The 29+ best US Black Friday home deals on bath towels, vacuum cleaners, toolsets and more

Products now come from a hundred different brands you’ve never heard of, accompanied by ‘reviews’ that might very well be written by the very same companies. Photograph: Courtesy of: Amazon; Home Depot

Black Friday used to be known for crazy crowds rushing into stores and fighting over the best deals. Now, that chaos has wriggled its way online. Products now come from a hundred different brands you’ve never heard of, accompanied by “reviews” that might very well be written by the very same companies.

Not to worry. More than a decade of experience as a professional product reviewer has given me a pretty well-honed nose on what’s a good deal for you and your family. Much of that time was spent in a lab, testing everything from washing machines to hair dryers. I have also covered retail shopping events such as Black Friday and Prime Day enough times to know how companies try to deceive you, and how to spot it.

For example, lots of companies jack up prices before Black Friday to make the discounts seem incredible. The Camelizer tracks the price of products for the whole time they’ve been on Amazon, so you can look at the price history of any product and be assured you’re actually getting a discount.

This article was updated on 28 November with the latest prices and availability. We added Cottonelle Ultra Clean toilet paper, the Black+Decker CHV1410L handheld vacuum cleaner, Novilla Queen Size Mattress, Philips Hue smart bulbs, and Cascade Platinum Plus dishwasher pods.

How I selected these Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals

To date, I’ve tested thousands of products and have written hundreds of reviews. I evaluate deals by using this past testing experience to decide if the product can or cannot provide good value based on its claims. But I don’t rely solely on my personal experience. I use price-tracking tools such as the Camelizer, trawl forums, and peruse user reviews. If the product passes muster, I envision who would benefit from purchasing it the most, because I’m not you. If the so-called “best value” doesn’t do the thing you want it to do, then it’s worthless.

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The very best Black Friday and Cyber Monday home deals

JUST ADDED: Philips Hue Smart 60W A19 LED Bulb 2 Pack

Now $23.99, originally $29.99 at Amazon

Whether you’re just deciding to tinker with smart lights or you’re already a Philips Hue fan, now is the perfect time to pick some up at a rare discounted price because they’re ordinarily kind of pricey. These bulbs are great at setting the exact ambiance you want and for conserving energy – not only on the energy bill, but also your own energy, because you can turn them on and off with your phone. I even use mine as a gentler alarm clock.

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JUST ADDED: Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper

Now $29.46, originally $34.79 at Amazon

As the great Taro Gomi once wrote, “everyone poops”. You know you’re going to use it, so you might as well save a few bucks to stock up on a premium brand. With more than 20,000 five-star reviews, you can’t go wrong getting this deal. This septic-safe toilet paper boasts Cottonelle’s CleaningRipples, which are designed to get more with a single swipe. Not only are you getting better cleaning, but Cottonelle also claims that each roll is 5.5 times thicker than the leading roll, helping ensure that you have a square to spare in the future.

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Bissell Little Green Max Pet Portable Carpet and Upholstery Deep Cleaner

Now $99.99, originally $149.99 at Amazon

Where others see chestnuts roasting on an open fire and friends enjoying mulled wine, I see stains. Soot stains on the carpet. Wine stains on the couch. If you’re anything like me, and I know you are, you’ll want to check out Bissell’s Little Green Max. It’s basically a device that can spit out soapy water and suction it back up again. There are multiple versions of the Little Green, but I like this one because it has a pet hair removal tool and a smart mixing feature, so you don’t need to spend time measuring out the detergent.

Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless Six-Tool Combo Kit

Now $199, originally $299 at Home Depot

Whether you’re looking to get into DIY carpentry or hoping to upgrade your home workshop, this six-tool kit from Ryobi is a great starting point. You get a circular saw for cutting down boards, a cordless drill and impact driver, a reciprocating saw for rough cuts, an oscillating multi-tool, a work light, a 1.5 Ah battery that can swap between all these tools, and a charger. The multi-tool can run $80 easily by itself, so this bundle is a huge cost saver.

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Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum

Now $399.99, originally $629.99 at Amazon

I got hands-on time with the V11 when it came out. Its main claim to fame is a boost mode that gives it suction power that is head-and-shoulders above the competition in this price range. It also has an auto mode that automatically adjusts to floor type, and a mini-brush that resists hair tangles – great for pet owners and households with long hair. I also love the LCD screen on the back, which displays the remaining battery life down to the second, and it will give you troubleshooting tips. Overall, V11 is an excellent cordless.

