Benefits of Wi-Fi technology
It is still difficult for the average consumer to guess why Wi-Fi is in the refrigerator. This module has the following advantages:
- By setting the expiration date of some nutritious products, you can always know about their freshness;
- the temperature in the refrigerator compartment with a Wi-Fi module can be adjusted from anywhere in the apartment or house using a tablet computer or smartphone;
- Some models have an automatic diagnostic function, with which the equipment independently sends a fault code to the service center in the event of a breakdown.
How to choose a smart refrigerator
Expert opinion
Yakovlev Alexey Sergeevich
Electrician with 20 years of experience and extensive experience
A smart refrigerator is a very complex and high-tech device, the purchase of which must be approached with the utmost caution. In the domestic market, such equipment has a very high cost. In addition, not all manufacturers provide quality service in the Russian Federation.
To choose a worthy option, you must rely on the following criteria.
Automatic selection of energy consumption
One of the most important criteria, allowing not only to save energy, but also to extend the service life of equipment. It is very important to purchase exactly the refrigerator that can independently select operating modes.
For example, if the user has not opened the door for a long time and no heat has entered the interior of the structure, the system will automatically activate the energy saving mode. When the refrigerator has been open for a long time, then a more powerful mode is activated to ensure the required temperature.
Dimensions
In this case, it all depends on the area of the kitchen in which the smart refrigerator will be located. Fortunately, the devices in question are sold in several form factors, ranging from compact to bulkier sizes.
Number of cameras
The number of chambers determines how many products can be placed for freezing and cooling, as well as how many zones with a certain temperature there will be in the design.
Of course, a lot depends on the overall dimensions of the refrigerator, because if the device is small, then the capacity will be very limited.
It is better to give preference to models with two chambers - for freezing and cooling.
Control
You can control your refrigerator in several ways:
Manual. As a rule, advanced models have a display on the front wall to display information and a small panel with buttons
Remote. Refrigerators can be synchronized with a mobile device, after which they can transmit commands and receive information via the home wireless network.
Temperature Range
Another very important criterion responsible for the shelf life of food products.
It is worth noting that each chamber has its own temperature. For example, −18-24 °C can be used for freezing. In the cooling chamber, the optimal solution would be −12-18 °C. The universal norm is −6-12 °C.
Function for monitoring the quantity and quality of food
Some models are able to estimate how much food is left in the refrigerator and what its expiration date is. If any ingredients are missing, the device sends information to the owner's smartphone.
Additional features
Expert opinion
Yakovlev Alexey Sergeevich
Electrician with 20 years of experience and extensive experience
When buying a smart refrigerator, you can pay attention to the presence of some auxiliary functions. Examples include parental control, which prevents a small child from changing the settings of the device, as well as an ice generator that can convert defrosted water into ice.
In addition, there are models with huge touchscreens, with which the user can view recipes, monitor the weather forecast, surf the Internet and even listen to music.
What capabilities do refrigerators equipped with Wi-Fi function have?
The wireless communication module in the refrigerator compartment not only turns the owner’s smartphone or tablet into a remote control, but adds a large number of functions to the equipment. Thus, the technology can notify the user about the quality or availability of food.
You can configure the software so that the device constantly monitors the availability of your favorite food.
The most expensive and multifunctional models allow you to access social networks and listen to online radio. Such devices are equipped with LCD displays and can partially replace a computer or tablet.
“Smart” equipment with a Wi-Fi module can itself order food on the Internet or send relevant information about such a need to the owner.
Built-in software and LCD monitor allow you to record recipes, shopping list, to-do list, etc. In addition, refrigerators with cameras make it possible to constantly monitor their contents.
Options for adjusting temperatures in different equipment compartments are also available for remote control.
Setting up Wi-Fi on LG refrigerators
To connect such a refrigerator, you can use a special application by downloading it from the official LG website or from the Play Market service.
Synchronization is carried out according to the following scheme:
- The LG Smart ThinQ program is downloaded to your mobile device.
- After this, on the refrigeration equipment you need to press the button with the Wi-Fi icon. It needs to be held for 3-5 seconds.
- The button should start to glow continuously. This completes the setup.
The application allows you to control many types of equipment from LG. These include ovens, clothes washing machines, and robotic vacuum cleaners.
Rules for using an LG refrigerator from a smartphone
Each model of refrigeration equipment has its own operating rules, which can be found in the attached instructions. To use household appliances, you need constant access to the Internet and a smartphone that supports the software of the refrigerator manufacturer.
Most requested features:
- Turn on and off: In the LG Smart ThinQ application menu, find the “Power” menu item. Select the required function there. If you need to set up a shutdown at one time or another, you should set a timer in this section and activate the corresponding option.
- Reduced electricity consumption. To reduce financial costs, you need to find and enable the “Minimum tariff” function. After this, the device will independently regulate the amount of energy consumed.
- Diagnostics. If you enable this useful function, then in case of any malfunctions or operational problems (for example, an open freezer door or a switched off ice maker), a corresponding notification will be sent to your smartphone.
- Temperature control. You can monitor changes in this parameter and make adjustments even from another city. To do this, just go to the application and open a window with current indicators.
The company is constantly improving its technology. Thanks to this, new devices appear in stores that can perform many useful functions. If you learn how to use them, you can simplify your life and increase the amount of free time.
How to control a refrigerator with Wi-Fi function
Managing a refrigerator with a Wi-Fi module is extremely easy. This requires a tablet, PC or smartphone with software support from the equipment manufacturer. In addition, to connect you need access to the Internet. After purchasing the equipment, you need to carefully study the instructions for its use.
