The next frontier in the evolution of smart technology for your home is the kitchen. Appliances large and small can be connected to your wi-fi to make your life easier and your food delicious. What sort of gadgets should you think about adding? We have a list. See if they or products like them are available through your Veranda builder’s design center and get cooking!
Gadgets and Gizmos
There’s nothing wrong with starting small. Gadgets like the Meater+ are easy to use and small enough to store in a kitchen drawer. The smart thermometer connects to an app on your phone via Bluetooth. It will estimate how long you need to cook your food as well as notify you when it has reached the desired temperature. The Instant Pot Smart Wifi 6 works on the same principle so you can quickly serve up dinner.
Keep It Clean
Don’t like touching your kitchen faucet with raw meat juice on your hands? Invest in a touchless faucet that responds to voice commands like this one from Delta. Hands too full to open the trash bin? Tell it to open. This trash can be activated by voice command or just a wave of the hand. You’ve probably heard of Roombas, but did you know there is a robot made just for cleaning your kitchen floor? The Braava 380t Robot Mop tackles dirt and grime on tile, stone and hardwood floors.
On the Counter
Toaster ovens are great for small jobs. The Breville Mini Smart Oven can do almost anything a full-sized oven can do and automatically adjust heat and calculate cooking times, so you don’t burn dinner. Got an Amazon Echo, Dot or Show in your kitchen? Pair it with the Amazon Basics Microwave. This relatively inexpensive smart device can be activated via voice command. Wake up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee with the Keurig K-Supreme Plus Smart Coffee Maker. Choose from five strengths, six temperatures, and five cup size settings that can be stored on an app, so you can schedule ahead or brew a cup from anywhere.
Let’s Talk Refrigerators
Refrigerators are big ticket items so why not make a smart upgrade for just a few dollars more? The Samsung Hub is the OG of smart refrigerators. It features a five-screen display that allows you to show off family photos, create and view your grocery lists and favorite recipes, an entertainment screen so you can watch TV while you cook, a home screen and one you can customize. Three cameras inside allow you to see the contents of your fridge. An AI device will suggest recipes based on the contents and put together a shopping list. Don’t feel like cooking? Use your fridge to order delivery via GrubHub.
Turn Up the Stove
Ranges, cooktops and vent hoods are all getting smarter. A reasonably priced range is the GE PB965. The double-capacity oven can be controlled via an app on your phone. Samsung’s Smart Induction Cooktop can reduce energy use and lower emissions by decreasing your cooking time. You can also monitor your roast via app. The Kitchen Hub is an Android tablet built into an over-the-range hood vent. Use it to control your smart home while you are cooking. It can also turn the fan on medium if it senses too much heat.
