A smart microwave oven is an appliance that can be controlled by a cell phone and promises to facilitate daily life in a connected home. The appliance also allows integration with virtual assistants to schedule food preparation at the desired time, for example. The user can even control the preparation time and be notified when the food is ready via a notification. Another benefit is the promise of energy savings compared to conventional models.
For now, the equipment is available, it is already possible to buy products from companies like Xiaomi, GE, and Toshiba to compose an intelligent kitchen. Check out the pros and cons of the smart microwave oven below.
Positive Points
1. Cell phone control
The smart microwave oven can be operated remotely by cell phone. This allows you to control functions such as time and how the food will be cooked or heated by the appliance. Another function that the integration with the smartphone allows is to notify the user when the food is ready.
In addition, it is also possible to control the humidity according to the demand of the dish that will be heated. The new models also contemplate some foods that require a personalized rotation of the plate or even that it stays still, such as a roasted chicken, for example. These novelties can also be triggered by virtual assistants such as Google Assistant.
2. Energy-saving assistance
Like other smart products, microwaves with this technology also tend to generate energy savings. The device uses data from the user’s routine to detect when no one is home and deactivates the LED panel to reduce so-called latent power.
Actions like this usually yield lower expenses, but other saving functions may vary according to the model.
3. Barcode scanner
Some smart microwaves have the functionality to read the barcode of the meal to transmit preparation guidelines to the appliance. It is also possible to program settings that are tailored to the consumer’s taste, so all meals that are the same as the one program will be prepared according to what was customized. As it gets routine information, the microwave can also suggest settings based on the user’s habits.
Negative Points
1. Higher price than conventional models
Smart microwaves are available for purchase, but prices are higher compared to conventional models. Regular microwaves can be found for as low as US$50 and as high as US$350. The smart versions, on the other hand, start at US$149 and can reach up to US$1,500.
2. It can be hacked
This is an issue that accompanies all smart devices since they are connected to the Internet and susceptible to hackers. The recommendations to prevent invasions from happening are to leave access to the personal network more restricted and to use elaborate passwords. Another important point to prevent these attacks is to use the latest versions of operating systems.
3. Few models
Currently, companies like Xiaomi, GE, and Toshiba already market smart microwaves abroad. However, even in other regions, the number of models with smart technology is still small.
This product scarcity issue can interfere in practical aspects such as when looking for technical assistance or parts for the appliances in case of repair, for example.
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