Smart Oven Apps: Which Brands Have the Best Mobile Control?
You’re standing in the appliance aisle, phone in one hand, trying to download three different oven apps before you even buy anything – and you realize that the “smart” experience might be more about the software than the stainless steel.
Here’s the TLDR: The best smart oven apps balance three things – reliable remote control, useful alerts, and intuitive design. LG’s ThinQ leads for proactive maintenance and ecosystem integration , Samsung’s SmartThings is the most open platform for whole-home connectivity , GE’s SmartHQ dominates for cooking-specific features like AI recipes and oven cameras , and Tovala offers the simplest “scan-to-cook” experience (though it requires a meal subscription) . This guide tests the apps behind the ovens – because a smart oven is only as good as the app that controls it.
Key Takeaways
- LG ThinQ – Best for proactive care (ThinQ Care sends maintenance alerts before problems happen). Solid remote control, but app design feels dated compared to competitors .
- Samsung SmartThings – Most open platform. Works with thousands of non-Samsung devices and even sends oven alerts to your TV screen. Free, and works perfectly on iPhones .
- GE SmartHQ – Deepest cooking features. AI recipe generation (Flavorly), oven camera support, software-upgradeable cooking modes. Covers multiple brands (GE, Café, Monogram, Fisher & Paykel) .
- Tovala – Simplest for meal kits. Scan a QR code, oven does the rest. Requires subscription ($12.99/meal) but oven discounted to $69–$119 with plan .
- June – Discontinued but still works. AI food recognition and live camera feed. Available used only – support uncertain .
The App Makes the Smart Oven
Here’s what nobody tells you when you buy a smart oven. The hardware is important – heating elements, fans, insulation – but the app is what makes it “smart” or “stupid.”
I’ve tested ovens with terrible apps. The kind that take three minutes to connect, crash when you need them most, or bury basic controls behind five menus. And I’ve tested apps that genuinely change how you cook – where remote preheat becomes second nature and notifications save dinner from burning.
Now here’s where it gets interesting… the best app for you depends on how you cook. Do you want whole-home automation? Proactive maintenance alerts? AI recipe suggestions? Or just a dead-simple way to scan and cook? Let’s break down each major player.
LG ThinQ – The Proactive Caretaker
LG’s ThinQ app (pronounced “think cue”) has been around for years. It’s not the flashiest, but it’s reliable and adds genuinely useful features beyond basic remote control.
What ThinQ Does Well
Remote control basics – Preheat, adjust temperature, monitor cooking, and shut off the oven from anywhere. Works as advertised .
ThinQ Care (killer feature) – This is LG’s standout. The app monitors your oven’s performance and sends maintenance alerts before problems happen. The filter needs cleaning? ThinQ tells you. A component is wearing out? You get a proactive alert – not a surprise breakdown .
ThinQ UP – Software updates that add new cooking modes and features over time. Your oven gets better without buying a new one .
Voice control – Works with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for hands-free operation .
Broad compatibility – ThinQ connects LG ovens, microwaves (scan-to-cook available on some models), refrigerators, dishwashers, and laundry .
What ThinQ Does Less Well
The app interface feels dated compared to Samsung’s SmartThings or GE’s SmartHQ . It’s functional but not beautiful. Setup can be slightly fussy, though once connected, it’s stable.
Who It’s For
Homeowners who already have LG appliances (the ecosystem bonus is real), people who want proactive maintenance alerts, and anyone who prioritizes reliability over flashy design.
“With ThinQ AI, your voice makes the difference: share your ideas and contribute to creating an increasingly intuitive intelligence.” – LG ThinQ product page
Samsung SmartThings – The Open Ecosystem
If LG is the reliable caretaker, SmartThings is the universal translator. It’s designed to control your entire smart home – not just your oven.
What SmartThings Does Well
True cross-brand compatibility – This is SmartThings’ superpower. It works with Philips Hue lights, Sonos speakers, Ring doorbells, Arlo cameras, Yale locks, tado° thermostats, and thousands of other devices . You don’t need a single Samsung appliance to benefit.
