My first smart switch was a Zooz zen76 - used in a 3way just a switch. Now that I’m adding more I’m wondering if I should get all dimmer models - and sort of wondering why I didn’t get a dimmer as my first switch?
I don’t plan to actually use varying brightness across all lights, but I guess it’s better to have it than not right?
But then surely there is a downside? Why would Zooz have both dim and non-dimmable ones? Meanwhile Inovelli seems to just have both in one.
Can anyone enlighten me? 
I would put dimmers everywhere. However, there are a couple specific places where I cannot use dimmers. My basement and garage both have florescent tube lights, which are not dimmable. I also have a smart switch on my holiday light outlet (near the eaves of the house) because those are also not dimmable.
But in the main parts of the house, I have put dimmable bulbs or devices in every other fixture, including in closets. It is so nice to have a dim light instead of a blinding light in the middle of the night for a bathroom run.
Two reasons this is normally done:
Some people need switches because dimmers are generally not rated for certain types of loads, or certain loads are regardless not compatible with some dimmers even at full power. Examples include fans and other motor loads, perhaps most commonly exhaust fans (people would generally seek out other options for fans with speed control, though this would apply there too even if you only want on/off).
Dimmers generally sacrifice a bit of max wattage supported compared to a similar switch. In the case of Zooz, you can see this from the specs:
Others were too fast for me. I'll just echo, yes, get dimmers where your fixtures/bulbs support them. And this may be a time to replace some older bulbs to they are compatible w/a dimmer. It is nice to set up automations that manage light levels depending on time of day/night.
I switched a lot of my old dumb switches to dimmers with the Zooz dimmers. The only places I used a regular switch was outdoor lights, laundry, office, and closets. Everything else got dimmers. I really like being able to get brighter bulbs and then keeping the dim level lower by default. Then if you are cleaning or need extra light for some reason just bump it up to the max. The kitchen I keep on pretty much all day but have the level adjust depending on time of day.
Dimmers, absolutely.
We have all our Lutron dimmers dialed in to the specific needs of the room they're in, considering the fixture(s) they control. That way, a single tap brings up a light level that's appropriately bright without being overwhelming (25% for most of them); if full brightness is required for some reason, it's just a double-tap away.
I also have switches that control power to outlets. Those cannot be dimmers.
Sorry, but there isn't a one size fits all answer. Just saying "yes, buy all smart dimmers" is like saying you need a 4x4 to drive anywhere, no matter what your scenario. I don't agree with that. Some like bulbs that can shift color temperature and they adjust them throughout the day. While still other scenarios may require a special bulb that isn't available in a connected version, or you may want a certain look from the bulb.
It really depends quite a lot on your particular lighting scenario and how you intend to use it. For us, it made sense to use dimmers in certain areas and smart bulbs with Lutron Pico remotes in other parts. This is both from a practical standpoint and (specific to my scenario) a financial one. As an example, once you invest in a Lutron Smart Bridge Pro, Pico remotes are a very cost effective way to add lighting control. They also allow you to use the buttons in multiple ways, not just for lighting. You can also more easily add them where there isn't currently a switch, and even control smart dimmers with a Pico if you want. Where we have LED ceiling lighting, the only answer for us was a smart dimmer for example, and in that case it's a cost effective one too. In some rooms where we just needed two bulbs in an overhead fixture, smart bulbs that we already owned or that were really inexpense made much more sense with a Pico remote, rather than a smart dimmer. In three out of four rooms in our home where I've used smart bulbs, this was the case and I've programmed the Pico remotes to allow multiple other functions, such as a Goodnight scene when we hold down the OFF button as one example.
I see pairs of Zigbee smart bulbs for around $25 or less quite regularly on Amazon Warehouse deals, or regular markdowns. There are sets of 4 Sengled warm white Zigbee bulbs on Amazon right now for $38. Five button Picos are around $20 new right now. Are you happy to spend around $60 or more per smart switch/dimmer, plus any compatible LED bulb you need (not all bulbs work well or are compatible with smart dimmers)?
You should design lighting choices, not just install them.
I like the clicks.
looking back on my smart home journey, i do regret not putting dimmers in. definitely look for a dimmer that has the ability to make it an on/off switch instead of only be a dimmer, so you could change the mode and it'll be an on/off, or leave it as a dimmer and dim the lights if needed. i think my determining factor was the higher price point years ago, but now it's like $5 more for a dimmer, so definitely doable.
Same here and as the old GEs croak, I'm putting in Zooz dimmers. The 800LR ones I just bought let me set them up so they wouldn't dim and act like a switch. I still have a few places, like switched outlets, that I will always use a switch
This always scares me, what happens if someone plugs in a 12amp vacuum, poof goes the smart switch (probably). I re-wired all my outlets to be hot, and use smart plugs for lamps as needed.
I have been pretty lucky I guess. Started in 2015 with the Gen1 ST hub and haven't had that happen yet. I've let the smoke out of a few by other means but never like that. I always keep 3 or 4 of most things in inventory anyway just in case.
I have to (SAF) control a couple of outlets with switches for lamps. I Jerry-rigged some clear wire ties to hold the proper plug in the outlet. Cleaning ladies just shake their heads and plug the vacuum in the other outlet.
If I really need to unplug the lamp temporarily, I remove the cover plate and the plug comes with it.
I wish
I WISH I had started with house cleaners long ago.
In a previous house, about 20 years ago, I had a smart dimmer on my exterior lamp post (I used a dimmer because I liked the ramp up and down). It had an outlet on it (for a wreath or something I suppose) that I never used. But one day a concrete crew working on the sidewalk in front of my house figured they’d save some time and instead of setting up their generator, they plugged their jackhammer into my lamp outlet. My switch got so hot the paddle melted and deformed. Fortunately the breaker tripped and no other damage was done. But I learned an important lesson that day.
Yeah, you sue the city when they trespass, steal services you pay for, and damage your private property.
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