What Is Wi-Fi Connectivity in Smart Appliances?
Smart appliances with Wi-Fi connectivity — sometimes called connected appliances or IoT (Internet of Things) appliances — are becoming increasingly common in Australian homes. But what does it actually mean when an appliance is "smart", and is it worth paying extra for? Here's a thorough explanation.
What Makes an Appliance "Smart"?
A smart appliance is one that connects to your home Wi-Fi network and communicates with a smartphone app, allowing you to monitor and sometimes control it remotely. Some smart appliances also communicate with other smart devices in the home (like a smart speaker or home hub), and some have built-in AI that adapts to your usage patterns.
What Can You Actually Do With a Smart Appliance?
Smart Washing Machines
- Start, pause or stop a cycle from your phone
- Monitor cycle progress and get a notification when it finishes
- Download additional wash programs over Wi-Fi
- Diagnose faults remotely (some models)
- Adjust cycle settings mid-cycle from your phone
Smart Refrigerators
- See inside the fridge via internal cameras without opening the door (saves energy)
- Manage a food inventory and get expiry notifications
- Get alerts if the door is left open or the temperature changes
- Control ice maker and dispenser settings
- Family bulletin board / note-sharing on screen-equipped models
Smart Dishwashers
- Start or delay a cycle from your phone
- Monitor cycle progress and get completion notifications
- Track detergent and rinse aid levels
- Schedule cycles for off-peak energy tariff times
Smart Ovens
- Preheat remotely so the oven is ready when you get home
- Monitor cooking progress and adjust temperature from your phone
- Download recipes with auto-set cooking programs
- Get notified when cooking is complete
The Main Smart Appliance Ecosystems in Australia
| Brand | App / Ecosystem | Voice Control |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | SmartThings | Bixby, Alexa, Google Assistant |
| LG | ThinQ | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Bosch / Siemens | Home Connect | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Miele | Miele app | Amazon Alexa |
| Electrolux / AEG | Electrolux app / My AEG | Google Assistant, Alexa |
| Hisense | HiSmart | Google Assistant |
Is It Worth Paying Extra for Smart Features?
It depends on how you live. Smart features are most useful for: busy households where someone needs to start the washing machine remotely; energy-conscious households who want to schedule appliances to run on off-peak tariffs; people who frequently forget to check if the oven is off; and tech enthusiasts who want their home appliances integrated with their smart home setup.
Smart features add $100–$500 to the cost of an appliance depending on the brand and level of connectivity. For most buyers, the core appliance performance matters more than smart features — a quiet, energy-efficient washing machine without Wi-Fi will outlast the novelty of remote control for most households. But for specific use cases, smart features offer genuine convenience.
What You Need for Smart Appliances to Work
- A 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (most smart appliances don't support 5GHz)
- A compatible smartphone (iOS or Android)
- The brand's app downloaded and set up
- A stable home Wi-Fi signal near where the appliance is installed
Shop Smart Appliances at Oceania Appliances
We stock smart appliances from Samsung, LG, Bosch, Miele and more. Our team can explain which smart features are most useful for your household. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.