As I was preparing to move to Loreto, Mexico, I decided to take a variety of steps to automate my home. Much of the process was described in a post I wrote last July entitled Automating a House with Alexa Devices. Today I’m going to share another product you can use for home automation. Yes, I earn a small commission if you buy it from Amazon with my links. No, I didn’t get any free ones darn it!

My earlier post included wall switches and smart plugs. I have to admit that the smart plugs stick out a bit from the wall. If there was a way to make them a bit smaller, that would be awesome. Now there is a far more compact option and that is to install the controllers as part of the outlet!

Each of the products I’ve used so far come from TP-Link and the Kasa Smart WiFi Power Outlet is another of their offerings. You certainly don’t have to use everything from the same brand, but I already know how they work so it is easier for me. Installing the dedicated outlet not only saves space, it also costs less than getting two smart plugs.

One downside is that I often use Belkin Wall Mount Outlets to turn two outlets into six. They only plug into the top outlet so all six plugs would be controlled by a single smart switch. The key would be to install the smart outlets in strategic locations and use smart plugs in other places.

Yes, you’ll either need the skills to install an outlet or an electrician. These outlets aren’t something you can just plug in like the smart plugs. Once in place, each outlet can be controlled individually by the Kasa app. Of course the Kasa app also works with Alexa and Google giving you the option to control switches via voice.

If you are ready to jump in and automate your home, now you have one more tool to use!