With the BBQ area power outlet IKEA is launching a new, particularly affordable Matter-compatible power outlet. It can be used not only in... IKEA ecosystem use, but also easily integrate into open systems such as Home Assistant Integrate. In this article, we test how the integration with Home Assistant works and what functions the smart plug offers.

What is IKEA GRILLPLATS?

The GRILLPLATS is a compact, switchable power outlet for indoor use. Visually, it maintains typical IKEA understated elegance: simple, functional, and unobtrusive in design. The outlet features an on/off button and an LED indicator on the side. A particularly interesting feature is the integrated energy meter, which allows you not only to switch devices on and off but also to monitor their power consumption. This opens up additional possibilities for automation, such as based on actual energy consumption.

IKEA GRILLPLATS and Matter

The GRILLPLATS is based on the open Matter standard and is therefore compatible with various platforms. These include Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Homey, and Samsung SmartThings. Thanks to Matter, the smart plug is flexible and not tied to a single ecosystem.

Requirements for integration with Home Assistant

For seamless integration, several prerequisites must be met. First, a current installation of Home Assistant is required, for example on a Raspberry Pi, Home Assistant Green, or a mini-PC. Additionally, a functioning Thread Border Router is necessary, as GRILLPLATS communicates via Thread.

• A current version of Home Assistant on suitable hardware, e.g.:
  • Raspberry Pi*
  • Home Assistant Green*
  • Home Assistant PC*
• A functioning Thread Border Router, e.g.:
  • Aqara Smart Hub M200*
  • Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2*
  • Amazon Echo Show 11*

The setup process also requires the Matter QR code or the numerical pairing code. This can be found on the front of the smart plug and in the user manual.

Setting up the GRILL PLATE in Home Assistant

Adding new Matter devices requires the Home Assistant Companion app. After plugging it in, the smart plug remains in pairing mode for approximately 15 minutes. This period restarts when the power button is pressed. If the smart plug has already been paired, it can be reset to factory settings by pressing and holding the button (for approximately 10 seconds).

The setup itself takes place in just a few steps:

1. In the app: Settings → „Add to Home Assistant“ → „Add device“ → „Add Matter device“
2. „Select "New"
3. Scan QR code or enter pairing code

After a short time, the GRILLPLATS automatically appears as a new device in Home Assistant.

GRILL PLATES in Home Assistant: Features and Data

After integration, various information and automation options are available in Home Assistant. The device information displays, among other things, the firmware version, hardware version, and connection type (Matter).

The current switching state can be read and changed directly in the Controls field.

The restart behavior can be defined in the configuration section. This refers to the state the socket automatically returns to after being plugged in or after a power outage.

The diagnostics section is particularly interesting, as it clearly displays the measured values from the integrated energy measurement and can also be visualized as a time series. This allows for a detailed analysis of the power consumption of connected devices.

The power outlet can also be directly integrated into automations, scenes, and scripts. Already configured actions and activities are clearly displayed.

Practice: Automation with GRILLPLATS

In the test, the GRILLPLATS was used, among other things, with the remote control. BILRESA It's a combined device. This one has two buttons that reliably switch the socket on and off. Setting up this control was completed within a few minutes.

Additionally, automation was implemented using the current sensor. FRITZ!Smart Energy 250 Configured and tested. As soon as excess electricity is fed into the grid – for example, by a balcony power plant – the socket switches on automatically. In this way, excess energy can be used efficiently.

The combination with the motion detector also MYGG SPRAY is conceivable and offers numerous application possibilities, such as for lighting or device control.

These examples clearly demonstrate how flexibly different sensors and actuators can be combined in Home Assistant to implement practical automations.

Conclusion: GRILL PLATTER and Home Assistant

The GRILLPLATS is a compact and versatile Matter smart plug that stands out for its easy integration with Home Assistant. In addition to its reliable switching function, the integrated energy measurement offers real added value. It provides insights into electricity consumption and enables further automation.

An additional advantage is the attractive price of currently around €8.99 in Germany. However, it should be noted that the smart plug is currently only available in IKEA stores and not yet offered online. Overall, the GRILLPLATS is therefore an interesting option for anyone who wants to set up a smart home or meaningfully expand their existing system.

Source/Photo: (Chris Smart / Amazon / IKEA)