Kwikset SmartCode 916 Electronic Deadbolt Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: Kwikset Corporation
Product Name: SmartCode 916 Z‑Wave Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt
Model Number: 916TRL 15 UL
Part Number: 99160-002
UPC: 883351519212
Price As Tested: $249.99 (Newegg | Amazon)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Spectrum Brands, Inc.

A few months ago a friend of mine had his home burglarized early one morning, along with over thirty other homes that same week. He and his family were all home in bed, with dogs sleeping nearby. The doors were locked, deadbolt closed, and windows shut. In spite of these precautions, someone was able to gain entrance through the front door by using a set of bump keys matched to his neighborhood. Before anybody in his house knew it, the thieves had walked off when his living room electronics.

A home alarm system certainly could have helped, but most people only set them when they’re away. Since the burglars used special bump keys fashioned specifically for the brand of locks used in his cookie-cutter development, the dead bolt never stood a chance. This worried the neighborhood, and many home owners rushed to replace their door locks with a proven alternative: bump-proof deadbolt systems.

The recent rash of burglaries concerned me, as my new home shared the same basic deadbolt as everyone else. I check with neighbors, and a popular choice with contractors was the Kwikset SmartCode 916 Z‑Wave Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt, which auto-locks after thirty seconds and can wirelessly communicate with security and home automation systems via encrypted Z-Wave technology. Mine installed in minutes, and is the subject of this article for Benchmark Reviews.

Courtesy Kwikset

Kwikset®, the leader in residential security, introduces the NEW SmartCode™ 916 Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt with HomeConnect™ technology! Expanding your security system solution with a Kwikset SmartCode 916 Touchscreen deadbolt with Home Connect technology will allow the lock to talk wirelessly to security and home automation systems via Z-Wave®.

We begin with an overview of the Kwikset SmartCode 916 touchscreen electronic deadbolt, which currently sells online for $249.99 (Newegg | Amazon). This product is designed to work as a standalone deadbolt, or integrated into a home’s wireless security system or smart home monitor using Z-Wave technology.

Inside the package you’ll find the SmartCode 916 touchscreen electronic deadbolt, strike plate, two keys, mounting hardware, and installation instructions. You’ll probably only need a Phillip’s head screwdriver for installation. The Kwikset SmartCode 916 series comes in three different finishes: polished brass (model 916TRL L03 UL / part 99160-001), satin nickel (916TRL 15 UL / 99160-002), and Venetian bronze (916TRL 11P UL / 99160-003).

Illustrated on this page is the Kwikset SmartCode 916 touchscreen electronic deadbolt with white LED backlit screen illuminated. During normal operation the screen is blank/off and does not display numbers, but the touchscreen instantly appears when responding to touch interaction. SmartCode 916 holds up to thirty unique user codes, and one master code.

While the electronic deadbolt feature is a key part of the design, above all else SmartCode 916 is a bump-proof lock that goes above and beyond conventional pin and tumbler locks. Kwikset’s unique design also helps this deadbolt to be pick resistant.

In the next section, Benchmark Reviews covers the detailed features available in SmartCode 916…

When Kwikset went about designing the SmartCode 916 electronic deadbolt, they ensured security measures were as dependable as possible, but found room to include some convenience features as well. The capacitive touchscreen is designed to be snoop-proof with a featured called SecureScreen, which accomplishes this by inserting two random numbers to be pressed prior to pressing the true access code. Thirty customizable user access codes can be stored within the unit, which extends the capabilities of this electronic deadbolt.

If you’re replacing a Kwikset deadbolt with their SmartCode 916 electronic deadbolt, you can probably re-use your old keys. Kwikset SmartKey technology lets you re-key SmartCode 916 yourself simply by inserting a special tool inserted along side the key, twist half a turn, insert the other key and twist back. Done, and no locksmith was needed.

In an age where plastic has nearly replaced metal, the Kwikset SmartCode 916 doesn’t cut corners. A 10-gauge metal plate encases the capacitive touchscreen, and protects the motorized deadbolt from exterior penetration or tampering.

