4th of July Sales Have Arrived. Only Some of Them Are Worth It. (2024)

Here’s the deal

Summertime specials
Appliance deals
REI 4th of July sale

Summertime specials

4th of July Sales Have Arrived. Only Some of Them Are Worth It. (1)

Traeger Pro 575 pellet smoker grill

Traeger Pro 575

Our top pellet smoker grill

Nothing says summer like grilling on a lazy afternoon, and the Traeger Pro 575 helps keep things easy. Of all the pellet smokers we tested, the Pro 575 was the best at holding low temperatures with the fewest spikes in heat, enabling us to cook tender, juicier brisket and pork. And it makes up for the high price by being a beginner’s best chance at successful barbecue.

Buying Options

$800 $600 from Home Depot

(limited colors)

$800 $600 from Amazon

You save $200 (25%)

$797 from Walmart

Other things to know: Produced the mildest smoky flavor of any pellet grill we tested. Price has risen over the past few years. We’ve seen it drop as low as $500 during Cyber Week, but the last time we posted a deal at that price was 2022. Home Depot offers free assembly in-store or delivery of the unit preassembled (a store associate will call you to schedule delivery). Although this deal has been available for a few weeks, it’s still very much grilling season. At Amazon, you can save $30 more on the black model when you clip the on-page coupon.

Traeger Pro Series 34 pellet smoker grill

Traeger Pro Series 34

A bigger smoker

It’s hard to argue against the sheer volume that the Traeger Pro 34 can offer. It has a second shelf that adds another 238 square inches (and an extra probe jack), so you can be sure that your next party or tailgating event never runs out of smoked snacks.

Buying Options

$700 $500 from Home Depot

You save $200 (29%)

$700 from Traeger Grills

Other things to know: Has the first-generation Pro Series control panel with a temperature dial and a simple LED display. Doesn’t come with a grill cover.

Traeger Pro Series 22 pellet smoker grill

Traeger Pro Series 22

A budget smoker option

If you’re trying to stay within a tighter budget, the first-gen Traeger Pro Series 22 is still a solid option. Although the temperature presets are more limited and can’t reach 500°F, you probably aren’t going to be smoking anything at that temperature. Overall, it’s an excellent budget or starter grill, especially if you don’t need bells and whistles such as Wi-Fi.

Buying Options

$500 $390 from Home Depot

You save $110 (22%)

$500 from Traeger Grills

Other things to know: Has only 10 preset temperature options, up to 450°F. No Wi-Fi connectivity (if that’s important to you). Available to ship or with store pickup from Home Depot depending on local availability.

State Bags Bensen Toiletry Kit

A versatile toiletry bag

No toiletry kit works for all travelers, but the State Bags Bensen was the most versatile in our testing. It opens flat like a book, offers organizational options such as a detachable pouch, and is flexible enough for you to stash large, wide items like a full-size shampoo bottle.

Buying Options

$75 $58 from State Bags

Use promo code WCSTATE, price includes shipping

Other things to know: The Bensen kit is usually the most expensive of our picks—this deal puts it in a more affordable price range. The detachable plastic pouch isn’t as waterproof as it appears. This deal comes within a few dollars of the lowest price we’ve seen. Deal ends July 1. Use code WCSTATE (deal price includes $9.50 shipping).

Tiki Fire Pit

An easy-to-clean patio fire pit

If you love hanging around a fire on a summer evening but aren’t a fan of the aggressive, industrial look of some fire pits, the Tiki Fire Pit is an excellent option. It has a gentler, classic patio aesthetic and an easy-to-clean ash-collection plate. And like all smokeless fire pits, it won’t radiate too much heat—even on a hot summer night.

Buying Options

$350 $295 from Amazon

You save $55 (16%)

$295 from Home Depot

Other things to know: Ashtray feels flimsy. Two-year limited warranty. Has increased in price over recent months.

West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Set (Set of 4)

West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Set

Simple and summery plastic dishes

Meant to be used outdoors, this melamine dinner plate set comes in a wonderful rainbow of pleasing, muted colors. They aced all of our internal tests, are generously sized, and are basically the perfect outdoor summer dish.

Buying Options

$42 $30 from West Elm

(set of 4)

Other things to know: Not available in prints or sold individually. Dishwasher-safe but only in the top rack. Not microwave-safe. Set of eight is also on sale for $60.