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Energizer Max AA Batteries

Now $15.87 for 36-pack, originally $21.87 at Home Depot

With a shelf-life of 10 years, it never hurts to stock up on Energizer batteries. A lot of flashlights, thermostats and smoke detectors run on AAs, and I’m willing to bet that at least one of your Christmas gifts runs on them, too. There’s nothing quite as disappointing as having to wait until the shops open up to try out that new shiny toy.

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Cozy Earth Waffle Bath Towels

Now $70.20 for two, originally $108 at Cozy Earth

With the right bath towel, you bring a little luxury from the spa into your home. I’ve tested a bunch of high-end bath towels and Cozy Earth makes some of the best waffle towels around. They are dual-textured, with a waffle weave on one side and a more traditional terry cloth feel on the other. Testing showed the Cozy Earth Waffle Towel is highly absorbent and it’s made from 60% cotton and 40% bamboo, allowing it to be more sustainable than pure cotton competitors.

The best cleaning deals

JUST ADDED: Black+Decker CHV1410L Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Now $42.99, originally $69.99 at Amazon

I have tested hundreds of handheld vacuums, and I think the Black+Decker CHV1410L provides one of the best values. It’s the perfect countertop handheld vacuum because it can sit upright in its charging base, so it’s always at hand to grab for spot cleanings without taking up too much space. You’re more likely to actually use a vacuum if it’s easier to get to. The battery can hold up to a 10-minute runtime on the highest setting, which gives you plenty of time to use the crevice tip to suction up crumbs or switch to the built-in dusting tool for finer debris.

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JUST ADDED: iRobot Roomba 105 Combo Robot Vacuum & Mop

Now $169, originally $319.99 at Amazon

Right now, the iRobot Roomba 105 Combo is at the lowest price on record, meaning its price-to-feature ratio is off the charts. If you’ve been on the fence about springing for a robot vacuum, check this one out. It vacuums, it mops, and its lidar-based mapping means you can tell it precisely where to clean, when to clean and how to clean, all in the accompanying app. And not only does the 105 boast iRobot’s famed dirt-suction system, but it also comes with a microfiber scrubbing pad to remove stuck-on grime from hard surfaces.

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Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop

Now $699.99, originally $1,299 at Amazon

This automated cleaner is pricey, but it comes with a ton of features. Not only can it mop and vacuum your floors, but with a series of secondary vacuums located in the charging base, it can self-empty its dust bin, wash its mop rollers and refill its water tank. The cleaning unit itself has a forward-facing camera that allows it to see and avoid common on-the-ground obstacles. And not to worry, the high-suction motor won’t let you down when it comes to capturing all the dust bunnies in your home, even lurking under furniture and in corners.

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Armor All Interior Car Cleaning Wipes Kit

Now $17.75, originally $23.05 at Amazon

For a lot of us, our car is our sanctuary away from home. You can help keep it pristine with an Armor All Cleaning Wipes Kit. It covers all the bases with leather, glass, disinfectant, and protectant wipes. Unlike more general cleaning wipes, Armor All formulates its wipes to lift debris and sanitize without damaging automotive-specific surfaces.

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The best appliance deals

JUST ADDED: Whirlpool WTW4107SW Top-load Washer With Removable Agitator

Now $498, originally $699 at Home Depot

Sometimes you want to do things the old-school way; other times you want to embrace change. The Whirlpool WTW4107SW gives you the best of both worlds. It has a removable agitator – that pole that sticks up in the middle of old-fashioned washers. An agitator is good for beating the living snot out of stains, but it can wear clothes out prematurely, and it takes up a lot of space. Using a more modern wash plate allows your laundry to circulate more freely, allowing for a gentler clean. If you’ve ever complained about washers these days not cleaning well enough, but also don’t want your delicates to fray, this Whirlpool is the perfect compromise.

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GE PHS700AYFS 30-in Smart Slide-In Induction and Convection Range

Now $998, originally $1,799 at Home Depot

Nothing beats the clean, modern look of a slide-in range. This deeply discounted GE PHS700AYFS brings much more than good looks to the table. It uses induction technology, so you’re getting the fastest and most even electric heating technology on the market. The modern features all carry into the oven, which has an air-fry feature. When you’re all done cooking, it even has a steam clean feature and a dishwasher-safe oven tray.