Works on iPhone (yes, really) – Many people assume SmartThings is Samsung-only. It’s not. The app works perfectly on iOS, and the platform is one of the most open in the smart home space .
TV notifications (killer feature) – When your oven finishes preheating or your food is done, SmartThings can send a notification to your Samsung TV screen. The whole family sees it, not just whoever has the phone .
Remote appliance control – Monitor oven status, check if you left the stove on, adjust bake time and temperature, and control the oven light from anywhere .
Matter support – SmartThings fully supports Matter, the new universal smart home standard, meaning even better compatibility going forward .
Free and no subscription – The app is 100% free. You just need a free Samsung account to log in .
What SmartThings Does Less Well
The app can feel overwhelming if you only want oven controls – it’s designed as a whole-home platform. Some users report occasional lag or connection drops, though overall stability is good .
Who It’s For
Anyone building a multi-brand smart home, families who want TV notifications, iPhone users who assumed SmartThings wasn’t for them (it is), and people who want one app for lights, locks, and ovens.
“For me, this is exactly what makes SmartThings useful. It is not just about having a smart appliance. It is about being able to take care of things from another room or even when I am not home, while also helping the rest of the family stay aware too.” – Samsung Community Ambassador
GE SmartHQ – The Cooking Specialist
GE’s SmartHQ app is the most cooking-focused of the three. It doesn’t try to control your lights or your thermostat – it tries to make you a better cook.
What SmartHQ Does Well
Flavorly AI (killer feature) – Take a photo of an ingredient (or scan a barcode), and Flavorly generates recipe suggestions. It’s not perfect, but it’s genuinely useful when staring at a fridge full of random items .
Oven camera support – On compatible Café and Monogram models, you can watch a live video feed of your food cooking from your phone. No opening the door – no heat loss, no steam in your face .
Software-upgradeable cooking modes – New air fry presets, baking modes, and features can be downloaded after purchase. Your oven gets smarter over time .
Remote control & notifications – Preheat from anywhere, get alerts when timers finish, and monitor oven status remotely .
Proactive service alerts – SmartHQ can run diagnostics and schedule service calls if something goes wrong .
Covers multiple brands – One app controls GE, Profile, Café, Monogram, Fisher & Paykel, and Haier appliances .
What SmartHQ Does Less Well
Requires compatible SmartHQ-enabled appliances – not all GE ovens have the full feature set. The app has many features, which can feel cluttered if you just want basic remote control.
Who It’s For
Home cooks who want AI recipe help, owners of Café or Monogram ovens with cameras, people who want their oven to improve via software updates, and anyone who prioritizes cooking features over whole-home automation.
“Monitor your oven’s progress with the built-in camera and pair accessories such as smart cookware and probes.” – SmartHQ App Store description
Tovala – The Scan-to-Cook Simplifier
Tovala is different. It’s not an app for controlling any oven – it’s the app that comes with the Tovala Smart Oven Pro, a countertop appliance designed around a meal kit subscription.
What Tovala Does Well
QR code scanning (killer feature) – Open a Tovala meal box, scan the QR code on the recipe card, and the oven automatically sets the correct time, temperature, and cooking mode (steam, broil, bake, air fry, or a combination) .
No decision fatigue – You don’t choose settings. You don’t guess. Scan, press start, walk away. The oven even plays a jingle and sends a phone notification when food is ready .
Works without subscription – The oven still functions as a 6-in-1 appliance (bake, broil, air fry, toast, roast, reheat) even if you cancel the meal plan .
Phone notifications – Get alerts when your meal is almost ready and when it’s done – helpful when you wander off to do laundry .
Simple app interface – Browse recipes, connect with customer service, and set up push notifications .
The Catch (It’s Significant)
Requires a meal subscription for the QR code magic – The scan-to-cook feature works best with Tovala’s meals, which cost about $12.99 per serving .
Oven is discounted with subscription – Full price is $299 for the base oven, $349 for the Pro (with steam). But you can get it for $69–$119 if you commit to 6 weeks of meal deliveries .
