Top Smart Home Devices That Make a Difference
Managing smart home technology frequently means interacting with a variety of devices, from roaming robots to responsive voice assistants, and keeping track of countless notifications. Many devices have a brief duration in my space—testing is their primary purpose before they are replaced. However, a few standout products have earned their place in my home. Below are the gadgets that continually captivated my interest.
The Brisk It Grill: A Smoker Standout
Over the summer, I evaluated six smart grilling devices in my outdoor space, often gathering with friends for cooking sessions. Among them, while a few models were impressive (notably The Kamado Konnected Joe and The Masterbuilt Auto Ignite 545), the one that secured its spot was the Brisk It Origin. More than a simple grill, this smart smoker smoked food to perfection effortlessly. The process is straightforward: select your recipe via your phone, send it to the grill, and load your food at the right moment. It manages temperature and smoke levels autonomously, requiring minimal input from me. Although grilling was never my forte, this device has made it a breeze, even using it to replace my oven for various dishes. The versatility in smoking options is a pleasant surprise!
The BedJet 3: Indulgence in Comfort
The BedJet acts as a climate control system for beds, blowing air into a soft top sheet that envelops you like a comforting cloud. You can customize the air temperature and strength, perfect for cool nights or warm evenings. My favored feature? The “turbo” mode delivers a warm 110-degree burst, creating a luxurious experience when settling into bed on chilly nights. While not the most stylish gadget—just an air hose dangling—it has become an essential part of my nightly routine.
The Smart Coop: Enabling Backyard Chickens
This year I welcomed chickens into my life, driven in part by the capabilities of the Smart Coop: a fully-equipped coop featuring smart cameras. These cameras use AI for counting chickens, detecting intruders, and tracking eggs that aren’t in their nesting boxes—watching my chickens sleep via video has been a fun bonus. The insulating double-walled design helps protect my flock from harsh weather, and the run accommodates my quartet of chickens nicely.
PlusLife Molecular COVID Test: A Reliable Choice
I still rely on an at-home rapid PCR COVID test. For those with at-risk family or friends, the PlusLife NAAT Test Device is invaluable. It offers a straightforward way to determine if symptoms are due to COVID or allergies. Interestingly, this test connects via Bluetooth to virus.sucks, providing real-time assay data instead of just a binary result—allowing insight into viral load, which is both intriguing and reassuring.
Dreo: The Admirable Smart Fans
This year, I explored a selection of Dreo’s smart fans, including ceiling models, floor fans, and desktop versions. These proved to be among the finest fans I’ve experienced. With convenient app controls for adjusting strength and direction, cleaning them is a breeze as well. The standout feature is the “natural” mode, which modulates power to replicate a gentle breeze, making for a more pleasant air experience. Those new to Dreo should consider starting with the Polyfan.
The Oura Ring: My Go-To Fitness Tracker
Even though the Oura 4 is available now, my Oura 3 has quickly become an indispensable part of my daily routine since I started using it months ago. It meticulously monitors my sleep patterns, daily steps, and energy levels, integrating seamlessly with other health applications like Guava. It’s particularly valuable for evaluating my sleep quality and guiding adjustments to my environment. Misplacing it last month reinforced just how integrated it has become in my life, prompting me to seek a replacement immediately.
The K10+ Pro: The Top Robot Vacuum
Though I have my favorites in vacuum technology, my current preference has shifted to the K10 model from Switchbot. This year, the K10+ Pro improved by removing the mop feature, allowing it to excel as a competitively priced vacuum capable of navigating tight spaces, such as maneuvering around small objects like an M&M. For those contemplating a robot vacuum/mop combo, a Roborock might be worth the investment; however, for smaller homes or offices requiring an efficient vacuum at an accessible price, the K10+ Pro is a fantastic option.
The Terra Kaffe TK-02: My Preferred Espresso Maker
After testing all available smart espresso machines, I found it hard to part with the Terra Kaffe TK-02. It consistently brews excellent coffee and froths milk perfectly, and its user-friendly app or touchscreen makes operation a breeze. The ability to preload beans infrequently and change the water every few days lets the machine do the heavy lifting effortlessly.
The Bird Buddy: A Unique Bird Feeder
This product caters to my love for watching birds, especially my little hummingbird visitors. Unlike previous versions, the Hummingbird feeder performs exceptionally well. Its video and picture quality are excellent and perfect for sharing, making it a delightful gift (for oneself or others). The new subscription option allows users to name their bird friends, enhancing the experience further.
The Mammotion Luba: The Ideal Robot Lawnmower
I had the chance to test various robot lawnmowers on my neighbors’ properties, ultimately concluding that the Mammotion Luba was best in class. It consistently leaves the dock, mows effectively in various conditions, and returns without fail. This mower navigates terrain fluctuations and rocky paths with ease. Priced at nearly $3,000, it is certainly an investment—but for those seeking top-tier performance, it could be well worth it.
