How to Create a Smart Kitchen

Food prep and cooking can be one of the most time-consuming activities in the kitchen. Smart appliances cut that time in half by automating many tasks. Some smart ovens and ranges can suggest recipes and set the cooking time, including a warming period. Others have cameras that let you safely watch your souffle cook, or chat about an ingredient. Smaller kitchen appliances are just as advanced. From a flawless cup of espresso to a perfectly watered indoor herb garden, smart technology makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Smart refrigerators can do everything from streaming music to helping you look up a recipe. A refrigerator stores perishables and can be the cause of a lot of food waste. Unlike a regular fridge, smart models can maintain the best temperature for food, saving you money. Others can help with figuring out what to do with leftovers. Some smart refrigerators have built-in cameras and Wi-Fi so you can check the fridge while you shop.

Kitchen lights make it easier to prep food, find ingredients and enjoy a good meal. Unlike other parts of the home, kitchen lights are used almost constantly all day. It’s easy to reap the benefits of a smart upgrade with just a few small changes. Switch to smart light bulbs in pendants, task lights and other fixtures to save energy and reduce costs. Choose longer lasting LED bulbs to save energy and reduce the amount of time changing and replacing bulbs. Add programmed outlet switches and plugs to turn on and off lights on schedule.

Nothing makes using a sink or water in a kitchen easier than a touchless faucet. They’re like having a helpful extra pair of hands when cooking or cleaning up. Hands-free faucets have a sensor that turns water on or off. Clean your hands without getting dirt or stains everywhere. Voice-activated faucets work through your existing smart home hub. Some models let you tell your faucet everything from filling up a pitcher precisely to measuring out a single cup of hot water.

Motion sensor lights come on and off based on movement near them. You automatically have light where you need it, when you need it. You don’t have to constantly turn off lights that have been left on. Motion sensor lights are great as task lights under a cabinet. Used along the bottom of lower cabinet, they make dark kitchens safer to navigate at night. In pantries, a motion sensor light will let you quickly find ingredients and more. Motion sensor lights are a smart and easy way to save time, energy and work.

Manage a smart kitchen smarter with a central hub that seamlessly controls all your appliances, lighting and touchless fixtures. Automate nearly everything in your kitchen, from morning to night. Use your voice or touch screen to program the morning coffee, pull up a recipe, cook a roast and set mood lighting. Run the dishwasher, vacuum up and turn off the lights. All with barely lifting a finger. Most smart assistants are budget-friendly and fully programmable.

Smart appliances save energy and reduce time spent on cleaning chores. Manage washer or dryer loads from your phone. Some models even text you when detergent is low or the lint screen needs cleaning. Smart dishwashers allow you to schedule runs from anywhere. Some new dishwashers will even open the door at the end of the cycle to air dry dishes. Smart robotic vacuums clean up dust and food after meals. Some models can sweep and scrub hardwoods, laminates, tile and more.