11 Products on Deep Discount in August

Vacuums, including robotic vacuum cleaners and combo vacuum-mops, 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 more 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.

For more discounts: Best Vacuum Deals Right Now

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 end-of-summer discounts on grills. So whether you want a new charcoal, gas, pellet, flat-top, 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 nearly 250 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, pellet grill, kamado grill, or flat-top grill.

For more discounts: Best Deals on Grills

Laptops and computers always tend to be on sale throughout August for the back-to-school season. And this year is no different. Because this is a popular time to buy these devices, it may take a bit longer than usual to receive your order, so be sure to look at expected shipping times when buying online. Shopping at retailers with in-store pickup can be a good option if you need your laptop in a hurry. You can also compare prices and look for similar devices if the exact model you want isn’t available, on sale, or in your budget. Start your search with CR’s buying guide and recommended models.

For more discounts: Best Back-to-School Deals on Laptops, Tablets, Printers, and Routers

As with laptops and computers, tablet sales also tend to be 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 necessarily need to spend a ton. Other factors to consider are battery life, storage size (and expansion options), size, weight, and processor power. Take a look at our buying guide to learn a little more if you’re not sure what you need.

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 work, 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.

If a printer is on your back-to-school shopping list, you may be able to find a deal on a new model this month, whether you need one that can scan and fax or just want something basic to print occasionally. But demand is high and sales are not always available for long, 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 (also called tank printers). Some may be able to make copies or offer wireless printing over WiFi or Bluetooth. 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.

The average price of a stand-alone freezer tends to fall in late August as Labor Day sales begin. There are chest freezers and upright freezers, giving you options depending on what will fit best in your space. Having a spare freezer can be especially useful if you like to buy in bulk, meal prep, or simply want to start taking advantage of bargains at the store to save money in the long run.

There are plenty of factors to consider, from floor space and energy consumption to how you’ll organize the contents of your freezer. Some of the newer models now have smart storage features like adjustable shelving and tiered bins, so you’re not just filling an empty box. Before you start shopping, you can read our buying guide to learn more about your options.

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, so having a good one in your home is never a bad idea.

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.

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 most 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. That 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.

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 give 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.

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.

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