Emtek Empowered Smart Entry Set Review: The Best Smart Lock?
Emtek Empowered Smart Entry Set
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So, as this year has seen a lot of advancements in smart technology, some of the most common has been smart locks. While there are some more inexpensive options, the Emtek Smart Key System outweighs a lot of other competitors in features and style.
In this review, we’ll go over the main features of the smart entry set, it’s styling, performance and a final wrap up of our thoughts. In addition, we’ll compare it to some more value-oriented options and why you might want to consider a more “expensive” keypad.
Design
Starting off with the style and design of the Emtek Empowered Smart Entry Set.
The keypad can come in a variety of styles and colors. These include; oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel, flat black and polished chrome. Our favorite (and the one we choose) is the flat black. But, your choice will most likely depend on your home’s style.
The actual style of the smart home set is extremely modern and sleek. It is a rectangular keypad piece with a colored external trim. The module itself is 3 5/8″ by 2 5/8″, while the locking mechanism is 2 3/4″ by 6 7/16″.
The keypad has a backlit styled keypad that wakes with touch. The numbers will never wear out or wear off. It is also all metal construction without exposed plastic on the battery housing. And finally, there is no key so you cannot be picked or bumped.
Features
Next we’ll go over the main features of the Emtek Smart Home Set. In addition to the obvious, it is a smart locking deadbolt to be used for a home, rental property or anywhere you would use a traditional lock.
Starting off with the functionality of a smartphone app. Emtek teamed up with August Home to create a smartphone app that allows you to control your smart home set. It will seamlessly work with the app to perform several functions.
- Lock & Unlock – unlock with your smartphone
- August Doorbell connectivity – you can answer your door from anywhere with a video stream
- Family & Guests – you can share access with people you want to get in
- Lock Settings – there are a variety of customizable settings (discussed later)
- Activity Log – you can monitor the doors unlock/lock history from anywhere
- Voice Commands – “Hey Siri, lock my door” – works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Siri
The customizable features that you can adjust in the app are:
- Volume settings
- Inside indicator light
- Auto re-lock
- One touch locking
- Languages: English, Spanish, French
- Lock out (Vacation mode)
The lock itself is powered by 2 AA batteries and should last for a solid 6+ months. Additionally, the smart key set can be energized with a 9V battery to prevent being locked out.
There is one touch locking so that you don’t have to type in a code before leaving. Also, auto re-lock so your door is always automatically locked. You can also store up to 25 unique entry codes or unlimited codes when connected to WiFi.
Final Verdict
So, should you buy the Emtek Empowered Smart Entry Set for your home? Well, the answer is pretty simple: yes. If you’re looking for a high-end, quality, functioning smart key system, then absolutely.
However, there are a few drawbacks when choosing the Emtek set. Firstly, unless you don’t get a key. Not having a key makes you loose the ability to manual open your door if the technology fails. It won’t be a problem for everyone, but just make sure that you’re aware of that.
Second, it is on the pricier end of the spectrum. There are more affordable options out there. But, with that said, Emtek should have your back as far as reliability, quality and performance. If you’re looking for the one of the best products you can get, then this is most likely the option for you.
If you’re looking for a more middle of the road option, the Schlage Smart Key Deadbolt is something to consider.
