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CNET Senior Editor Tyler Lacoma recommends four smart home devices for Amazon’s October Prime Day sales. His picks include the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Nanoleaf Smart String Lights, and Zafro Smart Tower Fan, all of which he has personally tested and uses in his home. Lacoma advises waiting for peak discounts but emphasizes checking specific model deals.
CNET Senior Editor Tyler Lacoma has identified four smart home devices he personally uses and recommends for Amazon’s October Prime Day discounts. The selections, which include a Google Nest thermostat, Nanoleaf lights, and a Zafro fan, were chosen based on long-term testing regarding energy savings, daily utility, and privacy features. Lacoma notes that while many deals are available now, the deepest discounts may appear during the main Prime Day window.
Lacoma’s top recommendation is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), which he describes as a cost-saving upgrade that pays for itself through energy efficiency. He highlights its eco and vacation modes, app-based scheduling, and algorithms that adjust heating and cooling based on household activity. According to Lacoma, his own unit recovered its cost within a few years through reduced utility bills, a claim supported by the device’s ability to optimize HVAC usage automatically.
For lighting and comfort, Lacoma suggests the Nanoleaf Smart String Lights and the Zafro Smart Tower Fan. The Nanoleaf lights offer customizable colors and dynamic effects via an app, making them suitable for various holidays and year-round use. The Zafro fan, which Lacoma calls one of the best he has tested, features voice and app controls, a 43-foot airflow reach, and specialized modes like a smart sleep setting that minimizes disturbance for light sleepers.
Lacoma also mentions the Tapo smart plug pack as a valuable addition, noting that Tapo is one of the few brands offering energy monitoring. This feature allows users to track power consumption of connected devices, such as space heaters or fans, aiding in further energy management. He emphasizes that these devices pass his strict criteria for real-world results and privacy protection.
Value of Editor-Tested Recommendations
Lacoma’s recommendations carry weight because they are based on years of professional testing rather than theoretical specifications. For consumers, this means the suggested devices have been vetted for long-term reliability and actual energy savings, not just initial feature sets. This distinction is critical during sales events like Prime Day, where marketing hype often obscures whether a device delivers on its promises.
Additionally, the focus on privacy and security addresses a growing consumer concern. Lacoma explicitly states he evaluates devices for features that protect user privacy, a factor often overlooked in standard product reviews. This adds a layer of trust for buyers wary of data collection by smart home manufacturers.
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Prime Day Timing and Deal Strategy
Amazon’s October Prime Day is a major retail event featuring discounts across various categories, including smart home technology. While many deals are active in the lead-up, Lacoma advises that the best prices are likely to hit during the official Prime Day window. He suggests keeping a bookmark list of desired models to monitor price fluctuations closely.
Smart home devices have become popular gifts and home upgrades, but the market is saturated with options of varying quality. Lacoma’s approach—testing devices for daily utility and financial return—helps cut through the noise. His experience in Bend, Oregon, provides a rigorous testing environment with extreme weather variations, ensuring devices perform well under different conditions.
“If I had my way, everyone would get a smart thermostat for Christmas. These devices are a major improvement over old heating and cooling controls.”
— Tyler Lacoma, CNET Senior Editor
Specific Discount Amounts Unconfirmed
While Lacoma recommends specific models, the exact discount percentages for each device are not fixed and may vary. He notes that prices are subject to change, particularly as the official Prime Day dates approach. It is also unclear if all four recommended items will remain in stock throughout the event, given the high demand for popular smart home gadgets.
Lacoma does not provide a guaranteed price match or specific coupon codes, leaving the final cost dependent on Amazon’s dynamic pricing algorithms. Consumers should verify current prices and availability directly on the retailer’s platform before making a purchase decision.
Monitoring Prices During Prime Day
Shoppers are advised to track prices for the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Nanoleaf Smart String Lights, Zafro Smart Tower Fan, and Tapo smart plugs in the coming days. Lacoma recommends keeping his list bookmarked to quickly compare prices as the event progresses. If the devices are not discounted significantly during the initial preview period, waiting for the main Prime Day window may yield better results.
For those interested in further smart home integration, Lacoma suggests exploring compatible devices from brands like Blink and Nest, which he has also tested. He plans to continue tracking discounts on security cameras and other home tech, providing updates as new deals emerge.
Key Questions
Did Tyler Lacoma personally use the recommended devices?
Yes, Lacoma states that he uses all four recommended devices in his own home and has tested them for years to evaluate their performance, energy savings, and privacy features.
Is the Google Nest Thermostat guaranteed to save money?
Lacoma claims his personal unit paid for itself through energy savings within a few years. While he notes many smart thermostats offer similar returns, actual savings depend on individual usage patterns and local energy costs.
Should I buy these devices now or wait for Prime Day?
Lacoma advises waiting for the official Prime Day dates, as he believes the deepest discounts will appear then. He recommends bookmarking the models to monitor price changes.
What makes the Zafro fan different from other smart fans?
According to Lacoma’s testing, the Zafro fan offers superior airflow with a 43-foot reach and detailed app controls. He specifically praises its smart sleep mode for minimizing noise for light sleepers.
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