We first discovered security specialist Yale through a review of its Yale Linus smart lock, which made a very good impression on us. The manufacturer is expanding its range of devices with a connected safe, as well as a smart lock capable of locking any cabinet or drawer: the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock. This device is easy to install almost anywhere, to secure dangerous products, valuables, or anything you want to manage access to. Let's take a closer look. Unboxing the Yale Smart Cabinet LockThe Yale Smart Cabinet Lock comes in brand-accurate packaging, in white and yellow. The product in question is clearly displayed, as well as its compatibility with various Google, Amazon, and Apple voice assistants. Inside, we find a whole host of features: Yale has indeed designed every possible opening system!Here we have the main body of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock. It also includes three bolts, 3M double-sided adhesive pads for mounting, mounting screws, a mounting template, and a small accessory for double-door cabinets, such as those often found under sinks, for example.
The main unit of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is very compact, measuring only about 4 cm on each side and weighing only 63 g. Even though this unit is intended to be hidden in a cabinet, the manufacturer has nevertheless paid careful attention to the design.
On the front, you can see the hole that will accommodate the door bolt, which will secure it, thus locking the cabinet or drawer:
On the back, you'll find the battery compartment, as well as the QR code for pairing with the app:
The CR2 3V lithium battery is included, providing a battery life of approximately 2 years (depending on the number of openings per day, of course).
On the side, a button allows you to manually unlock the lock. This will only be useful if you find yourself locked in the closet, but the solution is ready for any use :) This button also lights up red or green to indicate the status of the cabinet lock:
The principle is quite simple: the body of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock attaches to its support, then locks the door bolt when it makes contact.
So let's move on to the installation to better understand how it works. Installation and use of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock
The entire installation process is very well explained in a video on the manufacturer's website:
After determining the appropriate bolt, based on the type and depth of the door, we need the lock base and the selected bolt, as well as the corresponding 3M double-sided tape:
We stick the 3M tape on each appropriate part:
The support is then attached to the body of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock. We'll also need the small black part on the bolt for proper positioning:
Next, we'll need the cardboard template. While it may not look like much, it's extremely practical. Don't lose it!
Then position it where you plan to attach the smart lock. Here at the bottom of a piece of furniture:
Remove the 3M protection under the lock body and position it in the center of the template. Then insert the bolt into the lock and remove the 3M protection.
Close the door and reopen it: the bolt is glued to the door in the correct position. Easy!
The template can then be removed.
A quick note: while the 3M is very durable, it's recommended to screw the two parts of the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock together for better resistance to prying. After all, the goal is to protect what's in the cabinet; it would be a shame if the double-sided tape were to tear off too easily.
Now we have the mobile app step, since we have a connected lock here. It's the Yale app, the same one we used for the Linus lock. We ask to add a device, and scan the QR code on the box:
If it isn't physically installed yet, we can follow the guide provided by the app:
We give the device a name and locate it in a home:
Finally, we can configure the Wi-Fi connection, if desired, especially if we have the Yale gateway (the same one used with the Linus connected lock). Indeed, the Yale Smart Cabinet Lock has a Bluetooth connection, and therefore only allows local operation. If you want to control it remotely, a Wi-Fi gateway will be required.
Here again, follow the wizard in the app; setup takes less than 2 minutes.
Now you can control your connected cabinet! A simple tap on the icon in the app allows you to lock or unlock the cabinet. The color coding is very clear:
Using it is therefore very simple. However, it is possible to adjust various settings. Unlocking can, for example, require password or biometric fingerprint recognition, using the same keypad as the one sold for the lock. You can also receive an immediate alert if someone unlocks the cabinet, or if it has been left unlocked.
You can activate automatic locking, with a delay if desired: for example, when you close the cabinet door, it can lock after just 3 minutes. Or immediately. It's up to you! An important detail: it's possible to activate automatic unlocking of the cabinet in case of low battery. This is a very practical measure, because if the cabinet is locked, and it's no longer possible to communicate with it due to a lack of battery, you might have trouble opening it…
As you can see, the options are quite well thought out. It's easy to navigate; the essentials are covered, but the functions offered seem very consistent with the user experience. Conclusion The Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is a pleasant surprise: we have a device that seems very simple at first glance, but which can prove very practical! As we've seen, installation is very easy. If you don't understand the purpose of the different parts at first, the manufacturer's installation video is very useful and clear. Moreover, we learn how to use it with a double-door cabinet, by correctly positioning the small plastic utensil provided. Pretty well thought out! Whether it's to protect a medicine cabinet, a hazardous materials cabinet, a tool cabinet, etc. from children, secure sensitive objects or documents, block access to certain cupboards when renting out your home through AirBnB, etc., this Yale Smart Cabinet Lock is very practical, as it can secure any cupboard! Be careful, however, with furniture like Ikea, for example, whose walls are often hollow, and therefore offer little resistance to screw fastening. Other than that, the system is very practical! It won't offer the strength of a safe, of course, but it will allow you to protect various cupboards at home. The app can manage multiple Yale Smart Cabinet Locks, alongside the brand's smart locks. Everything is thus centralized in one place, which is very convenient.Of course, the lock can be controlled by voice via Google, Amazon, and even Apple voice assistants, provided you use the Yale gateway. And yes, you can ask Siri to unlock the bar when your guests arrive :D
Selling for just under €65, it's a locking system I really like!
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