I recently implemented a fun and practical automation in my kitchen using Shelly devices, and I wanted to share my experience with the community. The goal was to create a system where the chef can signal when a plate is ready, alerting the waitstaff without needing to shout across the room. Here’s how it all came together!
The Setup
I used a Shelly RGBW2 light strip paired with a Shelly Button. The button is placed near the chef’s station, and the RGBW2 strip is mounted above the serving area. When the chef taps the button, the lights flash green, indicating that a meal is ready to be picked up. The system is fully integrated into Home Assistant, making it easy to manage and customize.
The Configuration
Here’s the configuration I used:
yaml
type: button
tap_action:
action: toggle
entity: switch.shelly
icon: hass:food-turkey
name: Meal ready!
show_state: true
I also set up notifications in the Govee companion app so that the waitstaff receives a push notification when the button is pressed. This ensures that no meal goes unnoticed!
The Outcome
This system has been a game-changer in our kitchen. It reduces the need for constant communication and allows the staff to focus on their tasks while still being alerted promptly when a meal is ready. The integration with Home Assistant has been seamless, and I’ve appreciated the flexibility it offers in customizing the system further.
Challenges and Solutions
One challenge I faced was wiring the Shelly devices correctly. I had to repurpose an old phone charger as a power supply, which worked perfectly once I got the wiring sorted out. I also had to ensure that the RGBW2 strip was positioned in a way that it was visible to the waitstaff but didn’t interfere with the kitchen workflow.
Final Thoughts
I’m thrilled with how this project turned out. It’s a simple yet effective solution that has made our kitchen operations smoother. I’d love to hear if others have implemented similar systems or have suggestions for improvements. Happy automating! 