Articles by Carrie-Ann Skinner

Carrie-Ann Skinner was formerly Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has more than two decades of experience in both online and print journalism, with 13 years of that spent covering all-things tech. Carrie specializes in smart home devices such as smart plugs and smart lights, as well as large and small appliances including vacuum cleaners, air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee machines. Carrie is now a copy editor at PWC.

Articles by: Carrie-Ann Skinner

Juicers vs blenders: which is best for fresh produce based beverages?

By Sophie Bird last updated 26 July 22

Can a blender do the job of a juicer?

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) on a blue background and the Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) on a pink background

Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) vs Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen): which smart display should you buy?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 18 July 22

We pitted the Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) against the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) to find out which smart display you should choose.

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni in its docking station on a hard floor

Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 March 22

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni is a robot vacuum and mop that can scrub away ground-in stains, as well as empty and clean itself – but how does it compare to rivals from iRobot?

The Dreame Bot L10 Pro on its charger on hard wood floor

Dreame Bot L10 Pro review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 22 March 22

The Dreame Bot L10 Pro can both vacuum and wash floors, while avoiding obstacles in its path.

The iRobot Roomba J7+ in a hall while a man and a dog enter the home

There’s a fundamental problem with loads of robot vacuums

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 22 March 22

Robot vacuums that have obstacle avoidance are game-changing

The components of the Coravin Sparkling wine preservation system next to an open bottle of prosecco and a glass of prosecco

Coravin Sparkling review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

This new sparkling wine preservation system is an expensive method by which to keep fizzy wine fresh, but is it worth the investment?

The front view of the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual on a white wall

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

Recommended

The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual features two cameras, one of which points down, making it easy to view any deliveries to your home – but how does it compare to rivals from Ring and Arlo?

A grilled cheese on a plate next to a butter knife

I made grilled cheese in an air fryer and it was better than ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 19 March 22

Love grilled cheese but struggle not to burn it? Then consider using an air fryer - it makes it easy to perfect this delicious treat.

The Dyson Airwrap 2022 on a beige background next to the original Dyson Airwrap on a khaki background

New Dyson Airwrap vs original Dyson Airwrap: How the hot air stylers compare

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 March 22

Dyson has unveiled a new version of its Airwrap styler, so how does this expensive hair-care tool stack up against the original version?

The Dyson Airwrap being used with the Cander Smmoothing Dryer to reduce flyaways

The new Dyson Airwrap means I can finally get salon-style hair at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 March 22

Updated The flyaway attachment that ships with the new Dyson Airwrap will make achieving a smooth, salon-worthy blow-dry at home much easier.

The Dyson Airwrap being used to curl hair

Dyson’s new Airwrap fixes one of its biggest problems

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 March 22

The new Dyson Airwrap lets you change the airflow direction when curling hair rather than having to change the barrel.

Wacaco Picopresso review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 16 March 22

The Wacaco Picopresso is a portable hand-pump coffee maker, but how does its espresso compare to traditional coffee machines?

The Eufy RoboVac G20 charging on its base station

Eufy RoboVac G20 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 15 March 22

Offering Wi-Fi connectivity and more smarts than the Eufy RoboVac 11S, how does the Eufy RoboVac G20 compare to rivals from Roomba and Roborock?

Deep fried Ice Cream on a plate drizzled in chocolate sauce

Yes, you can cook ice cream in an air fryer. And it’s delicious

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 12 March 22

Impress friends and family with this unusual take on ice cream that’s cooked in an air fryer

The Sodastream Spirit One Touch on a kitchen countertop next to the plastic water bottle its bundled with

Sodastream Spirit One Touch review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 March 22

The Sodastream Spirit One Touch is a top-of-the-range sparkling water maker that will help you cut down on single-use plastic into the bargain.

The Amazon Echo (4th generation) on a colffee table next to a mug and some glasses

This unknown Alexa feature on Amazon Echo means I no longer make calls on my smartphone

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 March 22

Making calls on an Amazon Echo is a great alternative to using a smartphone on speakerphone, and the calls are free of charge

Cholate brownies on parchment paper surrounded by chocolate chips

I made tasty, fudgy brownies in an air fryer, and they cooked in half the time

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 March 22

Get your brownie fix in half the usual time by cooking them in an air fryer rather than an oven

How coffee makers work

By Sophie Bird published 4 March 22

Intrigued by how coffee makers work? Here’s what you need to know

The Gaggia Magenta Plus with a cup ready to brew an espresso

Gaggia Magenta Plus review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 3 March 22

The Gaggia Magenta Plus is an expensive coffee maker that does all the hard work for you, but is it worth the high price tag?

The GHD Unplugged hair straighteners on a blue background on the left-hand side and the Dyson Corrale on a red background to the right-hand side

GHD Unplugged vs Dyson Corrale: which cordless hair straightener should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 27 February 22

We pitted the GHD Unplugged against the Dyson Corrale to find out which cordless hair straightener you should choose to style your hair.

Kkrispy Kreme doughnuts laid out next to each other

I made air fryer donuts so well, my partner thought they were from Krispy Kreme

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 26 February 22

Love donuts but hate how high in calories they are? Then consider air-frying them for a healthier alternative.

The Remington Hydraluxe Pro Straightener S9001 being held in a hand

Remington Hydraluxe Pro Straightener S9001 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 21 February 22

The Remington Hydraluxe Pro Straightener S9001 styles your hair while spraying a fine mist on tresses to keep them looking healthy and shiny.

The Hot Tools Pro Signature Digital Straightener being held in a hand

Hot Tools Pro Signature Digital Straightener review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 21 February 22

The Hot Tools Pro Signature Digital Straightener comes with titanium plates over ceramic, which makes for a lighter hair styler – but how does it compare to rivals from Revlon and Panasonic.

The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer on a khaki background and the Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1 air fryer with ClearCook and OdourEase on a red background

Instant Vortex Plus vs Instant Vortex Plus 6-in-1: which air fryer should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 20 February 22

We pitted Instant’s Vortex Plus against the latest iteration to find out which air fryer deserves a place on your kitchen countertop

The Amazon Smart Plug connected to a power outlet

This unsung feature made my smart home safer from burglars

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 February 22

Randomizing when appliances connected to a smart plug switch on could be the key to deterring would-be intruders

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