Products on Deep Discount in April

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As warmer weather returns this spring, you’re likely to be spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re going to be grilling burgers or just mowing the lawn, you’ll find big discounts on top-rated models if it’s time to get something new.

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 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 products listed below should be available at their lowest annual price in April. Check our buying guides to find out whether sale products are worth it, and use our ratings to make sure you get a great-performing product.

Want to know what’s on deep discount during the rest of the year? See our calendar of deals.

Grills

April is typically the perfect time to start getting ready for everyone’s favorite summer activity: backyard barbecues. So you’ll be glad to know this month can bring discounts on gas and charcoal grills alike.

Prices can range from as little as $100 to more than $3,000, but proactive 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 summer.

There are three main types of grills to choose from; you’ll want to review our grill buying guides if you’re not sure whether you’d be happiest with a charcoal grill, gas grill, or pellet grill. Pellet grills, for instance, combine the qualities of gas and charcoal in one cooking device that uses compressed pellets of sawdust for fuel and can also function as a smoker.

Each type has pros and cons when it comes to cost, ease of use, cleanup, and, most important, how it cooks your 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 150 grills to suit everyone from the first-time buyer to the seasoned grill master searching for a replacement or an upgrade.

Deal on Grill

Dyna-Glo Charcoal Grill
The deal: $223 to $230 at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Wayfair
CR’s test results: Dyna-Glo DGN576DNC-D
If you’re a charcoal lover, this grill will be a step up from the rusty old kettle grill you’ve been using for too long. It costs $50 less than what it usually sells for ($280 to $350) at multiple retailers, and it performed well in CR’s tests for cooking evenness, convenience, and cleaning. And it has a built-in bottle opener, which is a fun perk.

Vacuum Cleaners

Vacuum cleaner sales stay strong in March and April as people start to think more about spring cleaning and allergy season. Vacuums, including robotic vacuum cleaners, are among the handful of products that tend to go on sale all year long. But in early spring, especially, you can expect to see even deeper discounts than usual, as 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.

Deals on Vacuums

Eufy RoboVac 11S Robotic Vacuum
The deal: $170 at Amazon
CR’s test results: Eufy RoboVac 11S
The Eufy RoboVac 11S cleans carpet well in our tests and leaves very little pet hair. It does even better on bare floors. Though it’s not the most efficient cleaner—testers note that it sometimes scatters debris—it eventually gets the job done, operates quietly, and has a cliff sensor so that it won’t tumble down stairs. This robotic vacuum isn’t WiFi-enabled and can’t be used with a smartphone app. Make sure to check the coupon box to receive the discounted price.

Hoover Onepwr Blade Max Cordless Stick Vacuum
The deal: $289 at Amazon and Home Depot
CR’s test results: Hoover Onepwr Blade Max BH53350
The Hoover Onepwr Blade Max BH53350 has been on sale for around $300 for some time. The cordless stick vacuum is part of Hoover’s cleaning system, which offers several floor-cleaning products that use interchangeable batteries. Its strengths include cleaning bare floors, removing pet hair, and zipping along the edges of a room leaving nothing behind. It’s not too shabby at cleaning carpet, either. It’s fairly quiet, although some top-rated models are even quieter. And its emissions are clean.

iRobot Roomba e5 Robotic Vacuum
The deal: $300 at Amazon and Target
CR’s test results: iRobot Roomba e5
This high-scoring model usually costs $350 to $400. The e5 isn’t as “smart” as the top-of-the-line iRobot Roomba i7+, but it performs well cleaning carpet and bare floors. It’s also a champ at navigating a room, then returning to its base for recharging. It has a convenient carrying handle. If you prefer a model with a remote, you’ll have to look elsewhere.

Samsung Powerbot Robotic Vacuum
The deal: $219 at Samsung
CR’s test results: Samsung Powerbot R7040
This is one of the best robotic vacuums CR has tested, and it’s deeply discounted from its original $500 right now. It performs exceptionally well in both our bare floor and carpet cleaning tests. You can use the Samsung SmartThings app to schedule cleaning and check the bot’s status. It’s worth noting that in CR’s member survey, Samsung’s robotic vacuums do not score as highly as iRobot or Eufy for reliability.

