20 Products on Deep Discount in September
This month brings big savings on large appliances and outdoor tools, as well as grills and home goods
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There are a few main reasons you’ll find a few ways to save in September: Labor Day, back-to-school shopping, and the seasonal shift from summer to fall. It’s not the biggest month for savings, especially with the holiday shopping season just around the corner.
Retailers often drop their prices on these 20 products, among others, throughout the month. There are opportunities to save on outdoor items like grills, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers, as well as discounts on tech, including laptops and smart speakers. Add to that price drops on freezers, air purifiers, and large appliances, and you can make upgrades across your whole home for less. Plus, you’ll often see sales on mattresses, and even apparel and home goods, this month.
Consumer Reports tracks the prices of the products we test to determine the times of year when they are most likely to be at their best discounts. See our calendar of deals to learn more about what goes on sale and when.
Smart Speakers
Smart speakers enable a lot of entertainment and smart home options, and if you’ve wanted one, September is a good time to get one on sale. They originally were best used as virtual assistants, but now there’s a wide world of options that offer impressive sound quality for music playback.
There are three virtual assistants: Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant. Siri is available only in the Apple HomePod, which rarely goes on sale, but you can find a variety of brands offering smart speakers that rely on Alexa or Google. These assistants can set reminders and timers, call an Uber, order pizza, answer trivia questions, share news and weather updates, and so much more.
Smart speakers can be especially useful if you have any smart devices in your home, providing voice control for things like lights, thermostats, and even TVs. Just make sure to check compatibility, because not every device works with every smart speaker.
CR has tested 28 different smart speakers for sound quality, versatility, and ease of use, among other factors, to help you choose the best option for your home.
The Amazon Echo Pop is the perfect way to test out a smart speaker in your home at a low cost. It’s 50 percent off right now, putting it at under $20, the lowest price we’ve seen for a smart speaker from the Echo family. The sound quality leaves a lot to be desired, so it may not be ideal if you’re looking primarily for music playback. But if you are more excited about adding smart functionality to any room in your house, this may fit the bill.
The Sonos Era 100 is an updated version of the classic Sonos One, with one big upgrade. The newer speaker delivers very solid stereo sound from a single speaker, so you don’t need to buy a pair of speakers.
For more discounts: Best Tech Deals
Grills
Labor Day was the last major chance of the year to find grills on sale, though you may still find sale prices for a couple of weeks after the holiday. Retailers are looking to make room in their warehouses as the outdoor cooking season draws to a close. And with a few months left until it’s too cold to barbecue that often (at least in some parts of the country), you might as well make the most of the fall grilling season. So whether you want a new charcoal, gas, pellet, or kamado grill, keep an eye out for sales this month.
Grill 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 or tailgating to larger grills designed to feed an extended family. We produce ratings of more than 150 grills to suit both 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 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 grill, gas grill, or pellet grill.
The three-burner Napoleon Freestyle 365 F365DPGT delivers strong all-around performance. This small gas grill earns top-level scores for indirect cooking as well as sturdiness. Its temperature range and quick ability to preheat are impressive as well. 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. Napoleon, as a brand, received ace ratings for reliability and owner satisfaction for its gas grills in CR’s latest member surveys. Overall, it’s slightly sturdier than the Weber and quicker to heat, but you sacrifice some evenness across the cooking surface.
The Coleman Roadtrip is a favorite among campers and tailgaters, and different iterations (including the 285 model here) tend to do quite well in our tests. What’s nice about this configuration is that it includes legs with built-in wheels—many portable grills are built to be used on a tabletop. This is among the lowest prices we’ve ever seen on this model, though it typically retails for closer to $325, so you’re really saving about $30.
The Monument Grills 77352 is back down to the same low price we saw at the beginning of the summer, after jumping up about $40 for most of the season. It is not only a good large grill for the money but also one of the highest-scoring gas grills in our ratings. It earns top marks across our performance tests for heating evenness, temperature range, and preheating, as well as a solid rating for indirect cooking. It comes with an electronic ignition, stainless steel grates, and four casters to make it easier to move around. And while the grill itself has a typical one-year warranty, it includes an eight-year warranty on the six burners.
