Glossary of Terms — Page 8
Plain-English definitions of terms you'll come across while shopping for home and garden products in the UK.
What is Tog Rating (Duvets & Bedding)?
Tog rating measures the thermal insulation (warmth) of a duvet or bedding item — the higher the number, the warmer it is. UK duvets typically range from 4.5 tog (summer) to 13.5+ tog (winter), with 10.5 tog being a popular all-season choice. It is not a measure of quality or fabric type, only insulating warmth.
What is Zigbee or Z-Wave for Smart Home Devices?
Zigbee and Z-Wave are low-power wireless protocols many smart plugs, sensors and locks use to talk to a hub instead of relying directly on home Wi-Fi. Devices on the same protocol form a mesh network that extends range and reduces strain on a router, but they need a compatible hub — check a device's protocol matches your existing smart home system before buying.
What Makes Cookware Induction-Hob Compatible?
Induction hobs heat cookware directly through a magnetic field, so pans need a magnetic base — usually stainless steel or cast iron — to work at all; aluminium, copper or glass pans without a magnetic layer won't heat. A simple check is holding a fridge magnet to the pan's underside: if it sticks firmly, the pan is induction-compatible.
Why Do Cot Mattresses Need to Be Firm and Breathable?
Safe-sleep guidance for babies recommends a cot mattress that is firm and flat rather than soft or sloped, since a firmer surface reduces suffocation risk and helps a baby maintain a safe sleeping position. Breathable covers and cores are also widely recommended, allowing air to circulate and reducing the chance of overheating during sleep.