In a move set to make smart home technology more accessible and unified, IKEA has officially announced an upcoming range of affordable smart controls and plugs. The new products, which include the Bilresa remote controls and the Grillplats smart plug, were initially leaked earlier this year but have now been confirmed as key players in IKEA's growing Matter-compatible ecosystem.
This announcement solidifies the Swedish furniture giant's commitment to a future where all smart devices, regardless of brand, can work together seamlessly. For consumers tired of walled gardens and compatibility headaches, IKEA’s push into the Matter standard is a welcome development.
A First Look at the New IKEA Bilresa Remote Controls
Designed for simplicity and convenience, the new Bilresa remotes are set to become the physical touchpoints for your smart home, allowing you to control devices from across the room without needing to pull out your phone.
The range features two distinct models, catering to different user preferences:
- The Bilresa Remote Control with Dual Button: This minimalist remote offers a simple, two-button interface. It's perfect for straightforward commands like turning a smart lamp on or off or cycling through your favorite two light scenes.
- The Bilresa Remote Control with Scroll Wheel: For those who desire more precise control, the scroll wheel version allows users to smoothly adjust brightness levels or scroll through color options with a tactile twist. It’s an intuitive design that makes fine-tuning your lighting environment feel natural.
Both remotes can perform a variety of functions, from basic on/off commands to adjusting brightness and changing the color of compatible smart bulbs. IKEA will also offer Bilresa Remote Control Kits, which include three remotes in different colors, making it easy to outfit multiple rooms and add a splash of personalization to your home's tech.
The Grillplats Smart Plug: Power and Insight in One
Joining the new remotes is the versatile Grillplats Smart Plug. This device will be available in versions tailored for the US, UK, and EU markets, ensuring a broad global reach.
The core function is simple: turn any "dumb" appliance into a smart one. Plug in a standard lamp, a coffee maker, or a fan, and you can control it remotely via the IKEA Home Smart app. But IKEA has added features that elevate it beyond a simple switch.
The standout capability is energy consumption monitoring. Users can see exactly how much power the connected device is using directly from the app, helping to identify energy hogs and potentially lower electricity bills. Furthermore, the plug can be automated to be triggered by other connected sensors—imagine a fan turning on automatically when a temperature sensor detects a room is too warm.
This strategic move is part of a larger vision for IKEA. As highlighted in a recent announcement from IKEA's newsroom, the company is deeply invested in creating a "new smart home" that is compatible, affordable, and sustainable for the many people. The adoption of Matter is central to this philosophy, breaking down barriers between different tech brands.
Availability and Pricing: What to Expect
For those eager to get their hands on these new gadgets, the wait will be a little longer. The IKEA Bilresa remotes and Grillplats smart plug are expected to hit shelves globally in January 2026.
Early pricing information from the UK market suggests they will continue IKEA's tradition of affordability. The dual-button Bilresa remote is reported to cost just £3, while the more feature-rich scroll wheel version will be priced at £4. Pricing for other regions, including the US and EU, is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be similarly budget-friendly.
The confirmation of these devices being Matter-certified from the outset is a significant detail. As reported by The Verge in their coverage of IKEA's smart home strategy, this ensures that the new remotes and plug will not only work flawlessly with other IKEA smart products but also with devices from giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung that support the Matter standard.
This January 2026 launch promises to give users more flexible, cost-effective ways to build a responsive and integrated smart home, proving that a high-tech home doesn't have to come with a high-tech price tag.
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