21 Products on Deep Discount in May

May is the true start of the grilling season, so look for discounts on gas and charcoal grills. There are very few deals right now, but in general, the earlier you shop, the better chance you have of saving. As Memorial Day approaches, demand increases, and popular models tend to go out of stock or sell for full price.

Prices can range from as little as $100 to more than $3,500, 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 200 grills to suit first-time buyers and seasoned grill masters searching for a replacement or an upgrade.

There are different types of grills to choose from, and each has pros and cons when it comes to cost, ease of use, cleanup, and, most importantly, 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, gas, flat-top, kamado, or pellet grill.

May is a fantastic time to shop for a new mattress. With Memorial Day sales, you can typically find big discounts, especially toward the end of the month. Mattress companies promote sales all year, so those prices aren’t exactly real savings when they never go higher. But the discounts tend to be worth it around holiday weekends like this.

Typically, it’s best to wait until closer to Memorial Day weekend to buy because this is when the sale prices reach their lowest. Most brands and retailers start running early access Memorial Day promotions at the beginning of the month, but these are often the same prices we see regularly. We’ll let you know when the early sales are worth it. Discounts tend to improve by 5 to 10 percent compared with regular sale prices in the days leading up to the holiday. These prices are what you want to hold out for because they’re actually better than usual. And we often see them get extended a few days or a week following the holiday weekend.

There’s a lot to consider when buying a new mattress, and your decision will depend largely on your body type and sleeping habits. Some mattresses are made with organic materials, some incorporate coils and memory foam, and some have special materials like cooling gels. They can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $3,000, so your budget will also affect your choices.

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.

Fitness trackers are often discounted in early May as retailers target shoppers looking for Mother’s Day gifts. The devices range from basic to sophisticated, with corresponding prices. Some simply count your steps while others use GPS to map your workouts, and many also measure your heart rate and can even monitor your sleeping patterns.

With so many different options, there’s sure to be a fitness tracker that fits your lifestyle and budget, especially if you find one on sale. Take a look at CR’s buying guide if you want a little more guidance to find the right tracker for you.

May is often a good time to start shopping for smartwatches, according to our data. Look for sales that are likely to crop up at many online retailers, and you can finally take the plunge and buy one without overspending.

You’ll want to make sure the smartwatch you choose is going to fit your lifestyle. First and foremost, it should be compatible with your smartphone. But do you want one that has its own network connectivity? How about a heart rate monitor? Or the ability to pay for purchases? You should also take into account things like size, battery life, and replacement bands.

CR has tested over 60 smartwatches from popular brands like Apple, Fitbit, Google, Samsung, and more. Our buying guide can be a good resource to learn more about your options if you’re not sure which model will be the right fit.

In the market for a new blender? CR has found that many tend to drop in price or go on sale in May, which means you might be able to get a better model while staying within your budget.

Blenders can cost anywhere from $30 to well over $600, and how much you should spend will depend on how often you plan to use it and what you want to do with it. Paying more generally means better results and more versatility. But there are exceptions, including high-priced models that cracked under the pressure of our tough tests and bargain blenders that performed just as well as higher-priced models.

Before you start looking at what’s currently on sale, get a better idea of what you can expect to spend for what you want. Start the search for your ideal blender with CR’s buying guide and recommended models.

A wireless speaker can add a groove to any backyard barbecue, and you may be able to score a deal on a new one this month. Decent Bluetooth speakers can range from $20 to $1,000. Some are waterproof, some have a longer-than-average Bluetooth range or extended battery life, and some may have smart features such as Amazon Alexa compatibility or companion apps. Of course, not all speakers sound the same, so if you fancy yourself an audiophile, be prepared to spend a bit more for high-quality playback.

CR’s buying guide and product ratings can help you determine the best options so you can navigate Memorial Day sales and find the speaker you want for less.

May is when the days grow noticeably longer and bugs start to appear in droves. So you’ll be happy to learn that there are often sales on insect repellents and sunscreens this month. Even if you’re not going farther than your backyard, you’ll still want to have these on hand.

With so many brands and types to choose from, buying the right products can feel a little intimidating. Check out our buying guides for insect repellent and sunscreen to get a better idea of what to look for when you shop.

Air conditioners often go on sale in May, well before the summer heat sets in. But demand starts to increase this time of year, and sales might not last long. So if you find a model you like, especially at a discount, you ought to snatch it up quickly.

