There’s no activity more iconic than firing up the barbecue in your backyard during the summer. From warm weather cookouts to grilled dinners to summer parties featuring classic grilled foods, the BBQ grill is the centerpiece of every summer. And Americans are buying more grills than ever before – about 1.47 billion dollars were spent on grills and barbecues alone in 2016.
Finding the perfect BBQ grill requires research, though. There’s a vast selection of different grills to choose from, including simple, portable, and extravagant models. And in order to find the right grill at the right price, you’ll need to search and buy at the right time.
If you’re looking to purchase a brand new grill for your summer cookouts, here’s what you need to know to get the best deal.
Don’t Buy a New Grill at the Start of Summer
Summer is the season of grilling. So it’s no surprise that summer is also the season when grills go on sale. Retailers advertise all of the newest barbecue options, and it’s very tempting to purchase a grill as soon as the weather gets warmer.
But you don’t want to buy a brand new BBQ grill right when summer begins. Although you’ll get a lot of use out of a new grill all summer long, it’s actually better to wait.
As summer progresses, you’ll start seeing increasingly more deals on BBQ grills. Grills typically begin to go on sale at discounted prices around summer holidays. Late July and August are two of the best times to shop for a new grill, as it’s when retailers will begin discounting these items.
However, if you wait until the final holiday of the season, you can get an even better deal. Labor Day weekend is the best time to shop, as summer is coming to a close and retailers are looking to sell off their still-in-stock BBQ grills. By Labor Day weekend, you can find discounts of 60 percent, 70 percent, or even 80 percent on BBQ grills. Labor Day signals the end of summer, and retailers need to get rid of any leftover products before fall and winter items arrive.
If you can wait until September, you may be able to save even more. Certain types of grills, such as gas grills, actually get even cheaper with increasing discounts into this month. The longer you wait on certain BBQ grills, the more you might be able to save.
Decide Which Grill is Best Before You Shop
Because discounts and prices can vary from grill to grill and retailer to retailer, it’s important to know what you’re looking for before you shop. You should narrow down the type of grill you’re interested in, consider the pros and cons of different options, and then begin looking for deals.
The following are the different types of grills you’ll be able to choose from when you shop.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grills are one of the cheapest grills – but they do come with extra costs. You have to purchase charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid in order to use these grills. This type of grill can create intense, smoky flavor in food, but it does take more time to heat, cook, and clean. The average cost of a charcoal grill ranges from $100 to $300.
Electric Grills
Electric grills are common grills for apartment dwellers and those with limited outdoor space. These grills can be plugged into any electrical outlet, and you may even be able to use them indoors. While they don’t leave a signature “grilled taste” on your food, electric grills are smaller in size and easy to store or transport, and they can be used all year round. The cost of an electric grill ranges from $100 to $500.
Gas Grills
Gas grills are an incredibly popular choice because they fire up quickly, heat up evenly, and are easy to maintain over time. These grills run on propane or natural gas, depending on the model you choose. There’s very little prep, and few added expenses. The cost of a gas grill can vary significantly – some models can be as cheap as $100, while others can cost as much as $3,000.
Where to Find Deals on BBQ Grills
If you’re ready to start your search for the perfect affordable BBQ grill, you can find deals both online and in store. And it’s important to consider and compare the different options, prices, and savings available at both kinds of retailers.
You can start your BBQ grill search locally, visiting different retailers. See what kinds of grills they have at different price points. Compare different models in person. And then, you’ll have narrowed down your options. You can also check out warehouse stores, where items can be purchased at special discounts just for members.
However, you can also start your search online. Search for BBQ grills at big name retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, and Walmart. You can also search on online-only retailers, like Amazon. Check out the available grills, look for sales and discounts, and compare prices.
As summer begins to come to a close, make sure to search online for closeouts, sale events, and big Labor Day savings. Online retailers can lower grill prices significantly around this time. And if you search and do your research before buying a grill, you could save money on a brand-new grill with all the features you need.