3 Devices We Recommend Plugging into a Smart Plug (and 3 We Don't)

Ah, smart plugs– our convenient electronic minions ready to do our bidding with just a voice command or a tap on our smartphones. Thank you, Internet! But, with great power comes great responsibility—or at least some strategic decision-making. So, if you’re not sure if you should plug (or not plug) that device with a smart plug, here’s a quick guide to help you navigate which devices deserve the honor!

PLUG: THE TV

Courtesy of Next Upgrade Shop

From our experience, the power buttons of remote controls are usually the quickest ones to suddenly stop working. It is the one you would probably use the most often—unless you keep your TV running 24/7. Still, having the TV plugged into a smart plug means you don’t have to worry about that becoming an issue. And if it already is, you just found the smart solution!

DON’T PLUG: YOUR SMART ASSISTANT

Courtesy of Next Upgrade Shop

It might seem counterintuitive, but plugging your smart assistant into a smart plug can lead to a bit of a control conundrum. Accidentally power off your smart plug, and suddenly, you've lost your voice command control center. You can always use your smartphone to power it on again, which means your device must rest first. Plus, do you want to risk unplugging the brains of your digital household? 

PLUG: THE COFFEE MAKER

From Millions Official GIPHY

Picture this: it's Monday morning, and the snooze button is your best friend. With a smart plug hooked up to your coffee maker, you can schedule that life-giving brew to start percolating just before your alarm goes off. It's like having a personal barista on standby, ready to rescue you from the clutches of morning grogginess!

DON’T PLUG: YOUR FRIDGE

From Bluey’s Official GIPHY

As tempting as it may be to give your refrigerator a digital makeover, it's best to let it do its own thing. Smart plugs aren't great for appliances that rely on a consistent power supply, like your fridge. Trust us; you don't want to come home to a sad pile of melted ice cream and spoiled groceries just because you made the mistake of remotely turning off your fridge’s power supply.

PLUG: YOUR PHONE CHARGER

From Millions Official GIPHY

Charging our phones overnight is just smart. It’s the best time to do it. The problem is that your phone’s battery may be charging up, but its health is slowly dwindling thanks to overcharging. By plugging it into a smart plug, you can schedule it to turn off after a couple of hours of charging to prevent unnecessary strain on your device's battery. You'll save on your electricity bill by not keeping the charger drawing power when unnecessary. It's a win-win for both your phone and your wallet!

DON’T PLUG: THE WIFI ROUTER

Courtesy of Next Upgrade Shop

While having your WiFi router on a smart plug for remote resets or scheduling may seem like a good idea, it's a recipe for disaster. Lose power to your router due to an accidental tap or mistaken voice command, and you’re plunged back into the dark ages of the pre-internet era. The horror! We highly recommend you stick to more stable power sources for this crucial piece of technology. 

Remember, it's always best to err on the side of caution when in doubt. Smart plugs are nifty little gadgets, but they're not necessarily one-size-fits-all. Use your newfound knowledge wisely, and may your smart home adventures be filled with convenience and minimal digital mishaps!