Grand Trunk Ultralight Portable Hammock

Grand Trunk Ultralight Starter Hammock

Our budget hammock pick

Hammock-season is in full swing, and this budget option is an excellent starter camping hammock if you’re looking to get into the swing of things. While it’s not as durable as a nylon hammock, this polyester model is super water resistant and is less than half the price of our top pick.

Buying Options

$30 $24 from Amazon

You save $6 (20%)

$30 from Dick's Sporting Goods

Other things to know: Only rated to hold up to 200 pounds. Street price has risen since we last posted. Deal available in blue.

Appliance deals

4th of July Sales Have Arrived. Only Some of Them Are Worth It. (9)

GE GNE27J French-door refrigerator

GE GNE27J

Our runner-up refrigerator pick

Although we love our top fridge from LG, GE’s refrigerators were a close second in our guide. The GNE27J particularly impressed us with its versatile ice and water dispensers, and we’ve seen far fewer complaints about reliability (even if it’s only perceived reliability).

Buying Options

$1500 $1200 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

$1,298 from Best Buy

Other things to know: Takes up more space than our top pick. Our research shows that GE has a better customer-service track record than LG. Basic parts and professional installation not included. Price reflects in cart.

LG LHTNS2403S refrigerator

LG LHTNS2403S

Our top garage refrigerator

Whether you need a second fridge to hold your extra-large grocery haul or just need a reliable workhorse on a budget, the LHTNS2403S is an excellent choice. Designed to function in a wide range of ambient temperatures, it’s efficient, it has loads of space, and it looks sleek enough for use indoors.

Buying Options

$800 $700 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

Other things to know: Home Depot exclusive, but similar versions are sold elsewhere. A bit taller than average at 69 inches; double-check the dimensions of the spot where you want to install the fridge. The doors do not have handles.

Read more: The Best Garage Refrigerators

Maytag MDB8959SKZ dishwasher

Maytag MDB8959SKZ

A great dishwasher with even better drying

The Maytag MDB8959SKZ cleans just as well as our top pick and offers even better drying. Though the racks aren’t adjustable, they offer more loading flexibility than those of other dishwashers we’ve tested. And Maytag dishwashers are manufactured by Whirlpool, a company known for its reliability and easily replaceable parts.

Buying Options

$825 $720 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

$770 from Best Buy

$769 from Lowe's

Other things to know: Heated-dry cycles run long. Racks lack stemware holders and are less user-friendly than those of our other picks. Available in stainless steel. Free delivery (delayed in some locations). Basic parts and installation services are extra. Deal price reflects in cart.

Bosch 800 Series HEI8056U slide-in electric range

Bosch 800 Series HEI8056U

Our upgrade slide-in electric range

With an upscale look and heavier-duty hardware, this European-style range will please home cooks and kitchen admirers alike. Although it’s considerably more expensive than some other slide-in ranges, it’s one of the finest-looking and most durable ranges you can get for the price.

Buying Options

$2400 $2005 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

$2,159 from Lowe's

Other things to know: Cooktop and oven specs are only modestly better given its usual high price. Fully overlaps counters when installed. Recurring deal price. Free delivery. Installation kit and any additional services not included in deal price. May be backordered in some locations.

Read more: The Best Slide-In Electric Ranges

GE 600 Series GRF600AVSS slide-in electric range

GE 600 Series GRF600AVSS

An upcoming pick

If you’re looking to replace your range soon and need something on a more modest budget, GE’s 600 Series of ranges is a great option. Our previous top pick has since been discontinued, so we’re in the process of evaluating these new stoves now. Early testing and research look good, and GE has a strong reputation for ovens, so this is a good chance to get your hands on an upcoming pick.

Buying Options

$925 $680 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

$700 from Best Buy

Other things to know: Although this model is not an actual pick yet, we still think it’s a good option since our current top pick is discontinued. Deal price is for the stainless steel finish. Basic parts and professional installation are available for additional fee and may vary by location. Price reflects in cart. Delivery is free from Home Depot.

Read more: The Best Electric Stoves and Ranges

GE Profile PB965 double-oven gas range

GE Profile PB965

The double-oven version of our upgrade gas range pick

Conquer your next big summer party or holiday dinner with the double-oven version of our upgrade pick for the best gas range. The GE PB965’s cooktop is nearly as powerful as that of our upgrade pick, and it offers Wi-Fi connectivity for preheating and monitoring your ovens. It has an upper single-rack oven and a larger, lower oven that can fit a 23-pound turkey.

Buying Options

$2100 $1600 from Home Depot

Price reflects in cart

$1,999 from Lowe's

$1,700 from Best Buy

Other things to know: No lower storage drawer. On sale in the stainless steel finish. Shipping is free. Basic parts and professional installation are available for additional fee and may vary by location. Price reflects in cart.