You can choose a window unit or a portable AC, and it may have features such as WiFi connectivity and a companion app. CR’s ratings have 90 tested models, so be sure to check out our buying guide and recommendations to find the right option for your home.

Stand-alone freezers tend to dip in price around May. Having the extra storage space can be great when you want to take advantage of sales to buy food in bulk. There are two types: upright and chest freezers, and you can find them both in varying sizes, making it easy to get the right fit for your space. It’s worth noting that freezers don’t typically come with shelves or other ways to keep them organized, but some newer models do.

Check out our buying guide and ratings to find the right freezer for your needs so that you’ll be ready to buy when it’s in stock.

Though we usually see seasonal items go on sale toward the end of their respective season, our data shows that prices tend to drop in April and stay low through May. If you’re a lawn-care enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that you can find big discounts on string trimmers, especially closer to Memorial Day.

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 lowest-priced 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.

Leaf blowers are useful in other seasons besides the fall. They’ll make quick work of corralling grass clippings, weeds, and debris on your property all year. So you may want to invest in one this month while you can score a good deal.

CR has put over 90 models, including gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded electric, through rigorous tests to help you find the model that suits your needs. CR’s buying guide will help you learn more so that you can shop with confidence.

Spring cleanup isn’t just an indoor affair. If you’re ready to tackle some tree work, look for sales on chainsaws in May. A top-rated model can help you 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 your fire pit this summer. 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.

If you have a lot of carpeting and a house full of kids and pets, buying a carpet cleaner is a good investment, and they often cost less in May. Homeowners who clean their carpets only occasionally may want to hire a professional carpet cleaner. Nothing beats the ease and results of professional cleaning if that’s an option. But some of the machines we’ve tested come pretty close for less money.

You may also be able to rent a carpet cleaner, something worth looking into 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 rental 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.

CR’s data has found a lot of price reductions on strollers in May, so whether you’re getting ready to welcome a new little one or you want an upgrade for your family walks, this can be a great time to start looking around. Strollers range from $100 to more than $700. Styling, lightweight materials, and added features can increase the price, but our tests have found that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good, safe model.

Buying a stroller requires some research first to make sure you’re choosing a safe one that’s worth the price. CR’s buying guide can help you determine what you do and don’t want so that you can make a smart decision.

Going for a bike ride is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the spring weather. 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.

A proper helmet can significantly reduce the risk of injury if you’re in a crash, and CR has tested 109 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. And May is often a good time to get one for less than usual.

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.

High blood pressure, aka hypertension, doesn’t have any obvious symptoms, but it can increase the risk of heart attack, 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. CR has tested 22 models, comparing their readouts with those of a mercury sphygmomanometer (the device that’s considered the gold standard of blood pressure testing), as well as testing ease of use, comfort, and convenience.

Most models usually cost $30 to $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.

If you’re finally tackling that home renovation project you’ve been talking about for ages, both wood stains and interior and exterior paints tend to dip in price around May. If you’re planning to refinish your deck, breathe new life into an old dresser, or give your walls a fresh coat of paint, you may be able to find your supplies for less this month.

CR has tested a number of wood stains and paints for things like durability, weathering, fading, and cracking, as well as the number of coats needed to cover dark colors. Read our buying guides for wood stains and paints to learn more about which products are worth buying and why.

CR no longer tests air mattresses, but when we did, we kept an eye on pricing for every model we looked at. Our data showed that May and November tended to be the best months to get a good price for one, and we expect you’ll still be able to find deals on worthwhile mattresses.

One of the most important factors is deflection, or how much a mattress sags over time. (If you’ve ever slept on an air mattress, odds are you know this all too well.) You should also look at how to inflate the mattress. Some have air pumps built in, while others come with a motorized pump. There are even budget-friendly options that can be blown up with a good pair of lungs.

Our air mattress buying guide lays out these and other factors to consider when shopping. Take a look at models CR has tested over the years, many of which are still on the market. And there are plenty of other options as well, so do your research before you buy.

As with air mattresses, we aren’t currently testing camcorders in our labs. Most phones can record video, and many new models offer 4K quality. Digital cameras tend to have their own video capabilities, too, making video-only devices less popular.

But this can be an advantage if you’re interested in purchasing one, because lower demand can drive prices down. CR’s historical data shows that camcorders tend to be marked down in May, so start researching models you might want. There are full-sized camcorders and smaller action cams, both of which have a slew of features to choose from, such as resolution, storage capabilities, image stabilizers, autofocus, digital or optical zoom, and more. You can read more about what to look for in our camcorder buying guide.

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