We live in a digital age, and many new homes now include different forms of home automation. If you’re interested in automating certain aspects of your home, it’s easy to add these smart systems yourself. Simple devices you can find in stores come in the form of thermostats, light switches, vacuums, and speakers and will offer you a new level of comfortable living unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
1. Amazon Echo Dot – $49.99
You’ve probably heard a lot of conversation about this Amazon device and its narrator Alexa. The Echo Dot is a smaller version of the Echo, a hands-free, voice-controlled speaker that allows you to play music, control volume, control smart home devices, ask questions, set alarms, follow recipes, and more.
2. Belkin WeMo® Switch – $39.99
The WeMo Switch Smart Plug is perhaps one of the easiest ways to automate your home. All you need to do is plug the switch into an outlet, download the WeMo app, connect to your home Wi-Fi, and start controlling your devices from anywhere. This plug allows you to put your devices on a timer, sync lights with sunrise or sunset, and turn on or off randomly to ward off potential intruders. You can also use it to turn on or off small appliances like space heaters or coffee makers.
3. iRobot Roomba® 960 – $699.99
The Roomba® 960 is an automatic vacuum on the cutting-edge of smart home technology. The device can navigate an entire level of your home, keeping track of its progress and recharging as needed until the job is done. The 960 allows you to use the iRobot HOME App to clean and schedule on the go.
4. iRobot Braava 380t mopping robot – $299.99
Is mopping where your home cleaning falls short? The makers at iRobot have come up with a solution – the Braava mopping robot. This device has the ability to sweep up to 1,000 square feet or mop up to 350 square feet in a single cleaning cycle. And guess what? It’s even compatible with reusable cleaning cloths such as Swiffer® pads.
5. Petzila Petzi Treat Cam – $169.95
Ever wonder what your pet does when you aren’t home? Well, now you can find out. With this device, you can see and speak to your pet, as well as launch a treat to keep your pet’s attention. Simply connect to the app to control the device remotely, and give your pet attention even when you’re not there.
6. Nest – $249
The Nest smart thermostat is the ultimate smart home device that makes living more comfortable and saves money long-term. Not only does Nest learn the temperatures you like and programs itself to follow suit, but it will also automatically turn itself down when nobody is home to save energy. And if you already own Amazon Alexa, you’re in luck. Nest works with the Echo or Echo dot to be voice-controlled.
7. Amazon Dash (exclusive for Prime members) – $4.99
These Amazon Dash buttons are perfect for those who are frequently on the go. If you notice you’re running low on a product, simply press the button to order a pre-set item to arrive in a few days. In addition, the Dash buttons come in a wide variety of products such as food, health, beauty, and pet items. This small button will save you an emergency trip to the store, and you’ll also get your $4.99 back when you place your first Dash order.
8. Crock-Pot® 6-Quart Smart Slow Cooker with WeMo® – $129.99
If you’re constantly on-the-go but prefer to eat home-cooked meals, a slow cooker can be a saving grace. Now, they’re becoming more and more high-tech and offer additional features making the process even easier. This slow cooker allows you to control the cook time and temperature from your smartphone. Arriving home later than expected? No problem. If your meal is done cooking, you can change the temperature to the warm setting until you get back.