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Best Dumb Appliances

The case for simple

Why dumb appliances?

We only list appliances with no smart features — no WiFi, no apps, no voice assistants. Here’s why that’s a feature, not a limitation.

Simplicity

A washer that's just a washer. No firmware updates, no account required, no "smart" features that break or get discontinued. Turn a dial, press a button, done.

Durability

Fewer electronics means fewer things that can fail. Basic appliances are often built to last decades, not until the next software update. When something does break, it's usually fixable.

Cost

Smart appliances usually cost more. You pay for connectivity and features you may never use — and that add more potential points of failure. Dumb appliances give you the function without the premium.

Privacy

Connected devices can collect data and phone home. Dumb appliances don't know your schedule, your habits, or your preferences — and they can't share them with advertisers or get breached in a hack.

Less EMF

Smart devices add to the soup of wireless signals in your home. If you prefer to minimize electromagnetic exposure, dumb is the way to go. No WiFi radios, no Bluetooth beacons, no Zigbee.

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Ready to go dumb?

Browse our curated catalog of appliances that do their job without the bloat. We link to trusted retailers so you can buy with confidence.

Browse by category: dumb refrigerators, ranges, washers & dryers, microwaves, small kitchen appliances.

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