How to Use Innr Smart Plugs to Automate Your Coffee Maker for a Smarter Morning Routine

Quick answer

To automate your coffee maker with an Innr smart plug, connect the plug to a Zigbee bridge, pair it in the Innr app, then create a schedule or use voice control. This lets your coffee maker turn on automatically each morning, even if it has a simple on/off switch.

Waking up to the smell of fresh coffee is one of life's simple pleasures. With an Innr smart plug and a Zigbee bridge, you can make that happen automatically. Instead of stumbling to the kitchen to switch on your coffee maker, you can set a schedule that powers it up just before you wake.

This guide walks you through the entire process, from choosing the right plug to setting up schedules and voice control. You'll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls, such as using a smart plug with a coffee maker that has electronic controls that don't restart after a power cut.

Why Use a Smart Plug for Your Coffee Maker?

A smart plug turns any standard appliance into a smart device. For a coffee maker, this means you can set it to turn on at a specific time each morning, control it remotely, or activate it with your voice. This is especially useful if your coffee maker has a simple mechanical switch that stays in the on position.

Innr smart plugs use Zigbee, a wireless protocol that works with many smart home hubs, including Philips Hue. This means you can integrate your coffee maker into your existing Zigbee network and control it alongside your lights, creating a seamless morning routine.

• Check that your coffee maker has a mechanical on/off switch. If it has electronic buttons that require a press after power is restored, a smart plug won't be able to start it automatically.

What You Need to Get Started

To automate your coffee maker, you'll need an Innr smart plug, a Zigbee bridge (such as the Innr Zigbee Bridge UK), and the Innr app on your smartphone. If you already have a Philips Hue bridge, you can use that instead, as Innr smart plugs are compatible with it.

The Innr Zigbee Bridge UK connects your smart Zigbee lights and plugs to the free Innr app, allowing you to control everything from one place. It also enables voice control through assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can start your coffee maker with a simple command.

• Make sure your smart plug is within range of your Zigbee bridge. If not, consider moving the bridge or adding a Zigbee repeater, such as a smart bulb or lightstrip.

Setting Up Your Innr Smart Plug

Start by plugging your Innr smart plug into a wall socket near your coffee maker. Then, open the Innr app and follow the instructions to add a new device. The app will guide you through pairing the plug with your Zigbee bridge. This usually involves putting the bridge into pairing mode and then pressing the button on the smart plug.

Once paired, give your smart plug a recognizable name, such as 'Coffee Maker'. This will make it easier to identify when setting up schedules or using voice commands.

• If the pairing fails, move the plug closer to the bridge temporarily, then try again. After pairing, you can move it back to its permanent location.

Creating a Morning Schedule

In the Innr app, you can create schedules for your smart plug. Navigate to the schedule or automation section, select your coffee maker plug, and set the time you want it to turn on. For example, if you wake up at 7:00 AM, set the plug to turn on at 6:55 AM so your coffee is ready when you get to the kitchen.

You can also set a schedule to turn the plug off after a certain time, ensuring your coffee maker doesn't stay on all day. This is both energy-efficient and safer.

• Test your schedule by setting a time a few minutes in the future. This way, you can confirm the plug works correctly without waiting until the next morning.

Using Voice Control for Extra Convenience

If you have a voice assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control your smart plug with simple commands. After linking your Innr account to your voice assistant, you can say 'Alexa, turn on the coffee maker' or 'Hey Google, turn on the coffee maker' to start brewing without lifting a finger.

Voice control is especially handy when you're still in bed or if your schedule changes unexpectedly. You can also use voice commands to turn off the coffee maker if you forget to do so before leaving the house.

• Ensure your voice assistant is set up in the same room or area as your smart plug to avoid connectivity issues.

Step-by-Step: Automate Your Coffee Maker with an Innr Smart Plug

1. Check your coffee maker's switch type: Ensure your coffee maker has a mechanical on/off switch that stays in the on position. If it has electronic buttons, a smart plug won't be able to start it automatically after a power cut. If your coffee maker doesn't have a mechanical switch, consider using a smart plug with a different appliance or upgrading your coffee maker.
2. Set up your Zigbee bridge and smart plug: Plug in your Innr Zigbee Bridge and connect it to your router. Then, plug your Innr smart plug into a wall socket and pair it with the bridge using the Innr app. Make sure the plug is within range of the bridge. If pairing fails, move the plug closer temporarily.
3. Create a schedule in the Innr app: In the Innr app, go to the schedule section, select your smart plug, and set a time for it to turn on. Also set a turn-off time to avoid leaving your coffee maker on all day. Test the schedule by setting a time a few minutes ahead. This confirms everything works before you rely on it.
4. Enable voice control: Link your Innr account to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Then, use voice commands like 'Turn on the coffee maker' to start brewing without touching the app. Voice control adds convenience, but ensure your voice assistant is set up in the same area as the plug for reliable operation.

Products That Help Automate Your Morning Coffee

• Innr Zigbee Bridge UK: Connects your smart Zigbee lights to the Innr app. With the Innr Bridge, you can connect your smart Zigbee lights to the free and easy to use Innr app. Control your lights with your smartphone or by voice. This bridge is the hub that connects your smart plug to the Innr app, enabling schedules and voice control. Without it, you can't automate your coffee maker with Innr devices.
• Innr Smart Bulb White 1100lm E27: The extra powerful smart light you can dim wirelessly. Fits in E27 fitting, 1100lm for extra brightness, wirelessly dimmable, easy to connect, also works with Philips Hue, suitable for voice control. While not directly related to your coffee maker, adding a bright smart bulb to your morning routine can help you wake up more naturally. You can schedule it to turn on gradually before your coffee is ready, creating a complete wake-up experience.

Automating your coffee maker with an Innr smart plug is a simple way to make your mornings more efficient. With a Zigbee bridge, the Innr app, and optional voice control, you can wake up to fresh coffee every day. Just remember to check your coffee maker's switch type and test your schedule to ensure a smooth start to your day.