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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Why is everything WiFi enabled (kitchen applicances)?

72 replies

blacklilypad · 29/10/2021 15:24

Can anyone explain to me why washing machines, dishwashers, etc are now WiFi enabled and able to be controlled by Alexa and Google?

I'm moving and need to buy all my kitchen white goods (we left ours at old house but sellers are taking theirs) and everything can be controlled via your smartphone. And I just don't see the point. I need to load the washing machine manually first, why would I then want to start it from my smarthphone instead of just pushing the button in front of me?

Does anyone have one that can enlighten me on the point of these features as I don't get it? I feel like I'm missing out on some brilliant life hack or something

OP posts:

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 29/10/2021 15:27

They don't all have to be - we've recently bought a washing machine and dishwasher to replace our worn out old ones and although the wi-fi ones were available (and we are tech savvy) we didn't bother.

Aquamarine1029 · 29/10/2021 15:28

I think it's absurd. Why on earth would anyone need a WiFi controlled microwave? Or dishwasher?

LittleOwl153 · 29/10/2021 15:30

I can see the value of a WiFi enabled oven if I can check it has come on as I leave work / sit on the poolside... but no the washing machine seems a little ott to me!

Justcannotbearsed · 29/10/2021 15:30

yep, our hob is wifi enabled I cannot think of one single reason why that is necessary.

bungaloid · 29/10/2021 15:31

Our dishwasher is and it is definitely pretty pointless. Maybe twice in a year I've thought "forgot to put the dishwasher on" and I've started it remotely from bed / another room.

Sleepinghyena · 29/10/2021 15:31

I don't get it either! I have a tumble drier that is like this. Only because I wanted a large load one that I didn't need a second mortgage to pay for and this was the only one that was available.
But if I put the washing machine on (manually) before I go to work, what use is a WiFi enabled tumble drier when I need to be there to transfer the clothes into it??

MoltenLasagne · 29/10/2021 15:31

Cynically, because its an added extra to go wrong so you have to buy a new one sooner. Also, to make you think you're missing out so you spend more on features you don't need.

wormthatturned · 29/10/2021 15:32

I'd like to know this too. I have a new dishwasher which keeps sending messages to my phone to tell me when it's finished - I wish it would just get on with washing dishes without all the attention seeking!!

MoltenLasagne · 29/10/2021 15:33

@bungaloid

Our dishwasher is and it is definitely pretty pointless. Maybe twice in a year I've thought "forgot to put the dishwasher on" and I've started it remotely from bed / another room.

Didn't you need to put the tablet in though? I just don't get it!

Theunamedcat · 29/10/2021 15:33

I can sort of see the point if your on economy 7 (or whatever it is these days) you could turn it on from anywhere after 7

AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair · 29/10/2021 15:34

Some people like techy stuff, I don't think it's any more complicated than that

My washing machine has about 12 different programmes, I use about 3 but it doesn't bother me that the others are there for those who want them. It's no different to that is it?

I bought a new dishwasher about 6 months ago, no mention of Wi-Fi, is it no longer possible to buy appliances without the capability?

I would be annoyed if I was being forced to pay extra for it as I can't see why I'd ever use it either.

LemonRedwood · 29/10/2021 15:34

I'm a big fan of the whole "Internet of Things" thing and can control lots of stuff from my phone but I'm totally with you on this. If you have to be physically present to load it, there's absolutely no point in being able to control it from elsewhere.

DH tried to argue that we could load the washing machine in the morning, then turn it on just before leaving work so it will finish as we get home and the washing won't be sitting in it all day. I pointed out that
a) neither of us will remember to do that before leaving work
b) it already has a delay timer function
and c) if we're not that bothered about the washing sitting in the machine while we're actually in the house because neither of us want to do the drudgery of hanging it up, it's not going to bother us that it's sitting in there all day while we're at work 🤷🏻‍♀️

Original poster

blacklilypad · 29/10/2021 15:35

@bungaloid

Our dishwasher is and it is definitely pretty pointless. Maybe twice in a year I've thought "forgot to put the dishwasher on" and I've started it remotely from bed / another room.

But surely that only works if you've remembered to put the tablet in but not acutally pressed the button? Every time I've ever forgotten, I've also not put in the tablet so I would have to get up anyway

OP posts:

Santastuckincustoms · 29/10/2021 15:35

I recently found out my washing machine had this. I found out because my DH's iPad kept pinging with notifications. I read one and it said the washing had finished. I was astounded that he'd been getting these messages for over a year but had never once got the bloody washing out! Maybe he thought that bit was automated too

Horst · 29/10/2021 15:36

We have a smart washer. Never used it though because it only works on android.

I don’t see the point we got it for the being decently priced with a large drum.

Never have I wished the app for for iOS because I’ve never shut the door to the washer anyway unless I’m actually turning it on. I don’t want it to get mouldy or mildew.

daimbarsatemydogsbone · 29/10/2021 15:36

@Theunamedcat

I can sort of see the point if your on economy 7 (or whatever it is these days) you could turn it on from anywhere after 7

Ours have a delay to take account of that - so don't need the internet for it.

Original poster

blacklilypad · 29/10/2021 15:38

@AllThatFancyPaintsAsFair

Some people like techy stuff, I don't think it's any more complicated than that

My washing machine has about 12 different programmes, I use about 3 but it doesn't bother me that the others are there for those who want them. It's no different to that is it?

I bought a new dishwasher about 6 months ago, no mention of Wi-Fi, is it no longer possible to buy appliances without the capability?

I would be annoyed if I was being forced to pay extra for it as I can't see why I'd ever use it either.

You can get some without still but it does seem to be the majority that have it.

I love techy stuff and we have smart lights which lots of people consider pointless but I just can't work out the use of it on washing machines, etc.

OP posts:

bungaloid · 29/10/2021 15:43

It does make a bit more sense for our dishwasher, as it doesn't require tablets. It has a reservoir of detergent and it auto-dispenses as required. However, the natural workflow is to tidy up, put dishes in dishwasher and then press "go". So even for ours, remote start is minimal use.

MintJulia · 29/10/2021 15:45

Increasingly devices are run on computer chips, and can remote diagnose issues.

So, for example, Bosch will be able to identify a heating element that is failing to reach optimum temperature, contact the owner and offer a replacement before it fails.

shreddednips · 29/10/2021 15:51

If you're considering a smart appliance, it's worth checking whether the manufacturer has committed to releasing software updates long-term. Not all have, although I'm pretty sure Samsung has stated that it will continue releasing essential updates for the lifetime of the product (but don't take my word for it.) Otherwise, you'll essentially end up with a regular appliance because the smart features won't work without updates.

MacavityTheDentistsCat · 29/10/2021 16:16

The strangest smart device I've come across is a wifi-enabled toothbrush. I mean, just why? DH suggested that I might like to check the charging status of my toothbrush whilst I was at work .

Ellmau · 29/10/2021 16:28

Ready for the robots to Take Over, OP. Obviously.

PrincessPaws · 29/10/2021 16:32

I'm sure WiFi enabled appliances being hacked and by a killer is the plot of a Jeffrey Deaver book!

PrincessPaws · 29/10/2021 16:32

Excuse the random 'and'

LemonJelly76 · 29/10/2021 16:32

I'm on economy 7, so it's useful to set the tumbler going at night x although didn't necessarily need the tumbler to be WiFi as could've just used a smart plug with any appliance

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