Weber is one of the top names in the grilling game. They offer numerous products, from charcoal-fueled units to gas-powered models to portable electric grills. They even have a line of pellet smokers, making them one of the most versatile companies in the business.
Weber’s reputation for quality is well-earned, but unfortunately, it translates into high prices most of the time. Do Weber grills ever go on sale? And if so, when can you expect this marvelous event to happen?
Do Weber Grills Ever Go On Sale?
As a company, Weber doesn’t offer special sales or discounts. But every couple of years, they’ll update one of their current lines, usually in the spring. When that happens, retailers are forced to move out their older inventory to make room for the hot new models. That’s the best time to look for deals.
Weber: A Brief History
Weber was founded in 1952 by a man named George Stephen. As there weren’t any quality grills available at that time, he grew frustrated and decided to create a better product from scratch.
The prototype for the first Weber charcoal grill was made from a metal buoy. Though it may have been a crude model, the revolutionary design made for fewer flare-ups and improved temperature control.
Over time, that basic grill evolved into the more sophisticated models that we see on the market today. In a way, every company that’s joined the game since has been attempting to emulate Stephen’s success.
Why Are Weber Grills So Expensive?
Why are these products priced so highly to begin with? The answer goes beyond name brand recognition, although that’s certainly a factor as well.
Weber’s facilities are based in Illinois, which raises the prices from the outset. American-made products tend to be pricier than the ones that rely on foreign materials and labor. Although Weber does some outsourcing, the perception is still there.
Speaking of materials, the company prides itself on quality construction. Even the building techniques are top-notch, resulting in grills that are meant to last for many years.
The designers haven’t been resting on their laurels, either. Weber has been granted many patents and trademarks for its innovative features, such as the Sear Station. This has allowed the business to cement its position as a leader in the industry.
Their grills have tons of eye appeal as well. That might not be your number one consideration when buying a grill, but it certainly doesn’t hurt.
To top it all off, Weber includes generous warranty packages with most of their units. A 10-year package is standard for all parts. That’s a lot better than the deals you’ll get from some of their competitors.
The company guarantee goes beyond the warranty package. Their customer service department is top-notch as well. When you put all this together, it’s no wonder Weber grills are set at such a high price point.
Do Weber Grills Ever Go On Sale?
It’s tough to find deals on Weber grills. Even when stores are having massive clearance events, the Weber products tend to keep their high price tags.
That said, it’s not impossible. Certain models will go on sale every couple of years, often in the spring. That’s because newer lines are being rolled out and big-box stores need to move out the older units.
Now for the not-so-great news: These sales aren’t exactly nationwide events. It’s up to the stores to decide, and even then, not all locations will participate.
Furthermore, you’ll probably have to go to the store to investigate for yourself. The retailers don’t always advertise the deals online. And if you’re looking for a specific model, you might be out of luck.
Does Weber Run Seasonal Sales on their Grills?
While grills often go on sale in the late summer and fall, Weber doesn’t offer any special deals during this time—or any time of year, really.
In fact, the company keeps a MAP (Minimum Advertised Pricing) to prevent their distributors from attempting to undersell one another. This means that local dealers aren’t allowed to set the prices below a certain point.
There is one exception to this rule. When a model becomes discontinued, the retailers are allowed to sell them at discounted prices. As we mentioned, this is done so that they can clear room on the floor for the newer inventory.
If you’re hoping to score an excellent deal on a Weber grill, keep an eye on their progress. They update their top-of-the-line gas grills every few years or so. When a series is being updated, you have the best chance of getting a good price on an older model from the same line.
“Scratch and Dent” Opportunities
Weber does its best to ensure that their products are in superb condition when they go on the market. However, incidents do occur when grills are put on display.
Retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot will sometimes keep a stock of grills that have suffered light dings and scratches. They may not be easy to find, because the store wants to keep the brand-new floor models on center stage.
If you poke around in the Garden department, though, you might just spot one of these slightly damaged units. Even if the damage is only cosmetic, you can save hundreds of dollars when you buy this type of grill.
For example, the grill might be missing a burner control knob or one of the grilling grates. That’s an easy fix—all you need to do is replace the part. A call to Weber’s customer service department should get the job done.
It’s up to you to decide how much damage you’re willing to put up with. If the cabinetry or shelves are dented, or if the lid’s handle is bent, the grilling performance won’t be affected. The curb appeal will be all that suffers in this case.
Since I value performance over appearance, it wouldn’t bother me to buy a grill that had suffered this type of cosmetic damage. That’s especially true if the grill in question is a Weber, since there’s a good chance it will deliver superb results for years to come.
On the other hand, it’s not worth investing in a grill if you suspect it might not perform as intended. Before you take the deal, make sure that the damage is limited to the aesthetic aspects of the grill and not the major components.
Don’t Forget Amazon
We’ve established that Weber is never going to put out advertisements that read “All Grills 25 Percent Off” or anything to that effect. They just don’t have those types of sales.
In addition to keeping an eye on their product development, you can also scour Amazon for great deals. It’s possible to find Weber grills at a discount there, no matter what time of year it is.
Signing up for Amazon sale emails can help. This means slogging through a lot of emails that may or may not relate to Weber grills, though, so keep that in mind.
Another option would be to check the site in the spring, which is when Weber tends to release its new models. Amazon may be looking to reduce their stock of older items the same way that brick-and-mortar retailers do.
Consider Charcoal
Remember that while all Weber products have a reputation for quality, their regular charcoal grills aren’t that expensive. Since they’re simple to operate and maintain, they’ll probably last long past the 10-year warranty.
I understand that some of you have your heart set on a gas-powered model, and that’s fine. If you’re going to invest in a gas grill, a Weber is the way to go. But you can get a top-notch charcoal Weber grill for a fraction of the price.
The Bottom Line
When you buy a Weber, you’re getting more than just a cooking station. Their units are well built, reliable, and backed by a generous warranty. Keep that in mind when you look at the high price tags.
Best of luck, and happy grilling!