Not ideal for families of 3+ – Meals are designed for 1-2 people. You’d need to cook multiple batches .
High sodium in some meals – If you’re on a low-sodium diet, read labels carefully .
Who It’s For
Busy professionals who want zero-effort cooking, singles or couples who already use meal kits, anyone who hates deciding “what’s for dinner,” and people who want a countertop oven that does everything (even without the subscription).
“The best part of this oven is arguably the scanning feature. Once you scan the meal’s QR code, the oven will adjust the cooking setting needed for the recipe. All you have to do is press ‘Start.'” – theSkimm review
June Oven App – The Brilliant Discontinued Pioneer
June is the ghost in the smart oven world – brilliant, discontinued, but still loved by owners. The June Oven (acquired by Weber in 2021, no new models expected) has a companion app that remains functional.
What June Does Well
Food recognition camera – The oven’s internal camera identifies over 100 foods and automatically suggests cooking programs. The app lets you watch the live feed from your phone .
Remote control & notifications – Start preheating remotely, get alerts when food is ready, and monitor cooking progress from anywhere .
Multi-step cooking programs – The app can send complex instructions to the oven – sear then slow cook, for example – automatically .
The Big Caveat
Discontinued product – Weber acquired June in 2021, and no new ovens are being produced. Software updates are unlikely. Support may end at any time .
Available used only – You can find June Ovens on eBay or Facebook Marketplace, but you’re buying an orphaned product.
Who It’s For
Tech enthusiasts willing to take a risk, people who find a good deal on a used unit, and anyone who wants to experience what many called the best smart appliance ever made – while it still works.
“The June Oven is the countertop multitasker that replaced a toaster oven, an air fryer, and a slow cooker in my small kitchen. It blends thermal sensors, a built-in camera, and machine learning to identify what you are cooking.” – Tech Spy Magazine
Comparison Table: Smart Oven Apps Head-to-Head
| Feature | LG ThinQ | Samsung SmartThings | GE SmartHQ | Tovala | June |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote preheat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (via app) | Yes |
| Oven camera | No | On Bespoke AI models | On Café/Monogram models | No | Yes |
| AI food recognition | No | Yes (camera-based) | Flavorly (photo to recipe) | No (QR code) | Yes |
| Proactive maintenance | Yes (ThinQ Care) | Limited | Yes (service alerts) | No | No |
| Software updates | Yes (ThinQ UP) | Yes | Yes | Limited | Unlikely |
| Voice assistant | Alexa, Google | Alexa, Google, Bixby | Alexa, Google | No | Alexa, Google |
| Works with non-brand devices | Limited | Thousands (open platform) | Limited | No | No |
| Subscription required | No | No | No | Yes (for meal scanning) | No |
| Best for | LG ecosystem owners | Whole-home automation | Cooking features & AI recipes | Meal kit fans | Tech enthusiasts (used) |
| App store rating | 4.5+ (varies) | 4.5+ (varies) | 4.6 (App Store) | 4.5+ | N/A (discontinued) |
Feature Impact Chart: Which App Features Actually Matter
Smart Oven App Features – Real-World Usefulness
Higher score = more likely to use regularly
Scores based on user reviews and expert testing across multiple brands.
Remote preheat and cook completion alerts are the features people actually use daily. Oven cameras and AI recognition are cool but less essential.
Timeline: The Evolution of Smart Oven Apps
2014-2016 – First generation smart oven apps. Basic remote preheat, unreliable connections, clunky interfaces.
2017-2019 – LG ThinQ and Samsung SmartThings mature. Voice assistant integration arrives. June introduces camera recognition.
2020-2022 – GE SmartHQ adds Flavorly AI. Tovala launches scan-to-cook with meal subscription. Connectivity becomes standard.
2023-2024 – Matter support emerges. Proactive maintenance alerts (ThinQ Care) and oven cameras become more common.
2025-2026 – SmartThings proves most open platform. SmartHQ adds software-upgradeable cooking modes. Tovala refines meal service. June discontinued but still functional.
