When it comes to grilling season in St. Louis, there’s one question on everyone’s mind: what grill should I buy? While big box stores may seem like a convenient option, there are compelling reasons to shop local when it comes to investing in a grill that will last, perform at its best, and keep your cookouts unforgettable. Here’s why you should skip the aisle at your local chain and choose a small, expert-driven dealer in St. Louis instead.

One of the most significant benefits of shopping at a local St. Louis grill store is the ability to speak with a true expert. These local dealers aren’t just salespeople—they are passionate about grilling and knowledgeable about the mechanics of gas grills. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned grilling enthusiast, they can walk you through the different features, brands, and cooking methods to help you choose the perfect grill for your needs.

At a big box store, you might be left wandering the aisles, overwhelmed by choices, with no one to provide personalized advice. A small local dealer, however, takes the time to understand your specific grilling preferences and offers tailored recommendations.

Grills from big box stores may seem like a good deal at first, but many are made with cheap materials and low-quality components that can leave you disappointed after a few seasons. A local dealer, on the other hand, offers high-quality grills that are built to last for years—sometimes decades. These grills are crafted from durable materials like stainless steel and come with solid warranties, giving you peace of mind that your investment will stand the test of time.

By purchasing from a local expert, you’re ensuring that you’re buying a grill that will provide excellent cooking performance and longevity. Rather than a cheap, short-lived option, you can choose a grill that will become the centerpiece of your St. Louis backyard cookouts for years to come.

Another major advantage of shopping at a small local grill dealer is the customer service that extends far beyond the initial purchase. Local dealers offer consistent support, whether it’s helping you troubleshoot a problem, offering seasonal maintenance tips, or providing parts when needed.

When something goes wrong with your grill from a big box store, you may find yourself stuck with long wait times for repairs or struggling to find the right replacement parts. With a local dealer, however, you can build a lasting relationship, ensuring that you’ll have easy access to knowledgeable service whenever you need it.

Local grill stores in St. Louis often offer a far superior selection of parts and accessories than what you’d find at big box retailers. From premium tools and wood chips to replacement parts for specific grill models, local dealers have everything you need to keep your grill running smoothly. If your grill requires a unique part or upgrade, the local experts can order it quickly and often have it in stock. Plus, they’ll help you with the installation.

When you buy from a local grill shop, you’re building a relationship with a trusted expert who can offer advice, help you troubleshoot, and provide insights that you won’t find on a generic website or from an untrained sales associate at a large chain. These experts often have years of experience in the grilling industry and understand the intricacies of how a gas grill works, from ignition systems to temperature regulation.

By working with a local dealer, you’re creating a valuable resource for all your future grilling needs—whether it’s selecting the best fuel, upgrading your grill’s features, or mastering new cooking techniques.

Lastly, when you choose a small, local dealer in St. Louis, you’re not only getting a better grill and a better shopping experience, but you’re also supporting the local economy. Local businesses thrive on the support of their communities, and by choosing a St. Louis-based grill expert, you’re helping sustain jobs, encourage innovation, and keep money circulating within your local area.

Grilling is an essential part of summer in St. Louis, and your grill should be an investment that will serve you well for years to come. While big box stores may offer convenience, they simply can’t match the level of expertise, customer service, and quality that a local grill dealer can provide. Build a relationship with a local grilling expert who can guide you in choosing a grill that’s built to last, offer personalized advice, and provide ongoing service and parts. Choose quality, choose service, and most importantly, choose local for all your grilling needs.