdowns. Buy now if you want a specific model in stock and can't wait for fall.
Solid discounts, but grill selection thins out in the off-season and big models can be hard to ship. A fine backup if you missed the fall clearance.
Strong on pellet grills, griddles and accessories from Traeger, Blackstone and Weber. It overlaps peak season, so it's more about convenience than the deepest cut.
Grill marketing peaks, but the actual discounts are modest. Handy if you're buying a gift, not the cheapest week of the year.
Small markdowns here and there, but nothing close to the seasonal events. Fine in a pinch, not worth planning around.
Demand peaks, brand-new models launch at full price, and everyone is shopping. The most expensive time to buy, with the lone exception of Memorial Day weekend.
