Smartlock – Jeffrey Donenfeld

Smarlocks, compatible with smart home, are increasingly popular lately. Major brands like Kwikset and Schlage make consumer focused models with basic features and a focus on basic smarthome access – but Igloohome has gone much farther than that with the IglooHome Deadbolt 02. This smart lock not only adds a keypad for owner access via code, but features a host of advanced features and 3rd party tie ins that make this a truly useful piece of gear. I’ve lived with the Deadbolt 02 over the last few months – here’s my experience. I’ll spare you the technical specs and features you can lookup on IglooHome’s website, and skip straight to my impressions.

In Short: Despite a few software bugs and hardware nuances, the Deadbolt 02 is an excellent product that’s become a welcome part of my everyday life. If you’re looking for a deadbolt that can both give you basic keypad access, as well as generate new codes for guests and service workers offline, this is the one to get.

What It Is

The Deadbolt 02 is a keypad access deadbolt, with a standard key cylinder as a backup. It’s battery powered, and meant to be primarily accessed via the keypad. A key cylinder and standard key are there for backup, as is a bluetooth key on your phone for alternative access. The deadbolt is all weather, and features a useful smartphone app for giving access and managing the lock. Additionally, it integrates with AirBnB for guest booking access.

Who It’s For

The Deadbolt 02 is for the smarthome power user who not only needs keycode access to their home for themselves, but is sophisticated enough to need to give keypad access to guests, service workers, and friends – and doesn’t want to share one code with everybody. If you take your home security seriously, but want to give easy access to authorized people too, this is a great option.

Testing Method

I had this lock installed on my front door. I used it daily, friends used it occasionally, service workers used it occasionally, as did air bnb guests. I used the app for generating keys and giving access, used the bluetooth feature, and did a firmware upgrade wirelessly.

First Impressions

Getting it out of the box and setting it up was relatively easy. If your door is fairly standard, installation is straightforward. I was impressed by the slick look, good looks, and unassuming black faceplate. I also appreciated the covered key cylinder. On the lesser side, I was dissapointed to see a relatively common SC1 keyway and standard hardware store keyway – making picking this lock relatively easy for a decently skilled lockpick. A higher security cylinder would have been a great great addition.

Like

I love the keypad functionality – I never have to carry a key, and simply tap in my code. Additionally, the piece of mind of a 9V battery backup, and standard key cylinder is good. Additionally, the ability to generate new codes remotely – like for unexpected guests who need access while I’m away – is a huge benefit. Actually, it’s one of the key benefits to me. I also love the AirBnB integration, and it works reliably every time.

AirBnB Integration

Airbnb hosts, rejoice! We have partnered Airbnb to synchronize your reservations with access to your home or property, so that you would not have to worry about check-in and check-out of guests again.

When a guest’s accommodation booking is confirmed, we send a unique PIN code to the guest. They will use it to enter your property throughout their stay. At the end of the stay, the guest’s PIN code expires. When the next accommodation booking is confirmed, a new PIN code is generated for the next guest.

The constant changing of PIN codes heightens security of the property, so you have peace of mind.

Don’t Like

The main main issue with this lock is that the standard key cylinder is a cheap, easy to pick, run of the mill hardware store keyway. As a lock and security enthusiast, it’s embarrasing to have this keyway on my house. A high security keyway, or something a bit more esoteric or obscure would make this thing almost perfect.

I’ve noticed that in the hot summer heat here in Colorado, the keypad can get a bit finniky with touches. Not a huge issue, but sometimes it’s not as responsive as it should be.

Should you buy it?

Yes, but get the newer version with a better keyway.

Final thoughts

Despite a few software bugs and hardware nuances, the Deadbolt 02 is an excellent product that’s become a welcome part of my everyday life. If you’re looking for a deadbolt that can both give you basic keypad access, as well as generate new codes for guests and service workers offline, this is the one to get.