You’ve heard of the popular smart home automations: automatic lights, security systems, robot vacuums.. But there are plenty of niche gadgets out there that can streamline your setup and create the ultimate smart home dream—think Tony Stark’s house.
There are plenty of arduous manual tasks we have to do day in and day out that most of us would love to be able to skip, and the good news is, we can! In a world full of technological advancements, the following smart home tech makes everything from waking up to brushing your teeth to taking out the trash that much easier.
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Automatic pet food dispenser
Mealtimes happens, even if you’re not there
While some pet owners don’t stick to a strict schedule for meals, others prefer to feed their pets at the same time every day. A routine like that can make it awkward to be out of the house during a pet’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner times. Both dogs and cats can become very fussy about their routine meals. But now there’s no need to worry or neglect your pets when you’re setting up your smart home, as automatic pet feeders do that leg work for you.
Most models are fitted with a camera or at least a speaker so you can speak to your pet while you’re out of the house (which is especially handy if you have pets with separation anxiety), plus you can customize the time that food is dispensed, so you’re never a minute late for breakfast ever again.
These pet feeders come in various sizes depending on how much food you feed your pet, how many meals it’s going to be responsible for producing each day or just how often you want to refill it. You can also get pet feeders with multiple bowls, two birds with one stone (or cats?).
Though these machines can get a bit pricey, depending on the size you’re opting for, they do save some cash in the long run when you cancel the dog sitter or save on fuel, as you now don’t need to head home on your lunch break to fill up the dog bowl. Plus, with models like the PETKIT Automatic Cat Feeder with Camera ($100), you can control and access the camera in some models from your mobile phone, so you can watch your fur baby chow down no matter where you are.
Automatic toothpaste dispenser
No more toothpaste left on the sink
As someone who hates cleaning dried toothpaste off of the sink, toothpaste dispensers are a dream addition to the bathroom. Most especially if you share your bathroom with multiple people, a wall-mounted gadget like the iHave Toothbrush Holder ($37) comes with the ability to hold multiple toothbrushes, multiple cups for your daily mouthwash, and dispense your favorite toothpaste, without the need to leave the tube on the counter.
Ideal for maximizing space and keeping the countertops clean, these compact devices are sure to be the best friend to any busy bathroom—and they won’t break the bank either. If you’re already happy with the toothbrush holder you have at home, you can buy toothpaste dispensers that don’t come with any bells and whistles, and simply dispense the toothpaste you need.
Intelligent trash
Let the garbage can change itself
Ideal for any germaphobic or squeamish people, a smart trash can is your sanitary dream. A model like the Airdeer Self-sealing Trash Can ($140) is designed to seal itself and change its own bag with just one touch. It’ll even respond to voice commands.
With each refill ring lasting 20 days, a garbage can like this is perfect for keeping your hands clean and kitchens rid of any unwanted smells. Whether you’re throwing away food, used tissues, diapers, or just general waste, this can make taking out the trash that much easier and a little less gross.
I personally love the idea of not having to tie off the bag myself, given that fishing for the sides of the bag that may have slipped down or got covered in garbage has to be the worst part of taking out the trash. Though these trash cans do come with a higher price point than your average non-smart can, they are certainly going to make your home feel streamlined and help make your chores more automated.
Smart calendar
A smarter way to stay organized
Not necessarily a must-have if you live in a house or apartment with just one or two other people, but a smart Digital Wall-Mounted Calendar ($170) like this is a great addition to a bustling home with people coming and going with juxtaposing schedules.
Able to be synced with major online calendars like Google, Apple, Outlook, and even Yahoo, these calendars are great for keeping track of appointments, events, vacation dates, and work schedules in one, organized location. Easy to use for the whole family, and able to be mounted on the wall in a communal space, these can also be controlled by your mobile to keep them up to date from anywhere at any time.
Curtain openers
Wake up to sunlight without getting out of bed
If you’re looking for that Tony Stark-like home, curtain openers like the SwitchBot Curtain Rod 3 ($90) could be the icing on the cake. Designed to be controlled using a remote, an app on your smartphone, or set up on a timer for your regular weekday/weekend routine, these curtain openers do exactly what they say on the tin—they open your curtains for you.
If you’re like me and like waking up to sunlight, but don’t want to get out of bed the second you open your eyes, these will be your new best friend. Plus, if you’re the type of person who needs a little extra help waking up in the morning, and sunlight stops you from going back to sleep, you can set up these gadgets to open your curtains with your first alarm, so there’s no risk of oversleeping.
These are also great if you’re comfortable in bed or on the sofa, watching TV, reading a book, scrolling through TikTok, and you don’t want to get up to block out the light—boom, just reach for your phone or the remote controller, and then your room is in darkness. You can even get some that are voice-activated or controlled through your smart home hub like Alexa.
- Brand
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SwitchBot
- Dimensions
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9.45 x 2.36 x 2.36 in
SwitchBot’s Curtain Rod 3 automates the simple task of opening and closing your curtain through SwitchBot’s dedicated app. The smart device can be activated virtually anywhere, allowing you to regulate your home’s environment to reduce energy costs.
These smart home gadgets may not have the same level of necessity as things like security tech or thermostats, but they do come with plenty of benefits that make them totally worth buying. Whether you want an extra bit of convenience in your busy routine, want as much help cutting down household chores as possible, or just want to feel like you’re living in a cool futuristic penthouse, these little gadgets could totally change the way you optimize your smart home.
