What the H&G Editors are shopping for Amazon Prime Day – and why

The very best Prime Day deals that the H&G team is eyeing for themselves

Amazon prime editors picks
(Image credit: Future)

We're in the midst of Amazon Prime Early Access, and in between scouting out the best Prime Day home deals, the H&G team hand-picked the items they can't live without, as well as products that top their own wishlists. The good news is everything is on sale and part of the massive shopping event. 

From items that'll streamline meal prep to cozy pieces to cuddle up with once the cold weather formally arrives, and of course, tons of holiday gift inspiration, our curated editor's picks showcase items that have our discerning stamp of approval.

Try them for yourselves, or gift them to your loved ones. The best time to snag these products is when they're on sale, which won't last long! The Prime Day Early Access Sale ends Oct. 12th. 

Amazon Prime Day Editor's Picks

Sarah Spiteri
Sarah Spiteri
Calphalon Espresso Machine with Tamper, Milk Frothing Pitcher, and Steam Wand| was $499.99, now $244.99 at Amazon (save $255)

Calphalon Espresso Machine with Tamper, Milk Frothing Pitcher, and Steam Wand| was $499.99, now $244.99 at Amazon (save $255)
I am a true coffee fanatic and this machine has all the functionality to make a barista-worthy cup. I love the color and compact design. At over half off, what an amazing deal for the Early Access Sale.

Lucy Searle
Lucy Searle
KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry | was $219.99, now $189.99 at Amazon (save $40)

KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven with Air Fry | was $219.99, now $189.99 at Amazon (save $40)

This Prime Day I'm going to buy not one but two KitchenAid Digital Countertop Ovens with Air Fry - one for home and one for my daughter, who is a student at university. Why? My friend has just bought herself one and is raving about how it's not only so quick to heat up and much more efficient to run than the family's oven but produces fantastic results, too. Our Ecommerce Editor Jaclyn also tested and wrote a glowing review of the KitchenAid Digital Countertop Oven, awarding it a Homes & Gardens Gold badge, plus it's the top buy in our best toaster oven guide. And the price is great. I'm sold!

Jennifer Ebert
Jennifer Ebert
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker| was $99.99, now $49.99 at Amazon (save $50)

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker| was $99.99, now $49.99 at Amazon (save $50)
If you're after a slimline coffee maker that is not only sleek and streamlined but is also functional and efficient, then the Keurig K-Mini coffee maker will be your lifeline. There's no denying the convenience that comes with a single-cup coffee maker, and this Keurig kitchen appliance is one of the best out there. Whether you are after a quick caffeine fix in the morning or an after-dinner pick-me-up, you'll only wish you owned one sooner.

Jaclyn Turner photo
Jaclyn Turner
Aura Carver Frame | Was $179, now $139 at Amazon

Aura Carver Frame | Was $179, now $139 at Amazon

This week marks my parent's 30th wedding anniversary, and perhaps their favorite thing besides time with me remains looking at photos of all of us together. Rather than letting them keep every surface covered in photo frames, we can streamline them with a smart photo frame, and easily add more photos via an easy-to-use app along the way. The 10.1" size makes a nice visual impact and knowing that it can handle unlimited photo storage is a nice touch for a family with 30 years of photos to archive and display. 

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven| was $169.99, now $139.95 at Amazon (save $30)

Instant Vortex Plus 6-Quart Air Fryer Oven| was $169.99, now $139.95 at Amazon (save $30)
I've tried quite a few of the best air fryers, and well, the Instant Vortex Plus has earned its way to a permanent position on my crowded countertop. The see-through cooking window is a feature usually found on toaster oven designs, but its so nice to be able to watch my food cook in action, while the LCD displays are easy to use and clearly display my food's cooking progress. The most under-utilized part, however? The Odor Erase technology neutralizes cooking odors so the memory of my air-fried salmon dinner is just that, a memory, with no unwanted lingering, smells after the meal. 

Rachel Crow
Rachel Crow
Simple&Opulence 100% Linen Duvet Cover Set| was $189, now $129 at Amazon (save $60)

Simple&Opulence 100% Linen Duvet Cover Set| was $189, now $129 at Amazon (save $60)
I cannot resist a linen duvet set as the comfort factor cannot be denied. Not only is the material wonderfully breathable, soft, and cool, but I love the natural, slightly rumpled look of a linen set. I have never been one to iron bed sheets – who does? – but of course, the beauty of linen is that it is designed to have that stylishly unkempt look. The sweet coconut buttons on this set suit my rustic and calming neutral bedroom scheme, and the four corner ties are a great idea to ensure the comforter doesn't start shifting around inside the cover. A linen set only gets better with age, too, so it's always the go-to choice for my bedding.

