Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt Review

We’ve all been locked out of our homes at least once, unable to find our keys or realizing they’ve been left somewhere else (at times, in your house, should your lock be automatic!).

It’s frustrating, time-consuming, and may require the expensive services of a locksmith. That’s where the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt comes in.

With the ability to unlock your door with a pre-set code, you can enter your home without the need for a key. This Kwikset deadbolt is simple to use, easy to install, and convenient if you struggle with finding your keys.

Unfortunately, there are downsides. Some users found the batteries wore down quickly, disliked that it couldn’t be controlled it remotely, and discovered the notifications sent to you by the deadbolt were at times inaccurate.

Nevertheless, before you make your final decision, let’s take a more in-depth look at the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt.

Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt: The Details

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 5,5 x 3.5 x 10 inches.
• Product Weight: 3 lbs.
• Product Type: Deadbolt lock.
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa? Yes.

How Does It Work?

While it may look difficult to install, the Kwikset deadbolt requires only an hour to set up.

Once you have prepped the door by removing your old lock and ensuring this new one will fit in the slot appropriately, you should extend the latch bolt.

Accomplish this by holding the latch in front of the door hole, with the face of the latch against the door’s edge. If the latch is centered, then no adjustments will be required. If not, you’ll have to make some changes.

Next, you will install the latch and then prepare and install the exterior keypad. After this is finished, you can disassemble the interior lock, load the battery pack, and then install the interior base.

Finally, install the strike, program the lock, and put the back cover on the battery case. From there, you can set your user codes and connect the device to Alexa.

Congratulations, you’re done! Test it out by locking the door and then unlocking it with the key code – no physical keys required!

Kwikset: The Brand

Founded in California in 1946 by Adolf Schoepe and Karl Rhinehart, Kwikset is now a part of Spectrum Brands Hardware and Home Improvement Group.

The Kwikset name is derived from the easy-to-use-and-install nature of their products, and the company states they “work hard to understand the world you live in, so we can do everything to protect it.”

They make a number of different products, including handle locks, deadbolts, levers, doorknobs, electronic locks, and even Bluetooth-enabled locks.

Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt Review

The Positives

Convenient

Losing your keys for a few hours (or permanently!) is a dreaded situation – one that results in hours of wasted time and possibly an expensive locksmith.

If you’re in a hurry, this could spell disaster. With the Kwikset, however, you need only enter your code into the keypad and walk right in.

Even more convenient, you can lock your door remotely. Left home in a rush and forgot to secure the door? Can’t remember if you locked up on the way out? There’s no worry, as you can verify this on your phone. If everything is secure, then you can proceed with your day.

Finally, the keypad has backlights surrounding the buttons, allowing you to enter your code even if you return late at night. No more fumbling with your physical keys or relying on your phone’s light to get you inside.

Easy to Use

The Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt is very easy to use. To unlock the door, you need only enter your user code – that’s it!

Since you can program up to 30 different user codes into the deadbolt, you can provide family or friends with their own personal code, ensuring they don’t need to memorize yours.

As a bonus, should you change your mind, these codes are easy to delete. This gives you full control over who has access to your home, without needing to confiscate a key.

Finally, the Kwikset deadbolt is compatible with Amazon Alexa. As such, you can vocally command Alexa to unlock the door and let in guests, should you have your hands full.

Easy to Install

If you’re not a tech expert, installing a semi-smart deadbolt may sound like a dreaded task. However, our testers noted that the process is fairly straightforward and easy to manage.

You’ll need only an hour to complete the installation – most of which will be spent removing the previous lock and fitting the new one for size. That being said, some users had this smart lock installed in a matter of minutes.

The technical aspects are speedy and effortless to set up. The instructions are also well laid out and easy to follow, so you can avoid making any mistakes in the process.

Once your Kwikset Deadbolt is installed, setting up your codes are simple too, so it won’t be long before you can ditch your keys without worry.

Secure

Since it secures your home with a passcode instead of a physical key that can be copied or stolen, the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt ensures your home is far more secure.

