Skip to main content

GE Cafe’s latest refrigerator will make believers out of in-door dispenser skeptics (those killjoys)

GE coffee makerIn a face palm-inducing stroke of “Why haven’t we seen this before” refrigerator genius, GE Cafe’s latest French Door model now includes a hot water dispenser in the door. Capable of delivering up to 10 ounces of hot water at anywhere from 90-185 degrees Fahrenheit in minutes, the Cafe could be responsible for the retirement of a few electric kettles. A simple touchscreen interface allows control over the water temperature, as well as all other refrigerator operations (but no apps, although it can be used as a photo slideshow display). Hot water is dispensed with a push-and-turn motion on a red-ringed knob that lights up when water has reached the requested temperature; the separate knob from the water/ice dispenser lever is a nice safety feature that ensures hot water won’t pour by mistake. As a higher-end line, the Cafe has a number of other sweet features, including an odor filter to pick up nasty leftover smells, a Precise Fill feature that allows measured water dispensing, an on-door ice dispenser, a separate temperature-controlled drawer, and LED lighting throughout. The fridge also features GE’s Brillion connected appliance technology, allowing PC or smartphone control and monitoring of some features, as well as smart-grid control for energy savings (that feature requires purchase of the GE Nucleus control center, and that your utility has smart-grid meters). The new Cafe is available only in Stainless Steel, in 28.6cu. ft. full-depth and 23.1cu. ft. counter-depth models.

Matt Davis
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Matt Davis is a tech wonk, musician, home hacker and family man. He is driven by a love for trivia and an obsessive need to…
Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Battery Doorbell Plus: which is the better video doorbell?
The Ring Battery Doorbell Plus installed outside a front door.

Ring and Nest are responsible for some of the best video doorbells available. With easy-to-use smartphone apps, simple installation processes, and the ability to customize your motion alerts, the Ring Battery Doorbell Plus and Nest Doorbell have quickly established themselves as two of the best video doorbells money can buy.

But what exactly is the difference between these two popular gadgets? And which is better for your smart home?

Read more
The best Apple HomeKit devices for 2023
A person unlocking the Aqara U100 smart lock with their phone.

While not as widespread as Google Home or Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit remains one of the most popular smart home ecosystems of 2023. The software plays well with iOS devices, and several other gadgets such as smart lights, smart locks, thermostats, and cameras can be controlled using the fancy technology. If you’re looking to build your smart home around Apple’s ecosystem, here are the best HomeKit devices available today.
Locks

HomeKit doesn’t have the largest selection of smart locks, but that doesn’t really matter when you have something as well-rounded as the Aqara Smart Lock U100. Not only does it offer full HomeKit support, but you’ll even gain access to Apple home keys -- allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch. There’s also the standard keypad for entering a passcode, along with a fingerprint sensor that can store several dozen fingerprints (so your whole family can enter the home without worrying about forgetting their password or smartphone).

Read more
Secure your home with Ring Floodlight Cam Plus and save $80
Ring Floodlight Camera placed on a wall outside.

Best Buy has one of the best security camera deals at the moment with $80 off the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera. Usually priced at $200, it's down to $120 for a limited time only so if you're fast enough, you'll save a lot of cash. If you're looking to secure your home, keep reading while we tell you all about the advantages this security camera offers.

Why you should buy the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus
Considered to be one of the best floodlight cameras for someone seeking a hard-wired solution, the Ring Floodlight Cam Plus Outdoor Wired Surveillance Camera is a highly effective home security measure.

Read more