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Summer's ending but the grilling doesn't have to stop. The Labor Day sales are in full swing and they include incredible savings on some of the best grills. CNET's expert team reviews and tests dozens of grills, and we've rounded up the best deals you can get on our favorite grills. These prices won't last too long so act fast and jump on it if you like what you see.
If you're new to grilling, head over to our grill buying guide. It'll give you everything you need to know about the right type of grill for your taste buds, living space and budget. From high-temperature Kamado grills to easy-to-use gas grills, there are loads of options to consider.
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Not just grills, CNET's team of shopping experts is also putting together the best Labor Day discounts on tech, appliances, mattresses, and more. So make sure you take a look if you're eyeing a steal this holiday.
Our favorite pellet grill on the market is seeing its first deal since Prime Day this holiday weekend, so if you're ready to dive into nest-level grilling and smoking, now is the time. Traeger kicked off the category's popularity, and the Ironwood XL brings together the flavor of charcoal with the easy operations of a gas grill. The Ironwood XL uses a downdraft exhaust and excellent lip seal to create an even, smoky interior and wonderfully precise temperature controls, and the 924 square inches of cooking space lets you cook up a feast of flavorful meats.
More Labor Day pellet grill deals
- Traeger Pro Series 34: $500 (save $200): A budget grill from a top brand that comes with a digital pro controller, meat probe, all-terrain wheels, sawhorse chassis and porcelain-coated grill grates.
- Traeger Ironwood: $1,599 (Save $201): The smaller version of our favorite pellet grill that provides an even smoke.
- Traeger Timberline: $3,000 (Save $300): This quality grill includes fun features like a nighttime cooking light and pellet sensors to tell you when the grill is running low.
- Traeger Timberline XL: $3,500 (Save $300): A huge grill with lots of prep space for the gourmet grillmaster.
- Recteq Flagship XL 1400: $1,359 (save $240): The best large pellet grill with a whopping 1,437 square inches of cooking space.
- Z Grills 700D4E: $709 (save $190): Our favorite budget-friendly grill for low and slow cooking.
Best Labor Day gas grill deals
Char-Broil may be famous for its charcoal grills, but it also makes a mean gas grill for those of us who want easy grilling without tending coals for an hour. This cabinet-style gas grill keeps things looking neat and shiny by hiding the propane tank. A series of emitter plates prevent flare-ups and even out the heat, but there are no fussy monitoring systems or apps, just three burners (four with the side burner), an igniter, and some LED lights to help you see what you're doing.
Another 10% discount can be gained if you sign up for Charbroil's mailing list.
More Labor Day gas grill deals
- Weber Spirit E-215 2-Burner Liquid Propane Gas Grill: $449 (save $50): A reliable grill for entertaining, big families and grillmasters.
- Weber Spirit SX-315 3-Burner Gas Grill: $649 (save $220): A grill designed for multi-tasking with three burners, porcelain-enamel cast-iron cooking grates and a stainless steel finish
- Monument Grills 6-Burner Propane Gas Grill: $619 (save $40): This grill can do everything, from cook a rotisserie chicken to boiling some water.
- Pit Boss Ultimate Outdoor Gas 4-Burner Griddle: $559 (save $140): A huge unit for serious grilling, with a 647-square-foot cooking area, 46,000 BTU, lift-off technology for easy portability, and chrome handles and knobs.
Best small and portable grill deals
If you're stuck in apartment living (like me) and can't enjoy any of the grills we've covered so far, never fear! We can still get the grilling experience we long for with portable electric grills like the Ninja Woodfire. Like all Ninja products, this 7-in-1 grill may try to do a little too much -- like air frying on top of being a grill -- but the addition of a small pellet smoking hopper allows you to get some of that smoky goodness without a lot of smoke and the nearly daylong cooking time. Just be sure to clean that hopper very diligently after each use.
More Labor Day small and portable grill deals
- Ninja Woodfire Pro 7-in-1 Electric Grill & Smoker with Thermometer: $330 (save $70): Super compact and easily portable, whether hosting or taking the BBQ on the go.
- Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect Premium XL Outdoor Electric Grill & Smoker: $400 (save $50): This grill is multifunctional like many Ninja appliances. Grill, smoke, air fry and more.
- Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Electric Pizza Oven: $300 (save $100): If you plan to exclusively cook pizza on your outdoor grill — no judgement — might as well get a dedicated woodfire pizza oven.
- Ninja Woodfire Adjustable outdoor stand: $105 (save $25): An adjustable stand for your grill because no one needs to get a back injury while grilling.
- Kamado Joe Classic III grill: $1,699 (save $300): This grill's unique three-tier internal organization gives you a lot of surface area to grill with, despite its compact package.
- Kamado Joe I grill: $699 (save $101): This 18-inch egg-shaped grill has enough space to cook 13 burgers at the same time.
What to buy after your grill
If you do acquire a grill this Labor Day, please, please do yourself a favor and buy it a weatherproof cover immediately. Even if it doesn't rain often, even if your grill is a cute ceramic egg, rainwater is a grill's natural enemy and no one wants their shiny new grill's frame or hood rusting at the edges because you couldn't be bothered to throw on its cover. More than thermometers, grill scrapers or any other essential grilling accessories you have your eyes on, you need to start with a grill cover.
If the manufacturer's cover is too expensive, make sure to check the dimensions and how it's secured -- ties, velcro, buckled straps -- before you grab it. Grill covers that don't fit end up with mildewed puddles or holes, and without a way to tie it down, the wind can just blow it off.
How we choose the best Labor Day deals
At CNET, we've got a team of expert shoppers and deal-hunters whose experience spans years of helping buyers understand which major sales and deals are legitimately good and which are more routine. That includes Black Friday, Prime Day, Fourth of July and countless other shopping events. We've gotten very good at weeding out scams and superficial deals. We look for real discounts, quality reviews and remaining sale time when choosing a deal to show you.
- Real discounts mean exactly that. We look at the price history for all items sold to make sure no manufacturers are inflating prices to make the discount seem more substantial than it is.
- Quality reviews are important for any product, but especially for big purchase items like grills, furniture and appliances. If it breaks the first time you use it, the discount isn't really worthwhile.
- Remaining sale time is a huge part of our vetting process. If a deal seems like it will only be around for a short while or will only be available for the remaining stock, we'll let you know upfront so you don't come back to the deal later only to be disappointed.
When do Labor Day deals end?
These grill deals should last through Sept. 2, but there's always a chance of selling out early, especially as grills aren't as well-stocked as electronics or indoor appliances. While a few more deals may go live between now and Labor Day itself, most grill manufacturers and the retailers that stock them have already put out the best deals they're going to, so I wouldn't wait too long to make a purchase.
If none of the grills on sale tickle your fancy, check out CNET's favorite charcoal grills, gas grills, portable grills, pellet smokers and kamado grills of the year to find your match made in flame-kissed heaven.