Hosting out-of-town family and friends is often a treat, but it can present something of a logistical nightmare. Unpredictable flight delays and inflexible work schedules can mean your guests are stuck outside on your porch, waiting for you to get home. Or, they show up in the middle of the night and you’re forced to get out of bed. You can hide a key under your mat, which is a great way to let your family, friends, and thieves into your house. At this point, even raccoons know keys are left under mats.
There are plenty of smart home fixes that allow you to access any room of your house, but there’s an even simpler and cheaper old school fix. Getting a keypad lock makes it a breeze to let your guests in, and you don’t have to worry about making multiple copies of keys. Even if you’re not expecting guests, an electronic door lock is a great way to avoid worrying about keys. It may seem like a small thing, but anyone who has ever locked themselves out can tell you small things can be big headaches.
The keypad locks below feature as many between 8 and 19 programmable codes, which makes it easy to create temporary codes for short-term guests. Also, they all come with low battery warnings and emergency backup options.
1. Schlage Camelot Keypad Deadbolt
This simple keypad deadbolt comes in a variety of finishes to fit your style, and the backlit numbers make it easy to come and go at night. Both Schlage locks on this list are manual; once the code is entered, the knob must be turned to open the door. The advantage is that the door won’t automatically lock every time you close the door, but it does make for more effort getting in when it is locked.
Pros: Can program and delete up to 19 access codes, which is perfect for letting in Airbnb guests or contractors.
Cons: Backup key is difficult to use.
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2. Schlage Z-Wave Connect Camelot Touchscreen Deadbolt
For a more advanced option from Schlange, this touchscreen keypad deadbolt allows you to lock or unlock remotely using your smartphone. Plus, it has an alarm setting that notifies you when someone is at the door. Like the other Schlange option, it allows you to program temporary codes for visitors.
Pros: Wireless connectivity, alarm setting, a matte touchscreen pad reduces fingerprint smudging.
Cons: Despite the wireless connectivity, there is no easy way to remotely program new codes.
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3. SoHoMiLL Electronic Door Knob
This spring latch lock is an easy option; it’s smaller than the Schlage locks, which is good for doors with limited space between the frame and knob. It locks automatically, and you can program up to 8 codes for guests. There is no backup key, but it comes with a backup battery jumper in case the battery dies.
Pros: Numbers are printed on the inside of the buttons, so they won’t wear out with use. Plus, the buttons light up, making the numbers easy to see at night.
Cons: It locks automatically after closing, which can be a hassle for times when you’re in and out.
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Jonathan Zavaleta
