The size of the smart plug depends on whether you want a full-size plug, which may cover the whole outlet, or a compact model that leaves the adjoining electrical outlet open for another device or second smart plug. There is some variation in size even among the compact models. Some have a horizontal design that extends beyond the electrical outlet while others aren’t much bigger than a regular plug. And some smart plugs have two or three outlets, allowing you to control several devices at once from the same smart plug. The purpose of the plug and what you plan to use it for will help you narrow your size options. Shape Smart plugs come in both single and double outlet models. There are also smart power strips that offer up to eight outlets, but we’re not looking at those here. Multi-outlet smart plugs come in vertical and horizontal designs and give you more options for controlling your lights or other devices. Some are large enough to cover the entire electrical outlet, while others leave the adjoining outlet available for use. Tap the menu on the Alexa app. This is the icon that looks like three horizontal lines in the top left corner.

If you choose a multi-outlet smart plug, you also have to choose between dual and single power control. A single power-control plug means that both outlets are turned on or off by the same power button. A dual power-control plug has a separate on/off button for each outlet. Dual control provides more options and versatility. For example, if one outlet controls a coffee maker and the other controls a lamp, you can turn off the coffee maker’s outlet while you’re out of town but keep the lamp on with the Away mode schedule. Usage, electricity meter, and cost analysis Each smart plug is rated for a limited amount of power, usually stated in either amps or watts, which also limits the kinds of devices you can plug into it. If you want a smart plug that can turn on your coffee maker or air conditioner, you’ll need a higher power capacity than you would for one that just turns on a lamp. Smart plug for Alexa features Ease of setup and app Tap the magnifying glass to search for your smart plug skill.You can search for your device name or the company name. After you set up your smart plug in the app, you still have to set it up with Alexa if you want to control it with voice commands or create a routine with the Alexa app.Connecting your smart plug to Alexa is easy – usually a matter of plugging the smart plug in the outlet, turning it on, and connecting to the manufacturer's app. Open the Alexa app and have it detect new devices, then follow the instructions to use Alexa for voice control. Key considerations Size Ease of setup depends on a number of factors, including the brand, make, and app used with the smart plug. Inexpensive models tend to come with inexpensive apps, which aren’t always the easiest or most efficient to set up or use. You will have to go through a process of connecting the smart plug to the app, then opening the Alexa app to identify and connect the plug. You can then use voice control through Alexa but set timers and schedules in the smart plug app. Multi-outlet A few plugs record electricity use and display it in the app. Using a graph, you’ll be able to see not only how much electricity you’re using but also when you’re using it. Some even include a way to calculate a cost analysis to get an idea of how your power usage affects your electricity bill. This feature is also a good way to monitor the efficiency of your appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and stoves. If you’re into power monitoring, this is a premium feature you’ll love. Schedule This will usually involve you pushing a physical button on your smart plug until it begins flashing. Then the device can be discovered by the app during the setup process. Smart plugs with a scheduling feature let you turn on the lights before you get home from work or before guests arrive. Scheduling can also be a money saver. You can schedule the lights to turn off after you’ve left for work, for example, so you don’t waste energy if you forgot to shut them off before you left. Away mode

Continue to follow instructions to set up your smart plug. You may need to take additional steps to enable your smart plug app. Follow the instructions to connect your Alexa to the smart plug. The vast majority of smart plugs are intended for indoor use only. However, if you want the ultimate in hands-free control of your Christmas lights, there are smart plugs made for use outdoors. These smart plugs can be set on a time- or weather-based schedule, which means they’ll turn on or off depending on the time of day or the humidity and temperature. Power capacity A. Smart plugs can work for almost any electrical device as long as they have the right power capacity. You’ll want to make sure the plug has the features you want, such as electrical usage and an Away mode. Q. Are there smart plugs that can be grouped and connected to other smart devices? The Away mode is at the top of our list of favourite features. It turns the plug on and off at random to make it look like your home is occupied while you’re gone. If you have more than one plug, you can set them to different schedules, increasing the believability of your ruse. Condition automation

FAQ

Eve energy is the best plug for anyone who has Apple products in their lives. It’s a well-built, highly effective gadget which works brilliantly with Apple HomeKit and its Siri personal assistant. To control the plug when you’re not at home you need an Apple Home Hub, in the form of either a HomePod or Apple TV, and you need an iPhone to use it. Thread compatibility has arrived recently with this latest version – thread technology is designed for smart home applications to improve connectivity so they are more robust and more responsive. It means that there’s no need for a central hub. Instead, compatible devices work together as a mesh network (the more Thread devices, the stronger the network).