On the interior side of the door resides the brains of this electronic deadbolt. Powered by four AA batteries (not included), the SmartCode 916 can be programmed to auto-lock after thirty seconds, display an un/locked status LED, turn the entry beep on of off, and set other user options. SmartCode 916 may also be programmed for lock inclusion with wireless mesh network controllers by Z-Wave and ZigBee.

The interior panel on Kwikset SmartCode 916 maintains a discreet appearance, and reveals little more than a status display indicator and a dark removable panel for accessing Z-Wave and ZigBee programming. Regrettable, this panel does not give access to the removable battery pack, which means that you’ll remove the cover with three Allen-head screws using the included tool when they run low.

I give my final thoughts and conclusion in the next section…

Prior to testing the Kwikset SmartCode 916, I had my reservations concerning touchscreen electronic deadbolt systems. My fear was that without a physical key, the deadbolt was nothing more than a battery-powered combination lock waiting for the right guess unlock my home. In many respects it is exactly that, which is why access code protection requires some consideration. It is my opinion that an access code is no different than a physical key, and guests or family members must understand this. Of course, SmartCode 916 also comes with its own set of keys, so if someone isn’t up to the responsibility they can always do things the low-tech way.

For the purpose of this article, I’ve presumed that consumers would be upgrading their conventional deadbolt to an electronic deadbolt variety such as the Kwikset SmartCode 916. This is the most likely scenario, since most homes are equipped with a basic pin and tumbler lock.

In terms of performance, SmartCode 916 adds Kwikset’s BumpGuard side locking bar technology to protect against lock bumping that would otherwise allow a specially cut key to defeat conventional deadbolt locks. This same technology helps bolster the locks pick-resistant nature, while the metal backing plate keeps the motorized deadbolt safe from tampering.

Kwikset trimmed down the appearance of SmartCode 916, which maintains a much smaller profile compared to previous electronic deadbolt systems. The exterior panel is defined by soft curves and streamlined features, while the interior panel does it’s best to maintain a subdued finish that stands out no farther than the shortest door handle.

Being electronic, you might think that construction would be a weak point for the product. Not so, it seems. Kwikset designed SmartCode 916 to be an improved mechanical deadbolt first, and then added the convenience features. It helps that SmartCode 916 is also BHMA grade 2 certified, and sustains a 20-minute fire rating.

Where most locks begin and end their features with a deadbolt, the Kwikset SmartCode 916 motorized deadbolt includes SmartKey technology that allows you to re-key the unit to use your old keys, and a capacitive touchscreen with up to 30 user codes protected by anti-snooping technology. SmartCode 916 has been designed for use with Z-Wave and ZigBee wireless mesh network controllers, and features 128-bit encryption security. Add to this a lifetime mechanical warranty and one-year warranty on electronics.

As of April (2015), the Kwikset SmartCode 916 electronic deadbolt is sold online for $249.99 (Newegg | Amazon). Electronic deadbolt locks typically cost around half of this amount, but lack wireless integration with security controllers and may not store multiple user codes or offer a re-key features. Defining value for SmartCode 916 ultimately depends on your needs, so if the long list of features is what you require then it’s worth every cent.

Home technology continues to evolve, and the “Smart Home” is slowly becoming commonplace. If your home has a Z-Wave or ZigBee controller, then the Kwikset SmartCode 916 electronic deadbolt is a perfect fit. For homes without a wireless mesh network, SmartCode 916 still operates as a convenient motorized deadbolt with touch un/locking and added security features built-in. The improved lock security was enough reason for me, but all of the extra features were certainly welcomed. I recommend this product for anyone seeking a better deadbolt.

+ BumpGuard side locking bar protects against bump keys access
+ SmartKey feature lets you re-key the lock in seconds
+ Capacitive touchscreen with anti-snooping SecureScreen protection
+ Integrates with Z-Wave and ZigBee wireless mesh network controllers
+ Reduced profile size with soft stylish design
+ Stores 30 user access code variations
+ Surprisingly simple installation and setup

– Expensive deadbolt lock
– Lacks tool-less battery pack access
– Lock delays and parameters not programmable

• Performance: 9.25
• Appearance: 9.75
• Construction: 9.75
• Functionality: 8.75
• Value: 7.50

Excellence Achievement: Benchmark Reviews Golden Tachometer Award.