Best Time to Buy Charcoal Grills (2026 Guide)
Save 30-50% on charcoal grills by timing your purchase right. Here's exactly when to buy.
Charcoal grill prices swing dramatically throughout the year, with discounts of 30-50% during key sales events. Most shoppers pay full price during summer peak season, but with a little planning, you can lock in major savings. In this guide, you'll learn the best months to buy, how to track prices, and which grills offer the best value. Whether you're a weekend griller or a barbecue enthusiast, these timing strategies will help you get the most grill for your money.
Executive Summary
The best time to buy charcoal grills is during end-of-season clearance in September and October, or during Black Friday in November. You can save 40-60% compared to peak summer prices. If you can't wait, Prime Day in July also offers good deals (25-35% off).
Why Timing Matters
Charcoal grills are highly seasonal. Prices peak in May-July when grilling demand is highest, often 30-50% above clearance prices. For example, a $300 Weber kettle can drop to $150-$180 in September. Major retailers use grills as loss leaders during Black Friday, with some models hitting 50% off. Even budget grills see $20-40 price swings. By waiting just a few months, you can save enough to buy accessories like a cover or chimney starter.
Best Time to Buy: End-of-Season Clearance (September–October)
Expected Savings: 40-60%
Retailers need to clear out grills to make room for fall and winter items like snow blowers and fireplaces. Discounts are deepest on floor models and open-box items, but new grills also see 40-60% markdowns. Weber, Char-Griller, and Dyna-Glo typically offer rebates and bundle deals during this period. Historical data from CamelCamelCamel shows Weber Kettle prices bottom out in September.
What to Expect:
- Clearance and closeout pricing on most models
- Extra discounts on floor models or open-box grills
- Rebate offers from manufacturers
- Bundled deals with grill covers or tools
- Limited stock on popular sizes and colors
- Online and in-store markdowns coincide
Alternative: Black Friday / Cyber Monday (November)
Black Friday is the second-best time because grills are doorbusters at many retailers. Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot often discount charcoal grills by 30-50%, especially popular models like Weber Original Kettle and Char-Griller Akorn. The selection is wider than clearance, but deals are often limited to specific models or require clipping coupons. Historically, the average Black Friday discount on charcoal grills is 36%.
Worst Time to Buy
The worst time to buy a charcoal grill is during peak season from May through July. Prices are at their highest, with few sales. For example, a typical $200 grill often stays full price until after the 4th of July. Inventory is plentiful, but you'll pay a premium of 30-50% compared to clearance periods. Avoid shopping just before holidays like Memorial Day or Independence Day, as demand inflates prices. If you can wait, you'll save significantly.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Recommended Products
1. Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch Charcoal Grill
The Weber Original Kettle Premium 22-inch is the gold standard for charcoal grilling. Its porcelain-enameled lid and bowl retain heat efficiently, while the built-in thermometer allows precise temperature control. The ash catcher makes cleanup a breeze. Perfect for beginners and experts alike. During September clearance, it often drops to $129.
Best Time to Buy: Buy in September for up to 40% off, or on Black Friday for around $139.
2. Char-Griller E16620 Akorn Kamado Kooker Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller Akorn offers kamado performance at a fraction of the cost of ceramic grills. Its triple-walled steel body insulates well, holding steady low temps for smoking or high heat for searing. The built-in thermometer and ash drawer add convenience. On Prime Day, it can be $249.
Best Time to Buy: Best deal on Prime Day (July) or Black Friday. Save $100 or more.
3. Dyna-Glo DGN576SDC-D 36-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Dyna-Glo DGN576SDC-D offers 576 square inches of cooking space, enough for a whole feast. It features a side firebox for offset smoking, adjustable charcoal pans, and a temperature gauge. Great for large families. Often found under $100 during clearance.
Best Time to Buy: Wait for end-of-season clearance. Priced as low as $89 in September.
4. Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch
The Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker 18-inch is legendary for low-and-slow smoking. Its porcelain-enameled construction holds steady temps for hours. Two cooking grates allow for up to 40 lbs of meat. Perfect for ribs, brisket, and pork shoulder. Black Friday discounts can bring it to $269.
Best Time to Buy: Buy during Black Friday for $80 savings. Also check Amazon Warehouse for open-box deals.
5. Pit Boss Grills PB1230G 30-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Pit Boss PB1230G charcoal grill includes a side gas burner for searing or warming sides. It has 640 sq in of cooking space and a porcelain-coated warming rack. The ash pan simplifies cleanup. Often discounted to $129 during clearance.
Best Time to Buy: Combine end-of-season clearance with a manufacturer rebate for best price.
6. Royal Gourmet GA5B 30-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Royal Gourmet GA5B is a no-frills charcoal grill with 540 sq in of cooking space. It features a side shelf, tool hooks, and adjustable charcoal pan for heat control. Great for apartment balconies. Often priced under $100 during sales.