For more discounts: Best Deals on Grills
Laptops and Computers
Laptops and computers always tend to go on sale in August and September for the back-to-school season. This can be a great time to get a new device without paying full price, even if you’re not heading to the classroom. There is a lot to consider when buying a new laptop or desktop, from the processor power to the amount of onboard memory to screen size and more. If you’re in the market for a desktop, you can choose between all-in-one machines or those that require you to purchase a monitor and keyboard separately. When it comes to laptops, the size and weight may make all the difference, or battery life might be paramount. It all depends on what you need out of your machine.
Start your search with CR’s buying guide and recommended models to find a few options that fit your needs and budget.
The Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i may be a good choice for college students on the go. It lasted longer than most other laptops of its size in web browsing battery tests, at almost 20 hours. The screen shows a wide range of colors that appear accurate in display tests. Performance speeds are quick for complex productivity work, and are able to handle most demanding tasks.
Samsung’s Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 has dropped $50 since last week. This is a premium 2-in-1 laptop that flips between tablet and clamshell modes with ease. It features a gorgeous OLED touchscreen, a thin-and-light build, and long battery life.
The 16-inch Gram Pro, which often retails for $2,400, was recently selling for $2,100 but just dropped $200. LG’s Gram line of notebooks has consistently scored among the top laptops in our labs since it debuted nearly a decade ago. This model offers very fast performance and a 17-plus-hour battery life. Of course, given that it’s called the Gram, you’d be correct in assuming it’s quite lightweight as well.
For more discounts: Best Back-to-School Laptop Deals
Air Purifiers
As the weather changes from summer to fall, seasonal allergies can hit hard. An air purifier may be a smart investment if you’re sensitive to that shift, because they typically go on sale around this month. They’re great if you or someone in your household has asthma or is allergic to airborne allergens like dust or pet dander.
In addition to looking at the purchase price of a room air purifier, you’ll want to factor in its operating costs. You could spend $150 to $200 per year on filter replacements and electricity.
To reduce those costs, seek out energy-efficient models (look for Energy Star certification) and washable filters. Choosing a large unit and running it at a lower speed will keep the noise down. Use a higher speed to clean a large room quickly.
To understand more about what to look for and how much to pay, see our air purifier buying guide and ratings.
The Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max Air Purifier features an indicator light to alert you when you need to change or clean the filter. It also has a dirt sensor and four speeds. On its higher setting, it’s terrific at removing dust, pollen, and smoke, but expect a bit of noise. It’s easy to use and is designed for use in a large space of 350 to 650 square feet. CR members find Blueair air purifiers to be highly reliable, and they’re very satisfied with their purchases.
If you don’t mind some noise, this portable air purifier from GermGuardian may be a solid option. CR’s testers found that it’s really good at removing dust, pollen, and smoke particles from the air when running at high speed. But the unit is pricey to maintain because the replacement filters are relatively expensive. The model features a convenient carrying handle, easy-to-use controls, and a programmable timer.
The energy-efficient Airmega 300 was under $300 at Amazon during Prime Day, so this isn’t the best price you can get, but it’s still a significant savings if you need something now. This model narrowly missed the cutoff for a CR recommendation. It’s impressive at removing dust, smoke, and pollen from the air when run at its highest speed, but it’s not very effective at low speed. The model does have its benefits, though. It can handle a large room. It’s not too noisy, even at higher speeds. The controls are a cinch to operate, and the unit, as a whole, is easy to carry and clean. An indicator light tells you when it’s time to change the main filter—a task that’s also simple to do. And, finally, Coway owners are highly satisfied and consider the brand very reliable, according to our survey data.
For more discounts: Best Home Deals
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners often go on sale in September because they’re no longer in demand as summer winds down. Get one for less this month to beat the last of the summer heat or just be ready for next year.
You can choose a window unit or a portable AC, and some models may have features such as WiFi connectivity and a companion app. CR has tested and rated 50 models, so be sure to see our buying guide and recommendations to find the best fit for your home.
