10 Products on Deep Discount in April
You'll find great deals on gas grills, lawn mowers, vacuums, and more
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As warmer weather returns this spring, you’re likely to be spending more time outdoors. Whether you’ll be grilling burgers or mowing the lawn, you can usually find big discounts on top-rated models throughout April.
It’s also time to clear out the stuffiness from winter and dive into spring cleaning, both inside your home and outdoors. This month, retailers typically offer deals on things like pressure washers and vacuum cleaners to help you do just that.
Consumer Reports tracks the prices of many products all year long, so we know when they go on deep discount. The ones listed below should be available at their lowest annual prices in April. Check our buying guides to find out whether sale products are worth it, and use our ratings to make sure you get great-performing ones.
Vacuum Cleaners
Vacuums, including robotic vacuum cleaners, are among a handful of products that tend to go on sale all year long. But in early spring you may be able to find even deeper discounts than usual because retailers often lower their prices to stay competitive when shoppers set their sights on spring cleaning.
There are so many kinds of vacuums to choose from that it can be daunting to decide on the best option for your home. 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 Bissell CrossWave Cordless Max Multi-Surface Wet Dry Vac Mop (try saying that three times fast) is one of three combo-vacuum mops in our ratings that can run without dispensing liquid. The Bissell is best at dry pickup and stain removal, scoring only middling scores for wet pickup, ease of cleaning, and run time.
This powerful, high-end Dyson vac features a laser light on its soft roller powerhead that reveals the dust in its path. The laser feature works best in low light or on dark flooring. A sensor detects the sizes of particles that are picked up and a chart on the display shows the particle count size. In CR runtime tests, the vacuum runs for about 70 minutes per charge on low mode and 8 minutes on high mode.
For more discounts: Best Vacuum Deals Right Now
Grills
April is usually the perfect time to start getting ready for a favorite summer activity: backyard barbecues. So you’ll be glad to know this month can bring discounts on gas and charcoal grills.
Prices can range from under $500 to more than $3,000, but shoppers can take advantage of discounts on last year’s inventory as retailers make room for newer models. And there are often sitewide spring sales meant to get shoppers thinking about all the things they want and need for the summer.
There are a few different types of grills to choose from. You’ll want to review our grill buying guide if you’re not sure whether you’d be happiest with a charcoal, gas, kamado, or pellet grill. And you may find you want a flat-top grill as well as a more traditional option.
Each type has pros and cons when it comes to cost, ease of use, cleanup, and, most important, how it cooks food. 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 250 grills to suit everyone from the first-time buyer to the seasoned grill master searching for a replacement or an upgrade.
The three-burner Napoleon Freestyle 365 F365DPGT delivers strong performance all-around. This small gas grill earns top-level scores for indirect cooking and sturdiness. Its temperature range and quick ability to preheat are pretty impressive, too. It receives only a middling mark for its ability to heat evenly, though, which is a pain if you’re making a bunch of burgers and want them all to finish at the same time.
The Weber Spirit E-210 is a spiffy, well-polished gas grill in a small package, and its sale price has dropped $50 recently. It gives above-average performance when it comes to evenness, our most crucial test. Weber is also near the front of the pack when it comes to owner satisfaction and brand reliability, with top ratings for each.
Lawn Mowers
Having the right tools makes it easier to get any job done, and that’s especially true when it comes to yardwork. A good mower can make quick, easy work of a task you may dread, and you may be able to find a good deal on a new one this season.
Prices for lawn mowers range from a hundred bucks to several thousand. Though it’s not necessary to spring for the priciest model on the market, spending just a bit more than the lower end of the price spectrum will get you a higher-quality machine.
You’ll want to research the options to find the best model for your property, whether gas- or battery-powered, push, or ride-on. And consider factors like size, power, and upkeep. Check out CR’s lawn mower and tractor buying guide to learn more about your options and find a suitable mower for your home.
This 42-inch zero-turn-radius mower nabs high marks in every test we put it through, including cutting evenness, side discharging, mulching, and handling. Run time on one charge is about an hour—which we consider respectable—and this unit will recharge in about 3 hours. The Ego ZT4205S also has a number of useful features, including cruise control, a washout port, and a suspension seat. This zero-turn mower is also relatively quiet.