REI 4th of July sale

4th of July Sales Have Arrived. Only Some of Them Are Worth It. (16)

If you’re serious about the outdoors and considering investing in new gear for your next outdoor adventure, REI is offering a 4th of July deal on its lifetime membership. Add the membership to an order of at least $50, and you’ll get a $30 gift card for future use. Although we don’t think an REI membership is necessary for everyone, it’s a good opportunity to save big for serious outdoor enthusiasts and frequent REI shoppers.

The North Face Wawona 6 Tent (2023)

Our upgrade camping tent pick

Roughing it doesn’t have to be quite so rough. This large tent comes fully loaded with nearly vertical walls, high ceilings, and a mudroom-size vestibule. Even setting up camp is a breeze thanks to its sturdy, lightweight materials.

Buying Options

$500 $300 from REI

You save $200 (40%)

Other things to know: Expensive, but you get value for your money. The Wawona 6’s footprint, or protective groundsheet, is sold separately but also on sale. We recommend two people for setup, but one person can manage in about 15 minutes. Limited lifetime warranty. Available in bright orange and a less-loud gray/green. Down to the lowest price we’ve seen so far.

Thermacell E55 Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Another good spatial mosquito repellent

A spatial mosquito repellent is a great way to get mosquitos to buzz off. It’s as effective and easy to use as our current top pick, just with a slightly smaller battery. Testers loved the rechargeable lithium-ion battery, finding it much more convenient than butane-cartridge options.

Buying Options

$37 $30 from REI

With store pickup or free shipping for REI members

$37 $30 from Amazon

You save $7 (19%)

Other things to know: Notably shorter battery life than that of our top pick, but a tolerable trade-off at this sale price. Opt for store pickup or use REI membership to avoid shipping fees.

Read more: The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard

Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack

Osprey Farpoint 40

Our hiker’s pick for the best carry-on travel backpack

If you’re a big fan of hiking but want a backpack that can be just as useful as a carry-on bag, the Osprey Farpoint and Fairview are fantastic options. The Farpoint 40 is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to survive the trail and the TSA.

Buying Options

$185 $139 from Amazon

(limited colors)

$185 $139 from REI

You save $46 (25%)

$185 $139 from Backcountry

You save $46 (25%)

Osprey Fairview 40

Same backpack but for shorter torsos

With a slightly smaller capacity and lower shoulder straps, the Fairview 40 is a great carry-on backpack for people with smaller torsos. It’s just as durable and well made as the Farpoint 40, and the slight design difference doesn’t change the fact that it’s the easiest bag to carry of all our picks.

Buying Options

$185 $139 from REI

(limited colors)

$185 $139 from Amazon

(limited colors)

Other things to know: Backed by Osprey’s excellent lifetime warranty. Capacity is a little less spacious than it seems. This is the first deal we’ve posted on it in several years after some price hikes. Available in limited colors.

Read more: The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler

Another good hard cooler

If you’re a fan of the Yeti brand, it’s hard to go wrong with the Yeti Tundra 45. This model is much more widely available than our top pick (which is currently sold out), and it’s available for a lower price with this deal. It also performs just as well, keeping ice frozen for over a week.

Buying Options

$300 $240 from REI

REI membership required, price reflects in cart

$300 from Yeti

Other things to know: Five-year warranty, in contrast to the lifetime warranty of our top roto-molded pick. Comes with an interior rack to keep small items dry. REI membership required for this deal (price reflects in cart).

Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler

The best cooler with wheels

For serious campers, tailgaters, and cooler enthusiasts, the Yeti Tundra Haul is the best cooler with wheels we’ve ever used. The roto-molded body keeps the contents ice cold, and the thick-gauge welded aluminum handle and arm can handle the full weight of the fully loaded cooler for years (which is a surprisingly high bar to clear).

Buying Options

$425 $340 from REI

REI membership required, price reflects in cart (limited colors)

$425 from Amazon

$425 from Yeti

Other things to know: No internal divider; contents may shuffle a bit when it’s tipped at an angle. We expected better than the five-year warranty. Available in six colors. REI membership required to get this deal (price reflects in cart).

Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Soft Cooler

The best backpack cooler

If you’re determined to get a soft cooler, the Yeti Hopper M20 is a comfortable, tough, waterproof backpack cooler that lasts longer than any other soft cooler. It’s overengineered for strength and durability (as all Yeti gear is), but that’s also why it’s one of our favorites.

