←back to thread

Ask HN: Any resources for finding non-smart appliances?

155 points everyone | 6 comments | 07 Jul 25 10:44 UTC | HN request time: 2.297s | source | bottom

My washing machine broke down. I need a replacement. I must avoid getting a "smart" one though. Are there any lists of products that arent "smart" so I can know which models are viable options to buy? Or other resources? I'm based in Ireland.
Show context
arp242 ◴[07 Jul 25 11:09 UTC] No.44488976[source]▶
Most appliances like washing machines are "smart-optional" at most, and can just be used as a regular appliance if you don't want all the "smart" stuff. There are also many without any "smart" features. It's different for TVs and such, but for household appliances all of this is not really a big deal.
replies(6): >>44489020 #>>44489029 #>>44489266 #>>44489535 #>>44490212 #>>44505961 #
1. mathgeek ◴[07 Jul 25 11:42 UTC] No.44489266[source]▶
Every feature that is added, even if you don't use them, is another piece of tech that can break and potentially be non-serviceable. I've several times now had to repair or replace major appliances in the first 3-5 years of use because of logic boards and such that were unrelated to the core functionality of the appliances.

Granted, not everyone wants or cares to minimize waste when it comes to objects of convenience, but plenty of folks want the option... and yes, I do realize I sound like "your father who bought fancy cars with manual windows because it's one less thing that can break." :) My own father was that kind of person.

replies(1): >>44489507 #
2. micromacrofoot ◴[07 Jul 25 12:09 UTC] No.44489507[source]▶
well you're not going to find one without a logic board, that's for sure
replies(2): >>44489929 #>>44498706 #
3. ◴[07 Jul 25 12:58 UTC] No.44489929[source]▶
4. mathgeek ◴[08 Jul 25 10:27 UTC] No.44498706[source]▶
No one claimed that. Reducing the number of parts doesn’t imply that every single one should be removed.
replies(1): >>44499807 #
5. micromacrofoot ◴[08 Jul 25 13:31 UTC] No.44499807{3}[source]▶
there are indeed people in this comment area claiming that they'd prefer mostly analog appliances

but generally a wifi/bluetooth chip isn't going to be the point of failure that brings down an entire appliance... most work without them

I've replaced a lot of logic boards and it's usually something every board needs upstream like a voltage regulator or a capacitor that brings it down

replies(1): >>44502478 #
6. mathgeek ◴[08 Jul 25 18:04 UTC] No.44502478{4}[source]▶
> but generally a wifi/bluetooth chip isn't going to be the point of failure that brings down an entire appliance... most work without them

The good ones do, but some will stop working if any functionality dies. Hardest part is knowing which are which.