Smart Ways to Save on Grills and Smokers

If you time it right, you can save big on grills and smokers without compromising on quality.

This guide breaks down clearance cycles, five smart ways to save, the best tools for finding discounts, and the retailers that consistently offer strong deals.

When Do Grills and Smokers Go on Clearance?

Late summer through early fall is prime clearance season in most regions. Retailers start marking down after big summer holidays—typically post–July 4th—with markdowns deepening in August and September as stores clear space for autumn décor and snowblowers. Memorial Day brings great promos, but those are in-season sales, not true clearance.

Expect a pattern like this: modest markdowns in late July, sharper drops in August, and the steepest clearance in September into early October. In warmer markets or at stores with excess inventory, deals can linger into November or reappear in January during inventory resets. Floor models and last year’s versions see the biggest cuts, and pellet fuel and accessories also get discounted as grilling traffic declines.

Bonus windows: Spring “open-box” and return cycles (March–April) can be excellent for snagging deals on lightly used or repackaged units, especially at big-box stores and warehouse clubs preparing seasonal floor resets.

Retailer Clearance Cycles at a Glance

Big-box chains

The Home Depot: Deepest grill clearance typically August–October; open-box and floor-model opportunities year-round. Watch for Special Buys and seasonal aisle resets.
Lowe’s: Late-summer clearance mirrors Home Depot; look for yellow tag markdowns and occasional bundled deals with covers or propane exchanges.
Walmart: End-of-season rollbacks and clearance in August–September, with additional price drops online. Store-level managers may discount floor models aggressively.
Target: Seasonal clearance accelerates late summer; regional stores may move remaining units quickly to free space.
Ace Hardware: Independent stores often cut prices in September; check for local floor-model deals and assembly-ready units.

Warehouse clubs

Costco: Rotates seasonal inventory; strongest clearance late summer to early fall. Look for instant savings and manager markdowns on remaining pallets.
Sam’s Club: Similar cycle to Costco; end-of-season price drops and regional closeouts can be excellent on higher-end bundles.

Online marketplaces and specialty retailers

Amazon Warehouse: Open-box/refurbished grills and smokers year-round; biggest volume around late summer returns.
BBQGuys: Clearance and scratch-and-dent sections with year-end and model-year changeover deals.
Weber Outlet and Traeger Deals: Direct-from-manufacturer savings during model refreshes and holiday promos.

5 Smart Ways to Save on Grills

Buy off-season or at model-year changeover. Target August–October for new-in-box clearance and January–March for open-box returns. You’ll often see 30–60% off compared with peak-season prices.
Hunt floor models and open-box units. Ask a manager about assembled displays, returns, or lightly damaged packaging. Inspect burners, grates, electronics, and lids; request missing parts or a further discount if you’ll handle assembly.
Stack savings: coupon + cashback + price match. Combine a store coupon or promo code with a cashback portal and a credit card offer, then ask for a price match if a competitor drops the price within the policy window.
Bundle strategically. Covers, grill tools, pellets/charcoal, and propane exchanges are often pricier when bought separately. Seek bundles or negotiate an add-on discount for accessories and delivery/assembly.
Be flexible on fuel and finish. Stainless, premium finishes, or less-common colors hold value. Choosing enamel finishes or a different fuel type (propane vs. natural gas, pellets vs. charcoal) can unlock bigger markdowns—just ensure compatibility with your setup and local codes.

How to Find Deals and Discounts

Set price alerts and track history

Before buying, check historical pricing and set alerts so you know if a “sale” is actually a deal. Tools like Camelcamelcamel and Keepa help you visualize Amazon price trends and get notifications when items dip.

Monitor deal forums and local stock

Communities like Slickdeals surface nationwide and regional clearance finds, including manager markdowns. Pair that with checking inventory online for nearby stores—some locations drop prices faster than others.

Use coupons and cashback

Install coupon and rewards tools (e.g., Honey, Rakuten, Capital One Shopping) to auto-apply codes and stack portal cashback with credit card promos. Check whether in-store pickup still qualifies for portal rewards before placing the order.

Leverage price matching and price protection

Many retailers will match a competitor’s price or honor a post-purchase drop. Review policies like the Home Depot Price Match and Lowe’s Price Promise, then keep screenshots and order numbers handy. If you can’t match, consider returning and rebuying within the allowed window.

Where to Shop for the Best Deals

Big-box clearance pages: Start with grills and smokers on Home Depot and Lowe’s; check both online and local store inventory for open-box units.
Warehouse clubs: Browse Costco and Sam’s Club weekly offers. You’ll often find bundles that include covers, accessories, or assembly.
Specialty and brand-direct: Compare BBQGuys clearance, Weber Outlet, and Traeger Deals for premium models and last-year closeouts.
Open-box/refurbished: Search Amazon Warehouse and eBay Refurbished for significant discounts with return protections.
Local marketplaces: Don’t skip Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp for barely used grills from movers or upgraders. Bring a manometer or soapy water to test for gas leaks on site, and factor in the cost of new hoses or regulators.
Metasearch and price compare: Use Google Shopping to scan multiple retailers at once and catch short-lived price drops.

Quick Buying Checklist to Avoid Regret

Inspect thoroughly: Check lid alignment, burner tubes, igniters, pellet augers, controller panels, grease management, and wheel locks. Make sure grates sit flat and lids seal evenly.
Verify parts and warranty: Confirm all hardware, manuals, and side shelves are included. Ask if the manufacturer’s warranty still applies to floor/open-box units.
Measure and plan fuel: Ensure the footprint fits your space with lid open and shelves extended. Consider long-term fuel cost and availability (propane, natural gas, pellets, charcoal).
Account for total cost: Add in cover, tools, assembly, delivery, and a starter fuel supply; a “cheaper” grill can cost more once add-ons are included.
Time your pickup: Clearance items can be limited; buy online for store pickup the same day when possible to lock in price and stock.

Bottom Line

To reliably save on grills and smokers, shop off-season, prefer floor/open-box when you can inspect, and stack multiple discounts. Pair vigilant price tracking with flexible timing, and you’ll land a better machine for far less—without missing the next cookout.