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GE PFQ97HSPVDS All-in-One Washer and Ventless Dryer

Now $1,998, originally $2,999 at Home Depot

Wouldn’t it be nice if the same machine that washed your clothes also dried them, so you could just set it and forget it? Washer-dryer combos have existed for years, but they’ve been plagued by very iffy performance, especially in the dryer department. GE’s PFQ97HSPVDS is a major step forward. When I spent hands-on time with this unit, I was impressed by the washer’s ability to remove stains, and the ventless heat-pump dryer’s ability to get moisture out – just beware that it is slower than conventional dryers. GE even uses an antimicrobial plastic called Microban to avoid the odor that front-load washers are sometimes known for.

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LG LF24Z6530S Counter Depth French Door Refrigerator

Now $1,999, originally $3,899 at Home Depot

A lot of homes have a cutout or designated space for appliances that offers almost no wiggle room. The LG LF25Z6530S is a counter-depth fridge that offers 23.7 cubic feet of storage, and as long as you have 4mm of clearance, those doors open wide. This fridge also offers a fingerprint-resistant finish, the ability to make fist-sized spherical ice (I’ve experienced these, and they have a wow factor), and a built-in air filtration system to cut down on odors.

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Whirlpool WRS315SDHZ Standard-Depth Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Now $899, originally $1,699 at Lowe’s

Side-by-side fridges combine clear interior views with a space-efficient design and affordable prices. This model has a fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior, which makes cleaning up after sticky fingers easier. An on-the-door water and ice dispenser also boasts an LED night light. The interior of the fridge comes with four glass shelves, two produce drawers, and four door bins. The freezer has three door bins, three wire shelves and one drawer. Its compact dimensions make the WRS315DHZ ideal for smaller kitchens.

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LG WKE100HWA Stacked Washer and Dryer Washtower

Now $1,698, originally $2,599 at Lowe’s

Lots of people want a stacked washer and dryer, but the problem is that when you stack a conventional dryer, its controls are now almost 7ft off the ground. The LG WKE100HWA Washtower has its controls between the pre-stacked washer and dryer. This washer-dryer set also helps take the guesswork out of doing laundry with its automatic detergent dispenser, which doles out the right amount of soap based on the load weight and cycle selected. And the dryer has sensors to make sure your clothes are dry but not parched.

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Bosch 800 Series Dishwasher

Now $1,344.10, originally $1,499 at Home Depot

This isn’t the biggest discount, but it is an extremely high-quality dishwasher that rarely comes down in price at all. The Bosch 800 Series solves a lot of the common pain points people have with their dishwasher. First, it’s rated to operate at 42dBA, which is quiet enough to have a conversation around. Open it up and you’ll find a highly adjustable interior, with foldable tines (even on the third rack) and a middle rack you can lift up and down to accommodate vases and tall pots. It also has CrystalDry, a Bosch-exclusive technology that utilizes a mineral called zeolite to dry dishes. I found it effective even on plastic containers, which tend to cling to water. And of course, it has superior cleaning, including an NSF-certified sanitizing ability.

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The best tool deals

JUST ADDED: Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 Wet/Dry Vacuum

Now $118.99, originally $166.65 at Amazon

A shop vacuum is a must for any home with a garage or basement. For instance, how would you deal with a puddle of standing water in your basement? Zap that puddle of nasty water up with a wet/dry vacuum. A shop vacuum isn’t just for suctioning up messes; you can also hook the hose up to the exhaust port to create a blower to blast away leaves or inflate air mattresses. The Craftsman CMXEVBE17595 is a good pick because you’re getting a powerful 6.5-horsepower motor at the same price you’d typically expect just 5 horsepower.

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DeWalt 20V Max Cordless Drill and Impact Driver, Power Tool Combo Kit

Now $129, originally $179.99 at Amazon

Remember when you were a kid, and your parent asked you to hold a flashlight while they drilled something, but you could never hold it right? DeWalt solved that problem with this cordless drill and impact driver kit, which has built-in LED lights on both tools. I also appreciate the fact that it comes with two batteries and a charger, which means you can have one in the drill while the other one charges. While this discount isn’t tremendous, DeWalt makes reliable tools that will survive the occasional drop off a ladder, and honors its warranty – both claims Filter editors can vouch for.

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Gerber Suspension NXT 15-in-1 Multi-Tool with Pocket Clip

Now $29.97, originally $42.97 at Home Depot

This is a great stocking stuffer for anyone in your life who is into camping, gadgets or just loves being prepared. It carries 15 unique tools, including scissors, needle-nose pliers, a cross-head screwdriver, and the all-important bottle opener. The slim 0.55in depth and 6.25in length, along with a belt clip, make it easy to slip into a pocket or backpack.

