Fantastic update to an already great product![This review was collected as part of a promotion.] From the moment I opened that packaging I knew I was in for a great experience with this lock! The quick start guide and information is easy to follow and in the perfect order of you to get started as quickly as possible. Once you open the various areas of the packaging you can lay out all the necessary installation accessories that come with the lock to make sure you have everything you need for fast and easy installation. All of the screws come packaged in separate packets labeled so you can wait to open them in that step of the installation which makes it easy to identify them quickly and not lose them. Everything is secure and safe for shipping and the packaging is very well thought out as you can see from my photos. I will talk about some immediate impressions below after install and usage as well as later in the review actually talk about the ease of install.
The largest immediate noticeable advances in this lock over the 1st Gen (I have owned for about 18 months) is the speed of the lock mechanism on activation and the smoothness of the internal lock when you turn it with your thumb. Everything just moves freely and without any hesitation making it an easier lock to use then even a standard deadbolt. The interior aesthetics of the lock mechanism have also be refined giving you a smaller panel sitting on the door which makes it less intrusive if you are putting this into a room you sill see it from on a regular basis. Not to say the Gen 1 was obtrusive but the Gen 2 definitely is a welcome reduction in size! I would highly recommend this lock to anyone looking to add an electronic deadbolt to their home. I have had excellent response at the lock from any device used to lock or unlock from outside the door. I also have the Kevo Plus Gateway for remote locking and this connected to the new lock with ease and has been used several times for remote locking without any issues.
No matter whether you are just replacing an existing deadbolt or installing one in a brand new door the Kevo 2nd Generation should be relatively easy for even a beginner or seasoned DIY’er to complete with basic tools and minimal time. I downloaded the PDF Instruction Guide first as that is my usual go to on any installation like this but then I decided to give the Interactive Installation Guide a try. I am glad I did as I found it very easy to follow and loved the interactive videos. Each step shows you ample pictures, diagrams, written instruction, and even a demo video on most of the steps. It will guide you step by step on the install first asking you if you need to drill a hole for the deadbolt or prep the frame for the latch. If you need to do these steps you can print out the directions complete with a template to tape on to the door. I followed these on a previous install and would state this is a more of an intermediate project as you need a hole saw and a chisel to prep the door and frame properly. I went and purchased these and after watch the demos on line completed it in about 45 minutes. I had never chiseled a frame before so this is what took me the most amount of time to get right. If you already have a deadbolt and are just replacing then the interactive guide will now take you through step by step to install everything in the door and then set it up for connectivity to your device. This install to replace an existing Deadbolt and Striker along with a rekey using the SmartKey Technology took approximately 30 minutes.
After the install I moved the Kevo Gen 1 to another door and it connected immediately through the app. We now have two doors conveniently secured and connected through the Kevo Plus Gateway for remote locking and unlocking. I utilize various technologies in my home from all different smart home ecosystems from thermostats, to light switches, to leak sensors and everything in between. I decided to go with Kevo for the convenience of the touch to open features and this has held strong for 18 months to be a strong choice and the right one for my home and family. It makes it convenient to come home and if your hands are full just touch the lock to unlock and have the sense of security to actually hear it an see it unlocking. Other locks I had tried had various geofencing and sensor technology to automatically unlock when you got close but I always had this feeling in the back of my head ‘was the lock every really locked’? This is why I switched to Kevo and have enjoyed the visual and audible feedback of making sure the door is secure. The support is fast and efficient if you need any help whatsoever and the product has a robust warranty period if you were ever to need it. Give the Kevo 2nd Generation a try and I feel you will be impressed!
by Pcuts