Glenn's real-world smart home

Gear I Use
& Products to Explore

This page clearly separates the products I use in my own home, other compatible equipment, and premium products I have not personally used. Browse by status, purpose, or manufacturer.

See What I Use Special Automations

Three ways to browse

Find gear your way.

Start with my exact setup, shop by what the device does, or jump straight to the manufacturers you already trust.

🏠 What I UseProducts installed in my home ⚙️ By Gear TypeLighting, sensors, climate, access & more 🏷️ By ManufacturerApple, Hue, Ecobee, Aqara, Eve, Meross & more

Clearly separated

Gear I Use & Products to Explore

Explore 30 new recommendations from Philips Hue, Eve, and Aqara, alongside 32 products I personally use, 14 other products, and 9 premium products to explore. New recommendations, other equipment, and premium options are not claims of personal use. Every card includes the exact product reference, compatibility, notes, and a direct product link.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

🔥 Fireplace Relay 🚗 Garage Controller 💧 Den Dehumidifier 🐹 Hamster Camera 😂

Find A Product

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Shop by need

Browse by Gear Type

Useful when you know what problem you're solving but haven't chosen a brand yet.

Brands in this guide

Browse by Manufacturer

Choose a manufacturer to see its products, clearly labeled as gear I use, other equipment, or a premium product to explore.

Beyond off-the-shelf gear

Special Automations & Integrations

The interesting stuff happens when Apple Home becomes a system rather than a pile of individual gadgets.

My Special Automation

Gas Fireplace Control

The TV xStream Voice Fireplace Switch (B07N9BCJRW) is the low-voltage relay in my gas fireplace setup. It works through a compatible smart plug rather than acting as a standalone HomeKit accessory.

Compatible Smart PlugLow-Voltage RelayFireplace Control

See My Fireplace Relay In Gear I Use

Full routine details to follow: the exact smart plug, trigger, operating conditions, and shutdown safeguards.

This is a setup overview, not a wiring tutorial. Any installation must follow the fireplace manufacturer’s instructions and preserve its safety protections.

My Special Automation

Smart Garage Door

My setup includes the Meross Smart Garage Door Opener Remote (B084Z5QZR2). A separate automation at 11:00 p.m. closes the garage door in case I have forgotten, alongside turning off the evening lights and locking the doors.

11:00 p.m.Nightly RoutineGarage Door Closes

See My Garage Controller In Gear I Use

The rest of my special garage routine is being documented, including its triggers, conditions, and safety checks.

Check controller compatibility with your opener. Keep the garage door’s safety sensors and manufacturer protections intact.

See All Six Everyday Automations

See the complete system

How the gear works together.

Explore my real-world Apple Home setup to see how the hubs, bridges, sensors, lighting, climate devices, cameras, and connected accessories fit together.

View My Setup