There has been a general shift in home appliances to become “smart”. This is both a great upgrade and a major source of end user frustration.
First — Do you want or even really need a “smart” appliance. As with any device, as it becomes more powerful with more features, you have more opportunities for it to break, wear out, and increase cost. You should always review the new “smart” features and ask yourself if the benefits outweigh the risks. Typically, anything smart will need Wi-Fi access, periodic software updates, and a user (or close friend/family member) who can handle technical issues. As with anything connected to the internet, there are some security risks, so you need to ensure you have appropriate security in place.
Second — Make sure you review the new features. If you don’t want/need them, then don’t add complexity just because everyone else does.
Third — Keep an open mind. Most of the time, your first thought will be, “I don’t need that”. If you really sit down and think about how it would change what you do, and the time involved, that probably is not a true statement. As always, you should be looking at how much you benefit vs. the costs/risks involved.
Here are a few of the new smart refrigerators on the market that can give you an idea of some new smart fridge features available:
- Model: RF29DB9900QDAA, Samsung 4-Door Flex with AI Family Hub+ and AI. This includes a touch sensitive large screens with some significant organizational and AI features (calendar integration, music and video live-streaming, weather updates, digital photo frames, etc.….) The real smart upgrade is the camera and AI technology on the inside. This feature allows the fridge to track what is added and removed. That’s right, it can tell you when the milk is empty. On your way home from work, you can stop at the grocery store, open your phone, and access the fridge grocery suggestions. It also has an automatically refilling water pitcher. Link: https://a.co/d/gUh9Y4Y
- Model: CGE29DM5TS5, GE Cafe 4-Door French Smart Fridge. This model has a very simple, clean look from the outside, but all the tech is inside. As part of the GE smart appliances’ series that allows you to connect multiple GE devices together. Lots of customizable features, controls, and alerts available. Link: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cafe-28-7-cu-ft-4-Door-Smart-French-Door-Refrigerator-with-Ice-Maker-Platinum-Glass-ENERGY-STAR/5014668093?irclickid=SpCUDQ3qHxyPWW9zCt24swW6UksRxUzciyOFXo0&irgwc=1&cm_mmc=aff-_-c-_-prd-_-mdv-_-gdy-_-all-_-0-_-3006986-_-0
- Model: LRMVC2306D, LG Smart Wi-Fi Enabled InstaView™ Door-in-Door® Counter-Depth Refrigerator with Craft Ice™ Maker. This model has a very large screen with some really useful design features combined with Wi-Fi connectivity and significantly upgraded ice maker features. Link: https://a.co/d/6qFiGGr
If you are thinking about updating your home and especially areas like the kitchen. Please look at what is available, what you don’t like about your current setup, and what you want. Take that information to someone like me who can help you figure out how smart appliances can be helpful without becoming frustrating.