Gas Grill Spring Buying Guide — When to Buy & Best Deals
The Best Time to Buy a Gas Grill in Spring
Spring is the best month for selection and the weakest for discounts. In March, retailers have the fullest range of models, colors, and fuel types. By May, demand has picked up, popular configurations get thin, and promotions tend to center on Memorial Day. June is usually when stock of the most requested sizes is lowest.
What Sells Out First Each Spring
Mid-size 30 to 36-inch grills from familiar names go first, because they fit most patios and budgets. Natural gas built-ins that homeowners want installed before summer entertaining follow close behind. Larger models and specialty configurations often have longer lead times, so they can feel "sold out" even when demand isn't unusual.
Decide on Features Before You Shop
Settle fuel type, size, and installation style first. Propane suits freestanding carts, while natural gas makes sense if you have a gas line. Our built-in vs freestanding comparison covers that choice in detail.
Then rank the extras: rotisserie, sear zone, infrared burner, side burner. If you're weighing established names, the Weber vs Napoleon comparison is a good starting point for mid-range buyers. Higher-end shoppers can read Fire Magic vs Lynx.
Buy in Spring or Wait for Labor Day?
Buy in spring if you need a specific size, fuel type, or finish, or if the grill is part of a larger outdoor kitchen build with contractors on a schedule. Waiting makes sense if you're flexible on model and can go without a grill for the summer. Late-summer sales often clear remaining stock, but the exact model you want may be gone by then.
Online vs In-Store Spring Shopping
In-store shopping lets you check burner build, lid weight, and grate thickness in person. Floor models are usually few, and showroom hours get crowded in April and May. Online shopping makes it easier to compare brands and prices side by side, and you can browse the full brand list without leaving home.
For built-ins, measure your cutout before you order, since a few inches of difference can rule out a model. Browse built-in gas grills or freestanding gas grills to narrow the field.
Delivery and Assembly: What to Expect
Grills ship as large, heavy freight, so plan for someone to be home and for a clear path to the patio. Carts and freestanding models usually need some assembly. Built-ins typically arrive ready to drop in, but gas line connections and cutout fit should be handled by a qualified installer. Confirm lead times and return terms on the listing before you order, particularly in peak season.
Pre-Season Readiness Checklist
Before the first cookout, check the following: inspect hoses and connections for cracks, and test for leaks with soapy water. Clean burners and burner ports, and replace worn grates or heat tents. Confirm your propane tank is full or your natural gas line is working. Check the igniter, and make sure you have a cover and basic tools ready.
Top Picks
- Best Budget Built-In: Everdure FURNACE 3-Burner — at $1,379, it's a three-burner propane built-in that costs far less than most outdoor kitchen options.
- Best Mid-Range Gas Grill: Broil King Regal Q 690 Pro IR — a natural gas model at $3,499 with an infrared designation that suits buyers who want more than an entry-level setup.
- Best Freestanding Cart Grill: AOG T-Series 36-in 4-Burner — at $4,982, it comes on a cart with four burners, so it works for natural gas households that don't want a built-in project.
- Best Feature-Rich Pick: Delta Heat 38" 3-Burner — at $6,418, it adds a sear zone and an infrared rotisserie burner for buyers who cook a wide range of foods.