Can you feel that warm summer sun? After months of cooler weather, it's time for sunscreen, barbecues, and vacations. But as humidity climbs and temperatures soar past 100°F, the heat can become overwhelming. As a smart home enthusiast with years of testing these devices, I've curated seven reliable gadgets to keep you comfortable all season long.
These proven smart home solutions draw from real-world use, helping you grill, chill, and stay cool without the sweat.
Nothing says summer like a backyard barbecue. Traditional grills have served us well, but smart models elevate the experience.
The Lynx Smart Grill stands out with voice control and a companion app featuring temperature sensors for real-time doneness updates. It includes predefined recipes—5 unique sites to find and share recipes for free—and a party mode to queue up cooks effortlessly, like a playlist for your grill.
Pair that perfect grill with an ice-cold drink. The Bud-E mini fridge holds 78 beverages and integrates with a smartphone app for precise temperature control, low-stock alerts, and countdowns to optimal serving temps.
One note: It's branded with the Bud Light logo, so embrace the theme.
Keep your garden thriving in the heat. Smart sprinklers like Skydrop plug into your existing system, supporting up to eight zones. Customize by soil type, plants, slope, and more, while it syncs with local weather forecasts via sources like Google Maps real-time weather data to water only when needed—saving water and costs. (Rachio alternative)
SkyDrop 8-Zone Wi-Fi Capable Smart Sprinkler Controller - Expandable Frustration-Free Packaging SkyDrop 8-Zone Wi-Fi Capable Smart Sprinkler Controller - Expandable Frustration-Free Packaging Shop Now on Amazon
Block out the intense sun with automated shades. Lutron Serena offers quality at around $350 per shade plus a $150 hub. Schedule openings/closings, control via app or Siri (Siri smart home commands), and use geofencing for hands-free operation as you come and go.
Maximize your existing AC without voiding warranties. Sensibo's IR blaster works with major brands: wall-mount it, then schedule, remote control, and integrate with Alexa, Google Home, or IFTTT. Geofencing ensures it's ready when you arrive. (Smart AC guide; thermostat picks)
For energy-efficient cooling, upgrade to Haiku fans starting at $550. They auto-activate on motion, adjust speed by temperature, and simulate natural wind—all app-controlled with scheduling and bulb tint options.
Take summer outdoors with camping. The BioLite Campstove converts fire heat to electricity via its 2600mAh battery, LED lights, and USB port—perfect for charging gadgets off-grid. (Portable charger review)
These seven gadgets, tested in real heatwaves, range from budget-friendly to premium, making hot days manageable. What's your must-have for beating the heat? Share in the comments below.