The controls of the GE Profile AHTT06BC aren’t as intuitive as those of competitors, but there’s no disputing that the model is very easy on the ears. On the highest setting, it’s the quietest unit in our ratings. In fact, it’s the only model to earn our top rating for noise on both high and low settings. It’s also the only model that runs quietly but doesn’t have an inverter compressor, which allows the unit to turn itself down rather than off once the room temperature is achieved.
The 12,000-Btu Midea MAW12HV1CWT delivers strong all-around performance, with fast, accurate cooling and a heat mode for year-round comfort. In our tests, it reached the set temperature quickly and maintained it without much fluctuation, earning top marks for comfort.
It’s fairly quiet on the low setting, though things get noticeably louder on high. Even so, the model handled our brownout test without issue, continuing to operate smoothly under heat and voltage stress. The controls are simple and well laid out, making it easy to get up and running right out of the box.
For more discounts: Best Air Care Deals
Refrigerators
If you need to replace your refrigerator, you might be able to find a good price. Thanks to Labor Day sales on appliances, the first week or so of the month is traditionally the best time to shop for a new fridge.
There are so many types and styles to choose from, whether you want a French-door fridge or a more traditional top-freezer model. You’ll also want to consider the style and features of the ideal refrigerator. Do you want a water dispenser? Is freezer capacity important? Are you short on space? Take a look at CR’s buying guide to get a better sense of which type of fridge is most ideal for you.
Since last week, the price for this fridge has dropped $150 to a new low at Best Buy, beating the best price we’ve seen this year by $50. Equipped with an external water/ice dispenser, touchpad controls, and gallon-sized storage bins on the doors, the low-priced 33-inch Whirlpool WRS321SDHZ hits our thermostat control test out of the park. This side-by-side fridge also earns a solid rating for temperature uniformity, midlevel ratings for noise output and ease of use, and a substandard rating for energy efficiency. In our member surveys, Whirlpool’s side-by-side models earned a passable rating for predicted reliability and a rock-bottom rating for owner satisfaction.
The price for this model has dropped $130 since last week, making it the best price I’ve seen all year and beating its July Fourth price by $50. At just 24 inches wide, the Whirlpool WRT112CZJZ is one of the smallest top-freezers available, yet it delivers strong performance all around. This refrigerator garners stellar ratings for temperature uniformity and noise output, making it one of the quietest top-freezers we’ve tested, and it receives a strong rating for energy efficiency. But it gets our lowest rating for ease of use. In surveys of our members, Whirlpool top-freezers got a top-notch rating for predicted reliability but a poor rating for owner satisfaction, a common combination with top-freezer brands.
For more discounts: Best Labor Day Large Appliance Deals
Washers and Dryers
Labor Day weekend is typically an excellent time to find a great deal on a new washer and dryer, and those prices often extend into early September. In general, washing machines and dryers are designed and sold as sets, which means that when one goes on sale, the other typically does as well. But you can also mix and match to get exactly what you want. And they tend to have the same, or very similar, prices. But not all pairs are created equal; in some cases, you may want to avoid buying a matching set.
Washers range in price from $500 to $2,500, and there are many types to choose from. You’ll see multitasking machines that allow you to wash two loads at once, all-in-one front-loaders that go straight into dryer mode, pod-dispensing front-loaders, built-in pretreat features, washers with a steam option, and more.
When it comes to choosing the best dryer, you want one that will get your clothing dry efficiently and safely. Dryers that perform well but don’t hold up over time aren’t winners. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most and least reliable brands.
The LG WM3400CW is already quite inexpensive even when it’s not discounted, but Lowe’s recently dropped the price by over $100. Especially given the quality of its performance, it’s a smart buy as well as an environmentally friendly choice. You still get exceptional washing performance along with water and energy efficiency. But this model isn’t particularly gentle on fabric, so you might want to try the delicate cycle for your best threads. This washer’s claimed capacity is 4.5 cubic feet, and its cycle time is 105 minutes.
