11 Products on Deep Discount in August
You'll find great deals on computers, vacuums, appliances, and more
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August is typically a great month to save on computers, tablets, printers, and other tech devices. As kids start heading back to class, the month tends to be filled with back-to-school shopping sales. And early promotions ahead of Labor Day mean it’s also a good time to shop for seasonal items like grills, as well as appliances such as freezers, vacuum cleaners, and dehumidifiers.
Consumer Reports’ market analysts monitor prices each month for all the products we test to determine when they typically become available for less. To find out which ones are bargains during other months of the year, see our calendar of deals.
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Vacuums and Robotic Vacuums
Vacuums, including robotic vacuum cleaners, tend to fall in price in August in part because of early Labor Day sales, as well as back-to-school sales that target the dorm crowd. This is an ideal time to finally replace your old one with an upgrade to something better.
There are many different kinds of vacuums. Some are better for hardwood floors while others are better suited for carpets and sucking up pet hair. And robotic vacuums can be a great way to keep things tidy without having to do any work, perfect for college students living on their own for the first time.
To make the choice easier, review our vacuum cleaner buying guide as well as our ratings to select the best brand and model for your budget.
The Eufy RoboVac X8 uses lidar, a remote sensing technology, to navigate and move in a gridlike pattern. It excelled at most pickup tests in our labs—carpet, bare floors, and pet hair—but wasn’t as powerful as other models at picking up dirt embedded in carpets. Its side brush is able to pick up debris along the edges of a room, but it has a tendency to scatter it. The size of the dirt bin is decent compared with other models in our tests, and it can run for more than an hour without needing a charge.
In our digital labs, data security was only so-so and data privacy was even worse. It’s something to be aware of if you use WiFi connectivity to get frequent software updates. But our members find Eufy to be a reliable brand, and it checks all the boxes for owner satisfaction.
Why it’s a good deal: The current sale price is $40 below what we saw during July’s big sales.
The cordless Samsung Jet 90 Complete vac scores highly in all CR’s tests and is more powerful than some of its competitors. Our testers like the sleek and solid stand and the digital display that allows you to check the power level, the battery life, and any maintenance issues.
Why it’s a good deal: While this was about $50 less during Prime Day, you’re still able to save about $150, which isn’t too shabby.
The Kenmore 400 Series 81414 earns top marks for cleaning bare floors and removing pet hair and is very good at cleaning carpet. It gets only an average score for emissions; if you have allergies, consider a vacuum that scores higher in this test so you don’t get debris kicked back into the house. Suction through the hose is impressive, making this a good choice if you often use attachments. This Kenmore is a bit noisy, though. In our member surveys, Kenmore canisters earned a very good rating for predicted reliability and a midrange score for owner satisfaction.
Why it’s a good deal: The price is back down to what we saw for Prime Day, making it a great time to buy.
For more discounts: Best Vacuum Deals Right Now
Grills
August may be the unofficial end of summer, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to stop barbecuing. As we approach Labor Day, you’ll find prices dropping on grills. So whether you want a new charcoal, gas, pellet, or kamado grill, keep an eye out for sales this month.
Prices can range from as little as $100 to more than $3,000, depending on what you want. CR tests grills to fit every cooking style and budget, from portable models you can take camping to larger grills designed to feed an extended family. We produce ratings of more than 150 grills to suit first-time buyers and seasoned grill masters searching for a replacement or an upgrade.
There are three main types of grills to choose from, and each has pros and cons when it comes to cost, ease of use, cleanup, and, most important, how it cooks food. So you’ll want to review our grill buying guide if you’re not sure whether you’d be happiest with a charcoal grill, gas grill, or pellet grill.
The compact, low-priced Permasteel PG-40301-BK is a solid choice overall. It offers strong results in all of our crucial performance tests, including an impressive rating for evenness of heating. It has three burners, an electronic ignition, coated cast-iron cooking grates, and two side shelves. But we don’t have enough survey data yet to rate Permasteel’s gas grills for owner satisfaction and reliability.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a modest discount, and may get better closer to Labor Day.
Blackstone all but built the category of outdoor flat-top grills. This entry-level model proves you don’t need to spend a ton to get great performance from its products, either. It’s the fastest of the top models we tested to get hot. It maintains even temperatures across the surface on both low and high heat. And it’s one of the few to feature only two burners, not three; as a result, you might have a slightly harder time maintaining two drastically different temperatures on the surface at once.
The griddle is built on an unassuming open cart, and it features only one side shelf. Still, while this grill is light on features and lacks the finish or polish of pricier picks, it’s a strong performer at an unbeatable price.
