Your home appliances can now automatically order supplies from Amazon

Although Dash Buttons have been widely mocked, with many saying they solve a non-existent problem, that hasn’t stopped Amazon from continuing to refine and update the service. Now, the company has the next iteration, the Dash Replenishment Service, which will come integrated into a host of appliances from the likes of Beko, Candy, Haier, Hoover and illy.

Using the Dash Replenishment Service, smart devices sense when they’re running low on supplies and then reorder them from Amazon automatically for you.

Related: Amazon Alexa guide

“With Dash Replenishment we’re working to make the process of shopping for everyday consumables completely disappear because we’ve all felt the frustration of running out of something we frequently use,” said Eric Saarnio, head of Amazon Devices EU.

“Dash Replenishment allows manufacturers to add even more convenience to connected products, enabling a device to automatically reorder so a customer never has to worry about running out of what they need.”

According to Amazon, the system works by using a variety of sensors, including voltage, pressure, volume, capacity and other arrays, using the measurements to trigger an order just before supplies run out. For example, a washing machine can order detergent, and a printer can get new ink sent.

The system requires the product’s owner to link their Amazon account, and enable automatic re-ordering. According to the Dash Replenishment Service developer pages, manufacturers choose which products can be ordered automatically.

For example, a printer manufacturer could select two options for replacement black toner, giving users a choice about which one they want to use. It seems highly unlikely, however, that a manufacturer would choose to offer a third-party compatible cartridge in this instance.

Likewise, dishwasher and washing machine manufacturers may choose preferred suppliers, reducing the choice available. And manufacturers can only list products that are shipped and sold by Amazon, cutting third-party sellers out of the mix.

We’ve asked Amazon if users can override the default selection choice and pick their own products, and will update this article when the company responds.

The list of companies getting behind the new service is impressive. Bosch Series 6 and Series 8, and Siemens iQ500 and iQ700 dishwashers will be some of the first products to have the Dash Replacement service, automatically reordering detergent when supplies run low. Kyocera has smart printers available that can order ink and toner when supplies start to run low.

Related: Best dishwasher

The scope of Dash Replenishment is huge, with Toshiba announcing that it will produce TV remotes that can reorder batteries; illy will have coffee machines that can order; Beko, Candy, Hoover and Sharp are developing washing machines with the Dash Replenishment Service in; and Beko, Candy and Hoover are developing dishwashers that can re-order tablets and rinse aid.

For Amazon, automatic orders have to be a good thing, generating more sales automatically. Only time will tell if it proves to be such a hit with consumers.

Do you want your devices to automatically order from Amazon? Let us know @TrustedReviews.