The top-rated LG DLE3400W is just $40 more than its best price. We expect it to perform similarly to the CR-tested LG DLEX3700W (now discontinued). The tested model delivers solid performance across the board, nabbing an ace rating for noise and ratings near the top in our drying and convenience tests. This stackable Energy Star certified machine, with a claimed capacity of 7.4 cubic feet, is equipped with a moisture sensor, an extended tumble, custom programs, and an end-of-cycle signal—offering all those features at a fairly low price.
Ranges
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your appliances for a kitchen renovation or suddenly find yourself in need of a new oven, September is an excellent time to be on the lookout for sales. There are often decent sales on ranges this month, again thanks to Labor Day promotions. If you’re replacing your existing range, you may want to stick with a similar make and model because it will mean less hassle. Switching from electric to gas or vice versa requires more prep work and a more intensive installation and removal process. However, if you want to make the switch or even upgrade to an induction cooktop or range, this is a great time to find a new model at a discounted price.
To learn more about the different kinds of ranges, read CR’s buying guide, which will help you determine which options will work in your kitchen.
The LG LREL6321S single oven is an exceptionally strong performer at a great price, especially because it’s fallen $50 compared with last week. It heats fast and simmers steadily on top of the stove, earning an excellent performance rating in our cooktop high and low tests. It also bakes and broils evenly. There’s no convection mode, but you’ll find a warming element, along with two high-powered burners on the cooktop. LG earned high reliability ratings for its electric ovens based on our member surveys.
The GE JGBS86SPSS is the least expensive model of the double-oven gas ranges recommended by CR, and the sale price has dropped $100 for Labor Day sales. But it doesn’t skimp on features. It’s equipped with continuous cast-iron grates, two high-power burners, and convection and air-frying modes. The ovens perform solidly in our baking and broiling tests, and the cooktop simmers very steadily, but its boiling speed is on the slower side of all the gas ranges we’ve tested. Based on our CR member surveys, GE gas ranges are top notch for reliability and so-so for owner satisfaction.
Dishwashers
A dishwasher can make quick work of cleaning, but only if it cleans and dries well. As in June and July, September tends to be a good time to find deals. 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, and 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.
The budget-friendly LG LDFC2423V is now $50 less than its July Fourth price. It got dinged in our member surveys for its middling reliability and satisfaction scores, but it has a lot going for it, starting with its stellar washing performance. It’s also considerably less expensive than the Bosch models that dominate this category. This model is also fairly quiet when running and has some of the design perks that make life a lot easier, like a soil sensor, an adjustable upper rack, adjustable tines, and a time-remaining display. That said, its drying performance is just okay.
The Whirlpool WDTA50SAKZ dishwasher is already one of the best options under $1,000, and it’s back down to the best price we’ve seen all year. It’s a strong performer, with a third rack and an upscale look for the price, including integrated controls. Whirlpool also earned a very good rating for predicted reliability and a midlevel score for owner satisfaction based on data from our reader surveys. It’s similar to lower-end models from KitchenAid, which is also owned by Whirlpool.
Freezers
Stand-alone freezers tend to dip in price a few times a year, including September. If you’re in the market to add a freezer to your home, you can choose between a chest freezer or an upright freezer, depending on your space and needs. After that, you’ll want to think about size, capacity, and energy use, because there are a variety of options to choose from. And while most stand-alone freezers tend to be big, empty boxes, some models now come equipped with smart storage features like adjustable drawers and tiered bins.
Take a look at our buying guide and ratings to find the best freezer for your needs.
Best Buy’s compact Insignia NS-CZ70WH0 is back down to its best price, making it a great low-cost option for adding freezer storage so that you can stock up. It’s a champ at keeping a set temperature, and its thermostat is spot-on. Your food will survive a typical power outage, and this small chest freezer runs quietly. Energy efficiency is near the top, but some larger chest freezers are even more efficient.
