Control4 Debuts App for Smart Kitchens

The smart kitchen may finally become a reality. For what seems like eons of dreaming about truly connected appliances, the industry now has the first app and module to manage energy, create actionable text alerts and review diagnostics for refrigerators and ovens.

Control4 has announced its new Smart Appliance App and Smart Appliance Module, developed by Card Access, for Sub-Zero, Inc. and Wolf Appliance cooking equipment.

The Smart Appliance App and Smart Appliance Module, free in Control4's 4Store, are available through Control4's dealer network.

“Today’s mobile devices are aiding mainstream adoption of connected home technology,” says Susan Cashen, senior vice president of marketing for Control4. “Technology is affording homeowners the ability to monitor and control everything in their home anywhere, at any time. With Control4 technology and the new Smart Appliance App and Smart Appliance Module from Card Access, our dealers have a solution for homeowners to monitor their Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, whether that’s from another room in their home or miles away.”

The Smart Appliance Module is engineered by Card Access using its wireless networking design capabilities combined with Control4 ZigBee PRO mesh networking. The radio communications, firmware and Control4 driver capabilities enables the module to integrate into a Control4 system and enhance functionality of select Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

All new Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator models and Wolf E-Series wall ovens are manufactured to accommodate the aftermarket installation of the new Smart Appliance Module. Existing models must be outfitted with the module after receiving an update from a Sub-Zero and Wolf factory-certified service technician. The Smart Appliance App is downloadable for free to any Control4 system to allow homeowners to manage energy, create actionable alerts, and review appliance diagnostics.

“The Smart Appliance Module is a win for today’s smart homeowner and the Control4 dealer,” says Card Access CEO Kent Hansen. “By combining existing and new Sub-Zero and Wolf appliance features with the Control4 home automation platform, the Smart Appliance Module offers unprecedented control and interaction to today’s homeowner. This combined effort by our companies is a major milestone and achievement for the smart appliance space.”

From specific lifestyle needs and preferences such as increasing ice production prior to entertaining, to saving energy in vacation mode or choosing the Sabbath mode for religious observances, the Smart Appliance App allows homeowners to manage and control their appliances their way. The Smart Appliance App provides diagnostic efficiency and enhanced service support for connected appliances. The device provides Error Codes and alerts if any maintenance is needed, which the customer can then provide directly to Sub-Zero Wolf factory certified service.

Consumers can receive notification for general service requests, including specific service codes, from the Control4 system, the Smart Appliance Module and the Smart Appliance app. Sending text/email notifications about general service requests to the consumer, a local Sub-Zero Wolf factory certified technician, and the Control4 Dealer can lead to quicker diagnosis and resolution of problems.

“Incorporating technology within our products reinforces our commitment to improving our customers’ ownership experience,” says Michele Bedard, vice president of marketing for Sub-Zero and Wolf. “Modern consumers are gravitating towards products that add convenience to their everyday routine and appliances with home automation technology do just that.”