Best Time to Buy BBQ Equipment & Outdoor Gear (What Actually Saves You Money)

If you’re trying to save serious money on BBQ equipment in 2026, timing matters more than brand.

Buy at the wrong time and you’ll overpay by hundreds. Buy at the right time and you can score premium grills, outdoor gear, and accessories at deep discounts.

This guide breaks down exactly when to buy BBQ equipment and outdoor gear, how seasonal trends affect pricing, and how to consistently pay less.

Seasonal Trends: When Prices Drop (and When They Don’t)

Understanding seasonal trends in outdoor gear and BBQ equipment pricing is the difference between overpaying and getting a real deal.

Spring (March–May) — Worst Time to Buy BBQ Equipment

This is peak markup season.

• New grills and outdoor gear hit shelves
• Retailers hold firm on pricing
• Almost no meaningful discounts

👉 Only buy if you absolutely need it now

Summer (June–August) — High Demand, Limited Deals

Demand peaks, and pricing reflects it.

• Strong product availability
• Holiday promotions (but mostly surface-level)
• Few true discounts

👉 Good for selection, not for savings

Fall (September–October) — Best Time to Buy BBQ Equipment

This is the best time to buy BBQ equipment—full stop.

• Retailers clear out grills and patio inventory
• Prices drop aggressively after Labor Day
• Deep discounts on high-quality gear

The Weber Spirit E-325 is a reliable 3-burner gas grill featuring Boost Burners with a dedicated Sear Zone that delivers 40% more power for perfectly seared steaks and vegetables. Customers consistently report excellent heat distribution, easy one-hand ignition, and durable cast-iron grates that cook food evenly—making it ideal for weekend grilling and family entertaining.

👉 This is where informed buyers save the most

Winter (November–February) — Clearance & Hidden Deals

Demand disappears—and so do prices.

• Clearance on leftover inventory
• Strong discounts on premium items
• Limited selection

👉 Best for planning ahead and buying high-end gear for less

Holiday Sales That Actually Matter

Not all sales are equal. These are the only ones worth timing.

Memorial Day — Early Deals (But Not the Best)

• Good for entry-level grills
• Discounts are moderate
• Mostly marketing-driven

The Blackstone 1883 Original 28″ Griddle features a massive 524-square-inch cooking surface with two independently controlled H-style burners producing 34,000 BTUs combined, allowing you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. Customers consistently praise its excellent cooking quality and ease of assembly, though reviews suggest it requires regular seasoning and maintenance to prevent rust development.

Independence Day — Mid-Season Promotions

• Decent deals on accessories and cast iron skillets
• Some grill discounts
• Still not peak savings

Labor Day — Best Holiday for BBQ Equipment

This is where real discounts start.

• Major clearance on grills
• Retailers dumping summer inventory
• Best mix of price + availability

Black Friday & Cyber Monday — Best for Accessories & Tech

• Smart thermometers
• Outdoor gadgets
• Smaller gear and add-ons

👉 Not great for grills, but excellent for accessories

Manufacturer Release Cycles (Where the Real Deals Come From)

Most people ignore this—and overpay because of it.

Here’s how it actually works:

• New BBQ models release: Late winter / early spring
• Retailers discount old models: Right before and after release
• Prices drop hardest: Late summer → fall

What This Means for You

Last year’s model is often 90–95% identical to the new version—but heavily discounted.

👉 If you’re buying based on performance (not hype), older models are almost always the better deal.

Best Time to Buy

Common Buying Mistakes (That Cost You Money)

Most people don’t lose money because of bad products—they lose money because of bad timing.

• Buying right before summer
• Falling for “holiday sales” that aren’t discounted
• Ignoring last year’s models
• Overpaying for features they won’t use
• Not planning purchases in advance

👉 Timing matters more than brand in most cases

Smart Strategy: How to Always Buy at the Lowest Price

If you want consistent wins, follow this system:

1. Plan Purchases 3–6 Months Ahead

If you need a grill in summer, buy it in fall.

2. Track Prices Before Buying

Use price tracking tools and watch trends for 2–3 weeks.

3. Stack Discounts

Combine:

• Seasonal sales
• Promo codes
• Cashback offers

4. Target Clearance Windows

Look for:

• End-of-season inventory
• Open-box deals
• Model transitions

5. Avoid Impulse Purchases

Most “deals” aren’t actually deals.

Our Verdict: When Should You Actually Buy?

If you want the simplest answer:

• Best time to buy BBQ equipment: September–October
• Best time for outdoor gear: Late summer to fall
• Best time for accessories: Black Friday

If you follow this timing, you’ll consistently pay less—and often get better products for the same budget.