Get smart: Home appliances that bring time and space into your life

In the age of smartphones, Wi-Fi and home automation, it’s never been easier to declutter and simplify the home.

While early incarnations of smart appliances were accessible only to the very wealthy (serving more as a statement of luxury than a time or energy saver), growing mainstream demand for functional, attractive and environmentally friendly appliances has led to a more affordable marketplace, with start-ups and corporations all competing to impress.

Those on tight budgets or opposed to technology can also indulge in the decluttered lifestyle. “The minimalist movement” (living more with less), the “zero waste lifestyle” (no-rubbish homes) and Marie Kondo’s bestselling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up are other concepts inspiring home owners to simplify their living spaces.

Given the overwhelming and ever-changing marketplace, the current dilemma for consumers is deciphering the truly smart appliances from the gimmicks. As a rule of thumb, the secret is to purchase multipurpose appliances that will save on time, energy, space and money simultaneously.

Here’s a list of our favourites.

Nest Protect: Home automation and smart appliances have progressed significantly in their relatively short lives. Home safety has improved thanks to New Age smoke detectors such as Nest Protect. This device removes the fear of a household fire, sending unusual activity alerts to users’ phones in case they aren’t home.

August Smart Lock: The encrypted technology of this lock removes the need for keys that can be easily lost or copied. The AA battery-operated device senses its owner approaching, automatically unlocking the door.

Gogogate2: This device allows users to open, close and monitor their garage door via their smartphone, tablet or PC. The device can also remotely grant access to guests, so there’s no more wasted time at home waiting to let the plumber in.

Belkin WeMo Switch: If you’re prone to worrying about whether you left the heater on, the Belkin WeMo Switch is a life changer. This plug-in device uses a home’s Wi-Fi network to provide users wireless control over their television, lamps, fans and other devices from the accompanying smartphone app.

Thermomix: The undisputed queen bee of modern kitchen appliances is the Thermomix, which claims to unite 12 appliances including a steamer, blender and scale in the one unit.

Dyson Hot + Cool: Dyson’s dual fan/heater has no blades or visible heating elements, making it ideal for those seeking a safe way of maintaining their home’s temperature year round.

IoT: Internet of Things or IoT platforms are internet-connected appliances and sensors that work together to anticipate user needs, signalling the next level in home technology. Samsung’s IoT platform SmartThings is set to launch in Australia this year alongside compatible televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, airconditioners and remote vacuum cleaners. The platform never stops working, continuing to operate even when consumers are away from home. For example, the Family Hub Refrigerator can report exactly what food is available in a user’s fridge, and monitors its freshness. The fridge can even suggest dishes for dinner based on the contents, or can order missing ingredients from a nearby store.

PlantLink/Edyn: Even the garden is benefiting from this new wave of technology, with devices such as PlantLink alerting owners when their plants need watering, and the Edyn Garden Sensor that tracks light, humidity, temperature, soil nutrition and moisture to offer customised gardening advice.