With this review of the Kwikset SmartCode 916, we have entered the world of networkable smart door locks. This Kwikset lock supports Z-Wave or Zigbee, depending on how you set it up. We’re using a Z-Wave network for this review, with a Nexia Bridge Z-Wave controller.
The SmartCode 916 is the second review we’ve done of a smart front door deadbolt lock. Perhaps more noteworthy, this is the first of two directly competing Z-Wave based smart locks. Next up is one from Schlage, another major brand.
From a hardware standpoint, installing this Smartcode 916 (or other Kwikset Z-wave lock) is basically like installing a traditional deadbolt lock. Remove your old one, install this one! But there are differences.
The lock supports standard cut out holes of either 2 – 1/8” (54mm) or 1.5 inch (38mm). Because the lock is “smart,” there are a few extra steps as well. The short version is that you mount the outside assembly (Key, display pad) to a plate on the inside of the door. Then the main assembly of the inside, attaches to that plate. While you are putting these pieces together, there’s a cable from the main assembly that runs through the plate to the outside assembly, to provide power and communications for the display keypad. The main assembly has the motor that opens and closes the lock, and it also houses the electronics.
No summary of a lock like the Kwikset SmartCode 916 would be complete without a little competitive info. Since we’re new at this, we haven’t reviewed a lot of smart deadbolt door locks.
All I can report on is how this SmartCode lock compares with Kwikset’s own Kevo, a very different smart lock. We will shortly be reviewing a more direct competitor from Schlage. If that review is posted by the time you read this, you should find a direct comparison there.
Art's been reviewing high tech products and editing their reviews for 15 years. He launched his first website presenting solutions.com (sold in 2003) in early 1995 when there were only a few thousand .coms. He launched ProjectorReviews.com in 2000, and started planning Smarterhomeautomation.com back in 2011.
Art's goal is to provide in-depth reviews on the latest and hottest products that fit into the Smart Home, aka Home Automation, as well as insightful articles to educate people into what's available, what makes the most sense, and where the market is going, so people can better plan, and implement their goals for energy efficient, convenient, and downright "cool" capabilities.
Ancient history: Born in Allentown PA, Graduated 1972. Sold and managed stereo stores (and did a little surfing) in the early, mid-70's before getting into computers and more AV. Managed the first computers store in Pa, starting in 1979 (not the first manager). Moved to selling computers to major accounts. Then moved west to SF area, for a four year stint with Epson starting in 1982, then left for one of the early large venture backed start-ups in the Silicon Valley - Presentation Technologies. Left there to start up Presenting Solutions, which became the first projector focused reseller on the internet (Jan 1995). Married Lori in 1990, and have been enjoying our daughter Lisa, since 1992! Presently living, and working in San Clemente, CA.
