Having a smart plug is something quite common today. It offers many options, such as being able to control any device remotely. You can also even know how much a specific device consumes, try different modes, etc. Now, the truth is that not all plugs are good. Therefore, we are going to tell you what you should take into account to know if a plug with wifi is good or, on the contrary, you may have problems using it.
As with any other gadget you buy, you’re going to find diferent models, with different characteristics. It is essential to choose very well which one to buy, since that will allow you to make the most of it and not have problems. You can see that there are cheaper alternatives, but you should not always trust them.
How to choose a smart plug
This type of home automation device will be connected to the router and, in this way, you will be able to control it over the internet. Some even through voice, if they support this feature. For example, you could hook up an air conditioner and turn it on remotely, a few minutes before you get home.
Power that supports
This point is important, since what you can connect to the smart plug will depend on it. If it admits a very low power, you will not be able to connect appliances that may have a large consumption, such as an oven, for example. You will not be able to control them remotely.
Therefore, when you buy a plug with WiFi, make sure that it has a good power. That will help you to be able to connect anything and not have so many limitations. You will be able to better manage which devices you connect to the electrical network and thus avoid problems that may affect you.
consumption control
Another feature that you can take into account is that it has consumption control. This is useful to know at all times how much energy does an appliance use specific. You can test. For example, you can change the different modes of the dishwasher and see if there is a big difference in terms of consumption.
Not all smart plugs have this function, but it is usually present in the better quality ones. It will come in handy if you aim to save energy and use technology to help you use less electricity each month.
connectivity
It is also key to consider connectivity. Are you going to be able to control the plug directly via WiFi or are you going to need a hub? This is important to determine which model is best for you. Also, some don’t even use the WiFi connectionbut they use technologies like Zigbee.
When you go to buy a smart plug, take a good look at what connectivity options it has. Buy one that allows you to easily control it over WiFi, whether you’re at home or away, through a simple mobile app.
voice control
The option to control a smart plug by voice can be very useful at times. You will be able to do this if it is compatible with Alexa or Google Home, For example. You can give an order to turn on an appliance at home, turn off a lamp or anything you can do with that WiFi plug.
Again, quality models often come with this feature built in. You will be able to easily control them by voice. You have to make sure that you have bought a model that has this compatibility and thus avoid problems.
In short, as you can see, these are some features that you can take into account when buying a smart plug with WiFi. It is key that you choose a model with guarantees, that works well and is really a useful device for your home. Sometimes it can be useful to connect it to a WiFi repeater or extender.