The user code guarantees that only you or those you’ve given codes to can enter your home. This delivers peace of mind and makes it more difficult for someone to gain access without your knowledge.

You can also set the deadbolt to lock 30 seconds after unlocking to make sure you never accidentally forget to secure your home. This is great for those of us in a busy household, or a forgetful one.

Furthermore, if you connect the deadbolt to your home automation system, you’ll be able to control your lock remotely, putting you in full control of your home.

A Good Compromise

Even though this lock is designed to be used with passcodes instead of keys, if you’re feeling wary about ditching your keys altogether, you won’t have to worry.

Kwikset keeps the traditional lock included with their smart deadbolt design so you can switch between using the keypad or a physical key.

The traditional key also acts as a back-up should you forget your code, or can’t seem to get in.

If you’re sharing a home with someone who’s not yet ready to make the full switch to smart technology, this will also be a great household compromise.

Customer Service

Having a warranty (especially on something as important as the lock to your front door) can be relieving for those who are wary.

Fortunately, Kwikset has thought ahead and includes a lifetime mechanical and finish warranty on the Z-wave deadbolt.

This warranty covers the customer against any manufacturing errors that may cause their lock to not function as advertised. If this happens, Kwikset promises to repair or replace the defective product or issue a refund upon return.

Customers who have had to contact their customer service note that they’ve been helpful in resolving issues, replacing parts, and providing advice.

This puts more trust into both the company and the lock which is important when it comes to home security.

The Negatives

Can’t Be Used Remotely On Its Own

While it is true that the deadbolt can be controlled remotely, you have to purchase other equipment to gain this feature.

Namely, a smart home controller or a separate security system will be required. Many users wished they had known this beforehand, but still enjoyed the deadbolt without this feature.

Inaccurate

Some users also mentioned that the lock will not always give you an accurate report on the position of your door. For example, if the door is open but the lock is engaged, the deadbolt will tell you the door is locked.

This could be problematic for several reasons, but with a few updates, this could be resolved.

Even still, so long as you double check that the door is closed before leaving, you shouldn’t experience an issue.

Batteries Don’t Last

Sadly, our testers mentioned that the battery life on this Kwikset Deadbolt is pretty bad.

You have to change the batteries often and, as you’re probably aware, that can cost a notable amount of money over the span of a year.

As this is something you’ll be using every day, the battery life should definitely be enhanced.

For now, you’ll be able to use a physical key as a back-up option, but for those looking to leave behind their key altogether, this could be an inconvenience.

Here’s a video showing how to replace the battery on the Kwikset 910.

Iffy Notifications

A few testers stated that you don’t always receive notifications when the deadbolt is locked or unlocked. If the deadbolt is operated manually via the key or by using the thumb turn, you won’t get a notification.

It’s easy to come up with a situation where this would be a problem. Hopefully, in the next version of this deadbolt, these issues will be fixed.

Overall Verdict

After combing through all the positives and negatives, we are recommending the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt.

While there are definitely issues in need of resolving, the ability to use a code rather than a key is a great method for keeping your home secure. A burglar may even be put off by the look of a keypad on your door.

If you’re using this solely for the user codes, it is a great product. However, if you’re seeking the remote features and the notifications, you may want to continue shopping.

Where to Buy the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt

Kwikset is not a newbie in the home security market with a wide variety of products under their belt.

Lately, this company has been manufacturing a line of smart lock devices, allowing them to stay ahead of the game and on top of the market.

Customers have not only been satisfied with their products, but they’re thankful for the affordability and accessibility this company provides as well.

Thanks to their success, you’ll be able to find products like the Kwikset 910 Z-Wave Deadbolt both in-stoe and online.

While it’s usually best to check home department or technology stores, you can kick-start your search with the following online retailers.

• The Home Depot (from $165)
• Wal Mart (from $159)
• Alarm Grid (from $167)

And of course, you can also find this Z-wave deadbolt on Amazon.

That’s the end of our Kwikset 910 review. Curious to give this smart lock a try?