You already have enough to do Thanksgiving Dayespecially if you invite people to your home. But over the years of trials smart home devicesI came across a few simple tricks that use smart products I've already done this and it makes organizing my Thanksgiving celebration much easier.
From helpful voice commands to app-controlled speakers and thermostatsthese are the tricks I rely on to keep things running smoothly when I'm busy partying, all without adding any extra technology or steps that I don't have time for.
Note: If you do Want more smart cooking technology, visit our guides for air fryers, smart kitchen tools, smart scales And smart ovens. And don't forget preparing for black fridayas deals are already happening at places like Amazon.
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1. Voice command timers
A smart display can do a lot more than just timers, but it is very convenient!
When I'm juggling multiple timers in the kitchen, I like the ability to ask Siri or Alexa to set independent timers for me so I don't have to try to keep track of everything in the oven or in my head. I know using voice assistant Simple timers sound like overkill, but if you already have a device listening for commands, you'll see how useful these timers can be. I can also set reminders for specific times, like, “Hey Google, remind me to check on the turkey in two hours.”
I prefer mine smart display for this (at the moment Amazon Echo Show 11which I'm testing) since I have a visual countdown, but any smart speaker may work too.
2. Give the light a warmer hue
Most smart light bulbs can be adjusted to produce softer colors or dimmer light.
I have both smart standard light bulbs And smart led floodlights in and around my hosting spaces at home. For a long event like Thanksgiving, I use my lighting apps to adjust the color or color temperature to a lower, warmer orange. This is easier for everyone and will work even better as the evening progresses and it gets darker. Plus, I can keep the kitchen light bright so I can cook when needed.
3. Speaker volume controlled by phone.
Smart speakers allow you to control them from a distance.
TVs are often on during Thanksgiving—they're fun, but they can distract from conversations or interfere with family announcements, especially in smaller homes. I have smart soundbar with loud sounds for exercise that I can also control with my phone or with a quick voice command for Alexa. Trust me, this comes in handy when I need a few minutes of silence to say something or calm down. Many home theater speakers or smart speakers that can be connected to your TV (such as Echo Studio 2025 have this opportunity.
4. Intelligent temperature adjustment
The Nest Thermostat is beautiful, but its real selling point is the savings on the inside.
When you I cook all dayyour home may become much hotter than usual. with mine smart thermostatI can adjust the temperature on the fly, moving it off schedule and lowering it a few degrees so it doesn't make things worse, or even lowering it to switch heat pump into cooling and temperature reduction mode. If people complain that it gets cool after the sun goes down, I can raise the temperature again (and lock the thermostat so no one can tamper with it manually). These controls work through the app or voice command, no matter what I'm doing.
5. Automatic air quality control.
SwitchBot's complete air monitoring solution works anywhere in your home.
Another problem with cooking, as with indoor heaters and fireplaces, is severe indoor air pollution. I have a convenient one air quality monitor I can install a system near the kitchen that will monitor temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide. If the levels start getting very high, it's time to turn on the fans, my air purifierand maybe crack a window or two. This benefits everyone's health and comfort.
Thanksgiving is only one day of the year, but home appliances help year-round. To learn more about how to prepare your home for events, check out my guides to the best smart locks And best video intercoms for your porch.
