Skip to main content

Don’t remember the milk: In five years, a third of people will have smart fridges

GE Smart Fridge.
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Only 10 percent of people consider themselves “very familiar” with smart home products and services, according to a recent survey. Yet by 2019, almost two-thirds of people plan to own an Internet-connected device for their home, according to a different survey from digital agency Acquity Group. It sounds like once people learn such products exist, they expect to embrace them.

The Acquity survey also found sixty-four percent of consumers had no idea smart fridges and smoke detectors are on the market. For people who have heard of them but don’t own one, the main reason for not purchasing the devices is that they don’t think Internet connectivity adds any value; privacy and price were also concerns. Yet thirty percent of those surveyed either already own or plan to buy a smart device, usually a thermostat or alarm.

Recommended Videos

In the next five years, almost 70 percent of consumers will have a connected thermostat, and over 60 percent will have a smart security system, Acquity predicts. The benefits of both are easy to explain to consumers: save money and increase protection. People are willing to pay for that safety, too. Eighty-three percent wouldn’t mind paying more for a smart alarm, while 59 percent thought a smart fridge was worth the increased cost.

Smart fridges are on the rise, though. More than five years from now, one-third of homes will have one, according to Acquity. Despite some privacy concerns, owners would be willing to share the appliances’ data, as long as they got some recipes based on the food in the fridge.

Based on the responses in the survey, Acquity expects the smart home devices to outpace other Internet of Things devices, such as fitness trackers and smart watches. The numbers for smart clothing are closer to 40 percent. In the next five years or so, less than 50 percent of consumers will have a wearable, while almost 60 percent will be receiving texts from a smart fridge.

Some people just aren’t ready to wear their data on their sleeves, nor will they be any time soon.

Jenny McGrath
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jenny McGrath is a senior writer at Digital Trends covering the intersection of tech and the arts and the environment. Before…
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium vs. Ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced: Which is better?
Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium

Few smart thermostats are as well-rounded as the Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium. Packed full of useful sensors and automations, it can save you a bunch of cash over the years while still keeping your home cool and comfortable. Ecobee also sells the Smart Thermostat Enhanced, which gets you some of the same functionality but clocks in at a more reasonable price.

That begs the question -- do you need the Smart Thermostat Premium, or can you get by with the cheaper Smart Thermostat Enhanced? From pricing and design to installation and more, here's everything you need to know about these two popular smart thermostats.
Pricing and design

Read more
How long does it take to calibrate the Ecobee Smart Thermostat?
Ecobee Smart Thermostat installed on a wall.

Ecobee produces a range of powerful smart thermostats, and all of them need to go through a calibration phase during setup. And if you're new to the Ecobee system, you might be surprised at how long this can take. Thankfully, a long calibration phase is a normal part of the process -- that means there's not much you need to do other than wait.

Here's a closer look at the Ecobee Smart Thermostat calibration process, along with reasons why you might see the calibration process after your initial installation.
How long does calibration take on Ecobee's Smart Thermostat?

Read more
Should you enroll your Amazon Smart Thermostat in the Energy Savings Program?
The Amazon Smart Thermostat hanging on wall.

The Amazon Smart Thermostat can be enrolled in a variety of Energy Savings Incentives Programs. These vary by location, but they essentially work to lower your energy bills by allowing the utility company to temporarily adjust your settings. This typically happens during peak hours or when the power grid is overloaded, allowing the utility company to reduce stress by manipulating your thermostat. Amazon says these events only happen a few times annually (commonly during the summer). Are the energy savings worth the inconvenience?

Here's a quick look at the Energy Savings Incentives Programs offered on the Amazon Smart Thermostat and whether or not you should enroll.
What are Energy Savings Incentives Programs

Read more