Smart fridges may seem like an added convenience, but many homeowners have turned away from them or even regretted buying them. As some tech companies consider designing fridges with AI integration, let’s talk about why smart fridges are generally not ideal for homeowners.

Smart Fridges Have Higher Price Points

Smart appliances have a variety of added components that raise the price. Everything from computer chips to touch screens and sensors adds to the overall cost of the appliance. Is it really that worth it?

Higher Energy Usage

Adding smart technology to an appliance uses more energy than a traditional model. While some may boast energy-saving measures, such as temperature control, it still takes electricity to power the smart features. Overall, a traditional fridge with high energy-efficiency ratings will be better for reducing electricity use overall.
From a production standpoint, there is also a higher carbon footprint involved ion creating a tech-integrated refrigerator, too. Computer chips, touchscreens, and other technological additions require further resources to collect and integrate.

More Breakage Points

On a normal fridge, there are only so many parts that can break. Adding smart tech means there are more areas to go wrong. And higher repair costs at that. A malfunctioning touchscreen or wi-fi receiver on a fridge is not something you have to worry about with most refrigerators.

Shorter Appliance Lifespan

Along with the above breakage points, smart technology isn’t built to last. It is in a tech company’s best interest to keep you buying and replacing your computerized tech. A regular fridge should last 10-20 years. However, an internet-integrated fridge will likely lose a lot of its app functionality after a few years, as updates and app changes can wildly impact function. Just think about how often your phones need updating and replacing. Most people can’t afford to do that with a fridge too.

Smart Appliance Security Issues

Smart appliances can also be a data breach point for hackers and data scrapers. Especially since many connect with Amazon and other point-of-sale systems. This could mean easier data breaches for hackers.

Functionality?

What features does a smart fridge offer anyway? Expiration date reading? You still have to check things and input them. Just read the labels. Family schedules on the screen? Magnetic whiteboards are a lot more affordable. Recipe databases? Your phone is perfectly capable of looking up recipes. What about fast reordering? Most people will spend more with fast reordering over bulk grocery shopping. Both of which, you can do on your phone. Overall, smart fridges do not offer enough convenience for the added price and the established risks.

AI Appliances are Not An Upgrade to Smart Ones

Will AI fridges offer more in the future? Probably not. While emerging technology can make things more easy and accessible, not everything needs to be computerized or have internet capabilities. The majority of smart fridge functions can be accomplished with a phone and/or an Amazon Alexa or a Google Home. And those cost significantly less than a smart fridge. AI appliances are likely to follow suit.

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