Apps that control appliances (SMART)

5 years ago

I found out that the all gas range I am putting in my new build is a Smart appliance that has the ability to be controlled by an app, Google something, or Alexa. I do not plan on doing any remote cooking while away from the house. I am in the retirement age and this is all new to me. My range does have dials to control the the cooktop and the oven. However, I found that I can only see what temperature the oven is set on by looking at the setting dial, or from looking at the app. There is no digital display. What bothers me the most is that there is no timer on the range. I HAVE to use the app for that!!!

I do not want to constantly have my iPhone with me to check on the cooking process. My question is... can I buy a small device such as an Amazon Fire HD 8 or Echo Show to keep next to the range and keep tabs on settings and time?

I do have an iPad, but I'd rather not have to go find it every time I want to cook. Not to mention keeping such an expensive device near the range. The Amazon products are very reasonable. I need a timer, and not just one of those little portable timers or the type you have to wind, which can be quite inaccurate.

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Comments (5)

darbuka
5 years ago
If the range is not yet installed, choose a different one. Call the appliance store and voice your concerns. Simple.
crcollins1_gw
5 years ago
Ditto. My range is "smart" enabled but it's just a dumb old range because I refuse to use an app to control it. There's nothing I cannot do using the functions on the range itself (including the timer). My job requires me to understand privacy regulations and data use and I refuse to have listening devices to control appliances.
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porkchop_z5b_MI
5 years ago
Agreed -- get a different one.
wdccruise
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You didn't state which range you bought so I looked at the owners manual for the Jenn-Air JGRP436HL which, like yours has no display.

First, the range requires an app either downloaded from Google Play (for an Android phone) or the Apple Store (for an iPhone). You cannot either Amazon device you mention because neither supports these apps.

Second, when enabled, the app takes control of the oven. You must use the app to control the oven -- even the temperature -- as the knobs on the range are disabled.

I'd suggest you check the range's owners manual to see how it operates before you buy it. You might post the brand and model here if you want additional help on houzz.

(I looked are Amazon reviews of mechanical timers. I never would have imagined that there would be so many bad reviews of timers such as Sunbeam and Lux. If my old Presto timer ever goes, I guess I'll buy its replacement on ebay).
User
Original Author
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Oh boy!!! This is very helpful, but very disturbing.

First, I guess I will have to either use my iPad or iPhone IF I do wish to use the app. Or find a good timer, if I do not wish to enable. I did not know that once the app is in use, the knobs are disabled. I would not enable if that is the case. Hopefully, that's not the case with mine - a KitchenAid KFGC506JSS.

Can the app be disabled and then go back to controls or once enabled, always enabled?

I feel sure it is too late to order something else through Ferguson. Not to mention the price. Plus, I believe that ranges are still in short supply because of factory shut downs, and workforce cutbacks, in the last year.

I do wish that my rep had told me that the range was a smart device. I had mentioned to her on one of our first visits that I was not interested in the smart oven that she was showing me.