A smart range hood? Consider it proof that nearly anything in the home can now be connected through a Wi-Fi network.
A smart range hood lives up to its name with a large touchscreen with a pair of cameras for video chats and foodie pics, fast recipe lookup, and the capability to watch Netflix while you stir the spaghetti sauce.
It even has a four-speed exhaust fan.
Welcome to the world of smart appliances, a place where a voice command, smartphone or tablet redefine the homeowner experience.
It’s a safe guess you’re well along integrating this new normal in your homes. Perhaps you offer a smart appliance upgrade package to new home buyers. The fact is smart appliance sales are booming. It’s projected this year smart appliance revenue will top $37 billion worldwide, representing a blistering 16+ percent annual growth rate. By 2025, the market will likely exceed $67 billion.
No one disputes the opportunity. One survey ranks smart appliances as “highly popular” by 65% of builders. So, what smart appliance features are trending these days? How can you capture incremental dollars with smart appliance upgrades? Here is a sampler of what’s trending in several categories from Appliances Connection, a respected national vendor serving the homebuilding industry with hundreds of top brands:
- Refrigerator. The Samsung freestanding French Door model includes the Family Hub, which includes a Wi-Fi enabled LCD touchscreen and three built-in cameras to show what’s inside the refrigerator. The unit is also Bixby enabled (Samsung’s equivalent of Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant) for easy remote control from a smartphone.
- Wall Ovens. One GE model not only integrates with the GE Appliances Kitchen app, Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Nest, but also IFTTT for customized interaction with IoT devices. The oven even reads barcodes on frozen food packages and configures cooking accordingly.
- Washer Dryer. An LG duo connects to Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa through its SmartThinQ technology. A simple voice command is all that’s required to start and stop loads or a swipe of a tablet or smartphone screen.
With so many smart appliances manufacturers offering so many connected features, it can be a challenge to place the right bets. It’s an issue attorney Stephen Embry discussed in a NAHB committee meeting. He suggests homebuilders do several things:
- Select quality brand name products from nationally respected vendors like Appliances Connection that have the stock to mitigate lengthy delivery delays.
- Vet your top brand choices with third-party certification, like the UL, Consumer Technology Association, or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, among others.
- Be knowledgeable. You wouldn’t order OSB sheathing without knowing something about it. Likewise, with smart appliances. Partner with a respected smart appliance dealer that works with you to meet your budget and delivery targets.
The right smart appliance choices can help add an extra wow factor to any kitchen presentation. Take time to make the best decision for your sales and marketing goals.
Learn more about how Appliances Connection can save you money on top quality brands with timely product delivery, from their fully stocked warehouse.
