The Top Smart Home Appliances of 2021
As more people rely on technology to accomplish daily tasks, many of us are searching for what gadgets and appliances can make our lives even easier. Most of us have already heard of Alexa and may have even cracked a few jokes about how others use it.
However, most of us are at a loss for words on describing what Alexa and other similar devices alike actually do. It’s like being a car owner and being expected to explain the cost to insurance smart cars as if you’re an expert.
Thankfully, it doesn’t take much money or device knowledge to live the high life nowadays, or at least, to make your home feel like you are. When the thought of fancy home appliances comes up, most homeowners’ minds will go straight to the dollar signs, but making your home high-tech isn’t as complicated or expensive as you might think.
Devices that Make Your Daily Schedule Easier
Everyone has those little tasks that are necessary but irritating for daily life. Thankfully, technology and smart devices are available to make life a bit easier from voice-activated speakers to WIFI-enabled front door locks.
Amazon Echo 2nd Generation Speaker
Sometimes you just gotta dance as if your neighbor isn’t watching. Sliding across your floor might be risky business, but the privacy settings here aren’t. A great feature of the Amazon Echo is that you can use it as much or as little as you want.
This smart device has the option to turn off and on the device’s microphone, so you don’t have to worry about being recorded all the time.
Ecobee 4
If you’re constantly burdened by having to get up to adjust your thermostat, this could be the answer. With the same programming as Alexa, you can pair this thermostat with practically any smart device.
The Ecobee 4 is a great addition to any home because the thermostat’s adaptability helps save you money by automatically knowing when to run and when to turn itself off. Save more and enjoy more is the missed tagline of this product.
Philips Hue Starter Kit
Of all the things to order from Amazon, this should be near the top of your list. During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, people have been spending more time at home and have been using much more light than usual.
Bad lighting is more important than just getting the perfect #stayathome photo; it can also contribute to your household’s overall health and happiness. The Philips Hue starter kit is a voice-controlled lighting system that is easy to install and set up with your smartphone.
August Smart Lock Pro
Smart locks really are the protection tool of the future. The convenience of being able to unlock your door from your phone just seems like a natural progression in the current age of technology. This seemingly small gadget provides a world of convenient comfort.
No longer do you need to worry about getting locked out of your house since you can just open your door from your phone. You also don’t have to worry if you secured your home before leaving on vacation; just check the app!
Devices that Lighten the Kitchen Load
A lot of time is spent in our kitchens making food and drinks for ourselves and for company. There are a few smart appliances that are directly useful for the little chores we have to do while in the kitchen.
Kuvings NS-950 Silent Upright Masticating Juicer
If you’ve been trying harder to live a healthier lifestyle, you’ve probably gotten endless opinions on the best juice brands and recipes that your friend swears they personally crafted. If you’ve bought Arden’s Garden or any other healthy juicing brand, you’ll quickly realize the cost adds up.
Having a juicer at home is the most cost-efficient way to get fresh juice that is typically healthier than store-bought brands, too.
Ember Ceramic Mug
Nothing makes you feel the comfort of your kitchen like a nice warm cup of coffee or a late afternoon hot tea. The Ember Ceramic Mug is a chic, 10oz mug that comes with its own self-charging coaster for all-day use.
You can set the temperature of the mug anywhere between 120-145 degrees Fahrenheit for the perfect sip every time no matter what the beverage. This is a great device for moms who find themselves having to constantly re-microwave their cups of coffee.
InSinkErator Evolution Excel 1.0 HP Household Garbage Disposer
Though it’s fun to have specific devices that can make you homemade ice creams, paninis, or even soda, we only have so much counter and cabinet space. More often than not, the joy that comes from one-purpose devices ends up being short-lived.
A great appliance to have in your kitchen that is continuously useful can help you save money, and could even help your home’s resale value one day is a quality garbage disposal. Calling a plumber often can be extremely expensive, and paying one time for good disposal and its installation could save you thousands of dollars in years to come.
Devices to Help Your Bathroom Feel Luxurious
The bathroom is not a room that many people enjoy thinking about spending a lot of time in. However, it’s a fact of life that the bathroom is a frequently occupied place in our homes. There are certain smart appliances and devices that can help make these bathroom trips more pleasant.
Amba RWH-CB Radiant Hardwired Curved Towel Warmer
With all of the HGTV reality shows giving us a look into celebrity life, the one thing I’m most envious of is their bathrooms. What life would be if we all could afford luxurious bathtubs and heated floors!
The Amba towel warmer is just one home addition that can help you achieve that luxury feel. Though this item doesn’t have voice command and is mainly a one-use function, you’ll feel smarter and fancier for getting it.
Waterpebble
Luxury items are amazing, but nothing beats the simple luxuries provided by nature. Waterpebble is a device you place in your shower to monitor your water usage and helps you become more water waste-conscious.
The device lights up when you get in and changes colors to let you know when the water usage is getting to a high. This is a perfect way to make sure you enjoy your showers without hurting the environment.
Savvy Smart Mirror
Last on this list but first on my personal wish list is the smart mirror by Savvy. The bathroom is where we spend a lot of time from general maintenance to the things we do for a little extra care. Some people even use the bathroom for relaxing, but bringing your phone or laptop into the bathroom is usually the beginning of a technology horror story.
The Savvy Smart Mirror is a motion-activated, voice-controlled mirror that you can pair with your smartphone to use while enjoying your private time. From speakers to apps and even T.V. capability, this mirror has it all.
Live the Smart Life
Your home should be your sanctuary, and smart home appliances and gadgets help make enjoying being home all the easier. Not having to worry about the simple household things gives us more time to enjoy the homes we’ve created and those that fill them.
From finding more comfort to devices that can help us become more environmentally conscious, technology should always be used to make our lives better. After all, your happiness is always a smart investment.
Sara Routhier is a finance expert with the insurance comparison site, CarInsurance101.com. She enjoys telling her readers about the latest money-saving tech available that helps keep their families safe.