From chores to chill

Here are eight appliances to save time or energy, or just enjoy the thrill of futuristic living.

When people think of a smart home, they often conjure images of remotecontrolled blinds and surround sound systems that promise the perfect movie night. But beyond entertainment, smart appliances can make daily life easier by tackling chores and improving air, water, and even food quality. Here are some savvy upgrades to free up your time and energy, so you can enjoy your new home without the drudgery of homemaking. 

1 Robot vacuum with water inlet

Robot vacuums were already life-altering, but the latest models take it up a notch by hooking up directly to your plumbing. This means automatic water refilling and drainage and no more lugging around grimy buckets and risking spilling murky grey water all over your pristine flooring. To reap these benefits, the placement of a robot vacuum should not be an afterthought. Plan for this upgrade during renovations, ideally integrating it near the kitchen’s water line and concealing the docking station with clever cabinetry to keep your little helper out of sight but not out of action.

2 Air dehumidifier and purifier

So you’ve hired a deep cleaning service for your new home, and that’s all well and good. But when you’ve just renovated or moved into a new estate, the dust can take a while to settle and your neighbours’ ongoing construction can besiege your home with pollutants. An air purifier becomes essential, and if you're tired of swapping out moisture absorbers, a 2-in-1 dehumidifier and purifier will be your new best friend. It not only scrubs the air clean but also wards off the dreaded mold and mildew—perennial foes in Singapore’s humidity.

3 Water purifier and dispenser

It’s not hard to see why water purifiers and dispensers have become indispensable appliances in modern homes. Beyond filtering out impurities for your peace of mind, they deliver hot, cold, or room-temperature water on demand—ideal for instant coffee or a quick cup of tea without the wait. These gadgets are a boon especially for households with infants and children, providing hot water for baby formula or sterilisation, all while child-lock features ensure the safety of your curious tots.

4 Smart induction hob

A smart induction hob offers more than just a sleek aesthetic—it transforms cooking into a simpler, faster, and safer experience. Smart controls enable precise temperature adjustments for perfectly even cooking, multi-zone cooking makes meal prep a breeze, and auto shut-off, child lock, and boil-over detection provide extra peace of mind. Some even connect to your smartphone, allowing you to adjust settings on the fly—perfect for those who'd rather not be chained to the stove.

5 Multicooker

Microwave toaster ovens and air fryers that double as grills may sound impressive, but they can't hold a candle to the versatility of a multicooker. Take the Ninja 11-in-1 Multi Cooker, for example—it features three primary cooking modes: pressure cooking, steaming, and slow cooking. But that’s just scratching the surface. This powerhouse can also air fry, steam fry, grill, and even whip up homemade yogurt, all within a single-lid pot. Plus, at just 42 cm wide, it saves counter space, giving you the freedom to experiment with new recipes while keeping your countertop neat and organised.

6 Tabletop dishwasher

Does the thought of cleaning up put you off cooking and hosting? A dishwasher could be the answer to more nutritious meals and effortless entertainment. Contrary to popular belief, modern dishwashers often use less water and energy than handwashing, and a compact tabletop dishwasher like the Electrolux dishwasher (EFC3862MS) does the job just as well in smaller householders. Plus, you can say goodbye to bickering over whose turn it is to scrub the pans and hello to more quality time. Talk about a worthy investment

7 Smart fridge

Smart fridges have come a long way, and we’re not just referring to their energy-efficient capabilities. We’re talking touch screens to keep recipes accessible and built-in cameras to check your fridge’s contents remotely—handy when you’re at the stores and can’t remember if you’re out of milk.

The LG's 527L Smart Inverter Compressor Refrigerator goes further with its InstaView Door—two knocks reveal the interior without opening the door, preserving cool air, reducing energy use, and keeping your snacks fresh for longer. To top it all off, the Hygiene Fresh+ system eliminates up to 99.999% of bacteria and neutralises strong odours—perfect for tackling the aftermath of
durian season. 

8 Bidet toilets

Singapore may not have Japan’s snowy winters, but bidet toilets? That’s one import we’re fully on board with—so much so that a Singaporean even created a directory for public washrooms with bidets last year. Bidet toilets are a hot commodity for good reason, offering a hygienic wash that toilet paper can’t match. Besides, fewer handson encounters mean less waste, so you can respond to nature’s calls while doing your part for the planet.