A kitchen is a home’s lifeline. It’s where food is prepared to keep the family going for the day. But the kitchen is also the place where injuries occur. Almost 160,000 children in the United States are reportedly injured in kitchens. But thankfully, there’s a way to make your kitchen safer. And that is by making your kitchen “smarter” with technology. Smart kitchens work by gathering data in the vicinity and taking it autonomously to thaw an accident before it occurs.

But as you’ll see later, the benefits of smart kitchens go beyond safety and can save on your bills. If you are a new home buyer looking for McAllen custom home features and want to start with your kitchen, you are at the right place. In this article, let’s go over how to make your McAllen home kitchen safer with technology.

What Do Smart Kitchens Look Like?

When you think of “smart kitchens,” you may visualize an appliance churning out burritos with voice commands. While we aren’t there yet, smart kitchens are an upgrade to traditional kitchens.

A smart kitchen is a kitchen that integrates technology and connected appliances to improve functionality, convenience, and even entertainment. So, while a smart appliance may not prepare burritos for dinner, it can play your preferred playlist while you make burritos.

Here’s what a smart kitchen looks like:

• Sensors, sensors, and more sensors: Arguably, the primary thing that separates a smart kitchen from a traditional kitchen is a sensor. In a smart kitchen, sensors play a crucial role in gathering data, automating tasks, and creating a more interactive and efficient cooking environment. These little devices are embedded in every appliance that’s marketed as smart.
• Touchscreen and voice command: Smart kitchen provides a way for you to interact with the appliances. And that is through touchscreen and/or voice command. You can control these appliances with a mere touch and get deeper insights like how much the meat is cooked.
• Remote control: Smart kitchens don’t require you to be in the kitchen. You can be anywhere in the world and still turn off the tap with a remote control. In most cases, the remote control feature is offered via mobile apps.
• Smart lighting: Smart kitchens allow you to control the ambiance of your kitchen with dimmable lights or lights that change color based on your mood or preference.
• Smart cleaning: Cleaning is always the frustrating part of being involved in the kitchen. But a smart kitchen reduces your workload and ensures you spend more time with family.

So the next time, think of a smart kitchen, visualize a space that’s equipped with sensors, has a touchscreen and speakers, allows you to control from anywhere, has a lighting system that changes automatically and reduces your cleaning workload.

Top Smart Kitchen Appliances

To make your traditional kitchen smart in McAllen, you need to install smart kitchen appliances. Thanks to technological advancement, the cost of these appliances has been reduced drastically and is within reach for most families. Here are the smart kitchen appliances you should consider:

1. Smart Plug

You don’t need to overhaul your kitchen if you already have one. By using smart plugs, you can transform your traditional kitchen into a smart one. These handy devices transform regular appliances into smart ones. By plugging your existing appliances (like a coffee maker, rice cooker, or lamp) into a smart plug, you can then control them remotely using your smartphone or voice assistant.

Imagine scheduling your coffee maker to start brewing before you wake up or turning on your rice cooker remotely so that dinner is ready when you get home. Prices typically range from $15-$30, making them a very affordable entry point into the smart kitchen.

If you are building a new home in McAllen from scratch, it’s recommended that you direct your designer to install smart plugs.

2. Smart Microwave

More than 90% of Americans own a microwave. If you’re one of them, you should consider installing a smart microwave.

For around $50-$100, you can find smart microwaves that allow you to control them with voice commands through smart speakers like Google Home or Amazon Echo. This can be especially helpful when your hands are full or messy while cooking. You can also use voice commands to reheat leftovers or set timer functions.

3. Smart Refrigerator

Imagine checking what’s inside your fridge from your smartphone while you’re at the grocery store to avoid unnecessary purchases. That is what smart refrigerators enable you to do.

Another feature of smart fridges is smart temperature control. It can potentially save energy costs, while features like automatic grocery list creation streamline your shopping experience.

Besides that, smart fridges can track expiration dates and suggest recipes based on the ingredients you have on hand. This helps in reducing food waste and ensuring you don’t run out of essentials.

While a tad expensive, it’s worth the money if it’s within your budget.

4. Smart Thermostat

While a smart thermostat isn’t specifically designed for the kitchen, it can indirectly benefit your kitchen environment in a few ways.

Kitchens tend to experience temperature fluctuations due to cooking activities like using the oven or stovetop. Smart thermostats can help regulate the excessive temperature.

Many homeowners are installing smart thermostats as a way to create a more comfortable living experience. You can extend the functionality to your kitchen as well.

5. Smart Coffee Maker

Most Americans love coffee, so they reach for the coffee maker first thing in the morning. But smart coffee makers go beyond brewing a cup of joe. They integrate technology and connectivity to enhance your coffee experience.

Smart coffee makers allow you to schedule brewing from your smartphone app, so you can have a hot pot ready when you get out of bed. This saves you time if you have an important meeting scheduled in the morning.

Also, you can check the brewing progress or adjust settings from your phone while you’re getting ready in the morning. No more waiting impatiently by the coffee maker!

On the cleaning front, selected smart coffee makers offer automated cleaning cycles or send reminders for descaling, ensuring your coffee maker stays functional and delivers a consistently good cup.

6. Smart Trash Can

Expanding more on the cleaning front, you can’t ignore the possibilities of smart trash cans.

Firstly, smart trash cans feature motion sensors that automatically open the lid as you approach, keeping your hands clean and preventing odors from escaping. This keeps away germs from your family.

The sensors also monitor the fill level. They can send notifications to your smartphone app when the bin is getting full, reminding you to take out the trash before it overflows.

While not essential, smart trash can be a valuable addition to your kitchen, promoting hygiene and convenience.

7. Smart Water Leak Sensor

Nothing scarier than arriving at your home flooded due to a leakage. To prevent such horror stories from unfolding, you should use smart water leak sensors.

Smart water leak sensors are tiny guardians in your home, constantly on the lookout for potential plumbing disasters. Equipped with sensors and Wi-Fi connectivity, they offer real-time monitoring and peace of mind for homeowners.

Smart water leak sensors are typically placed in high-risk areas like under sinks, near dishwashers, around water heaters, or by washing machines. They use advanced sensors to detect even small amounts of water leakage.

Install McAllen Custom Home Features With Us!

So, if you are building a custom home from scratch or renovating your current kitchen, it is highly recommended to have these features installed in your new kitchen in McAllen. Can’t decide on what appliances to use for your smart kitchens? Or, unsure of how to get started? We are here to help. Contact us today to learn more.