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The best home deals

JUST ADDED: Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods

Now $16.99 for 62-count, originally $24.99 at Amazon

When it comes to dishwasher pods and powders, Cascade is top-tier. These Platinum Plus pods contain enzymes that actively break down food stains, Dawn soap to cut through grease, and an aggregate to scrub stuck-on particles. Combine these three features, and you get a pod that will leave a streak-free clean and will even reduce the number of times you need to clean the dishwasher filter. Skip the hassle of having to constantly refill the detergent compartment while also saving 30%, and switch over to Cascade Platinum Plus Dishwasher Pods.

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JUST ADDED: Novilla Queen 12in Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Now $254.98, originally $299.99 at Amazon

Is it finally time to replace the sagging hand-me-me down mattress in your guest room? Or maybe you need an affordable mattress delivered to you right now? If you answered yes to either of these questions, then I think you should check out a Novilla mattress. These gel memory foam mattresses are designed to be firm and wick away heat, perfect if you’re a hot sleeper. The four-layer design gives you support to help alleviate pain from major pressure points. Given its entry-level price, this Novilla might be a great way to test if a mattress in a box jives with your lifestyle.

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JUST ADDED: Bedsure Gentlesoft Queen-Sized Cotton Blanket

Now $39.99, originally $59.99 at Amazon

You hear about fabric that’s warm in the winter and cool in the summer. How is that possible? The answer is pure cotton. When something is made from 100% cotton, it can retain heat, but also wicks away moisture to help create an effect known as evaporative cooling. That’s why the queen-sized cotton blanket from Bedsure looks so appealing. I think the lightweight weave would make it an excellent blanket for the couch or a supplementary blanket. A few user reviews caution that the blanket snags easily, but at 33% off, it’s worth taking the plunge if you’re always cold.

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Levoit Classic 300S 6L Humidifier

Now $60.79, originally $79.99 at Amazon

The Levoit Classic 300S is one of my favorite humidifiers for a number of reasons. First off, it fills from the top, so no more of that flip-the-tank-upside-down-at-the-sink business. Second, when I tested this model, a full tank allowed it run for about 16 hours at full bore. Third, you can dim the control panel so you can run it at night without it turning into a lighthouse in your bedroom. Finally, I like the fact that it’s a cool mister that can accommodate essential oils. Overall, the Levoit Classic 300S is a huge crowd pleaser.

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Winix 5510 Air Purifier

Now $128, originally $179.99 at Amazon

With remote work, staycations and, you know, the economy, we’re spending more time at home than ever. That means more and more of us are more aware of our at-home air quality. Winix has a cult following because its air purifiers cover all the major bases. For example, the 5510 has a carbon filter, so it can reduce odors and VOCs. Then it has a true Hepa filter, meaning it can handle 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns and some bacteria. Finally, the 5510 has Winix’s PlasmaWave technology, which is a fancy ionizer that can destroy some VOCs and remove very fine particulates. All this is protected by a two-year warranty.

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Dr Infrared Portable Space Heater

Now $108.99, originally $129.99 at Amazon

Dr Infrared sounds like a comic book villain, but it’s actually a space heater, which also kind of sounds like a comic book villain’s weapon. Anyways, the Dr Infrared space heater is a 1,500-watt unit that rolls around on caster wheels and uses infrared beams to warm you up. When I tested the Dr Infrared, I appreciated the fact the sides remain perfectly cool to the touch during operation, a great safety plus if you have small kids or pets.

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Shark NeverChange Air Purifier

Now $159, originally $249.99 at Home Depot

I mentioned the Shark NeverChange air purifier in a recent roundup of editors’ picks, and I’m glad to see it on sale. The NeverChange filter means you run this Shark in a room that’s 300 sq ft or less for less than 12 hours, and it will last for up to five years. It also has a plug-in odor neutralizer that can perfume a room with a Febreze-like scent. Finally, the compact design allows it to fit just about anywhere.

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Stock up deals

All Free Clear Original Liquid Laundry Detergent

Now $14.29, originally $21.99 at Amazon

If you’re tired of your laundry detergent making your clothes smell like a synthetic flower, or you’re just looking for a detergent that is less likely to irritate your child’s skin, you ought to check out All Free Clear liquid detergent. People who are already on that free-and-clear lifestyle will want to stock up, because it’s rare to see it at such a discount. This 82.5oz bottle is rated to do 110 regular-sized loads of laundry, so that comes out to about $0.13 a load. Your laundry is going to pile up whether you want it to or not; you might as well be ready for it.