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

The Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400 on a kitchen countertop

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 December 21

Cook two different foods at the same time with this large-capacity air fryer

The Ninja Ice Cream Maker NC300 on a kitchen countertop

Ninja Ice Cream Maker NC300 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 15 December 21

A dedicated appliance for making frozen dessert that turns out creamy, smooth sweet treats – but it’s expensive

The Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 on a blue background on the left and the Arlo Video Doorbell on a pink background on the right

Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 vs Arlo Video Doorbell: Which doorbell camera is right for you?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 December 21

We pit Ring’s top-of-the-range video doorbell against its rival from Arlo to help you choose the best video doorbell for your home.

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 2 December 21

The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer brings even more cooking functions to its popular air fryer, but can it top its smaller sibling?

The Ninja QB3001 and the Ninja Auto IQ Blender BL480D next to each other

Blitzing battle: can you spend less and still get a brilliant blender on Black Friday?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 17 November 21

We tested the Nutri Ninja QB3001 against the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ BL480D to find out which really is the brand’s best budget smoothie maker

Google Nest Hub 2 vs Amazon Echo Show 8: pick the right smart display for you

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 November 21

The Google Nest Hub 2 and the Amazon Echo Show 8 are both competent smart displays for your home. We round up the major differences between the two.

Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) Vs Google Nest Hub Max: which smart display is for you?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 November 21

If you’re weighing up whether to buy a Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) or Google Nest Hub Max, we're here to help.

How to set an Alexa Emergency contact on your Echo to help protect a loved one

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 7 November 21

Using an Amazon Echo to call an emergency contact when you need help is easy when you know how, and could be a lifesaver for some.

The Amazon Echo Show 10 on a pink background on the left and the Amazon Echo Show 10 (2nd generation) on a blue background on the right

Amazon Echo Show 10 vs Echo Show 8 (2nd generation): which smart display is for you?

By Simon Hill, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 6 November 21

Versus If you’re weighing up whether to buy an Amazon Echo Show 10 or 8, we have the answers you need.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: which smart doorbell should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 6 November 21

Versus Find out what’s new as we compare the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with its predecessor and explain all the differences.

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte in a home kitchen

This new De’Longhi coffee maker finally cuts out the worst part of making espresso at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 November 21

De’Longhi’s latest coffee machine comes with some simple accessories to make creating espresso at home far easier and less messy.

The Gaggia Classic ready to brew an espresso on a kitchen countertop

Gaggia Classic review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 1 November 21

The Gaggia Classic is an expressive espresso machine that lets you experiment with brew time and different portafilters to ensure you can create an espresso to suit you

We ask a barista how to make coffee-shop worthy drinks at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 1 November 21

You can make coffee-shop standard hot drinks at home -this barista shares some of the tricks of the trade.

How to reset an Amazon Echo so you can donate it to friends or family

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 30 October 21

Resetting an Amazon Echo, either if it's not working properly or you’ve upgraded and are giving it away, is easy when you know how.

The Facebook Portal Go on an orange background, the Facebook Portal on a red background

Facebook Portal Go vs Facebook Portal: which smart display should you buy this Black Friday?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 October 21

We tested the Facebook Portal Go against the Facebook Portal to find out which really is the brand’s best smart display.

The home screen of the Facebook Portal Go

Facebook Portal Go review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 19 October 21

The Facebook Portal Go is the latest smart display from the social media network, but how does it compare to the Amazon’s Echo show range?

The iPhone Leather Wallet with MagSafe on the back of an iPhone 13 Pro in blue

Why I won't use iPhone 13's MagSafe wallet, even though it's better than ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 October 21

Apple has revamped its MagSafe wallet accessory for the iPhone 12 and above so you can use the Find My app to locate it, if it's misplaced. But is this really as good as it sounds?

Alexa Guard - what it is, and how to use it on your Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 October 21

Alexa Guard is a cool feature that can turn your Amazon Echo smart speaker or smart display into a security guard from your home

Ring privacy ruling could increase the cost of owning a video doorbell

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 October 21

A new privacy ruling regarding video doorbells means subscription services for your home security camera or a video doorbell are now a necessity, but this makes them far less affordable.

The Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer lying on a jewellery box on a dressing table

Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 12 October 21

The Panasonic EH-NA67 hair dryer may look slightly unusual but how does its drying speeds compare to rivals from GHD and Dyson?

What is Super Alexa Mode, and how do I activate it on an Amazon Echo?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 10 October 21

Super Alexa Mode is a great way to see Alexa’s fun side as well as just how useful Amazon's voice assistant can be.

Woman opening a refridgerot door and looking inside

Amazon’s smart fridge could be more trouble than it's worth

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 October 21

Amazon is reportedly working on a smart fridge that can track your habits and order the groceries you need before you run out, but is it really that useful?

Can a robot vacuum replace your existing vacuum cleaner?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 5 October 21

Wondering whether you can replace your existing floor cleaner with a robot vacuum? Here’s the answer.

Ring and Google ensure video doorbells offer more than just home security

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 5 October 21

Google and Ring have added some seasonal tones and quick replies to its video doorbells that prove video doorbells can be fun as well as functional

A man using the Shark WandVac to clean up spills ;on a wooden floor next to some stairs with a dog beside him

How to clean a Shark vacuum filter and dust canister

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 October 21

Ensure your Shark vacuum is in tip-top condition

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