Hands-On - Lutron's Smart Fan Controller Works With Apple's HomeKit
The First Home Cat Fan Controller Has Arrived: A Hands-On Review
For those who have been searching for a home automation solution capable of controlling their ceiling fans, Lutron has just released its first-ever home cat fan controller. As we'll go hands-on with this exciting new device, we're eager to explore its features and see if it's the perfect addition to your smart home setup.
The Lutron Fan Controller: An In-Wall Unit for Easy Installation
The Lutron fan controller is an in-wall unit that will replace your existing wall switch, allowing you to control your fan with ease. The installation process is relatively simple and should work with most fans you already have at home. All you need to do is remove the existing wall switch, install this new one, and voila! You'll be rocking and rolling in no time.
A Separate Pico Remote for Flexible Control
Not only does the Lutron fan controller come with an in-wall unit, but it also includes a separate pico remote that can be used to control your fan not connected to the wall. This is perfect for situations where you want to have more flexibility in your home automation setup. For example, if you're in a bedroom and want to adjust the fan speed or turn it off from the comfort of your bedside table, this pico remote comes in handy.
Voice Control with Siri and HomeKit
One of the most exciting features of the Lutron fan controller is its compatibility with Siri and HomeKit. This means that you can control your fan using your voice, as well as set up schedules and trigger other sensors to automate your home's automation system. Additionally, you can use the Lutron app or the iPhone's built-in Wi-Fi configuration feature to connect your fan to HomeKit. With this seamless integration, you'll be able to enjoy a more convenient and streamlined smart home experience.
Four Different Speeds for Enhanced Control
The Lutron fan controller offers four different speeds: low, medium, high, and an additional off function that allows you to shut down the fan completely. This is a significant upgrade from the standard three-speed control found in most fans, giving homeowners like you more control over their environment.
Creating Custom Scenes with the Lutron App
While the Lutron fan controller isn't connected directly to HomeKit, you can still create custom scenes within the Lutron app that tie into other smart home devices. This means that you can combine multiple devices to create a seamless automation experience. For example, you could set up a scene that turns off the lights and adjusts the temperature while also shutting down the fan.
The Pico Remote: A Handy Control Device
Speaking of control devices, the pico remote is an excellent accessory that allows you to adjust your fan's speed or turn it off from anywhere in the room. The five buttons on the remote offer a convenient way to make adjustments, with options ranging from maximum speed to complete shutdown. Plus, when connected to HomeKit, these changes will be reflected in real-time on your other smart home devices.
Smart Bridge Pro for Internet Remote Access
The pico remote is connected to the Smart Bridge Pro, which provides internet remote access and enables you to tie it into any other HomeKit-enabled device. This means that you can not only control your fan with the pico remote but also link it to other smart home products like lights, thermostats, or security cameras. With this integration, you'll be able to enjoy a more cohesive and automated home experience.
Responsive and Fast Performance
In our testing, we found that everything worked seamlessly together without any hiccups. The fan controller responded quickly and accurately to our commands, making it clear that Lutron has put significant thought into the user interface and performance of this device.
Availability and Pricing
The Lutron fan controller is set to become available in March for $80 for the large set-up in the wall, with an additional $42 for the pico remote. While there isn't a price point mentioned for the standalone fan control unit, we can assume that it will be competitive with other smart home products on the market.
What Do You Think?
Is this the perfect solution for your smart home needs? We'd love to hear from you! Let us know in the comments below if you've enjoyed this hands-on review of the Lutron fan controller. Be sure to follow us on social media for more updates, and check out our price guide which makes it extremely easy to find the best deals on Apple products updated daily.