Tired of smart technology causing more problems than it solves? Here's a list of dumb machines you can buy new...because not everything needs to be smart!
For the purposes of this article, a "dumb machine" just includes the basic features, is simple to operae, and does not use smart technology that ends up working against you. Basically, things that just work and serve their intended purposes as simply as possible. The term "dumb machine" is used positively here. This ever-expanding list covers a wide variety of products, including (but absolutely not limited to) appliances, electronics, tools, and other random gadgets.
Appliances
Laundry
- Speed Queen – High quality washers and dryers with only 3 dials on the control panel, or membrane buttons and a 7-segment display if you really want them (these are the only models with a 7-year warranty, and the only option for front control dryers and stacked washer/dryer combos; the warranty is 3-5 years on the dial control models.) Washers are available as top load with a traditional tower agitator, or front load. The only major downside is that the dryers are either resistive heat electric (heating element) or gas, with no heat pump or condenser options.
- Maytag – An iconic brand that continues to offer laundry machines with basic controls, including the Commercial Grade Residential Agitator Washers which maintain the tower agitator. Top load dryers are also an option from Maytag, but again, there are no condenser or heat pump options.
Vacuum Cleaners
- Numatic Henry and friends – Cheerful with a smiling face, simple, affordable, yet still commercial grade with a 10 year warranty! The operation is about as simple as a vacuum cleaner can be with only an on/off switch (some have a motor speed control dial, but that's it) and a manual cord reel (or, in the case of James, just a cleat to wrap the cord around.) The motors are the same used in Miele vacuums, allowing for high performance with minimal noise. The HEPA bags provide excellent filtration. Charles provides wet/dry capability, and George offers extractor functionality for washing carpets and upholstery. However, an electric power nozzle is not available, so they may not be ideal for anything above low pile carpet. All Numatic vacuums are made in the UK.
- SEBO – Made in Germany and also commercial grade, SEBO vacuums are considered some of the highest quality portable vacuums on the market today, often used in hotels. Power nozzles are available, as are upright models. All SEBO canisters offer push-button cord retraction, and they start at $400, providing an excellent alternative if you find the manual cord reel on the Numatics to be a dealbreaker. Filtration is S-Class rather than HEPA, but still excellent and suitable for allergies.
Kitchen
- SMEG – Have you ever wished you could time travel to buy some appliances that were able to effectively combine aesthetics, quality, and user experience? SMEG is an Italian company offering high quality appliances with retro styling and user experience!
- Breville – Want something more retro-futuristic? Or coffee machines, tea makers, and/or kettles with minimal plastic? Breville is the way to go! While some appliances are labeled "smart", they do not use apps or internet connections. "Smart" in Breville's case simply refers to the electronic controls of the machine.
Random Stuff
- Mechanical Thermostats – Searching "mechanical thermostat" in any search engine will yield plenty of options! These only perform the necessary fucntions of heat/cool/fan selection, auto/off, and temp setting. There's no programming or apps to throw off your settings. I recently installed the Honeywell T87N1000, which has been great so far.
Electronics
Radios
- Panasonic has two portable options, including the RF-2400 portable and the RF-P50 pocket radio, which appears to be a recent addition to the lineup. Both are simple AM/FM radios, powered by AA batteries with the option to use an AC adapter on the RF-2400. Panasonic also offers two basic speaker stereo systems with radios, CD players, and Bluetooth capability. The full selection can be viewed here.
- Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries – The description for r/AAMasterRace says it best: "Since 1907, 98% market domination. AA batteries are the best thing ever.
Future-proof your life. If you use only AA batteries and you want 3 spares, you only need 3 spares. With 5 different batteries, you need 15 spares plus chargers. With AA you can carry it all in your pocket. AA-compatible devices can include AAA, AAAA, C, D, F, 14500, 18650, 21700, 26650, 32600, 32650, etc. Right to repair was first lost from tolerating proprietary batteries, pay per charge, and self-destruct explosions. To regain right to repair, you need the right to put in standard batteries." Panasonic Eneloop is the best rechargeable option available. Yes, they're still NiMH, but they work great in nearly every application, and they're insanely reliable. (you might need them for some other items on this list!)
- Numark PT01 Scratch Portable Turntable – One of (if not) the best low-cost all-in-one turntables. Used by DJs for performances, it can be powered by an AC adapter or 6 D batteries (no proprietary and/or non-removable rechargeable battery!), does not have Bluetooth, and has 3.5mm and RCA outputs. I have the now-discontinued PT-01 USB version of this, which is the same but without the DJ scratch fucntion. Despite dropping "USB" from its model name, it retains the USB port.
Tools
- Corded power tools – Available from all of the major brands, corded tools do not require the complex control electronics needed for brushless motos in cordless tools or battery management systems. In addition, buying tools from different brands doesn't force you to invest in a new battery and charger, making them more cost effective. Some brands also offer tools that can run on AC power or a battery, for the best of both worlds. This is most common with fans, radios, and lights. Metabo HPT offers an AC adapter that works with all 36V MultiVolt Tools (it does not work with 18V tools).
- Brushed cordless power tools – If corded is not an option, brushed tools are less expensive and less likely to encounter electronic component failures. However, most brushless tools are still available without excessive "smart" electronics, so there are options if you do need brushless power (or the tool you need is only available as brushless).
- Lead-acid jump starters/power packs/stations – Lead-acid jump starters can still provide higher cranking amps (meaning they can jump start larger engines) than lithium-ion options, and their performance is less reduced in cold temperatures. They don't require apps to access all of their features like some lithium-ion power stations do. They are available in various configurations, from just a jump starter and 12V power source to fully equipped with an inflator, power inverter, lights, and even USB-C. A simpler one gives you the flexibility to choose your own accessories (inverter, compressor, etc.), prevents a failure of one part from making the whole machine unusable. The ability to disconnect anything you're not currently using would also decrease the likelihood of accidental battery discharge, since you couldn't just bump a switch and leave a light on. There are some downsides to be aware of, however: Lead-acid batteries charge much slower than Li-ion, ~4 hours will be the fastest, but ~12 hours is typical; they need to be charged at least every 30 days if not used; they are not available as large power stations; and their built-in inverters are typically modified sine wave. If you can live with these caveats (and/or need a high-capacity jump starter and/or a backup to a Li-ion power station), here are some models to consider: Harbor Freight Cen-Tech 750 Peak Amp (USB only, no 12V outlet) & 630 Peak Amp • HF Viking 1000 Peak Amp w/ light and compressor • HF Viking 1700 Peak Amp and the same with a compressor • HF Viking 3400 Peak Amp • Craftsman 1200 Peak Amp w/ inverter and USB-C (output only, jump starter does not charge from USB-C) • Schumacer Electric DSR ProSeries (simplest design with only jump starter and 12V outlet) - 2000 Amp • 2200 Amp • 2250 Amp
Uncategorized
- Casio products – Non-smart watches with all levels of features, watches with Bluetooth and only the useful smart features, electronic musical instruments with detachable Bluetooth dongles, user-friendly calculators that use button cell or AAA batteries...Casio provides a unique selection of innovative devices designed for longevity and an outstanding user experience.
Do you have a favorite dumb machine you'd like to see on this list? Any other feedback? Let me know! consciousconsumercollab@proton.me
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