There’s been a lot of talk about smart appliances lately but what does that even mean?

Sorry, it won’t load itself (that’s what children and grandchildren are for, right?) and it won't beat you at scrabble (yet) but there are other advantages to buying a dishwasher with smart capabilities.

Take your Connected Home setup one step further, and into the kitchen now with smart kitchen appliances. The options vary depending on the manufacturer but right now the main benefits are:

• Remote control for your dishwasher – using the app on your smart phone switch your appliance on or off wherever you are
• Monitor your dishwasher remotely - You can monitor your dishwasher from your phone, which is a handy way to check in on your dishes from anywhere in the house, and not need to go back to the kichen to check if the dishes are done, and you may prefer using your phone's interface rather than stooping down and trying to ready the settings on your dishwaser
• Operate your dishwasher remotely - once you have cleaned up in the morning and popped in the detergent, you can leave other family members to place there items in the dishwasher and then turn it on remotely later in the day, knowing you will arrive home to all the dishers being clean.
• You can choose from recommended cycles and more nuanced cycle options - the best program for your load. Dishwashers using Home Connect—a smart home app that lets you control your dishwasher and other smart appliances from the same place on your phone—have an “Easy Start” option that can recommend a cycle to run based on information about the dishes you’ve loaded. You answer just two questions, one about the type of dishes (glasses and sensitive utensils, pots and pans, or a mixed load) and the other about cleaning preferences (time-efficient, energy-efficient, or other factors), and it recommends a cycle. But you can also fine-tune a wash based on the functions you want it to perform, like sanitizing the dishes or increasing the water pressure and temperature.
• Future proofing – download new programs and updates

• You can be notified when something goes wrong. With remote diagnostics, a smart dishwasher can let you know if there’s a leak or another mechanical problem. If you have a problem, using the app’s troubleshooting manual or calling customer support can help you resolve it.

Here's the rundown of what is offered by some of our favourite brands:

HAIER: Connected living

Haier SmartHQ™ app allows you to connect your Wi-Fi enabled appliances. Use it to control your appliances from anywhere. Turn on the dishwasher after 
you leave the house - perfect for those busy mornings when you only remember as you rush out the door! By setting notifications it can let you know when the dishwasher is done!

Ai technology also improves performance - the Auto wash program uses sensors to detect how dirty your dishes are and set the ideal wash, reducing unnecessary water and energy use for a more sustainable clean.

Shop our Haier Wi-Fi dishwashers

BOSCH: Always the right program

A sparkling finish – Bosch Home Connect dishwashers not only produce crystal-clear results, but can even be controlled remotely. The Home Connect App can also advise you on which program is the right one for you.

More than just a remote-control the Home Connect app lets you monitor and control your Bosch Home Appliances. We’ve all been there: Did I start the dryer? Did I turn off the oven? Home Connect gives you total peace of mind at all times. Simply check your appliances’ status from your smart phone, and switch them on or off via the Home Connect app.

It also gives you free access to a constantly growing number of services, inspiration and status updates about your Home Appliances. And just in case: our customer service offers remote diagnostics, too.

Shop our Bosch dishwashers

FISHER & PAYKEL: Connected living

The wi-fi enabled dishwashers from Fisher & Paykel also use the SmartHQ™ app for remote control and notifications. Fisher & Paykel's evolving suite of kitchen and laundry appliances are designed to help manage your daily routine seamlessly, with fully remote access to how they chill, cook and clean. It’s just the beginning of a home where everything works together in sync, with you effortlessly in control.

Shop our Fisher & Paykel dishwashers

Just the beginning

These features are just the beginning of home appliance technology designed to make life easier for you. For more info on dishwashers with smart features and other appliances that you can use to build your smart home look for the smart home icon.