A well-connected kitchen

June 12, 2025 by
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As I read an article about how to ensure your dishwasher lasts for many years, I was a little surprised to read that many dishwashers are now wifi compatible. I am not sure why I was taken aback, after all, it is becoming difficult to find kitchen appliances that don’t come with an app. While I can see potential upsides for connected refrigerators and ovens, I struggle to think of how I would benefit from having an app for my dishwasher.

A recent Consumer Reports article explains the upsides of this technology, and while I can see the benefit of receiving an alert if something breaks or the unit springs a leak, the rest of the supposed perks do not sound compelling. A connected dishwasher will tell you when you are running out of dishwashing detergent, but you can also tell when you are running low by looking into the container. Being able to start the dishwasher when you are away from home seems like a solution in search of a problem. Unless the app can load or unload the machine, I am not interested.

When I read articles extolling the virtues of connected appliances, I wish they would explain how these apps collect data which can be a privacy concern. Maybe that goes without saying these days since we are inured to apps using our information for targeted sales. The other issue I have with connected appliances is that making them run through an app adds a layer of complexity, which raises the chances of failure. Not all wifi-enabled appliances require that you use the app, but some will not work if they are not connected. One of my friends had their stove bricked because of a botched software update.

For now, the downsides outweigh the benefits for me, although some aspects of connected appliances are tempting. I admit it would be nice to see inside my refrigerator while I’m at the grocery store so I can confirm whether I need a particular item. However, I will need to see better perks before considering a connected dishwasher. If you love your connected appliance, please tell me why – maybe I am overlooking the benefits.

Category: Antipasto

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12 Comments

  • FuzzyChef  on  June 13, 2025

    I had to set up a 2nd, dead end router just to give my stupid appliances something to connect to.

  • TB1  on  June 13, 2025

    Connected appliances are a solution looking for a problem. When I needed a new washing machine and dryer I went with the one that has the best warranty and repair score. Speed Queen! The last thing I want to do is replace my dryer after 2 years because a software update bricked it.

  • saladdays  on  June 13, 2025

    My new dishwasher is wifi compatible which I don’t think I really need. About 3 weeks after I registered the guarantee I had an email from the appliance company reminding me that I hadn’t connected the wifi !
    I definitely won’t be connecting it now, I don’t need my dishwashing habits being monitored.

  • Fyretigger  on  June 13, 2025

    The only connected appliance I am happy with is Thermostat. I travel a lot and it’s nice to be able to turn the furnace back on from 1000 miles and 6 hours away. It’s also nice to be told to replace the filter.

  • eliza  on  June 13, 2025

    My only wifi compatible appliance is my sous vide circulator, and while I’m very happy with it, it has taught me that I don’t want any other wifi appliances in my life.

  • Fyretigger  on  June 13, 2025

    Actually I have one other connected “appliance” — a Meater+ thermometer and I do love that. It’s really nice to be “told” when to take the meat out of the oven and for it to be spot on.

  • Indio32  on  June 13, 2025

    Replaced an old but good coffee machine for the latest all singing dancing model with a lcd touch screen. 18 months later the screen started playing up then died. Repair cost was horrendous. Lesson learnt!

  • Zephyrness  on  June 14, 2025

    A wifi connected device is a web connection that I have no control over, and that can likely be way more easily hacked than my computer connection. So just no. On the up side, it means I usually am selecting from the less expensive options!

  • FuzzyChef  on  June 15, 2025

    Oh, right, there’s a song https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TIhW61FMNIc

  • FJT  on  June 15, 2025

    I was bemused to find all my kitchen appliances in my new house are able to be connected to wifi. So far i haven’t been tempted!

    I do have a smart home, so the heating system and all my lights are connected to WiFi, as is my solar battery and car charger but that’s where i draw the line!

  • demomcook  on  June 16, 2025

    There is actually a benefit to wi-fi enabled appliances. I am visually disabled, hard of hearing, and have significant impairments to my hands. Pressing the electronic “buttons” on the new flat screens is very difficult for me. They are nearly impossible to see, and often I do not have the dexterity to make the “press” connect. Having a wi-fi connection allows me to use the accessibility options on my i-phone to operate the new appliances. Why did we choose these? Well, other things about how they were constructed (large grab handles for examples) made them accessible in other ways. The new cooktop does have knobs, but I can no longer see the outlines of the burners on the glass cooktop.

  • TeresaRenee  on  June 17, 2025

    I haven’t found a good reason to connect my kitchen appliances. A couple funny stories:
    1. My husband decided to connect our stove and get alerts every time I turn the oven on. He was so jealous when I would bake during the day while he was at the office.
    2. Once during a sailing race, our crew got a call from his wife asking him to please turn on the lights in their apartment. For some reason her app didn’t work.
    3. My husband was on a business trip and one of his coworkers used his phone to turn on our home stereo late one night. That was a loud surprise.

    So, coupled with the high failure rate of electronics, I also don’t see a need for connected appliances.

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