8 Products on Deep Discount in February
The shortest month brings big savings on mattresses, tech gadgets, winter gear, and more
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Despite being the shortest month of the year, February has some great opportunities to score big savings on purchases big and small. Presidents Day typically means major sales on big-ticket items like mattresses and large appliances, and retailers often offer promotions on plenty of other household items as well. We also see a lot of TV sales for the Super Bowl (many of which are still available through the rest of the month). And prices for seasonal winter items, such as snow blowers and space heaters, tend to drop as spring draws near.
But that’s not all that may be available at an impressive discount this time of year. Samsung unveiled its new smartphone lineup earlier this month, which often leads to price drops on its older models as well as trade-in offers. This year’s announcement took place on Feb. 9, and there are already deals available for the new Galaxy S23, S23+, and S23 Ultra 5G phones.
Here’s what you can find on deep discount in February, according to Consumer Reports’ analysts, who track prices all year.
Viewing on a mobile device? Click on the links below to skip to each section.
• Mattresses
• Tablets
• Printers
• Dishwashers
• Space Heaters
• Smartphones
• Snow Blowers
• Cameras
Mattresses
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 the deepest discounts from major brands. If you miss your chance to shop for a deal this month, there may be sporadic deals in the coming months. But the next major mattress sale event doesn’t come around until Memorial Day.
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.
The Essentia Stratami serves petite- and average-sized back sleepers best, earning a top-tier rating in terms of support. (Large/tall back sleepers and side sleepers of all sizes will experience decent support, too, given its nearly impressive scores in those categories.) It’s only 8 inches thick and has a firmness-scale score of 6 out of 10, similar to that of the all-foam Casper. The Essentia is the only mattress from our top-four innerspring and foam lists to receive a top rating in both owner satisfaction and reliability, according to data from our CR members survey.
Why it’s a good deal: This is one of the most expensive mattresses in CR’s ratings, so the extended Presidents Day sale presents a worthwhile opportunity. The 20 percent discount will automatically apply at checkout.
Avocado makes some top-notch mattresses, and this sale is a great chance to save on one. (The Green usually goes for $1,999, and the Green Pillowtop is priced at $2,499.) Both Avocado mattresses support a wide range of side- and back-sleeper body types. On our firmness scale, the Avocado Green is very firm and the Green Pillowtop is medium-firm. Right now, you can save 10 percent on a mattress by using the code SAVE10 at checkout.
Why it’s a good deal: This is the standard discount we’ve seen for the Green mattress, but the Pillowtop version is about $50 less than it has been in the past month. What’s more, CR members may be able to save a little more through an exclusive offer for members only.
The My Green Mattress Natural Escape innerspring model topped with latex foam earns near-perfect ratings for back and spine support, no matter the sleeper’s size or favored sleep position. But like most innersprings in CR’s ranking for the best mattresses for hot sleepers, this mattress-in-a-box receives just an average rating for stability, which means sleepers may feel vibration from a partner’s tossing and turning. On a firmness scale of 1 to 10, this mattress lands right in the middle, with a 5. While the brand received an above-average score for comfort in CR member surveys, its owner satisfaction rating was just average.
Using the code SAVE15 takes 15 percent off your entire order, including the Natural Escape.
Why it’s a good deal: This trumps the $100 off deal we saw earlier this month by $130, so now is a great time to buy.
For more discounts: Best Presidents Day Sales on Mattresses Still Available
Tablets
Tablet sales tend to be prominent this month, as Samsung reveals its latest models, leading retailers to discount older versions. 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.
The Galaxy Tab S8 is a great option for people who want an Android tablet with a little extra performance —just keep in mind that’s probably not necessary for simple tasks such as reading email, watching movies, and surfing the web. This is an impressive price for a high-performance tablet like the Galaxy S8. The Galaxy Tab S7 is also on sale if you need a fast device, but want something a little cheaper.
Why it’s a good deal: This is the first time we’ve seen this model on sale in weeks, and $100 off the list price is no small sum.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite is our top recommendation for the average person who wants a budget-friendly Android tablet. The screen looks good, and the machine will handle just about any task unless you’re playing a graphics-heavy game or doing something like editing video. The tablet also gets solid battery life.
Why it’s a good deal: This deal on the 64-gigabyte model is just $10 more than the recent sale price. It sold for closer to $270 during the holidays, but we haven’t seen the price fall below $300 since then, making this a great option now.
A smaller size and lighter weight make this Apple iPad Mini easier to hold for extended periods than its larger brethren. The model has a bright, sharp display with a large viewing angle, meaning you don’t need to hold it dead center in front of your face to see it clearly. The A15 Bionic chip is blazing fast, so web browsing and watching movies seem smooth and stutter-free. The battery life is impressive, too. Other features include a USB-C port and upgraded cameras.
Why it’s a good deal: If this is the tablet for you, this is a typical discount for Apple. But this tablet was recently just below the $400 mark, so you may want to wait for the next big holiday to score a better deal.