For iOS and Android you need to install different software shells. Relevant information should be provided in the user manual. Software installation is performed automatically or manually. Once the program is installed, you can begin to use it to control refrigeration equipment. To do this, you need to select menu items. For example, if you need to remotely turn off the refrigerator, you need to go to the “Power” section of the software and select “Disable” there.
Popular refrigerator models with Wi-Fi
The modern market of technological equipment for the home offers consumers a wide range of models equipped with a wireless data transmission module. You can find the best option in almost every price group. The most popular models of “smart” refrigerators:
- VioMi Smart Refrigerator iLive Four Door. The production of this model of “smart” refrigeration equipment is carried out by the Chinese company Xiaomi. The device is equipped with a 10″ diagonal display, built-in audio speakers for hands-free calling when paired with a tablet or smartphone, as well as an option for ordering food online. The touch display can be used to type text and control equipment, as well as to turn off the lighting in the room. The refrigerator compartment has a volume of 288 liters, the freezer compartment – 70 liters. The model fits perfectly into modern interiors.
- Models GA-M429SARZ and GA-M549ZMQZ. This equipment is manufactured by LG Corporation. These models differ from each other only in capacity (302 and 368 liters, respectively). The equipment connects to the home Wi-Fi network and allows the owner to monitor the condition and availability of food in the freezer. Both devices have a stylish and attractive design and a small LCD display located at the top of the case. Before using refrigerators, you need to install a special application on your tablet or smartphone. If a malfunction occurs, the devices automatically send a message to the nearest service center and the owner.
- Model KGN39AI35. This “smart” refrigerator is manufactured by Bosch. The capacity of the equipment is 87 liters (freezer) and 279 liters (refrigerator compartment). The equipment easily synchronizes with the Home Connect system due to the presence of a built-in wireless communication module. The refrigerator can be fully controlled remotely, adjusting the temperature regime for each compartment.
- Family Hub from Samsung Corporation. This model is less popular than others. It is equipped with the Tizen operating system and can perform the same functions as a full-fledged tablet. The device has a 21.5-inch touch screen, multiple cameras and auxiliary controls that are located on the body. The owner of the equipment can order products online, paying for them directly from the refrigerator display. In addition, the model allows you to visit Internet sites, listen to music, and watch movies. Among the shortcomings of Family Hub, consumers highlight only its high cost - more than $5,000.
Refrigerators with Wi-Fi are a relatively new type of household appliance. However, they have already gained great popularity, because... simplify the process of purchasing and storing food.
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How to connect an LG refrigerator to Wi-Fi
Many modern devices are equipped with a wireless Internet connection module, not only smartphones, TVs or laptops, but also household appliances, such as refrigerators. And this is very convenient, as it turns the refrigerator into a multimedia device with a wide range of functions. Such models are often called “smart refrigerators,” and they are part of the “smart home” system, which has recently become increasingly popular. That's why LG has been making Wi-Fi refrigerators since the technology hit the market.
Why connect your refrigerator to Wi-Fi?
Here are the features your LG refrigerator will have after connecting to a wireless network:
- Remote control of refrigerator functions from a smartphone or tablet through a special application.
- Diagnostics of refrigerator operation and timely detection of problems.
- Automatic ordering of food and groceries via the Internet using the touch screen (Option not available in all countries!)
- Compile a list of products and send push notifications about the need to replenish supplies. For this function, the refrigerator uses a built-in video camera, the image from which is processed by the processor (check the availability of this function in the technical data sheet of your LG refrigerator model).
- Data on the availability and expiration date of products, systematized and accessible remotely (the option is not available in all refrigerator models).
- The ability to listen to Internet radio and communicate on social networks (the option is not available in all refrigerator models).
Connecting an LG refrigerator to Wi-Fi: step-by-step instructions
- Make sure your LG refrigerator is equipped with a wireless module. This can be done by carefully studying the technical data sheet or on the manufacturer’s official website.
- Download the LG ThinQ application to your smartphone or tablet (Link to Google Play), (Link to Apple Store)
- Create an account in the application (you can also register through your Google or Facebook account) and select the “Refrigerator” section. (From the same application you can control other “smart” equipment installed in your home: TV, washing machine, etc.).
- Find the Wi-Fi button on the front of the refrigerator. Press and hold for at least 5 seconds.
- A window should appear in the application on your smartphone asking you to synchronize your devices (smartphone/tablet and refrigerator).
- By clicking “OK” you will complete the process of connecting the refrigerator to Wi-Fi.
Problems connecting Wi-Fi to an LG refrigerator
Difficulties when connecting a refrigerator to a wireless network are extremely rare.
- If the LG ThinQ app asks for a password when syncing, enter your home Wi-Fi password.
- If, when you press the button on the refrigerator, Wi-Fi does not turn on (the indicator light does not light up), unplug the refrigerator from the network and turn it on again after a few seconds.
- If the application does not see the refrigerator, reboot your home router.
How to use Wi-Fi in the refrigerator
Manufacturers of LG refrigerators have provided many convenient functions for equipment owners. Here are the most popular and useful:
- Turn on/off the refrigerator. This can be done remotely in the "Nutrition" section of the application. Also in the same section you can schedule switching on or off by setting a timer.
- Reduce electricity consumption. In the application, activate the “Minimum tariff” option, after which the refrigerator will independently regulate energy consumption.
- Check functionality remotely. Manufacturers recommend running the “Diagnostics” function, then the refrigerator will promptly report problems that may impair the quality of its operation. For example, about a door that is not tightly closed, an ice maker that is turned on, etc.
- You can also change the temperature in the refrigerator through the application.
- Use the refrigerator as a cooking aid. You can download a recipe book into the LG ThinQ app and display the recipe you want on the refrigerator display while cooking, making the process easier.
