In your smart home, you can automatically operate certain devices from a connected outlet. You can automate your coffee machine so your espresso is ready when you wake up. Here’s how to use a smart plug to automate your morning routine.
To automate everyday tasks with virtual assistants like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Siri, you don’t need to get rid of home appliances or spend a lot of money on connected products. One of the best solutions I’ve found to make my home more connected while maintaining appliances is to buy a set of smart plugs.
What is a smart plug and what are its benefits?
Smart plugs are an easy and inexpensive way to automate wired devices in your home. In my case, I use a Gosund outlet that is plugged into a power outlet and connected to a Wi-Fi network. To control the outlet, you need to download the companion app on your smartphone or tablet, then pair it with your voice assistant to a device like the Amazon Echo, Google Nest or Apple HomePod.
Once set up, you’ll be able to automate tasks like turning lights on and off, controlling fans, and even making coffee with voice commands. However, the benefits go beyond convenience. Smart plugs are also great for saving energy or just being more aware of your electricity bills.
Using a smart plug has several advantages, including controlling energy consumption / © kwgeek
In winter, for example, grow lights can be programmed for how long they stay on during the day, giving your plants enough power without wasting energy. On the safety front, these outlets can also detect power surges and other electrical incidents and send notifications to your smartphone. So if you leave your iron at home, you can easily turn it off from your smartphone.
So task automation is just one of the many advantages of connecting the plug, which can turn any household appliance into a connected device.
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Turn your coffee machine into a connected object to automate coffee preparation
My suggestion today is to use a smart plug to turn your coffee maker into a connected object. Before buying a product, check to see if it will work with the smart speakers in your home. If not, it’s always worth remembering that these gadgets only work well with your smartphone.
After setting up the smart plug of your choice and connecting it to your Wi-Fi network, you can connect it to the automation services you use in your home. Here are the steps to connect your smart home devices to Google, Amazon and Apple services:
| Google Home app | Amazon – Alexa | Apple HomeKit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| step 1 | Open the Google Home app | Open the Alexa app | Open the Home app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac |
| second step | In the upper left corner, click Add (+) > Set up device (+) > Partner with Google | Open More (≡) > Select Add Device | Click the Home icon > select Home Settings |
| Step 3 | Select the device manufacturer from the list | Choose the type of smart home device you want to connect | Select the type of connected home device (any available home hubs will be listed at the top) > click the Connected button |
| Step 4 | Follow the steps in the app to complete the setup | Choose a brand and follow the on-screen instructions | – |
that’s all! After configuring the connected plug, you can use voice commands to turn on the coffee machine and make coffee automatically. In my case, both Google Assistant and Alexa responded to the command “Make me a cup of coffee!”.
Setting up a smart plug is easy with the Google Home app (left) or Amazon Alexa (right) / © kwgeek.
attention: The machine needs to be connected to a smart socket and always on, because it is the socket that controls the state of the machine from now on. So keep the power button always “on”. This way, every time the control is pressed, the machine turns on and begins the process of preparing coffee.
Comment: Since my Nespresso machine has two buttons for short or long coffee, it was necessary to click on the option I wanted the machine to brew. Since I don’t like cold coffee, I automate the whole process, and when I get to the kitchen, I push the button to make the coffee. If you also want to automate the process, you can use the Switch robot, the mechanism that presses the buttons for you.
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Another option for those looking to automate their daily coffee is to have an analog timer that runs on a schedule. Remember that, with a few exceptions, you will need to refill with water, filters, coffee and capsules.
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So, have you ever used a smart plug? What brand would you recommend? Are you interested in connected home themes? Let’s discuss it in the comments!