Another Best Buy exclusive, the midsized Insignia NS-CZ10WH6 gets high scores in most of our tests. It’s back to the same low price retailers offered on Memorial Day, following a $50 increase for July Fourth. It’s an energy-efficient freezer with an accurate thermostat that does a great job of remaining at a constant temperature. And your food will be safe during a power outage; this model aced that test, too. On the downside, it lacks tiered bins, compartment dividers, and an interior light, leading to a failing score for ease of use.
The self-defrosting GE FUF14DLRWW offers top performance at a good value, even if the price is $50 higher than it was for July Fourth. This small upright freezer aces both the thermostat control and temperature uniformity tests, and it’s very good (though not the best) at keeping food frozen during a power outage. It earns a middling score for noise. It’s impressive in energy efficiency and has a bonus quick-freeze feature, which is a welcome addition at this price.
Wall Ovens
If you’re considering upgrading to a wall oven, which offers lots of flexibility that you won’t find in a range, the model you want may be available at a significant discount this month. Because most wall ovens are electric, they can be installed on just about any wall in your kitchen and at any height, so you won’t have to bend over when pulling out hot, heavy dishes.
If you spend a lot of time cooking, you may want to look into getting a double oven. Or perhaps you’re in the market for one with a convection mode to reduce cook times or variable broil to cook with even more precision. All of those options are out there, making it paramount to research before you buy. Purchasing any major appliance, especially an oven, is a big decision, and we recommend reading our buying guide and exploring our ratings and recommendations before you choose a model. Doing the research is essential to ensuring you’re satisfied with your new wall oven.
The stainless steel LG WSEP4727F receives excellent ratings from our baking and broiling tests. It also has adequate capacity and self-cleans well. The model comes with a temperature probe, as well as convection and air-fry modes. You can control the oven from the glass touch panel or from your smartphone. In our member surveys, LG electric wall ovens received solid scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
We haven’t tested the Café CTD70DP2NS1 yet, but we expect it to perform as well as the previously tested Café CTD70DM2NS5. The top-performer earns stellar marks for baking and broiling. It has two large oven cavities and effective self-clean cycles in each. It comes with many features, including convection and air-fry modes, along with touch controls, a built-in temperature probe, and WiFi connectivity. It’s the model to get if you need two ovens and want top-of-the-line performance with all the key features.
Cooktops
If you’re remodeling, a new cooktop can be perfect for your kitchen island, especially if you plan to install an in-wall oven. Cooktops tend to drop in price around Labor Day and into mid-September at least, making this month a great time to buy.
You’ll find gas, electric, and induction cooktops ranging from 21 to 48 inches. Many have five or six burners, but that doesn’t mean you’ll have room to use them all at once. In general, most 30-inch cooktops have four or five burners, and most 36-inch cooktops have five or six.
Learn more about the advantages of each cooktop in our buying guide to determine which is the best fit for your home before you start shopping around. Then start your search with CR’s recommended models, which passed our rigorous tests with flying colors.
The 36-inch LG Studio CBIS3618B induction cooktop offers stellar performance in both high-heat and low-heat cooking. It comes with touch controls and can be WiFi-enabled to connect with a smartphone. The flexible cooking zone on the left allows you to combine the two elements to accommodate cookware of different sizes or shapes. We don’t have enough survey data yet to rate the brand’s induction cooktops for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction.
• Total cooking elements: 5
• High-power elements: 4
This cooktop might cost as much as some ranges, but you get a lot for your money. And with the $100 off coupon at Amazon, you’re getting a steal of a deal. For starters, the Samsung NA30N7755TG packs five burners into 30 inches (most 30-inch cooktops have only four)—and one is a monster 22,000-Btu power burner that heats water quickly, earning a top rating on our cooktop high-heat test. The model comes with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, so you can check from bed or work to make sure you turned off the burners. It’ll also sync with a compatible Samsung range hood to turn on the exhaust automatically when you activate a burner. Samsung gas cooktops receive above-average ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR’s member surveys.
