Cat Ellis

Cat Ellis

Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor, covering smart home tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, haircare and more. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista, and holds a professional certificate in security awareness for smart homes.. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights, find your ideal hair styler, or pick the espresso machine of your dreams, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine with coffee drinks on kitchen counter
De'Longhi’s redesigned all-in-one coffee maker is smaller than ever, and ready to prepare espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew on demand

By Cat Ellis Published

The new De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine has a 20% smaller footprint, and brews espresso, drip coffee and cold brew on demand.

Two smart locks installed on doors
The best smart locks 2026: keyless security systems tested by experts

By James Capell last updated

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

Split image of three home security cameras
The best home security cameras: indoor, outdoor and subscription-free cams

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated We've tested masses of security cameras in our own homes to bring you this guide to the very best.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte macchiato, and person's hand using bean-to-cup coffee machine
The best bean-to-cup coffee maker 2026: quick and convenient espresso machines tested

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated We've tested the best bean-to-cup coffee makers to find the best options from De'Longhi, Breville, Ninja, Gaggia and more.

Lavazza Tabli coffee maker on kitchen counter with coffee tabs and espresso cups, and a boston fern plant
Say goodbye to plastic pod waste: the Lavazza Tabli uses pressed coffee tablets to make quick, rich espresso that tastes genuinely fresh

By Cat Ellis Published

Recommended

The Tabli system trades metal and plastic capsules for compressed pucks of pure coffee — and the taste blows rivals like Nespresso out of the water.

Dreame Ecceluxe Go coffee maker on kitchen counter with house plant, carry case, and three types of coffee pods
Hot to go: I tried Dreame's clever portable espresso maker, which heats its own water and accepts three different types of coffee pods — plus grounds

By Cat Ellis Published

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is a brilliant portable coffee maker that doesn't require a kettle.

Nespresso Verto capsules, machine dispensing espresso into cup, and Nespresso Original capsule in machine
The best Nespresso machines 2026: capsule coffee makers worth your kitchen counter

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines tested and recommended by an SCA-certified barista.

Breville the Barista Touch Impress coffee machine on pink background
Best coffee machines in Australia: the top home espresso machines for all budgets, all tested and approved by trained baristas

By Max Langridge last updated

A coffee machine takes pride of place in a kitchen, so make sure you have the best one for your household's needs.

Loewe aura.matic espresso machine on outdoor table
Premium hi-fi brand Loewe just launched a luxury espresso machine for International Coffee Day, and it looks more like a speaker than a kitchen appliance

By Cat Ellis Published

This premium automatic espresso machine has a sleek aluminum case, a wooden frame, and a tinted glass door to hide everything away between brews.

Woman inserting coffee tablet in Keurig Alta coffee maker
'The future of Keurig' is replacing the K-Cup with more sustainable coffee tablets, the company says, starting with its new Alta machine — but don't worry, you'll still be able to buy K-Cups for a while

By Cat Ellis Published

AltaRounds are fully compostable, and are a big change from plastic and foil K-Cups when it comes to single-serve coffee.

Split image of coffee beans in hopper, macchiato made using coffee machine, and coffee machine dispensing espresso
I’m a certified barista, and these are the 3 top bean-to-cup espresso machines I recommend this International Coffee Day

By Cat Ellis Published

Avoid eye-watering coffee shop prices by making your own drinks at home with one of these top-rated bean-to-cup machines.

Person inserting coffee tab in Lavazza Tabli coffee maker
Hands-on with the Lavazza Tabli, the pod-free espresso maker that swaps wasteful capsules for compressed 100% coffee tablets — and they actually taste great

By Cat Ellis Published

The Tabli system is just as convenient as coffee capsules, but without the waste.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker
The best drip coffee maker 2026: Tried, tested and worth your countertop

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated We've tested the latest drip coffee makers to find the ones worth waking up for.

Nanoleaf 4D lighting kit and box on teal background
The best Ambilight alternatives 2026: enhance your home theater experience

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated The best Ambilight alternatives for immersive movies and games without replacing your TV.

Woman holding Dyson hair styler in Plum and Copper colorway
Dyson's hair stylers get a gorgeous new Plum and Copper color option — and they're going straight to the top of my Christmas list

By Cat Ellis Published

A special edition inspired by "a gemstone of near-mythical rarity" according to Dyson's designers.

Person using Walnut AeroPress coffee maker
AeroPress has given its iconic coffee maker a stunning walnut redesign — and paired it with a matching wood-clad version of my favorite manual grinder

By Cat Ellis Published

The AeroPress Premium Walnut Brewer even comes with a coordinating wooden scoop and stirrer, and is available to buy right now.

Philips Hue Smart Button, Tap Dial Switch, and Dimmer Switch
The best smart switch 2026: buttons and dimmers for all your smart home devices

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our roundup of expert-tested smart switches to give you maximum control over your smart home tech.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod smart speakers
The best smart speaker: for Google, Alexa and Siri

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Whatever smart home ecosystem you use, our experts have picked the best smart speaker for you.

Amazon Echo Show 15 on blue background
The best smart display 2026: our favourite smart screens for every home

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated A smart display is the heart of your home, so make sure you choose the right one.

Three smart plugs on teal background
The best smart plugs 2025: take control of any electrical appliance

By Cat Ellis last updated

Save energy and effort: automate your home effortlessly with the best smart plugs, tested and recommended by experts.

portafilter full of coffee, espresso dispensing from espresso machine, and hand pulling espresso machine tamper
The best espresso machines 2026: our expert-led guide to better coffee at home

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Expert-recommended espresso machines to give you a morning jump-start.

Montage of three Amazon Echo speakers
The best Alexa speakers 2026: smart speakers for every room and budget

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated From Amazon to Sonos, these are the best smart speakers to bring the AI-powered Alexa into your smart home.

KitchenAid Luminaire stand mixer on kitchen counter
KitchenAid just unveiled its latest Design Series stand mixer, and its glowing, jewel-like glass bowl took my breath away

By Cat Ellis Published

With a fluted bowl made from hardened glass, and integrated light, the new Design Series mixer shines like a diamond.

Split image of three beginner-friendly coffee makers in use
Don’t waste money on an overly complex coffee maker — as a certified barista, these are the 3 best beginner-friendly machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis Published

Coffee-making doesn't have to be complicated or expensive — these three beginner-friendly machines makes it both affordable and easy.

Cosori Juni drip coffee machine
This new drip coffee maker mimics the movement of a skilled barista's hand, and uses AI to help you achieve a perfect brew every morning

By Cat Ellis Published

The Cosori Juni uses a rotating basket and extending arm to pour water over your ground coffee like a barista with a goose-neck kettle.

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