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

155 points everyone | 1 comments | 07 Jul 25 10:44 UTC | HN request time: 0.417s | source

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.
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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.
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MrGilbert ◴[07 Jul 25 11:17 UTC] No.44489029[source]▶
Most. As of 2025, this does not apply to the dishwasher from Bosch as discussed in this blog article: https://www.jeffgeerling.com/blog/2025/i-wont-connect-my-dis...

There is functionality hidden in the app, so that the manufacturer can save a dime and a half on some buttons. Unfortunately, this line has already been crossed.

The functionality that is hidden: Rinse, Machine Care (self-cleaning), HalfLoad, Eco and Delay start.

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ReptileMan ◴[07 Jul 25 11:29 UTC] No.44489158[source]▶
The problem is not that you have more functionality in the app. It's that all the evil people that have designed (not implemented, the drones that write the code rarely have the right to express opinion or provide common sense in big corporate) this idiocy require you to have online account with them, for reasons unknown. This functionality should be local. Bluetooth works fine.
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thfuran ◴[07 Jul 25 11:42 UTC] No.44489259[source]▶
That's certainly worse, but needing to use your phone to run the dishwasher is still bullshit.
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ReptileMan ◴[07 Jul 25 11:49 UTC] No.44489331[source]▶
So is being obligated to use remote control to operate your TV, but here we are. The only way out of this bind is to obligate manufacturers for different classes of appliances to comply with some standards about local functionality. Which I approve.
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nilamo ◴[07 Jul 25 12:08 UTC] No.44489502[source]▶
But the TV comes with the remote. An appliance with an app doesn't even have the courtesy of a remote.
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1. ethbr1 ◴[08 Jul 25 13:30 UTC] No.44499788[source]▶
It's somewhat the same problem because its possible to lose manufacturer remotes.

And if the TV decided to implement weird, non-standard control signals, it can be a pain to access certain functionality with universal remotes (e.g. settings).

Different path to get there, but same end result: not being able to access functionality without going through an annoying manufacturer-specific route.