Decision Guide: Which App (and Oven) Should You Choose?
Choose LG ThinQ If:
- You already own (or plan to buy) multiple LG appliances – the ecosystem works well together
- Proactive maintenance alerts appeal to you (ThinQ Care is genuinely useful)
- You prioritize reliability over flashy design
- You want software updates that add features (ThinQ UP)
Choose Samsung SmartThings If:
- You want one app to control lights, locks, speakers, and your oven
- You have an iPhone (SmartThings works great on iOS)
- You want oven notifications on your TV screen (with Samsung TVs)
- You’re building a multi-brand smart home and want maximum compatibility
Choose GE SmartHQ If:
- You own (or want) a Café or Monogram oven with the camera feature
- AI recipe suggestions (Flavorly) sound useful
- You want software-upgradeable cooking modes that add features over time
- You’re a cooking enthusiast who wants deep integration with recipes and probes
Choose Tovala If:
- You want zero-effort cooking – scan QR code, press start, eat
- You’re a busy single or couple (meals serve 1-2 people)
- You’re already using meal kit services
- You understand the subscription cost ($12.99/meal on average) and accept it
Chase a Used June Only If:
- You’re a tech enthusiast who loves the idea of AI food recognition
- You find a working unit for a good price (under $300)
- You accept the risk of no future support or updates
FAQ: Your Smart Oven App Questions, Answered
Do I need a Samsung phone to use SmartThings?
No. SmartThings works perfectly on iPhones and any Android device. You just need a free Samsung account .
Can I control my oven when I’m not home?
Yes – all major smart oven apps (ThinQ, SmartThings, SmartHQ, Tovala, June) support remote preheat, temperature adjustment, and oven shut-off from anywhere with Wi-Fi .
Do smart oven apps cost money?
No. LG ThinQ, Samsung SmartThings, and GE SmartHQ are completely free. Tovala requires a meal subscription for the scan-to-cook feature, but the app itself is free .
Which app has the best oven camera feature?
GE SmartHQ (on Café and Monogram models) offers live video streaming and Flavorly AI recipe generation. Samsung’s Bespoke AI Oven also has a camera within SmartThings. June’s camera is excellent but the product is discontinued .
Do I need a smart home hub to use these apps?
No – all work directly with your home Wi-Fi and the manufacturer’s app. A hub (like SmartThings hub) adds functionality but isn’t required .
Will my oven’s app still work if the company stops supporting it?
Probably for a while, but not forever. June ovens still work after discontinuation, but software updates have stopped. For long-term peace of mind, choose an actively supported platform like ThinQ, SmartThings, or SmartHQ .
Can one app control multiple brands?
SmartThings comes closest – it integrates with thousands of devices from different brands . ThinQ and SmartHQ are primarily for their own brands (LG and GE/Haier respectively).
References & Trusted Sources
- LG ThinQ Official Page
- Samsung Community – SmartThings Oven Control
- SmartHQ App Store Page
- Tech Spy Magazine – Smart Kitchen Gadgets
- theSkimm – Tovala Smart Oven Pro Review
- LG Microwave – ThinQ Features
- tink Blog – SmartThings on iPhone
- Tech Times – Smart Oven Comparison
- Everyday Health – Tovala Review 2026
Here’s the bottom line: The best smart oven app isn’t the one with the most features – it’s the one that fits how you actually cook and live.
If you want proactive maintenance and reliable control across LG appliances, choose ThinQ. If you want one app to rule your entire smart home (and you have an iPhone), choose SmartThings. If you want AI recipes, oven cameras, and cooking-focused features, choose SmartHQ. If you want zero-effort meal cooking and don’t mind a subscription, choose Tovala. And if you’re a tech enthusiast willing to take a risk, hunt for a used June.
The app matters as much as the oven. Download a few before you buy – see which interface feels right to you. Because the best smart oven is the one you’ll actually use.
What matters more to you – whole-home integration, AI cooking help, or dead-simple meal scanning? Drop your priority in the comments, and I’ll point you to the app (and oven) that fits your life.
