The Best Smart Plug for Coffee Makers – With or Without Alexa
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Can you use a smart plug with a coffee maker? The simple answer is yes BUT there is one caveat. The coffee maker has to have a mechanical switch.
(If your coffee maker does not have a mechanical switch but you would really like to automate your coffee maker to make your coffee ahead of time, then take a look at these smart coffee makers. They do not require extra plugs and can be voice activated.)
After much research and going over hundreds of reviews, I have chosen the best smart plug for coffee makers with mechanical on/off buttons, and other household items, either with or without an Alexa.
I have to say that the following plug was an easy choice as it by far one of the best sellers on Amazon with over 6 million users, according to Kasa Smart.
Great reasons to get a smart plug
I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t want to automate their home but just in case you needed a little more convincing, here are some great reasons:
- Start your coffee maker without being home.
- Works with or without Amazon Alexa, Google Home and IFTTT.
- Also works with Hey Google and Samsung SmartThings too.
- Monitors energy usage of plugged in items.
- No hub necessary.
- Can work with many household items, not just coffee makers. Think lamps, bread makers, slow cookers, fairy lights, outdoor lighting …
- Turn items on and off even when you’re not at home.
- Easy to set up.
- Set up schedules and timers to turn items on and off when you want them to.
- You can share automation settings with other household members.
- Set your coffee maker to make you a brew before you even get out of bed!
Take a look at the Kasa Smart Plug on Amazon.
How does the Kasa Smart Plug Mini work?
The Kasa Smart plug does not need a hub of any kind to work and are suitable for standard Type B sockets. In order to use the smart plug, you will need to have access to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi secure network and be able to download the Kasa Smart App.
If you are struggling to connect the app to the smart plug, ensure that your Wi-Fi router is set up to 2.4 GHz frequency. Some routers are dual band routers which allow you to connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz frequencies simultaneously. Most Wi-Fi routers nowadays offer both. If you are unable to change this in your Wi-Fi router yourself, I recommend contacting your internet provider who should be able to offer some advice.
Please note that the Kasa Smart Plug Mini is not designed for large household appliances such as microwaves, cookers and air conditioners. That’s not to say some don’t use it for larger appliances but Kasa specify that an appliance’s power should not exceed 15A, 1800W.
Do I need the Kasa Smart app?
Yes, you will need to download the Kasa Smart app in order to set up the smart plug. It is not compatible with the Smart Life app but will work by linking to Alexa, Google and Samsung SmartThings.
It has been mentioned by some users that the smart plug can connect to the Sense app however I cannot verify this myself.
The Kasa Smart app is available on Google Play Store and the Apple App Store. This is the logo you’ll be looking for:
How to use the Kasa Smart Plug Mini
How to use the Kasa Smart Plug Mini with a coffee maker that has a mechanical switch (not a digital button)
If you do not have Alexa or any other smart device, but your coffee maker has a mechanical/manual switch then you can still use a smart plug to get your coffee started without you being in the same room, or even in the house!
Remember that it is not necessary to have an ‘Alexa’ or echo dot to use a smart plug. You can use the app to activate your coffee maker remotely.
Step 1
Download the Kasa Smart app (Google Play for Android and the App Store for iphone) and register your details. Make sure your Bluetooth is on.
Step 2
Click ‘Add Device’ or the + sign in the top right hand corner. Then select ‘Device’ and on the next screen, select ‘Smart Plug’ and then ‘Smart Plug Lite/Mini’.
Step 3
Plug in your smart plug and click ‘Next’ on the app.
Step 4
You will then need to check that the button on the side of the plug is flashing orange and blue alternately. If it is then click ‘Orange and Blue’ on the app.
(If not, try taking the plug out the socket and place it back again.)
Step 5
The app will now be searching for Wi-Fi so go to your Wi-Fi settings and select the TP-Link Smart Plug Wi-Fi setting.
Once connected, return to the app and you will be prompted to select your home Wi-Fi connection and password.
Step 6
Your device will now be added and your plug activated. You can go ahead and change the name to make it easier to identify.
So, now you know how easy it is, what are you waiting for?! Get your smart plug now on Amazon.
Hopefully you have found this article about deciding which is the best smart plug for coffee makers helpful.
Now you can wake up to a fresh pot of coffee without having to wait. Better still, come home from a long day out knowing that your coffee will be hot and waiting for you when you get back.
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