Shark Rotator Canister Vacuum
The deal: $249 to $250 at Amazon, Kohl’s, and Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501
If you have mostly bare floors, this Shark upright vacuum (originally $280) is for you. It aces CR’s hardwood floor tests and does well when it comes to carpets. This Shark is easy to maneuver and keeps dirt trapped inside. But it’s not the best bet for households with pets, because it struggles to vacuum up pet hair.

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 beyond that, 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.

Deal on Lawn Mower

Ego Battery-Powered Mower
The deal: $499 at Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Ego LM2102SP
This battery-powered mower, originally $549, scored highly in CR’s tests, thanks in part to its ergonomic design, which makes it easy to maneuver. It also scores well for mowing evenness, mulching, noise levels, and charge time. It’s on the expensive side for a battery mower, so this sale is worth a look.

String Trimmers

Though we usually see seasonal items go on sale toward the end of their respective season, there are often preseason sales if you start shopping early. If you’re a lawn-care enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that you can find big discounts on string trimmers in March and April.

The ideal string trimmer will be able to trim, edge, and cut tall grass with ease, and you can find many top-rated gas, electric, and battery-powered models that handle 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 may require an extension cord. Battery-powered models tend to give you about 30 minutes on a single charge, which should be good if you have a small property. 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.

Deal on String Trimmer

Snapper Battery String Trimmer
The deal: $241 at Amazon and Home Depot
CR’s test results: Snapper XD 1687875
Originally retailing for $300, this string trimmer scored highly across the board in CR’s tests. It provides a clean trim in one pass, thanks to a dual cutting string setup, and it’s quieter than most other models.

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 and pulled weeds and other debris that can get strewn across your property.

Consumer Reports has put more than 50 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.

Deal on Leaf Blower

Ego Battery-Powered Handheld Leaf Blower
The deal: $145 at Amazon; $159 at Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Ego LB5302
This battery-powered leaf blower, which used to cost $200, earns high scores in CR’s tests, and our survey found that CR members who own it are highly satisfied. It makes quick work of removing leaves, cut grass, and other debris. It’s also easy to handle, and quiet enough that you can use it without hearing protection.

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 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 and a house full of kids and pets, you might want to consider buying a machine. Though nothing beats the ease and performance of a pro, 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, harder to use, and 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.

Deals on Carpet Cleaners

Hoover PowerDash Pet Carpet Cleaner
The deal: $90 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Target
CR’s test results: Hoover PowerDash Pet FH50700
This carpet cleaner is already one of the more affordable options out there, typically retailing for $110 to $130, but it’s even more budget-friendly at this discounted price. The Hoover carpet cleaner had a strong performance in CR’s lab tests. It’s lightweight, maxing out at 20 pounds when the tank is full, and is ideal for smaller carpets and area rugs. It doesn’t include a hose, so you may have difficulty cleaning tight spaces like stairs.

Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner
The deal: $198 to $200 at Amazon and Best Buy
CR’s test results: Hoover SmartWash Automatic FH52001
Unlike most other carpet cleaners, the SmartWash Automatic is motion-activated—it detects what motion you’re making and reacts accordingly, dispensing cleaning solution when moving forward and sucking it up when moving backward. There are three tanks: one for detergent, one for clean water, and one for dirty water, which means you don’t have to mix up solution each time you refill the tank. It originally retailed for $250.

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 small decks and patio furniture, you probably only need 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.

Deal on Pressure Washer

Greenworks Light-Duty Electric Pressure Washer
The deal: $349 at Lowe’s
CR’s test results: Greenworks GPW2700
The Greenworks GPW2700 is a powerful but pricey option (typically $400) that leads the category of light-duty electric pressure washers. It cleans well and is easy to use, according to CR’s tests. It’s also sold without a zero-degree nozzle, making it a safer choice than models that include that tip. Our testers especially like that the hose and power cord wrap around built-in reels, so it’s easy to store when you’re done working.

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 a 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.

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, as well as 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.

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. And 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 48 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.