Buying Options

$325 $260 from REI

REI membership required, price reflects in cart (limited colors)

$325 from Amazon

$325 from Yeti

Other things to know: Primarily composed of TPU-laminated nylon, with bar-tack stitching on the shoulder straps for added strength. Magnetic roll-top lid is easy to open but difficult to keep open. REI membership required to get the deal price (discount reflects in cart).

Trek Starvos WaveCel Cycling Helmet

Our runner-up bike helmet pick

With the best crash-replacement policy we’ve seen on a helmet, the Trek Starvos WaveCel is one of our favorites. Best suited to drop-bar bike riders, this lightweight helmet offers good ventilation, good aerodynamics, and good safety ratings.

Buying Options

$105 $79 from REI

You save $26 (25%)

$105 from Trek

Other things to know: Since the vents are on the top of the helmet, it doesn’t breathe as well when you’re seated in a more-upright position. Pricier and less versatile than our top pick, and it didn’t score as well in Virginia Tech’s safety tests.

Read more: The Best Bike Helmet for Commuters

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20° sleeping bag

Big Agnes Sidewinder SL 20°

Our sleeping bag pick for side-sleepers

This is a great sleeping bag for side-sleepers and backpackers who like to shift positions while sleeping. It has an additional layer of synthetic fill, which compresses less than the down filling and helps prevent the sleeping bag from twisting.

Buying Options

$250 $150 from REI

(women's)

$250 $150 from REI

(men's)

Other things to know: Discount puts it $60 below the previous deal, for a new low price. Limited warranty on manufacturing and material defects, but no coverage for wear and tear. The women’s version has slightly smaller dimensions than the men’s.

REI Co-op Kindercone 25 kids sleeping bag

REI Co-op Kindercone 25

Our top kids sleeping bag pick

Our kid testers loved this sleeping bag the most—and our experts did, too. It has a recycled polyester shell and lining to insulate against the cold, and it’s coated with a durable water repellent. One bonus is the handy cinch feature, which lets you customize the sleeping area based on your child’s size.

Buying Options

$70 $50 from REI

With store pickup or REI membership

Other things to know: Bulky when packed, so it’s best suited to car-camping excursions and sleepovers. Stuff sack is permanently attached to the foot of the sleeping bag. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

REI Co-op Kindercamp 40 kids sleeping bag

REI Co-op Kindercamp 40

Our kids sleeping bag pick for sleepovers

This rugged rectangular sleeping bag features a polyester construction similar to that of our top pick. But it lies flat when unzipped, so it can double as a comforter at camp or at home.

Buying Options

$70 $49 from REI

With store pickup or free shipping for REI members

Other things to know: With a temperature rating of just 40°F, it isn’t as warm as our top pick. Roomier than a mummy-style sleeping bag. To avoid shipping fees, choose store pickup or use REI membership.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

Big Agnes Little Red kids sleeping bag

Big Agnes Little Red

Our upgrade sleeping bag pick for smaller kids

For adventurous kids planning on serious camping in colder weather, we recommend the Big Agnes Little Red and Wolverine sleeping bags. Compared with our other picks, they’re much warmer and rated to 20 ˚F, as well as being very light and packing down small.

Buying Options

$100 $60 from REI

With store pickup or free shipping for REI members

$85 from Amazon

Other things to know: Sleeping-pad pocket on back of the bag is great for warmth and comfort, but the sleeping pad is not included. Recommended for kids around 2 or 3 years old (for at least three years of use), best suited for kids under 4-foot-5.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

Big Agnes Wolverine kids sleeping bag

Big Agnes Wolverine

Our larger upgrade kids sleeping bag pick

If the Little Red is a bit small for your growing camper, the Big Agnes Wolverine is the next best step before a full adult sleeping bag. It’s best for kids up to about 4-foot-8, but we’ve fit kids a bit taller. And just like the Little Red, it’s light, warm, rated to 20˚F, and designed to pack down to fit in a kid’s backpack.

Buying Options

$120 $72 from REI

You save $48 (40%)

$96 from Amazon

Other things to know: No sleeping pad included, but the bag has a built-in sleeping pad pocket on the back. Recommended for kids who are older than kindergarten age.

Read more: The Best Kids Sleeping Bags

Editor’s note: The photo at the top of this article may reflect previous deals that are no longer valid and have been removed. Check out our Deals page for more great discounts on Wirecutter’s expert-approved picks.

This article was edited by Janie Campbell and Nathan Burrow.