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Smart vs. Traditional: Which Appliances Are Best for Your Home?

by Ann Ferguson

Navigating the world of household appliances can feel like a culinary showdown: the tried-and-true classics versus the flashy newcomers. On one side, we have traditional appliances, reliable and familiar, that have served our kitchens and laundry rooms faithfully. On the other, smart appliances burst onto the scene, boasting high-tech features and the allure of modern convenience.

But which ones should you get for your home? It’s a toss-up! There are several pros and cons to each. But don’t worry; you don’t have to explore yourself — we have the scoop instead!

Chilling Traditionally or Smartly?

Woman opening up smart fridge

Choosing a refrigerator is more than just picking a box that keeps things cold. It's about selecting a kitchen companion that fits your lifestyle. Do you go with the tried-and-true or the tech-savvy?

  • Traditional Refrigerators provide basic temperature controls and compartments for dairy, produce, and meats. However, they might not be as energy-efficient or customizable.
  • Smart Refrigerators can track your groceries, remind you when milk is about to expire, and even suggest recipes based on what's inside. They're also energy-efficient and offer customizable temperature zones but tend to be pricier.

Cooking with Fire or Brains?

Picking out a range is essential for your home--how else will you get all the cooking done? But does that mean you should stick with a sturdy, traditional range or opt for the fancy features of a smart range? Let's take a look.

  • Traditional Ranges offer straightforward controls, durability, and convenient cooking features like convection bake, air fry, and steam cooking. But they're limited in some of the more advanced features.
  • Smart Ranges let you adjust settings remotely, ensure precise temperatures, suggest cooking times, are energy-efficient and sync with other smart appliances. But these tend to be in a higher price range and require tech know-how.

Washing Up the Old-School Way or the Smart Way?

Closeup of a man checking on the status of his laundry with his smart phone

Laundry might not be everyone's favorite chore, but having the right appliances can make a world of difference. But do you stick with the machines you've always known or upgrade to the latest laundry tech?

  • Traditional Washers and Dryers feature basic settings for different fabric types and load sizes. While they get the job done, they might use more water and energy.
  • Smart Washers and Dryers detect the weight of your laundry and adjust water and detergent levels accordingly. They can also be started remotely and send notifications when a load is done. But they might be a bit more expensive and require a stable Wi-Fi connection.

Classic Cleaning or Digital Dazzle?

Closeup of someone holding up their smartphone next to their smart dishwasher

Every meal ends with the inevitable task of cleaning up. But with the right dishwasher, this chore can be a breeze. Should you stick with the tried-and-true methods or embrace the innovations of the digital age?

  • Traditional Dishwashers offer standard wash cycles, such as quick wash, heavy-duty, and eco modes. They're straightforward to use but might not have the finesse of targeted cleaning.
  • Smart Dishwashers can detect how dirty your dishes are and adjust the wash cycle accordingly, reorder detergent when low, be controlled remotely, and are energy-efficient. However, they tend to be pricier.

Classic Baking or Cutting-Edge Cooking?

Close up of smart double wall ovens

When it comes to baking, the right wall oven can make all the difference. But should you stick with what you know or embrace the future?

  • Traditional Wall Ovens provide steady heating, convection bake, steam bake, variable broil settings, and other nifty features, but they have manual controls.
  • Smart Wall Ovens offer precision baking with features like temperature adjustment, recipe guidance, remote preheating, and monitoring (on some models only). However, they can be pricier and require some tech familiarity.

Making the Choice: What's Best for Your Home?

The decision isn't always black and white when outfitting your home with appliances. But there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind before making the choice!

  • Assess Your Needs: Think about your daily routines. Do you need remote access to your oven, or is a traditional one sufficient?
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis: While smart appliances might have a higher upfront cost, they could offer savings in the long run through energy efficiency.
  • Ease of Use: Consider the learning curve for smart appliances versus the straightforwardness of traditional ones.
  • Long-Term Value: Think about the appliance's lifespan and how it might fit into your home's future.

Remember, the best choice is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term plans.

Finding Your Perfect Match

A couple shopping for appliances

Choosing between traditional and smart appliances is like crafting the perfect recipe — it's all about finding the right ingredients for your home! At AC Carlson, we offer a diverse selection of traditional and smart home appliances from all the top brands! You’ll find your perfect match in no time!

Have any questions? Give us a call or stop by! We’re always happy to assist you!