Homeowners and renters alike share a common fear: the dreaded kitchen fire. Whether caused by a person or pet accidentally bumping a gas knob, or someone forgetting to turn off the stove and walking away, it’s a persistent household risk. This is the problem Ome, an aftermarket kitchen devices and smart knob startup, has been tackling for years. Now, with the launch of its next-generation knob, the Atlanta-based company is ready to make even more kitchens safer.
Ome’s second-generation knob is compatible with a wider range of household stoves, including both gas and electric models, and offers peace of mind by automatically turning off the stove when necessary. In addition to a sleeker design, the new knob collects valuable data on stove usage, which is particularly helpful for the more than 14 million older adults in the U.S. who live alone — 90% of whom want to remain in their homes as they age.
While many homes are equipped with smart systems for controlling lighting, temperature, and security, Ome is bringing that same sense of security to the kitchen. Although the company has a direct-to-consumer model, it is also focusing on partnerships with senior living facilities and property management groups in multi-unit buildings, founder and CEO Akshita Iyer told Hypepotamus. The startup is also targeting the “sandwich generation”—adults caring for both aging parents and young children — by offering a safer kitchen experience.
“Our system not only reduces cooking-related hazards but also provides a comprehensive dashboard that allows caregivers and property operators to monitor and control all major appliances from a single interface,” Iyer said in a statement.
What’s Behind The New Knob
Hypepotamus has followed Ome’s growth over the years, from its appearances on Shark Tank and the Atlanta Startup Battle in 2019 to the launch of its first smart knob in 2021. This summer Iyer, a Duke University graduate, relocated to Atlanta to be closer to investors and Ome’s three full-time employees.
After years of development and testing, Ome is rolling out its new knob today. That next-generation knob features an improved design, broader compatibility, enhanced functionality, and an easier installation process.
Iyer spoke with Hypepotamus ahead of the launch, noting that this milestone represents the culmination of years of hard work, testing, and lessons learned around what it takes to scale a manufacturing-heavy startup.
One of the most important lessons she shared included finding a trusted manufacturing partner, which Ome found in Atlanta-based East West Manufacturing.
With its latest innovation, Ome is poised to transform kitchen safety, providing peace of mind to families and caregivers while continuing to expand its impact on households across the country.
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Phoots provided by Ome
