Are you looking for a nice gift for a homeowner but not sure where to start? Consumer Reports released its top tech gift picks for homeowners this season. Check out the list below and where to find each item at the best price!
GE CT9070SHSS wall oven
Though it is the most expensive of Consumer Reports’ top wall oven picks, this sleek French door style oven has impressive baking, broiling and self-cleaning capabilities, as well as a touchpad for setting cooking time and two dials for temperature and mode. The coolest part? You can control the oven from your smartphone!
Best price found online: $3,593.10, AJ Madison
Wemo 6 quart slow cooker
Crock-Pot introduced the WeMo-enabled Smart Slow Cooker this year, the first ever slow cooker you can control and monitor from your smartphone! In addition, this slow cooker has cool-touch handles, dishwasher-safe stoneware and a dishwasher-safe glass lid.
Best price found online: $155.99, Wafair
Oregon Scientific Wireless BBQ/Oven AW131 meat thermometer
No need to wait by the grill to find out when dinner is ready — this wireless thermometer audibly alerts you when the meat has reached the perfect temperature. Programmable entree programs include beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, and fish, and four doneness selections include rare, medium rare, medium, and well done.
Best price found online: $34.50, Jet.com
Honeywell Lyric TH8732WF5018 thermostat
Similar to the Nest thermostat, the Honeywell Lyric thermostat also is a modern spin on the old dial thermometers, and can also be controlled by any smartphone. The difference, which Honeywell claims can knock off $125 from your yearly bill, is that the Lyric possesses ‘geofencing’ technology that can recognize when you get within a certain distance from your home and will turn the temperature up or down.
Best price found online: $219, B&H
Roomba 880 robotic vacuum
For hands-free floor cleaning that’s sure to impress (and keep your cat occupied), the Roomba robotic vacuum cleans carpet surfaces, bare floors, and easy to miss edges. Though the Roomba was the top choice for Consumer Reports, a close runner up was the iClebo Arte YCR-M05 which you can find for about half the price.
Best price found online: $699.99, RobotShop
Read more: Best vacuum cleaners for your money
Dyson AM09 space heater
It carries a hefty price tag, but according to Consumer Reports, it was the top performer in space heaters and was good as a space heater for spot heating or for an average sized room. In addition to being remote controlled, you can also use this heater as a fan in the summer.
Best price found online: $349, Sylvane.com
Schlage Camelot touchscreen deadbolt BE469NX-CAM
This high-tech deadbolt can be used with a regular key, a touchscreen keypad, or operated remotely from your smartphone. Consumer Reports testers tried to defeat it by kicking in the door, picking the lock and drilling it, and was highly resistant to kick ins or lock picking. However, it was not as good at resisting drilling. The lock is highly customizable and features alerts that let you know if the lock has been tampered with.
Best price found online: $189.99, Jet.com
Whirlpool Duet WFL98HEBU & WEL98HEBU
This nifty washer and dryer combo has apps that let you track your laundry’s progress while you’re doing other things and even turn the machines on or off. The dryer is also among those with a duct-blockage and is on Consumer Report’s list of best washers and dryers.
Best price found online: $2,721 for pair, Goedekers.com
Generac Mobile Link
Even if you have a generator as a source of back up power, there is often no way to know if the machine is working or if it needs service. Generac Mobile Link solves this problem, by emailing or texting you or a service dealer if your generator needs servicing. Consumer Reports’ top generators that work with the Generac Mobile Link are the 7-kilowatt Generac 6237, and the 13-kW Generac 6241.
Best price found online: $279.99, Acmetools.com
Want more money-saving advice for your home? See our Homes & Real Estate section.
