Kwikset Kevo Convert Evaluation | Digital Tendencies

“The Kwikset Kevo Convert is a straightforward, sensible, and strong option to deliver your dumb outdated deadbolt to life.”

Simple set up

Complete directions

Pleasant app management

Smartphone lock management

Visitor entry for household and pals

Restricted options

Requires $100 gateway add-on for distant entry and sensible system integration

Pricier than opponents with higher options

With new sensible locks hitting the market at a dizzying tempo in 2019, discovering the correct mannequin on your wants is a far better problem than again in 2013, when just a few have been accessible and the primary Kwikset Kevo lock was introduced. Since these early, pioneering days, the corporate has launched a enormously improved second-generation system and, most just lately, a trendy Kevo Modern lock, delivering sensible safety with a swagger.

All of those locks require a full disassembly and alternative of the deadbolt, incurring the trouble of changing your entrance door keys. One of many causes we’re huge followers of competing gadgets just like the August Sensible Lock is that it suits over your door’s current deadbolt – making your current lock smarter.

It’s no shock to see Kwikset reply with the $149 Kevo Convert lock, which is designed to improve appropriate cylinder deadbolts you already personal with enhanced options. They embrace smartphone entry, computerized locking, and, with the addition of the elective $100 Kevo Plus gateway, distant entry and monitoring.

Examine your compatibility first

Whereas the Kevo Convert Equipment has been designed with simplicity in thoughts, earlier than leaping in, you ought to be conscious that it’s not appropriate with all deadlocks. Widespread cylinder deadbolts from Kwikset, Weiser, Schlage, and Baldwin are invited, but when your entrance door’s rocking a rim cylinder design, mortise or built-in deadbolt, then you definitely’ll want change the lock completely. On the plus aspect, you may reap the benefits of Kevo’s touch-to-open characteristic, which isn’t accessible with Kevo Convert.

Obtainable in polished brass, satin nickel, or venetian bronze finishes, the package contains the identical elegant rear housing you’ll discover on customary Kevo locks. Powered by 4 AA batteries, the lock mechanism is slightly chunky, however Kwikset’s designers have managed to imbue the casing with slightly model. Construct high quality, like all Kevo locks we’ve examined, is first-class. We’d wish to see a design variant that mirrors the extra fashionable Kevo Modern design, although.

Tremendous easy set up

Set up is simple thanks to a few separately-bagged assortments of brackets, screws, and different elements that match the design of assorted deadbolts, identical to you’d discover in a big Lego set. You’ll have the lock fitted in minutes, due to pleasant, east-to-follow steerage accessible from the Kevo app.

Merely choose the producer of your current deadbolt and also you’ll be proven step-by-step directions on methods to take away your lock’s backplate, match the suitable mounting bracket and deadbolt adapter, and full conversion. If it takes longer than 10 minutes, one thing’s gone incorrect.

Construct high quality, like all Kevo locks we’ve examined, is first-class.

Pairing your telephone to the lock is a straightforward matter of urgent a button on the rear of the lock, then holding your handset to the housing. We would have liked a few makes an attempt to pair our smartphone, however realized its protecting case could also be stopping a robust connection. As soon as bare, pairing was profitable.

One minor frustration, for those who’re not utilizing the Kevo Plus Wi-Fi gateway, is that firmware updates for the lock must be transmitted through a telephone’s Bluetooth connection, and that may take as much as 30 minutes. A primary-world downside, admittedly, however one to keep in mind.

Smarter than the typical deadbolt

With the lock put in and calibrated, you may check out its options. Kevo lacks the sheer variety of options that you just’ll discover on locks from August (and now some Yale locks, due to their acquisition of August), so that you shouldn’t count on fireworks. That stated, in comparison with a standard, “dumb” lock, the options which are current add actual comfort.

The easy, neat Kevo app makes it simple to see lock standing at-a-glance, whereas a big round button lets you toggle the lock with a faucet. Maintaining in thoughts that Kevo Convert’s community connection to your telephone is through a Bluetooth community, you’ll clearly must be inside 20 toes of your door to entry the lock, however we discovered controls to be moderately speedy.

Whereas key fob and contact management aren’t accessible with Kevo Convert, the lock does help the corporate’s eKey characteristic, which opens entry to household and pals with a smartphone. Easy controls permit you to arrange scheduled or unrestricted lock entry, whereas visitor keys may be created offering 24-hour entry – good for babysitters or neighbors popping in to feed the pooch.

The easy, neat Kevo app makes it simple to see lock standing at-a-glance.

When you’ve spent slightly time testing out Kevo’s options, you’ll quickly discover life with a wise lock turns into second nature. All through our checks, we discovered Kevo Convert to be dependable and easy to make use of. It’s considerably of a disgrace that you just’ll must spend the additional $100 on Kevo Plus for distant entry, however when you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s a simple and enticing improve.

These days, it’s uncommon to discover a sensible house product that isn’t built-in with a phalanx of third-party gadgets, and Kevo Convert isn’t any exception, however as soon as once more, you’ll must put money into Kevo Plus for full compatibility. Pair your lock with thermostats from Nest or Honeywell, Ring or Skybell door-dingers, Amazon Alexa gadgets, and a bunch of extra gadgets and providers courtesy of IFTTT. Whereas Kevo Convert might initially provide entry-level sensible lock options, there’s a lot to discover when you put money into the gateway.

Guarantee data

Kwikset Kevo Convert is supported by a two-year guarantee protecting producer defects.

In case you’re searching for a fast and simple option to smarten up your deadbolt, the Kevo Convert is a cinch to put in and use, with a fundamental set of options that any smartphone person can embrace. The flexibility to transform your lock lets you retain current bodily keys, limiting disruption for older members of the family or pals whereas boosting entry choices for others. It’s the most effective of each worlds.

That stated, $149 plus a further $100 for the Kevo Plus gateway is a bit costly, particularly with an August Sensible Lock and Join gateway combo presently accessible at simply $179. In case you’re decided to go along with Kevo, then look on-line for reductions. In any other case, Kevo Convert is a straightforward, sensible, and strong choose.

Is there a greater various?

We love the third-generation August Sensible Lock which edges Kevo Convert on appears to be like, options and worth. Finally, it’s a greater choose.

How lengthy will it final?

As one of many early pioneers in sensible locks and a longtime house safety stalwart, you should buy with confidence. The corporate has continued to refine and improve the Kevo line and must be round for a few years to come back.

Do you have to purchase it?

In case you’re searching for a wise and easy option to improve your door lock, Kwikset Kevo Convert delivers with aplomb. Total, you may’t go incorrect.