Are you doing some kitchen remodeling in your Atlanta home? Why not take it into the future with the latest smart appliances and gadgets? A smart kitchen is not only cool — it also offers plenty of benefits.
A smart kitchen, however, also comes with several disadvantages that can make you pause and think. Should you transition into a smart kitchen, or should you stick to traditional ovens and ranges?
The decision is entirely up to you. Look into your lifestyle, budget, and preferences to find the answer. To help you in weighing things, here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of a smart kitchen.
The pros
1. Convenience
There’s no better reason to have a smart kitchen than the unparalleled convenience it brings. Imagine a refrigerator that keeps you informed if you’re running low on certain supplies. Your smart dishwasher will let you know if you’re low on detergent. There’s a host of smaller gadgets that can make life so much easier, such as coffee makers that brew the perfect cup without you lifting a finger, or microwave ovens that you can control by voice commands.
2. Energy savings
A smart kitchen can also help you save on energy with their automation functions. A smart convection oven that prevents overcooking and does several functions all at the same time, or a refrigerator that automatically adjusts temperature and humidity based on current needs can help you avoid wasted energy. Smart dishwashers can save you an average of 1,000 gallons of water a year.
3. Higher home resale value
A smart kitchen and other smart home features can help you fetch a higher price for your home if you decide to put it on the market. Various studies have found that smart features add 5% to 35% to home values.
The cons
1. Higher cost
As may be expected, smart appliances are priced more than standard appliances, although the prices are comparable to the higher end models of standard appliances. If you’re watching your budget, you must choose your appliances carefully and buy only those that fit your budget and match your needs. Repairs of smart appliances will also cost you more.
2. Complicated installation
If you plan to set up a smart home system on your own, you may find the process to be a bit complicated. Hiring a contractor to do it for you is the better option, but can be quite expensive. Also, the system can be confusing to use at the start, but once you get the hang of it, you can enjoy all the convenience it brings.
3. Internet dependence
As smart appliances and gadgets rely on the internet, some may not function when your connection is down. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection or a backup plan in case of fluctuations.
Find out how you can best integrate smart features into your new kitchen with the help of Atlanta’s kitchen remodeling experts.
Sources:
Smart Home Technology: Pros and Cons, AxiomQ.com
The Pros And Cons Of Smart Kitchen And Laundry Appliances, NationalCashOffer.com