The zero-turn Ego ZT4204L is pricey but impressive. It earns excellent scores for side discharging, mulching, and handling. It’s also quieter than a standard gas-riding mower. The ZT4204L runs for about 80 minutes on one charge, enough to potentially get through an acre depending on the terrain. Charge time is a relatively short 3 hours. This model sports a high-backed seat and reverse cutting, and has a washout port. But the relatively narrow 42-inch deck means longer mowing times. Battery-powered zero-turn mowers haven’t been on the market long enough to be scored for owner satisfaction or reliability. This one has a long five-year warranty.
String Trimmers
Though we usually see seasonal items go on sale toward the end of their respective season, there may be some preseason sales if you start shopping early. If you’re a lawn-care enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that you can often find discounts on string trimmers in April.
The ideal string trimmer will be able to trim, edge, and cut tall grass with ease, and there are many top-rated gas, electric, and battery-powered models for these tasks. Gas-powered trimmers can handle bigger jobs; electric models tend to be better for smaller properties, and they’re quieter. Corded trimmers are the most affordable of the bunch, but they usually require an extension cord. Battery-powered models should be good if you have a small property of a half-acre or less. Otherwise, you may need an additional battery.
Not sure which is right for you? Read our string trimmer buying guide to get a better idea of what’s available.
It’s that time of year: Your lawn needs a little love to get ready for the warmer months. A CR lawn tool expert, Paul Hope, found that this highly rated string trimmer is at a discount.
“It’s rare to get a deal on a string trimmer at the start of the season, and rarer still to get a deal on such a stellar model,” he says. “I actually own this tool myself and paid $80 more in the summer of 2023. It essentially ties its lowest price over the last year. It offers stellar performance and boasts one of the easiest-to-load trimmer heads I’ve ever seen. For me, that alone is worth the price of admission.”
Carpet Cleaners
When it comes to carpets and rugs, vacuuming goes a long way, but you’ll still want to do a deep clean every now and then to help them look and feel better, and last longer. And if you’re considering investing in a carpet cleaner, April is a great time to find one at a deep discount.
Homeowners who only occasionally clean their carpets may choose to hire a reputable professional or rent a carpet cleaner. But if you have a lot of carpeting, a house full of kids and pets, and enough storage space, you might want to consider buying a machine. Though nothing beats the ease and performance of a professional, some of the machines we tested came pretty close for less money.
Renting a carpet cleaner is an option, too, especially if you don’t plan to deep clean more than a few times a year. Rental fees typically run about $20 to $30 per day, but these models tend to be heavy and harder to use, and they’re not always in the best condition.
Read CR’s buying guide to get a better idea of what’s out there and what will be best for your needs.
Weighing 19 pounds when full, the Hoover PowerDash Pet Advanced is fairly easy to maneuver. It weighs 14 pounds when empty, making it easier than some others to haul in and out of a closet. It cleans just 7 square feet of carpet per tank of solution, but the 8-foot hose gives you lots of room to work without constantly moving the machine. Its scores for cleaning and convenience are impressive, and in our tests it sucked up most of the cleaning solution to leave the carpet damp but not sodden. It has separate tanks for cleaning solution and water, which is preferable to having one tank for both. But it lacks a carrying handle.
Leaf Blowers
Fall is not the only time a leaf blower will come in handy, and as you clean up your yard after winter, you may want to invest in one while you can score a good deal. A leaf blower will make quick work of corralling grass clippings, pulled weeds, and other debris that can get strewn across your property.
Consumer Reports has put 65 models—gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded electric—through rigorous tests to help you find the model that suits your needs. Check out CR’s buying guide and ratings to learn more so that you can shop with confidence.
The Black+Decker LSW40C comes with all the essential functionality you need to get started with your yardwork. It’s a little weak compared with other leaf blowers—it has a 125-mph blowing speed—so it might take you a few passes to sweep your entire grounds. But this cordless leaf blower is lightweight (4 pounds) and perfectly suitable for beginners, with easy handling and controls. You’ll get a three-year warranty with your purchase.
