What Is a Smart Home Appliance?
Smart home appliances are appliances that can connect to the internet and be controlled via a smartphone app, voice assistant (like Google Home or Amazon Alexa) or automated smart home system. The "smart" features vary widely by product and brand. Here's what they actually offer and whether they're worth paying extra for.
What Smart Appliances Can Do
Remote Monitoring and Control
The most common smart feature is app-based remote control. You can start, stop, adjust or monitor your appliance from anywhere with your smartphone. Examples: start your washing machine from work, check if the dryer is finished, see the fridge temperature while shopping.
Notifications and Alerts
Smart appliances can send alerts to your phone. Your washing machine tells you when the cycle is done. Your fridge alerts you if the door is left open or the temperature rises unexpectedly. Your air conditioner sends a maintenance reminder when the filter needs cleaning.
Energy Monitoring
Some smart appliances track their own energy usage, letting you see which appliance is using the most power and when.
Voice Control
Compatible with Google Home or Amazon Alexa, allowing voice commands: "Turn on the air conditioner to 24 degrees" or "Start a quick wash on the washing machine."
AI-Assisted Features
Premium smart appliances use AI to optimise their operation. LG's AI DD washing machine analyses fabric weight and softness to customise the wash cycle. Samsung's AI Auto air conditioning mode adjusts temperature automatically based on activity in the room.
Key Smart Appliance Brands
- Samsung SmartThings — Fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and air conditioners all connect to the SmartThings app. Good cross-device integration
- LG ThinQ — Similar ecosystem with washing machines, dryers, fridges and air conditioners. AI features are well-developed
- Daikin — Wi-Fi control available on most split system models via the Daikin app
- Mitsubishi Electric — MELCloud app for remote control of split systems
Is Smart Worth the Extra Cost?
Smart features add $100–$400 to the price of an appliance depending on the product. Whether they're worth it depends on your lifestyle:
Worth it if: you're often away from home and want remote monitoring, you have a larger smart home ecosystem you want to integrate, or you want voice control convenience.
Probably not worth it if: you're at home most of the time, you're on a tight budget, or you're not comfortable managing apps and technology.
The core appliance function — how well it washes, cools or dries — matters far more than smart features for most households.
Oceania Appliances: Smart Appliances in Sydney
We carry smart-capable washing machines, fridges and air conditioners from Samsung and LG as ex-display and graded stock. Contact us at support@oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit our Wetherill Park showroom, open 7 days 10am–8pm.