Why it’s a good deal: The discount makes this already lower-priced model even more appealing.
The Monument Grills 77352 is not only a good large grill for the money but also one of the highest-scoring gas grills in our ratings. It earns top marks across our performance tests for heating evenness, temperature range, and preheating, as well as a solid rating for indirect cooking. It comes with an electronic ignition, stainless steel grates, and four casters to make it easier to move around. And while the grill itself has a typical one-year warranty, it includes an eight-year warranty on the six burners.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a nice discount on an already lower-cost option when it comes to large gas grills.
For more discounts: Best Deals on Grills
Laptops and Computers
Laptops and computers always tend to go on sale in August for the back-to-school season. And this year is no different. Last year we saw shortages, increased prices, and delayed shipping because of chip shortages and supply chain disruptions. And while those problems are far less prevalent this year, they haven’t gone away completely. So if you’re shopping online for a new computer, make sure to look at expected shipping times before placing your order. You can also compare prices and look for similar devices if the exact model you want isn’t available or isn’t on sale. Start your search with CR’s buying guide and recommended models.
If you need a highly portable laptop that slips easily into a bag without weighing you down, you might consider this 12.4-inch notebook from Microsoft. It has an Intel Core i5 processor, 8 gigabytes of memory, and 256GB of solid state storage. And, given that “Go” is part of the name, you shouldn’t be surprised that it’s quite light (2.5 pounds) and has a battery that can deliver 11 hours’ worth of web browsing.
This 16.1-inch HP Victus 16 laptop provides performance that rivals some of the fastest models in our tests, and it’s appropriate for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing. It has an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM, a 512GB solid state drive, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated video memory. Its battery life should last you through most of a workday.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a big discount from the original price, a deal we’ve seen since July’s big sales.
Tablets
As with laptops and computers, tablet sales are also prominent this month. When choosing the best one, consider how you plan to use it. If you want to watch Netflix or edit photos, look for something with a larger, higher-quality screen. If you just want to do simple tasks, such as playing games and browsing the web, you don’t need to spend a ton. Other factors to consider are battery life, storage size (and expansion options), size, weight, and processor power.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ is a workhorse, earning a spot among the top non-Apple tablets CR has tested. It’s a great option if you want a tablet with a large 12.4-inch screen. It does have a shorter battery life than most, at just 7.3 hours for web browsing. It also has expandable storage with a built-in micro SD reader, and it gets high scores for performance, convenience, and versatility.
Why it’s a good deal: This is the best price we’ve seen for this tablet, making it an ideal time to hit that buy button.
Wireless Routers
A good wireless router can help boost your WiFi signal, eliminate any dead spots in your home, and ensure that everyone in the family can stream, play, and otherwise spend time online uninterrupted. August is a great month to find a new router for less.
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a new router, including the size of your home and cybersecurity protections. Start with CR’s buying guide, which walks you through all the factors to consider.
Deco is TP-Link’s line of mesh routers, which use multiple units (here, two) working together to spread WiFi far and wide throughout your home. It scores well in our ratings. Speeds across a range of distances are fast, and extra features like automatic firmware updating and smartphone-based management are appreciated by our testers. There are even a generous four built-in Ethernet ports for connecting devices like video game consoles.
Why it’s a good deal: This mesh router system is back down it its low price.
This wireless router does quite well in our ratings. It’s not a mesh router, but if a single-unit router is sufficient to envelop your home in WiFi, this should do a good job. Our testers note high speeds (technically referred to as “throughput”) across near, medium, and far distances, as well as useful additional features like automatic firmware updating (which helps keep you and your data safe) and the ability to manage everything from a smartphone app.
Why it’s a good deal: This was $20 less during Prime Day, but you’re still getting nice savings.
Microwave Ovens
You can find a budget microwave oven for $50 or you can spend upward of $1,000 on a high-end model that can be built into your kitchen cabinetry. But what’s important is the microwave’s ability to reheat and defrost food, and not all models are created equal in that regard. So it’s a good idea to check out CR’s test results and ratings before you buy a new model.
The type of microwave is important to consider as well. Countertop models are the most versatile, and there are over-the-range options as well. This may be something to consider if and when you remodel your kitchen.
There are features to look for, too. Do you want the more common turntable or a sliding tray that may be better for reheating larger dishes? Do you need a rack? How much wattage is best? Our buying guide can help you determine the best options for your budget.
