What Are Wi-Fi Connected Appliances and Are They Worth It?
Wi-Fi connected appliances are home appliances that can connect to your home internet network, allowing you to control, monitor and receive notifications from them via a smartphone app. This technology has become mainstream across fridges, washing machines, ovens, dishwashers and air conditioners. Here’s what it actually offers and whether it’s worth paying extra for it.
What Can You Actually Do With a Connected Appliance?
Remote Control and Monitoring
Start, stop or change settings on your appliance from anywhere. Start the dryer while still at the office so your clothes are ready when you get home. Check whether the dishwasher finished while you’re in another room. Adjust your fridge temperature remotely.
Notifications
Receive alerts on your phone when a wash cycle ends, when your fridge door is left open, when your dishwasher needs rinse aid or when an error occurs. These notifications are genuinely useful for busy households.
Energy Monitoring
Some apps (particularly Samsung SmartThings and LG ThinQ) provide energy usage data, letting you see how much electricity each appliance is consuming and shift cycles to off-peak tariff times.
Remote Diagnostics
Several brands (LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings) allow service technicians to run remote diagnostics via the app before attending a service call, potentially reducing service time and cost.
Software Updates
Connected appliances can receive software updates over Wi-Fi, adding new programs, fixing bugs or improving features after purchase. Bosch’s Home Connect and Miele’s app both push program updates to their appliances.
Brand App Ecosystems
| Brand | App Name | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| LG | ThinQ | Remote diagnostics, energy monitoring |
| Samsung | SmartThings | Ecosystem integration, Family Hub |
| Bosch/Siemens | Home Connect | Multi-brand, voice assistant integration |
| Miele | Miele app | PowerDisk ordering, program updates |
| Electrolux/AEG | My AEG/My Electrolux | Cycle recommendations |
What Are the Downsides?
App dependence: if the manufacturer discontinues the app or the server infrastructure, connected features stop working while the appliance itself still functions. Privacy: connected appliances share usage data with manufacturers. Complexity: some people find app-dependent features add unnecessary complexity to simple tasks.
Is It Worth It?
For busy households, the notification and remote start features provide genuine convenience. For tech-comfortable households, the energy monitoring and ecosystem integration features add value. For those who prefer simplicity, the core appliance functions remain fully usable without the app. Wi-Fi connectivity is increasingly a standard mid-tier feature rather than a premium add-on, so you’re often not paying extra for it in 2025.
Shop Connected Appliances at Oceania Appliances
We carry LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings, Bosch Home Connect and Miele-connected appliances at our Wetherill Park showroom. Free delivery across Sydney. Call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.