I recently discovered that Shelly plugs can run scripts with full API access to everything the web interface can do. I couldn’t resist… 
I’ve got a Vaillant heat pump automation in the works too. It configures my hot water heating schedule each day. It’s a mess at the moment but I’ll share when there’s more to see.
Edit: If any members are keen to set this up themselves, get in touch, I’m happy to help!
Cheers,
Paul
Excellent idea but a word of warning to others tempted to copy you.
Try switching off the power to your dishwasher or other appliance after setting your run options and again just after it starts. Wait a few minutes and then switch it on again. Does it restart where it left off? Neither my dishwasher or washing machine do, they both require manual intervention.
Yep I’m fortunate mine does. It’s not easy to find out the behaviour before buying one so I’ll have a problem when this one fails.
We have our dishwasher timed for our early morning economy 7 hours, but are rather conscious that the fire service advise against having a high-ish powered device on at night
We have six hours of cheap overnight electricity (⅓ price) 23:30-05:30. The cost difference is outstanding and both dishwasher and washing machine are set to run overnight. Both run low energy cycles and not simultaneously. As well as using less electricity on Eco cycles this avoids overloading the kitchen circuit.
Also overnight I charge the batteries of assorted cordless devices such as vacuum cleaner and lawn mower and of course heat hot water and charge the car.
Given the reputation of e-bike batteries/chargers, when I get one I will charge it outside and not near the house!
All this is achieved without any automations, just devices’ own timers or me switching on the power before going to bed.