Consumer Reports Names The Outdoor Essential Worth Picking Up In August

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you can manage to score a fantastic deal on a big ticket item, why wouldn't you wait just a bit for the prices to drop? Savvy buyers have their finger on the pulse when it comes to the best times to make a major purchase — especially while the economy seems to be so touch and go lately. Researchers carefully analyze current data to give shoppers the most up-to-date information on when the best time to make a purchase might be, and according to Consumer Reports, August is one of the very best times to buy a new grill. 

As summer starts to wane, prices will begin to drop. In fact, a lot of outdoor staples such as camping gear, landscaping tools, and patio furniture will be cheaper during the end of summer. It's an excellent time to plan ahead for next year, and many of the best grill brands will be heavily discounted around this time. You can score an amazing deal while still getting to enjoy a few barbecues before the winter weather sends us back indoors until spring.

There are three overarching categories grills fall into: gas, charcoal, and pellet models. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks. Gas grills can reach higher temperatures, but they don't offer any smoking capabilities. Charcoal grills smoke foods beautifully, but they can take a long time to set up. Pellet grills are an easy means to achieve that smoked taste, but they can be quite expensive. There are hundreds of options to pour over in each category. Whether you're looking for an affordable grill station or you're ready to upgrade to something more advanced, August is an excellent time to start shopping around.

Shopping for an expensive item like a grill can be a bit overwhelming. Start by deducing what you want out of your grilling experience and deciding which features are most important to you. When you nail that down, search big name retailers like Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and Costco for deals, and be sure to cast a wide net. Check multiple retailers to see if they offer better deals on the same product, and consider going directly to manufacture websites like Traeger or Kamado Joe to see if they have any late summer discounts, too. Stuck on what to buy? While everyone will be drawn to different products, we can get you off to a good start with a couple of highly-rated options worth exploring.

If you're in the market for a gas grill, check out the Weber Spirit E-310 Gas Grill. Consumer Reports had good things to say about this model, praising its performance and temperature range. This grill features a warming rack, ample grill space, and two side tables. You can also purchase custom grill attachment accessories from Weber. Customers love the pull-out grease pan and compact build, although some reviews did report it was hard to assemble with the included instructions alone.

If you would prefer a charcoal model to serve as the centerpiece of your outdoor grill station, consider the Char-Griller Traditional Charcoal Grill. Consumer Reports complimented this grill's performance at high and low temperatures as well as its convenience. It features 790 square inches of cooking space and porcelain-coated cast iron grates. One Amazon reviewer shared, "Pleasantly surprised with the quality of this grill. Love the size for the large cooking area and also small enough to be portable within the backyard."