The Kwikset 914 Zigbee Smart Lock is made for people who want simple keyless entry without a lot of fuss. If you are tired of digging around for keys or wondering if you locked the door, this lock might be something you want to know more about. It works with Zigbee, so it can fit into many smart home setups that use that standard, and it keeps the basic look of a regular deadbolt while adding keypad access and smart features.In this post, you can see what the Kwikset 914 Zigbee Smart Lock does, how it works with other devices, and what it is like to use day to day. If you are trying to decide if this lock is worth buying, or if you just want to understand how it works before you spend money, this overview can help you make a more calm, clear choice.
About the Kwikset 914 Traditional SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt
Product Features:
- Works with Zigbee hubs
- Supports up to 30 customizable user codes
- SmartKey Security for easy re-keying
- BHMA Grade 2 certified
- For exterior doors
Kwikset 914 Traditional SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt Details
The Kwikset 914 Traditional SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt is a smart lock made for exterior doors that need keyed entry and basic home security. It works with a range of Zigbee panels and hubs. This lets the lock communicate with your smart home setup so you can check lock status, lock or unlock the door from a web enabled device, and get alerts.
This model has a back lit keypad and supports up to 30 customizable user codes, which can be handy for family, guests, or workers who need their own codes. It is a one touch locking motorized deadbolt, so you can tap the keypad to lock the door. With a personal code, you can use keyless entry, or use the traditional key if you prefer. The lock is a single cylinder deadbolt that can be locked or unlocked with the keypad or key from the outside and a turn button on the inside. It runs on 4 AA batteries and is designed to be simple to install, program, and use.
The Kwikset 914 also includes SmartKey Security as the backup keyway. SmartKey Security is designed to help protect against certain break in methods and lets you re key the lock yourself to match a new or existing Kwikset key that uses the SmartKey system. The lock carries a BHMA Grade 2 rating, which is a residential security grade often used for homes that want a step above basic builder grade hardware.
Our Review
I installed the Kwikset 914 Traditional SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt on my front door a about five months ago. The install was pretty simple for me. I have swapped locks before, and this felt about the same in terms of time and effort. The fit and finish were fine, and the instructions were clear enough that I did not run into any real problems getting it mounted and working.
I have been using it for about five months now, and the battery is still at around 80 percent, so the battery life seems good so far. It paired quickly with my existing Zigbee setup and has stayed connected and responsive. I use it with Home Assistant, and from a basic lock and unlock standpoint it works the way I expected. The response time when sending a lock or unlock command has been steady, and I have not seen random disconnects.
My only real complaint has to do with managing access codes. To add or change codes, I either have to open the back cover and do it directly on the lock, or use one of a small number of apps that support code management. Since my smart home runs on Home Assistant, I do not have code management through the app I use every day. I do not add or remove codes very often, so for me it is more of a minor annoyance. If you plan to change codes a lot, the way this lock handles code management could be a drawback.
Pros and Cons of the Kwikset 914 Traditional SmartCode Electronic Deadbolt
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy Zigbee integration with many popular hubs | Limited app options for managing access codes |
| Good battery life on 4 AA batteries | Code changes often require opening the interior cover |
| SmartKey Security with re-key feature and Grade 2 rating | Be sure to measure for fit before buying |
| Simple keypad entry with up to 30 user codes |
Summary
The Kwikset 914 Zigbee Smart Lock is a straightforward option for adding basic smart access to a door that already uses a Zigbee hub. It keeps the standard deadbolt format that many people already know, while adding keypad entry and app control through a compatible system. The main points to think about are how it matches your current hub, how you plan to manage user codes, and how you feel about battery changes over time. If you already have a Zigbee setup and want a lock that fits into that system without a lot of extra features, the Kwikset 914 Zigbee can be a practical choice for simple smart home access control.
