# Can I build a remote control coffee pot switch? **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914 **Category:** Factual Questions **Created:** [January 9, 2008, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914 "2008-01-09T23:40:24Z") **Posts on this page:** 9 **Page:** 1
### Author: ![xanthous](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/53a042/32.png) [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous) #### Post date: [January 9, 2008, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/1 "2008-01-09T23:40:24Z")
If I want fresh-brewed coffee ready when I get out of bed, but my waking hours vary, is there some contraption I can (relatively easily) build so that I can remotely switch it on from bed when I wake up? ---
### Author: ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff) #### Post date: [January 9, 2008, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/2 "2008-01-09T23:42:41Z")
Look up “X-10” ---
### Author: ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan) #### Post date: [January 9, 2008, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/3 "2008-01-09T23:43:02Z")
\<\\> \<\\> ---
### Author: ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D) #### Post date: [January 9, 2008, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/4 "2008-01-09T23:43:22Z")
X-10 makes various plug-in remote control receptacles, switches and timers that should suit your need, assuming the coffee maker will start automatically if you plug it in with the power switch in the “on” position. ---
### Author: ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar) #### Post date: [January 10, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/5 "2008-01-10T00:33:04Z")
If you like X10’s technology, but are still peeved about their pop-up ads or don’t care to negotiate with the 1998-style hideous ( ::shudder:: _sooo_ hideous ) website, look at Smarthome, which sells X10-branded and arguably higher-quality X10 compatible items. An appliance modules (or even better, an appliance outlet) will work wonders, given **Q.E.D.**'s caveat. ---
### Author: ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink) #### Post date: [January 10, 2008, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/6 "2008-01-10T00:43:20Z")
Earlier thread: [Remote control switch?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=436352&highlight=switch) Radio controlled switches are easy to find. Most of the big box building supply stores have them for about $10. I bought my last one at Walgreens (a drug store) just before Christmas. ---
### Author: ![Peter\_Morris](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/peter_morris/32/359_2.png) [@Peter\_Morris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peter_Morris) #### Post date: [January 10, 2008, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/7 "2008-01-10T01:08:46Z")
Why not just put coffee maker on your bedside table, wake up, reach out and press the switch. ---
### Author: ![krisolov](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/krisolov/32/3724_2.png) [@krisolov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/krisolov) #### Post date: [January 10, 2008, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/8 "2008-01-10T14:35:58Z")
there are also cheap coffeemakers with built in timers. I’ve had a few, and really like not having to slog into the kitchen every morning to set it up and get it brewing. It’s nice to wake up to the aroma of fresh brewed coffee I didn’t have to get up and make. ---
### Author: ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema) #### Post date: [January 10, 2008, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-i-build-a-remote-control-coffee-pot-switch/432914/9 "2008-01-10T19:09:30Z")
[QUOTE=xanthous] … so that I can remotely switch it on from bed when I wake up? [/QUOTE] I think the really hot setup might be a motion detector (as used in those outside floodlight fixtures) - coffee starts the minute you get out of bed.