Smart Appliances

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The Revolution Has Begun

Manufacturers have recently gotten serious about smart appliances—ranges, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, clothes dryers, and other devices—with built-in features which include:

  • Schedulers to pre-set (or change) the time and day of operation
  • Built-in touch-panels to monitor and control operation, or even to watch a built-in TV
  • Remote monitoring and controlling via Smartphone or Tablet
  • Processors to support automation and advanced safety options.

Some stand-alone appliances are labeled “smart” by manufacturers. But to be really useful, appliances must be able to communicate with smart home integration systems, so they can be remotely coordinated by the homeowner with other household needs—and with changing requirements.

The Smart Appliance market sector is still young, and lags behind other smart home sectors. But it has begun to expand. From the home automation perspective, further developments in smart appliances should focus on the following:

Safety

Appliances that generate heat—stoves and ranges, cooktops, toasters, dryers, etc.—can pose safety threats to children, forgetful elders, and even distracted adults. Smart features that minimize pollution inside the home—and the risk of burns and fires from these appliances—are needed, and will benefit everyone.

Lower Energy Cost

Scheduling energy-hungry appliances to run when electrical rates are lower (typically overnight) can save real money in locations where electrical rates are lower during the low-demand hours. See Power Management.

Convenience

Scheduling start and stop times for cooking and other household chores (and revising them remotely when needed) can be very useful for people who work outside of the home, and whose time of return can vary. For those who want a small TV in the kitchen, the refrigerator door may be the most convenient place.

Adaptive Needs

Smart appliances can especially benefit elders Aging-in-Place, and family members with special needs. Using the power of a System Processor, home integration specialists can devise innovative adaptations to meet these needs.

Especially useful are devices that can record and alert family members and/or concerned neighbors regarding the time and frequency of use for ranges, cooktops, toaster ovens, and other appliances involved in the preparation of meals. See Aging-in-Place, Special Needs.

Connectivity

Remote access and control of smart appliances supports the above benefits, and facilitates the creative combination of home integration features to meet important needs.