8 Products on Deep Discount in February

You should never pay full price for a mattress. Why? Manufacturers of all the top brands tend to observe major and minor holidays with discounts and special offers, so you rarely have to wait too long for a price drop.

In February, Presidents Day weekend is your best opportunity to find a deal on a new mattress because it’s one of the best holidays to shop for one. This is when we typically see some of the deepest discounts from major brands, besting the sales that brands offer regularly by 5-10 percent. That might not sound like a big difference, but when you’re talking about higher-priced items, the extra savings can be as much as a couple of hundred dollars.

If you miss your chance to shop for a deal this month, there may be sporadic promotions in the coming months. But the next major mattress sale event doesn’t come around until Memorial Day, so if you’re not ready to buy now, you’ll have to wait until mid-late May for these discounts to come back around.

You can find out more about mattress options by reading CR’s buying guide and reviewing our mattress ratings. A good mattress should last you eight to 10 years, so do the research and invest in one that will suit your sleeping style for years to come.

Tablet sales tend to be more numerous this month, as Samsung typically reveals its latest models around this time, leading retailers to discount older models. Many stores may also still be clearing out their leftover holiday inventories, creating plenty of opportunities to get a new tablet for less.

When choosing a tablet, consider what you plan to use it for. If you want to watch Netflix or edit photos, look for something with a larger, higher-quality screen. If you just want to do simpler 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.

To learn more about what will work for you, check out CR’s buying guide and recommended tablets.

A dishwasher can make quick work of cleaning up the kitchen, but only if it cleans and dries well. February tends to be a good time to find discounts thanks to Presidents Day sales. Depending on which features you need and want, these appliances can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000. Some keep things simple with just the essential washing and drying functions, while others have advanced features like WiFi control, third racks, and even zone control.

Start your search by reviewing CR’s buying guide to determine the best dishwasher for your home.

If you’re in the market for a new printer, 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 with more people working from home, demand has been high, so expect discounts to be fewer and farther between than in years past. If you do spot a sale, you’ll want to act fast before the product is 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.

If your current smartphone is anything but current and you’re finally ready to get your hands on something newer, February may be a great time to find a recent model at a discount. While Black Friday in November is when you’ll find the widest variety of phones on sale, the final full month of winter has its own opportunities to save, especially on previous-year models.

Samsung always reveals its newest phones in February, and once that happens, older models will usually drop in price and carriers will offer trade-in deals that can make it less expensive to get the latest model. You may find other brands on sale as well, but Samsung is the major player to watch this month.

If you’re looking for Apple iPhone deals, don’t expect a slew of amazing offers from the tech giant this month. There may be some sporadic price drops here and there at various retailers, but because Apple typically unveils its new devices in September and releases them in November, that holiday season tends to be a better time to find savings on the previous year’s models.

Not sure which phone is right for you? Our smartphone buying guide can help you find the perfect option to suit your lifestyle.

The end of the season is a great time to stock up on winter weather gear, and snow blowers are among the most deeply discounted products in February. You can pick one up now and be ready for any late-winter blizzards that might strike. And if none come, you’ll be well prepared for next winter.

There are many types of snow blowers, and Consumer Reports’ testing has found that size doesn’t always matter. You don’t necessarily need the most powerful model to get the job done, and you can choose among many models to find what will work best in your climate and for your property. You can spend as little as $200 for one that will handle light dustings or well over $3,000 for a model that removes heavier snow.

When choosing a snow blower, look for one that blends competent clearing ability with a smooth, single-lever chute control that sends snow in any direction you want it to go.

For more details, check out our snow blower buying guide and recommendations.

If you’re always cold, live in a drafty house, or want to curb your heating bill without sacrificing comfort, a space heater is just the ticket. They often go on sale in February as retailers prepare to bring out their wares for spring. If you work in an office that never seems to be warm enough or you’re simply sick of arguing about the thermostat at home, a good space heater can make everyone happy and comfortable. And getting one on sale only sweetens the deal.

Perhaps the most exciting news is that the models with the strongest performance in temperature control, safety, and noise typically cost less than $100, so sales will make them a great investment for any budget.

It might be good to check out the options with our buying guide to find out which is best for you before you start shopping.

February can be a great time to snag a deal on last year’s digital cameras as new models start hitting the shelves. Once you’ve settled on your budget (cameras can range from a hundred to thousands of dollars), you’ll need to decide on the type of camera you want. A simple point-and-shoot is great if your phone camera isn’t up to snuff. But you may want something more powerful, like a DSLR, if you’re looking to capture top-notch photos.

Because choosing the right digital camera can be overwhelming, spend some time doing research before you shop. Determine which type will best suit your needs and how much you’re willing to spend, taking into account accessories such as lenses, SD cards, card readers, spare batteries, and more. Our digital camera buying guide and ratings give you the details on different models as well as information on features and brands.

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