Which Kohl's Gadgets Are Actually Worth Buying? A Breakdown of Their Best Sellers
Kohl's range of electronics and kitchen gadgets skews toward practical, affordable options rather than premium brands. The lineup includes air purifiers, wireless speakers, earbuds, and small kitchen appliances—most priced between £15 and £400. Value varies significantly: some items like the WBM air purifier genuinely outperform their price point, whilst others are passable but forgettable. Here's what's worth adding to your basket.
Why Kohl's?
Kohl's is a US-based department store founded in 1962, now operating over 1,100 locations. They're known for stocking mid-market household goods, clothing, and electronics—brands that prioritise function over prestige. Kohl's doesn't manufacture most items; instead, they curate a mix of established brands like Black+Decker, iLive, and niche specialists like Zulay Kitchen. Their strength is selection at accessible prices, not exclusive or luxury goods. Returns are hassle-free (30 days), which matters when buying unfamiliar brands.
Top Picks
WBM Smart HEPA Air Purifier — £84.99
Best for bedrooms and small-to-medium living spaces. The WBM Smart HEPA Air Purifier covers up to 1,440 sq ft, making it practical for rooms up to roughly 38 × 38 feet. HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger—that includes dust, pollen, and pet dander. Smart connectivity allows app control and scheduling. At under £85, it undercuts comparable standalone HEPA units by £50–100.
Zulay Kitchen Executive Series Ultra Premium Gift Milk Frother — £30.99
Best for coffee lovers who want café-quality foam at home. The Zulay milk frother is cordless, heats and froths simultaneously, and works with dairy and plant-based milks. It's a single-use appliance, but at under £31 it's half the price of commercial-grade models. The verdict: excellent value if you make lattes or cappuccinos weekly.
iLive Dome+ Truly Wireless Earbuds — £19.99
Best for budget commuters unconcerned with sound quality. The iLive Dome+ earbuds cost £19.99 and offer basic wireless functionality with charging case. Expect passable audio and sporadic connectivity issues—they're functional, not refined. Reserve for gym use or casual listening, not critical music consumption.
Black+Decker Portable Air Purifier — £397.24
Best for large rooms requiring serious particulate removal. At £397.24, this is Kohl's premium air purifier, roughly double the WBM model's price. The trade-off: larger coverage area and likely stronger motor, but specs aren't detailed on the site. Only consider if you need whole-home purification; the WBM covers most homes.
iLive Magnetic + Portable Wireless Speaker — £57.99
Best for portable outdoor use on a budget. The iLive speaker at £57.99 offers wireless connectivity and magnetic mounting (clips to metal surfaces, bikes, fences). Sound quality is tinny, but portability justifies the price for casual garden or camping use.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Standout Feature | |---------|-------|----------|------------------| | WBM Smart HEPA Air Purifier | £84.99 | Small–medium rooms | Covers 1,440 sq ft; app control | | Zulay Kitchen Milk Frother | £30.99 | Coffee enthusiasts | Heats and froths in one step | | iLive Dome+ Earbuds | £19.99 | Gym/casual use | Lowest price; basic wireless | | Black+Decker Air Purifier | £397.24 | Large spaces | Premium option; likely larger coverage | | iLive Wireless Speaker | £57.99 | Outdoor use | Magnetic mounting; portable |
What to Look For
- Filtration standard: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. If air quality matters, don't settle for basic carbon filters. The WBM uses genuine HEPA; check product pages for confirmation.
- Coverage area in square feet: Air purifiers and some speakers list max room size (e.g., 1,440 sq ft). Measure your room before buying—undersized units waste money and perform poorly.
- Wireless connectivity type: Bluetooth earbuds and speakers vary by codec. iLive uses basic Bluetooth; if you own newer devices, check for aptX or AAC support for better audio quality.
- Heating function on kitchen gadgets: Milk frothers, kettles, and blenders that combine heating save counter space and time. The Zulay frother's built-in heater justifies its price over manual alternatives.
The Bottom Line
The WBM Smart HEPA Air Purifier at £84.99 is Kohl's standout buy—it delivers genuine value for allergy sufferers and anyone needing quiet, effective air cleaning. The Zulay milk frother at £30.99 is a close second for daily-use kitchen gadgets. Skip the iLive earbuds unless you need disposable gym earphones; the speaker works for outdoor use, but mid-range Bluetooth speakers from other brands often sound better. The Black+Decker purifier is premium-priced and worth it only if your home exceeds 1,500 sq ft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kohl's good value for money on electronics?
Kohl's offers decent value on practical appliances like the WBM air purifier and Zulay frother, where you're paying for function, not brand prestige. Wireless speakers and earbuds are cheaper elsewhere; audio quality rarely justifies iLive's price. Check Amazon or Best Buy before committing—you'll often find superior alternatives at the same price.
Do Kohl's air purifiers actually remove allergens?
Yes, if they use HEPA filtration—the WBM model does. HEPA filters are certified to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, including dust, pollen, pet dander, and mould spores. The Black+Decker likely does as well, but Kohl's product pages lack detailed specs. Verify the filter type before buying.
How long does a Zulay milk frother last?
Zulay frothers typically last 2–3 years with daily use; the cordless motor eventually weakens. At £30.99, you're not locked into a decade-long investment. Compare that to espresso machines (£300+) and the frother becomes disposable—buy it, use it heavily, replace it guilt-free.
Can I return Kohl's electronics if they don't work?
Yes. Kohl's allows 30-day returns on electronics without restocking fees, which is generous compared to many retailers (15–14 days). Keep your receipt and original packaging. This policy makes low-risk buying possible for unfamiliar brands like WBM and Zulay.