Printers
If a printer is on your back-to-school shopping list, you may be able to find a deal on a top model this month, whether you need one that can scan and fax or just want something basic to print occasionally. But demand has been high for printers since the start of the pandemic, so if you do spot a sale, you’ll want to act fast before it’s sold out.
There are two main types of printers: laser and inkjet. Some may be able to make copies or offer wireless printing over WiFi. CR’s buying guide can give you a more in-depth look at the different options and the best models so that you’ll be ready to jump on it when the printer you want goes on sale.
Black-and-white laser printers don’t get enough love from everyday shoppers. A machine like the HP LaserJet M209dwe can be far cheaper to operate than almost any inkjet, while spewing out very sharp, clear text at impressive speeds. Now, this is a barebones machine. It prints only in black and white. It’s pretty inept at producing graphics, and it lacks the ability to copy or scan documents. Oh, and about that six-month deal on cartridges: You’ll need to set up an HP account and maintain the printer’s internet access. (Note that the printer accepts only HP toner cartridges.) If you’re okay with all that, the HP LaserJet M209dwe can be a good deal. What it does, it does extremely well, while consuming a modest corner of a desk—and an even smaller slice of a household budget.
Why it’s a good deal: A reliable printer for less than $100 is rare but perfect for someone with basic printing needs.
As with other reservoir- or tank-style printers, the EcoTank Photo ET-2400 does away with pricey replacement cartridges in favor of tanks that can be replenished with low-cost bottles of ink. Our estimates show the typical yearly cost to keep this printer running is just $5, a fraction of the figure for conventional inkjets. The model scores well for text and graphics quality, but it’s relatively slow compared with other inkjets and offers only basic features: WiFi connectivity, scanning and copying, and a 100-sheet paper tray. If you own the model for a few years, however, it becomes one of the cheapest printers in our ratings, especially for those who routinely churn out recipes, book reports, tickets, schedules, graphics-heavy school projects, and the like.
Why it’s a good deal: This is the same sale price we’ve seen for the past few weeks, but we haven’t seen it dip any lower in some time.
Dehumidifiers
As summer weather peaks, dehumidifiers tend to drop in price. They’re great for drying out the air in your home on muggy days, which can help you feel less sticky. Dehumidifiers can also take that damp feeling out of a basement or laundry room, and prevent a few other sticky situations. Humidity levels above 50 percent can breed dust mites, mildew, and mold, triggering allergies or other health problems.
When choosing a dehumidifier, you’ll want to determine what capacity you need for your space. Large-capacity machines can work in smaller spaces, but small- or medium-capacity dehumidifiers may be more efficient. Read CR’s dehumidifier buying guide to learn more about what to look for.
Freezers
The average price of a stand-alone freezer tends to fall in August. We’ve seen very few deals on freezers this year, but we could possibly see some price drops this month during Labor Day sales, which tend to feature plentiful discounts on large appliances.
Blood Pressure Monitors
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, but it can increase the risk of a heart attack, a stroke, kidney disease, and a number of other serious health problems. And though your doctor checks your blood pressure at every checkup, a single reading might not be giving you the full picture.
If you want to keep a closer eye on your blood pressure, you can get an at-home blood pressure monitor. Consumer Reports has tested 24 models, comparing their readouts with those of a mercury sphygmomanometer (the device that’s considered the gold standard in blood pressure testing) as well as testing ease of use, comfort, and convenience.
Most models usually cost between $40 and $100, and they often fall in price this time of year. You can choose between upper-arm and wrist monitors, both of which can have a number of different features, though keep in mind that our tests have found that upper-arm monitors tend to be more accurate than wrist models. Our in-depth blood pressure monitor buying guide is a great place to start your research.
According to CR’s tests, this arm monitor has excellent accuracy and also earned high marks for convenience and comfort. It features an irregular heartbeat detector, a BP risk category indicator, a data averaging function, a one-size-fits-most cuff, and the ability to sync via Bluetooth to the iHealth MyVitals app.
Why it’s a good deal: The on-page coupon puts the sale price for this device at just $2 more than we saw during Prime Day.
Steam Irons
Even if you don’t have a ton of clothes that need pressing after they come out of the dryer, it’s good to have an iron at the ready. Steam irons tend to drop in price this month, so if you need a new one, this is the perfect time to look.
Steam irons can cost $15 to $150. Though cheaper models we’ve tested in the past haven’t performed all that well, you can find decent options for closer to $50 that can compete with more expensive models.
We don’t currently test steam irons, but we have a buying guide you can read to learn more about your options and what to look for when you shop.