For more discounts: Best Deals on Chromebooks, Laptops, and Tablets
Printers
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 than ever working from home, demand has been high since the pandemic began, 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 you print in color frequently enough to justify buying an inkjet printer, consider a model that will save you money in the long run, especially when it’s on sale. The Epson ET-2800 tank printer uses only about $5 worth of ink a year, according to our estimates, instead of the $70 or more you might have to pay for a cartridge model. Those ongoing savings make the Epson’s purchase price far more palatable and give it a two-year cost of ownership that’s at the top of its class.
The ET-2800’s overall performance isn’t strong enough to earn a CR Recommended designation. But the text quality and speed are decent and should be fine for home use. The model doesn’t excel at printing photos, charts, or graphics; it does those jobs about as well as any ink-stingy inkjet. (For truly professional-quality graphics, you’ll need to spring for a more expensive color laser printer like the Brother MFC-L3770CDW.)
Why it’s a good deal: The price for this printer has dropped $30 since last week, matching the low we saw for Black Friday.
If you want a compact inkjet that can print in color and do so inexpensively, consider the Epson EcoTank ET-3830. It has a reservoir you can refill with low-cost bottled ink instead of expensive ink cartridges. We estimate that ink costs can be as little as $5 a year compared with $70 or more for a traditional cartridge-based inkjet. The Epson isn’t cheap, but the ink savings can more than make up for that in the long run, especially if the printer gets heavy use.
Why it’s a good deal: This is a hefty discount, making this slightly pricier model easier on your wallet.
For more discounts: Best Electronics Deals Right Now
Dishwashers
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.
And for those in the market to replace any appliance, keep in mind that the entire process is still being affected by the pandemic. This means there might not be quite as many opportunities to save on a new dishwasher this month, and if you do buy one, you can expect extended shipping times. Start your search by reviewing CR’s buying guide to determine the best dishwasher for your home.
The GE GDT226SSLSS dishwasher receives top-notch ratings in our washing and energy use tests. A cycle time of 125 minutes makes it the fastest among the top dishwashers under $1,000. But this moderately priced dishwasher doesn’t come with too many features. Its filter requires manual cleaning, and it lacks adjustable tines. And in our member surveys, GE dishwashers received only a poor rating for owner satisfaction.
Why it’s a good deal: You’re saving about 25 percent compared to the typical price.
Frigidaire earned a middle-of-the-road rating in brand reliability and a low rating for owner satisfaction. But according to our performance tests, this Frigidaire dishwasher delivers solid results for cleaning, drying, and energy efficiency. That ranks it among the better Frigidaire models we’ve had in our labs. It’s also widely available from most major retailers, and the price stays consistently low. Like most dishwashers at this price, it’s pretty noisy.
Why it’s a good deal: This is one of the best dishwashers under $500, especially with the added discount.
This Whirlpool is a strong performer, with a third rack and an upscale look for the price, including integrated controls. Whirlpool also earned a strong rating for predicted reliability and a middling score for owner satisfaction, based on data from our reader survey. It’s similar to lower-end models from the KitchenAid brand, which is also owned by Whirlpool.
Why it’s a good deal: This is already one of the best options under $1,000, and the price recently dipped about $50 at both Home Depot and Abt Electronics.
For more discounts: Best Deals on Home and Kitchen Products
Space Heaters
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.
With a name like Heat Storm, you expect a lot, and both the Heat Storm Mojave and the Sahara (not currently on sale) hit our spot-heating test out of the park. The Mojave also earns above-average ratings for room heating, hot surface, noise, and ease of use. It weighs 9.5 pounds and comes with a fan and a remote control.
Why it’s a good deal: Amazon is the only major retailer selling this model for under $100.
The Lasko T22840 might not be as slim or distinctive as some of Lasko’s other models CR has tried, but when it comes to heating a room quickly it holds its own, earning an excellent rating on that test. Our engineers found this model to be a cinch to use, and at only 5 pounds, it’s fairly light and easy to move from room to room. Its score for spot-heating is only so-so, and it’s a bit noisy, too. We found the potential for this heater to ignite nearby flammable materials to be low, although the surface gets hot enough to cause a burn if you touch it.
Why it’s a good deal: This is only $5 less than the next best price (available at Home Depot), but a near-$50 price for a good space heater is a budget-friendly way to boost the heat in your home.
You can tuck the unobtrusive Honeywell Thermawave 6 HCE870W away from the main traffic patterns in your room and be assured that it’ll keep you cozy. It’s top-notch at heating a room, earning a top-tier rating, but only so-so at spot-heating. It gets a middling rating on our hot-surface test but passes our fire safety (and noise) tests with flying colors. It features a tip-over safety switch.
Why it’s a good deal: This may be a small discount, but it’s also a great machine that works well to keep a room warm without hiking up your gas bill, so any savings is worth considering. The last time it hit a price lower than this was back in October, so we don’t anticipate the price dropping much more before the weather warms back up.
Smartphones
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.
Snow Blowers
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.
Cameras
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.
