Inexpensive, but very useful and practical. Here are some of my favorite gadgets from IKEA.
SKOTAT extension cable
One of my favorite extension cords. There is no need to hide it, because it just looks cool (especially in this color), but the sockets and ports arranged at an angle are more convenient to operate than in traditional strips. It fits best in a place where you can lean it against a wall (e.g. on a kitchen counter) if you often connect and disconnect cables. It has rubber anti-slip surfaces and holes at the back allow you to even hang it. In addition to three sockets, it offers two USB-C ports up to 45 W, so you can even charge a laptop, tablet and several other devices from them.
SJÖSS loaders
If you are looking for an inexpensive USB-C charger for everyday use or you want to put an extra one in your bag/backpack, or maybe your car, so that you always have it with you, the IKEA offer will probably be the best. SJÖSS chargers are available in three variants: 1 port 20 W, 2 ports 45 W and 1 port 65 W. This gives you a lot of options for charging various gadgets, for little money.
SKAFTSÄRV LED lamp
Although more expensive competition allows remote control via an application or voice, and sometimes also connecting such lamps to a larger smart lighting system, if you don’t need it, IKEA has something for you. The lamp, which costs only PLN 20, changes colors (9 variants), pulsates with the music and can be set so that the cheaper finish is not visible at all.
LED with MÖRKRÄDD sensor
After installing this type of lamps, I no longer turn on additional lighting when opening cabinets, drawers, entering the bathroom in the evening/at night and in many other situations. You don’t even know how much it changes everyday life. These are plugged into sockets, but below you will find a glued and battery-powered variant.
GÖMPYSSLING LED lights with sensor
If you happen to feel around the wall in a dark closet or look for the switch at night – this lamp solves the problem once and for all. It costs less than PLN 20, but you get two pieces in the set, so you can easily organize your wardrobe and bedside table at the same time. It runs on one AA battery, turns on automatically when motion is detected and turns off automatically after 10 seconds. Mounting on a gel pad means no drilling – just stick it and it’s ready. Small, discreet (only 7 cm in diameter) and virtually maintenance-free.
Smart socket and GRILLPLATS remote control
A socket plugged into the wall allows you to control any device – a lamp, a fan, a humidifier – remotely using the remote control included in the set. You don’t need Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or any application. But this is optional and after some time you will probably want to connect the socket to the smart home system. However, I know, after years of using such solutions, that sometimes it is simply better and faster to press the button on the remote control (hanging on the wall and removable).
VAPPEBY waterproof bluetooth speaker
If you are looking for a speaker for the bathroom, swimming pool or balcony, VAPPEBY from IKEA will do just fine. It is waterproof (IPX7), so it can safely fall into the bathtub or be left in the rain. It sounds decent for its price – it won’t replace Bose or JBL, but it’s enough to listen to podcasts and background music. The ability to combine two pieces into a stereo pair is a nice bonus.
KLIPPBOK water leak sensor
A leak behind a dishwasher or washing machine is one of those problems that you don’t think about until it happens. That’s why some time ago I placed sensors near such devices and only check from time to time whether everything is OK with it (it has not disconnected from the smart home and how long the battery will last). You can buy an IKEA DIRIGERA gateway for its operation, but it supports the Matter standard, so you can easily connect it to Google Home, Apple Home or Samsung SmartThings, if you already have a smart ecosystem at home.