Megan Slack Head Shot
Megan Slack
Shark HD112BRN Hair Blow Dryer HyperAIR| was $247.99, now $169.99 at Amazon (save $78)

Shark HD112BRN Hair Blow Dryer HyperAIR| was $247.99, now $169.99 at Amazon (save $78)
This hairdryer is at the top of my wish list for one reason in particular: its speed efficiency. I’ll be wrapping it up for a friend who blames her wet hair for her lateness every time we meet, so this gift can benefit her and me, naturally. I also love the fact it has intelligent heat control measures because if you’re anything like my friend, heat damage prevention is key. After all, there is no better gift than a good hair day every day.

Pippa Blenkinsop
Pippa Blenkinsop
Cuisinart Stand Mixer| was $249.95, now $205 at Amazon (save $44)

Cuisinart Stand Mixer| was $249.95, now $205 at Amazon (save $44)
The Cuisinart SM-50BL 5.5 Quart Stand Mixer, Manual is what will be going at the top of my Christmas list this year. I have a small kitchen with limited storage and counter space, so one having one appliance that can perform a great range of functions would be the perfect kitchen companion. Not only does it come with a chef’s whisk, but a dough hook, flat mixing paddle, and splash guard with also a pour spout. There’s the option to have a Pasta extruder, pasta roller and cutters, ice cream maker, meat grinder, and spiralizer! There's a vast array of colors to choose from and the retro design would look beautiful in any kitchen whether modern or contemporary.

Zara Stacey, content editor, homesandgardens.com
Zara Stacey
Levoit Air Purifier| was $89.99, now $62.99 at Amazon (save $27)

Levoit Air Purifier| was $89.99, now $62.99 at Amazon (save $27)
As someone who lives in a very dusty flat - this Levoit Air Purifier is essential for helping to keep the dust at bay! A simple, small design that can be plugged in virtually anywhere in the home, the purifier has a premium filtration system and can quietly run through the day and the night. I use mine to help with dust, but the design can also be used to help with pollen, pet dander, and more - great for making the air in your home feel more fresh and clean.

Holly Reaney
Holly Reaney
Coredy R750 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mopping System| was $319.99, now $189.99 at Amazon (save $130)

Coredy R750 Robot Vacuum Cleaner and Mopping System| was $319.99, now $189.99 at Amazon (save $130)
Anything that reduces the need for housework is always a good thing in my book and this Coredy robotic vacuum is a dream. Not only does the HEPA filter and 2200pa suction mean that it’s great for cleaning the floors (carpet, stone, tiles, wood flooring – you name it), but it is also slim enough to vacuum underneath my furniture, without me needing to move the sofa or sideboard. My favorite feature, however, is the Alexa/Google voice control which means that I can vacuum or even mop my home without actually lifting a finger. Once the hoovering is done, a simple switch of the cartridge in the back from bin to water tank takes the Coredy from vacuum to mop – giving me even more free time to do the things I love.

Andrea Childs
Andrea Childs
Sunbeam Royal Ultra Admiral Blue Heated Blanket| was $54.99, now $38.49 at Amazon (save $16)

Sunbeam Royal Ultra Admiral Blue Heated Blanket| was $54.99, now $38.49 at Amazon (save $16)
We're a family that can never have too many throws and blankets to snuggle under, but this heated option from Sunbeam is going to raise the stakes (and the temperature) when the weather gets colder. With 12 heat settings, it's easy to find the perfect temperature – and there's an auto shut-off function so you won't have to worry about it overheating, or using up too much energy. I like the Ivy green color as it's a soft and subtle addition to any room scheme, but the rich Cabernet shade comes a close second.

Chiana Dickson Author Image
Chiana Dickson
FINWAY Electric Vacuum Sealer Machine & Reusable Vacuum Zipper Bags for Cooking and Food Storage| was $29.99, now $16.78 at Amazon (save $13)

FINWAY Electric Vacuum Sealer Machine & Reusable Vacuum Zipper Bags for Cooking and Food Storage| was $29.99, now $16.78 at Amazon (save $13)
After becoming tired of throwing out food I didn't get around to using I knew I needed some form of a permanent storage solution to save me money and cook more sustainably while also avoiding adding to my single-use plastic usage. Although that ruled out the traditional food vacuum sealers, this smaller, hand-held sealer with reusable bags will be the perfect fit for my small kitchen. This will certainly be one of the most sustainable appliance additions to my kitchen so far.

Jaclyn Turner
Ecommerce Editor

Jaclyn is H&G's eCommerce editor and oversees all things shopping. She's also a bonafide sleep expert, and previously managed all sleep content on Homes & Gardens and Real Homes– in fact, she has passed our five-step certification process to become a verified customer advisor on mattresses. She regularly scouts out the best of the best for buying guides to help you fill your home with only the best. She joined the team in January 2021. She has previously worked with Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, The Spruce, The Spruce Eats, and MyDomaine.  When Jaclyn's not working, she loves browsing real estate listings, unwinding with a chilled glass of Rosé, and entertaining her Cavapoo, Reese.