Best Time to Buy: Wait for Prime Day or clearance; can drop to $79.
7. Char-Broil TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro Electric Grill (Charcoal Option)
While this is electric, Char-Broil's TRU-Infrared Patio Bistro is included for those seeking an alternative to charcoal with similar smoky flavor (using wood chips). It heats up quickly and avoids flare-ups. The compact size fits small spaces. Discounts to $149 are common.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday and end-of-season clearance see lowest prices. Save up to $70.
8. Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn Charcoal Grill/Smoker
The Oklahoma Joe's Longhorn offers massive 957 sq in cooking area with an offset firebox for smoking. It's built with heavy-gauge steel and porcelain-coated grates. Perfect for serious pitmasters. Prices can drop to $349 during clearance.
Best Time to Buy: Best deals in September clearance. Also check for open-box discounts at stores.
9. Weber Go-Anywhere Charcoal Grill
The Weber Go-Anywhere is a compact charcoal grill perfect for travel. It has a porcelain-enameled body, a removable cooking grate, and adjustable dampers. Fits in a car trunk. Regular price $79, often on sale for $59.
Best Time to Buy: Prime Day or spring sales can drop to $59. End-of-season clearance also applies.
10. Char-Griller Super Pro 38-Inch Charcoal Grill
The Char-Griller Super Pro features 510 sq in primary cooking area plus a side firebox for offset smoking. The cast iron grates retain heat well. It has an ash pan and adjustable charcoal tray. Often discounted to $129 during sales.
Best Time to Buy: Black Friday and clearance events offer best value. Save $50.
11. Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 Charcoal Grill + Smoker
The Masterbuilt Gravity Series 560 uses a gravity-fed charcoal hopper and digital fan to maintain precise temperatures. It can smoke low and slow or sear at 700°F. Connects to app for monitoring. A game-changer for convenience. Sales can bring it to $399.
Best Time to Buy: Best price on Black Friday or during Amazon Prime Day. Expect $100 off.
12. Pit Barrel Cooker Original Charcoal Grill/Smoker
The Pit Barrel Cooker uses a vertical drum design and hanging hooks to cook meat quickly. It's incredibly easy to use – just light charcoal, hang meat, and wait. The 30-inch size can hold up to 8 racks of ribs. Often on sale for $249.
Best Time to Buy: Buy on Black Friday or during end-of-season clearance. Save $50.
Pricing Strategies
Wait for End-of-Season Clearance
Set price alerts on CamelCamelCamel for desired models.,Check inventory at local big-box stores in late August.,Visit store websites weekly in September for clearance marks.,Consider open-box or floor model for extra discount.,Buy as soon as you see a 40%+ discount; stock is limited.
Capitalize on Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Subscribe to deal alert sites like Slickdeals in early November.,Make a list of target models and check prices on Nov 1.,Check Amazon's Black Friday ad previews.,Act fast on Lightning Deals; they sell out quickly.,Use a price tracking tool to ensure the discount is genuine.
Prime Day (July) Shopping
Ensure you have an active Prime membership.,Add desired grills to your wishlist a month early.,Check Amazon's Prime Day preview page.,Use the Amazon app for exclusive early deals.,Compare prices across sellers, as third-party may offer better.
Buy the Previous Year's Model
Identify the model you want and its release year.,Search for 'last year's model' on Amazon after March.,Check clearance sections at Home Depot and Lowe's.,Read reviews to ensure no major changes.,Purchase before clearance ends (usually by June).
Use Price Tracking & Alerts
Create a list of grills on CamelCamelCamel.,Set a target price (e.g., 30% below current).,Enable email or push notifications.,Check Keepa for price history and future drops.,When alert triggers, compare across Amazon, Walmart, and Home Depot.
Combine Sales with Coupons & Cash Back
Use browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten for cash back.,Check retailer coupons (Home Depot 10% off moving coupon).,Use a cash back credit card (e.g., Amazon Prime card for 5%).,Look for gift card promotions (e.g., buy $100 gift card, get $10).,Apply all discounts at checkout.
If You Need It Now
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Bottom Line
The best time to buy a charcoal grill is during end-of-season clearance in September and October, when discounts hit 40-60%. The second-best times are Black Friday (30-50% off) and Prime Day (25-35% off). Avoid peak summer months (April through July) if you want to save money. Our top picks are the Weber Original Kettle 22-inch for all-around performance, the Char-Griller Akorn for kamado-style smoking on a budget, and the Dyna-Glo offset for large capacity. If you can wait, set price alerts and buy when the price drops below your target. If you need a grill immediately, check open-box and floor models to minimize the premium. Happy grilling and saving!
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- 📦Category:
Charcoal Grills