Chainsaws
Another seasonal product you’ll often find on deep discount in April? Chainsaws. They’re perfect for tackling big projects to get your yard in tip-top shape, whether you’re looking to clear out brush too thick for electric loppers, fell a tree that’s threatening your roof, slice off dangerous broken tree limbs, or cut a tree into logs for firewood.
Chainsaws come in a range of sizes, from small electric models (some with cords, some without) to hefty gas-powered models intended for heavier work. Prices often correlate with engine size for gas saws and voltage for electric saws, along with the length of the cutting bar, the arm of flat metal that guides the chain.
Finding the right model depends on how—and how often—you plan to use your chainsaw. Check out CR’s chainsaw buying guide and ratings to learn more about the various models.
The 14.5-pound battery-powered Ego CS1804 cuts like a much beefier gas saw while offering all the conveniences of an electric, such as instant starting and zero engine maintenance. It earns a very good rating for cutting speed and safety. Like most electrics, it’s quieter than a gas saw, though you should still use hearing protection while you’re cutting. With an excellent rating for predicted reliability, Ego stands out as one of the most reliable battery-powered saw brands in our ratings. This model has a five-year warranty.
Pressure Washers
Spring is the perfect time to really deep-clean the outside of your home as well as the inside. Invest in a good pressure washer now while they’re on sale and you can make your mildewy deck and oil-stained driveway look and feel like new with minimal effort.
If you have a larger property with more surface area to clean, a gas-powered pressure washer may be ideal. But if you’re cleaning a small deck and patio furniture, you probably need only an electric model, which is typically lighter, quieter, and easier to maintain than a gas-powered version.
This is not necessarily something everyone needs to own, so if you have limited storage space or don’t think you’ll use it often enough to be worth the upkeep, you may be better off looking into rental options or even taking on the task of cleaning things with soap, water, and elbow grease.
Take some time to read our buying guide and learn more about the recommended pressure washers to determine whether it’s a smart purchase for you.
The electric-powered Sun Joe SPX3000-MAX is already one of the lower-cost options, and this discount sweetens the deal. It’s very good at cleaning a range of surfaces, even though its pressure and flow are so-so. Its hose is shorter than most, but the model is easy to move around. In our member surveys, Sun Joe pressure washers earned a top-level rating for predicted reliability and a middling score for owner satisfaction.
This Greenworks pressure washer gets solid ratings in CR’s tests, especially when it comes to ease of use, where it got top marks. It also scored above average for cleaning and noise. It gets a middling score for power. Our testers also noted that it has a manual trigger lock, a small spray angle, and a shorter hose than most models, all of which are less than ideal. On the flip side, we found that it’s very effective at removing stains, and it’s easy to move and operate.
Bike Helmets
You and your family should be safe when you ride, so you’ll need trustworthy bike helmets, especially if it has been some time since you bought the ones you have. You may be able to spot discounts this month as retailers start to promote spring merchandise.
A proper helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury if you’re in a crash, and CR has tested 128 models for adults and children to help you find the best, safest options. It’s recommended that you replace your helmet at least every five years or immediately if you’re involved in a crash, even if you can’t see any damage to it.
We recommend reading our buying guide so that you know exactly what to look for when you start shopping. Then check out the ratings on bike helmets we’ve tested to find something reliable and safe that fits your needs.
Windows
New windows not only enhance your home from the outside but also can improve the quality of life inside your home, creating a quieter and less drafty environment. Today’s double-hung windows are also easier to clean and maintain than most older windows, and they’re more energy-efficient.
If your existing window frames are still in good condition, you can save on both materials and labor by purchasing replacement units that fit inside the existing frames. And you may be able to save even more if you start shopping in April because this is when they tend to drop in price.
Most window manufacturers train and certify contractors to install their brand of window, so plan to have the contractor you purchase windows from do the installation as well. Look for someone who has received certification from the American Window and Door Institute or Installation Masters, and get bids from multiple contractors.
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