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Everyone knows you’re able to use Amazon Alexa to set kitchen timers and control your smart lighting. But with a little imagination, the smart home assistant can accomplish some pretty unusual things. Here are three ways I use Alexa around my home that you might not expect.
1Keeping My Lawn Looking Great
There is something uniquely satisfying about having a well-maintained lawn. Maybe it’s the curb appeal or the envious looks of the neighbors. Whatever it is, when your lawn looks spectacular, people notice. The only problem is the upkeep. Between mowing, fertilizing, and watering, achieving a yard that rivals the local golf course takes a ton of effort.
That’s where Alexa and a smart irrigation controller come in. A while back, I purchased aRachio 3 irrigation controllerto replace my old Rain-Bird unit that was malfunctioning. After installing the new controller, I was ecstatic to learn that I was able to use Alexa to water my lawn!
Set up too took less than five minutes, and only involved enabling the Rachio Alexa skill. Now, whenever I notice the lawn looking a little thirsty, I just summon Alexa to start the sprinklers. If you’d like to use Alexa to accomplish this in your home, you don’t have to use a Rachio 3 like I do. There are plenty of other smart home irrigation and hose timers available that offer Alexa integration. And if gardening is your thing, you can even use Alexa towater your houseplants.
2Turning Shower Time Into Spa Time
A good friend recently recommended we check outPura’s line of smart oil diffusers. Being a smart home geek, I was all too happy to oblige. After purchasing a few online, I found the diffusers worked just like those plug-in air fresheners available at any supermarket. The only difference was Pura offers Alexa (and Google Home) integration.
I put one of these diffusers in our bathroom, and filled it with a lavender-based fragrance. Now, about ten minutes before it’s shower time, I tell Alexa to turn on the diffuser. This creates a fantastic spa-like scent experience, perfect for unwinding at the end of a long day.
Pura diffusers work for me, but you don’t have to use one. To recreate this little makeshift day spa, you may use any Alexa-enabledsmart oil diffuser, and any essential oil. A few minutes before you bathe, have Alexa turn on the diffuser. Try it for yourself. I guarantee it’ll feel more luxurious than any regular shower or bath ever could.
3Frying Up a Delicious Dinner
During the pandemic, I got an air fryer that had Alexa support, and it changed the way I approach everyday cooking. Rather than running downstairs to turn on the oven then waiting forever for it to preheat, I’ll often just ask Alexa to start, stop, and preheat my air fryer instead.
Of course, you probably shouldn’t air fry every meal. And you will have to do most of the prep work here–it’s not like Alexa is going to chop your food for you–at least not until someone invents the first smart mandolin slicer. But shouting “Alexa, preheat the air fryer” from anywhere in my home saves me a touch of extra time when I’m feeling impatient and ravenous.
There are numerous smart air fryers that offer Alexa integration these days. If you’re someone who thinks they might want to try one, feel free to check out our list ofthe best smart air fryers.
Amazon Alexa is an astonishing smart home assistant that can do more than just play music and control basic lighting functions. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when automating your smart home. With a little creativity and a few companion products, Alexa can take on some interesting tasks that you probably didn’t know were possible.
