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. 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

Swann MaxRanger4K Mini Wireless System

Swann's latest home security camera will protect your home with 4K footage and sharp night vision – and it's subscription-free

By Cat Ellis published

There's a new entry-level version of the MaxRanger4K, with a more compact design and the same sharp recording.

Philips Hue Bridge Pro

The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is finally on sale, but there's something you should know before you buy one

By Cat Ellis published

The Bridge Pro can support three times as many lights as the Bridge V2, but there's a temporary snag.

Split image of the Philips Hue Secure Video Doorbell and Ring Battery Video Doorbell Plus

Philips Hue takes on Ring with its first video doorbell – but which deserves a place on your wall?

By Cat Ellis published

Hue's new doorbell gives you a lot of bang for your buck

Split image of Philips Hue Bridge Pro, Philips Hue Essential bulbs, and Philips Hue Video Doorbell

Over 10 new Philips Hue devices just landed – here's everything you need to know about the Bridge Pro, OmniGlow, and more

By Cat Ellis published

It's the biggest Philips Hue product drop ever, and you're in the right place to find all the details about every new launch.

Bosch ErgoMaster Serie 3 blender

I've used the Bosch ErgoMaster Series 6 for two weeks, and it's already replaced my blender, food processor, and whisk

By Cat Ellis published

A powerful multi-function stick blender that's super comfortable to use and remarkably versatile – just as long as you don't need crushed ice.

Split image of Swann MaxRanger4K Solar, Reolink Altas PT Ultra, and Blink Outdoor 4 cameras

I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the 3 outdoor security cameras I recommend to my family and friends

By Cat Ellis published

These are the cameras I trust to protect what matters most (and two of them don't need a subscription).

google nest

'Who in the hell would want red cameras?' – details of four new Nest devices have leaked, but has Google lost the smart home race already?

By Cat Ellis published

Amazon's speakers, doorbells, and cameras will almost certainly be cheaper, but Gemini for Home could give Google an edge.

Smeg milk frother

Smeg's new Mini Milk Frother prepares perfect foam for cappuccinos – but it's too thick for latte art

By Cat Ellis published

Smeg's super-compact frother is whisper-quiet and super simple to use, but only offers one foam texture, and it's seriously thick.

Split image of person putting filter in drip coffee machine, and espresso machine dispensing coffee

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my 3 favorite budget-friendly options

By Cat Ellis published

You can easily spend hundreds on a coffee maker – but you don't have to.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is a super-affordable espresso machine, but too many corners have been cut to make it a good budget buy

By Cat Ellis published

The 5418 Pro has an appealing price tag, but the more I used it, the more the compromises became apparent.

Philips Hue

Are Philips Hue Essential bulbs the cheap smart lights we don't need?

By Cat Ellis published

There's no shortage of brands making affordable smart lights, but it looks like Hue wants a piece of the entry-level pie.

Swann EVO Wireless Solar security camera mounted on wall

Swann's new subscription-free home security camera stays charged with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day

By Cat Ellis published

The days of climbing up to replace batteries and paying monthly fees to save your video clips are over.

Three juicers being used to prepare fresh fruit juice

The best juicer: tested for juice yield, smoothness, and ease of use

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our expert team have juiced buckets of produce to bring you this list of the very best centrifugal and cold press juicers around.

Google Nest Mini

'Why should I give Google money?' – former Nest fans decry new leaked model, and I really can't blame them

By Cat Ellis published

Google has given us a sneaky peek at a new Nest smart speaker, but what will it be, and do we really want it?

Split image of two Ninja air fryers, and golden fries cooked inside air fryer

I test kitchen tech for a living, and these are my top 3 Ninja air fryers for quick and tasty meals

By Cat Ellis published

Ninja is the biggest name in air fryers, and these three will make preparing all your favorite dishes a piece of cake.

Woman looking at coffee machines in store

As a trained barista, I want you to know these 3 things before buying your next coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published

A coffee machine can be one of the most expensive appliances in your kitchen, so make sure you pick the best one.

Five coffee makers on picnic blanket

Coffee is my life, and these are my 5 favorite coffee makers for camping adventures

By Cat Ellis published

Sponsored

There's no need to resort to instant coffee granules when you're spending the night under canvas.

Split image of cold brew option on coffee machine, espresso machine dispensing chilled latte macchiato, and machine dispensing espresso onto ice cubes

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my top 3 picks for making delicious cold-brew at home

By Cat Ellis published

Making smooth and delicious cold-brew doesn't have to take hours with the right coffee maker.

Split image of coffee beans, coffee machine dispensing milk, and latte macchiato made using home coffee machine

Shhh – I test coffee makers for a living, and theses are the top 4 quiet espresso machines I recommend

By Cat Ellis last updated

Does your bean-to-cup machine leave your ears ringing? Here are three quieter alternatives

Two women drinking coffee, looking disgusted

Is your coffee machine a health hazard? 6 tips to keep it clean and fresh, from a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published

Automatic espresso machines can make a lovely warm, damp environment for nasties if not properly cared for.

Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed

I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning

By Cat Ellis published

Finally, a simulated sunrise that doesn't jolt me awake, and a nightlight that helps me drift off in minutes.

Person pressing button on coffee machine, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and coffee machine dispensing latte macchiato

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the top 3 automatic machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published

The best machines for perfect brews at the press of a button. Coffee doesn't get much easier than this.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The new Casabrews 5418 Pro is the tiniest espresso machine I've tested, but it packs an impressive punch

By Cat Ellis published

Could this little wonder take the title of "best budget espresso machine"?

Philips Hue Wall Washer light

The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer transformed my home cinema setup, and it makes a perfect wake-up light, too

By Cat Ellis published

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

BMW Boxer espresso machine on counter with espresso cups and coffee grinder

BMW has built a coffee maker out of a motorcycle engine – and it brews like a beast

By Cat Ellis published

The limited-edition Big Coffee Boxer will certainly be a conversation-starter, and it's a serious espresso machine if you've got money to burn.

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