The LG Studio CBGS3628S is a solid five-burner cooktop with two high-powered burners that quickly heat water. On low heat, it also earns a stellar rating for its ability to gently heat and maintain a steady, slow simmer. This stainless steel cooktop has continuous cooking grates and metal control knobs that are backlit. LG gas cooktops receive better-than-average ratings for reliability in CR’s member surveys but get only middling owner satisfaction ratings.
Leaf Blowers
Leaf blowers are a great time-saver in the fall if you have trees on or near your property. They will make quick work of corralling fallen leaves, grass clippings, weeds, and other debris all year long. So you may want to invest in one this month while you can score a good deal.
Consumer Reports has put more than 50 models, including gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded electric, through rigorous tests to help you find the one that suits your needs. CR’s buying guide will help you learn more so that you can shop with confidence.
The Ego LB7654 delivers all-star performance across the board, adept at loosening and sweeping, all in an easy-to-handle package despite weighing 9.9 pounds. In addition, this electric blower comes with a generous five-year warranty. As a brand, Ego battery handheld leaf blowers are very reliable and earn a top mark for owner satisfaction in our latest member surveys.
The Skil BL4713C-11 does a great job sweeping leaves, including stragglers that get embedded in grass. This model should suffice for quicker, smaller jobs.
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 with 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.
Lawn Mowers and Tractors
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 unruly turf, and you may be able to find a good deal on a new machine in early fall.
Prices for lawn mowers range from a hundred bucks to several thousand, but they all often see discounts at the end of the summer season. 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 mowers. In addition to that, consider factors like size, power, and upkeep. See CR’s lawn mower and tractor buying guide to learn more about your options and find a suitable mower for your home.
Ego LM2167SP
This battery-powered, self-propelled Ego LM2167SP delivers. Plus, the two batteries (it uses both at the same time) run for an impressive 70 minutes. This price is one of the lowest we’ve seen for this mower. This model is part of Ego’s POWER+ 56-volt battery platform, so the battery will still be available should you need a replacement or a new charger.
Chainsaws
Need to tackle some tree work? Look for sales on chainsaws in September. 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 fireplace.
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. See CR’s chainsaw buying guide and ratings to learn more about the various models.
For many, the Senix CSX6-M is the logical choice if you want a midsized battery saw and don’t need to buy into a whole platform of battery tools. We say that because Senix doesn’t have the same robust platform of battery tools that you’ll find from bigger brands like Ego, Greenworks, and Ryobi. That said, it’s about $100 less than the similar Ego CS1804. It packs plenty of power and gets top marks for cutting speed, safety, and handling. At 14.7 pounds, it’s a tad heavier than some other saws of its size. We don’t yet have enough data to rate Senix battery chainsaws for predicted reliability or owner satisfaction, but this model does come with a five-year warranty.
Blood Pressure Monitors
High blood pressure, also called 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 monitor your blood pressure more closely, you can get an at-home monitor. Consumer Reports has tested 28 models, comparing their readouts with those of a mercury sphygmomanometer (the device that’s considered the gold standard of blood pressure testing) and testing ease of use, comfort, and convenience.
Most models usually cost between $40 and $100. You can choose an upper-arm or a wrist monitor, both of which can have a number of different features. But 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.
Paints and Wood Stains
If you’re finally tackling that painting or staining project you’ve been talking about for ages, both wood stains and interior and exterior paints tend to dip in price this month. 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 several wood stains and paints for 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.
Replacement Windows
September is a good time to invest in replacement windows. This home improvement project can help insulate your home better before the temperatures start to fall. Plus, CR has been tracking window prices for years, and our data shows that prices tend to dip this month.
Upgrading your windows isn’t going to be a cheap undertaking, so you may as well take advantage of any opportunity to save on materials. Opting for just replacement windows, as long as your sills and frames are in good condition, is a good start. But if you have to replace everything, the cost will go up. Getting Energy Star certified windows offers another potential way to save on your energy bills. And there may even be local or state rebates or incentives you can take advantage of as well.
But before you buy new windows, you’ll want to do your research. Consult CR’s buying guide, which covers everything from choosing the right windows and materials to finding the right installer. CR has rated 14 different double-hung replacement windows for wind and rain resistance.
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