Michael lets his mobile do the work of switching on his kettle
While medical opinion and certain technological products, such as activity trackers, encourage the general population (including yours truly) to get off their backsides and do more exercise, other aspects of technology could be said to be encouraging a more couch-potato type of existence. Maybe I am being a little harsh, but the term 'couchpotato' immediately sprang to mind when I started to review the Smarter iKettle device.
Like the teasmaids of yesteryear, the iKettle boils water automatically so you can brew your favourite beverage. However, rather than simply being on a time, the iKettle is at your remote command via an appropriate mobile device by communicating with via its own built-in wi-fi network.
Available in a range of colours, including blue, black, red and the aluminium of my review sample, the iKettle has a capacity of 1.8 litres. The body of this receptacle is totally enclosed meaning there is not a viewing window that can be used to check on the current water level. Mounted on the side of the iKettle is a sturdy rubberised handle that incorporates a release button for the top of the device when it does need a refill.
When in use the iKettle needs to sit on its power platform connected to a mains power source. This base unit features an arrangement of buttons for selecting the choice of temperature at which the water will be heated. You have a choice of 65, 80, 95 or 100 degrees to suit the beverage you intend on making. There is also a keep-warm option, acting similar to an urn, with the default setting of 20 minutes duration. Completing this arrangement of controls is the power button which insists on flashing to indicate power is available apart from when the boiling operation is in progress.
While you can use these buttons to control the iKettle, there is the key option to remote control using a downloadable free app available in iOS and Android flavours. This review is based on the Android version of the app.
When first run the app sets out to instigate a link between the iKettle’s network and that of your home network. Initially I attempted this link-up from the kitchen where the iKettle would live. However, despite several attempts, I was unable to establish a link. In fact it was not until I moved the iKettle close to my router that a connection was made and I was able to implement remote controls.
The main interface of the iKettle app consists of a number of circles representing the controls found on the base unit. You can turn on the iKettle and select the required temperature with the appropriate buttons being highlighted in either red or blue until the boiling process is complete.
According to the product’s Instruction Booklet, you should hear a beep from the iKettle and be advised by the app to signify the water has been boiled. However you would need to be in the same room as the iKettle to hear the low volume beep while the only indication delivered by the app was when the circle highlights disappeared.
Further options are available to schedule a Wake Up call that includes turning on the iKettle at a set time or have your imminent arrive at home detected so that the iKettle has boiled the water ready for a welcoming drink. Both of these features would have been appreciated if only I had managed to get either of them to work. Michael Fereday
A nice idea but one that failed to impress me.