Cat Ellis

Cat Ellis

Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and worked on print magazines including PC Plus, Official Windows Magazine, and PC Format before moving online. She's also a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista, so whether you want to upgrade your smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Kitchenaid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 with two coffee cups on kitchen counter

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 review: making café quality coffee at home has never been easier

By Cat Ellis published

From bean to cup with the minimum of fuss, this premium expresso machine makes preparing custom drinks a piece of cake.

Young woman with headphones after using a CD ripper

The best CD rippers 2025: back up your CD collection with these top rippers

By Cat Ellis last updated

With the right free tool, you can create copies of your discs so you have a backup

A closeup of the Apple HomePod 2

Apple has a vision for your smart home - but will it repeat the mistakes of the past?

By Cat Ellis published

The company has been out of the smart home game for a long time, so how can it get an edge?

Philips Hue Festavia smart string lights

Try before you buy: you can now use AR to preview how Philips Hue lights will look in your home

By Cat Ellis published

The Philips Hue app has received a 3D mapping update to help you decide whether to invest in more smart lights.

Woman's hand using Aqara Smart Lock U300

This new smart lock works with Matter, Thread, and Apple HomeKit – and it's yours with a 20% discount today

By Cat Ellis published

Made to be retrofitted to doors with a lever or handle.

A smart home

Controlling Google smart-home devices from your iPhone is about to get much easier

By Cat Ellis published

The Google Home app for iOS is getting a big upgrade to make favorites easier to access.

Kenwood Go Stand Mixer on kitchen counter

Small kitchen? No problem - Kenwood's tiny stand mixer lets you make up to 48 cupcakes and fits virtually anywhere

By Cat Ellis published

There's also a super compact hand mixer that you can stash in a bookcase

Woman putting ingredients in Nutribullet SmartSense blender

Nutribullet's new blender makes everything from nut milk to soup with a single touch

By Cat Ellis published

The Nutribullet SmartSense automatically senses quantities, and adjusts blending speed and time accordingly.

Ninja Crispi air fryer on kitchen counter with food in travel containers

Ninja's new portable air fryer lets you cook a 4lb chicken in the office

By Cat Ellis published

With the Ninja Crispi, you can cook anywhere with a power outlet.

Twinkly Strings lights on a Christmas tree (left) and up close (right)

Twinkly Strings review: striking smart string lights that aren't just for Christmas

By Cat Ellis published

These easy-to-use string lights can turn your tree or room into a canvas and paint it with light.

Aqara Voice Mate H1 device superimposed over image of penthouse living room

Don't want a smart speaker listening to you at home? This AI-powered 'pebble' won't turn on its mic until it's picked up

By Cat Ellis published

The Aqara Voice Mate H1 sacrifices hands-free convenience for peace of mind.

Woman using KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer in Evergreen with wooden bowl

KitchenAid's new stand mixer goes against the grain with wood and leafy details - and I think I love it

By Cat Ellis published

The Evergreen stand mixer swaps candy colors and stainless steel for natural shades and materials.

Gaming PC and desk setup with Nanoleaf Blocks smart lights

Nanoleaf launches new Blocks smart lights to take your gaming setup to the next level

By Cat Ellis published

Mix and match different sized square LED panels, shelves, and pegboards to make a custom display.

Living room with Philips Hue Sync Box projecting colored light behind TV

Philips Hue's pricey HDMI Sync Box has finally received an 8K upgrade - and now it's even more expensive

By Cat Ellis published

How much are you willing to pay for a more immersive home theater and gaming experience?

A home theater with blue lighting strips, with a logo for 'Home Theater Week'

How to use smart lighting to create the ultimate home theater experience

By Cat Ellis published

Layered lighting is the key to setting the mood, whether you're creating a full home theater or adapting your living room.

KitchenAid KF8 coffee maker on kitchen counter

Shhh - KitchenAid's new coffee machines can brew up to 40 hot and cold drinks, and they're whisper quiet

By Cat Ellis published

One of the three models even has a dedicated mode for frothing plant-based milk for soya or oat cappuccinos.

Smeg BCC13 coffee maker with cups on kitchen counter

Smeg BCC13 review: perfectly extracted espresso and foamed milk every time

By Cat Ellis published

If your budget can take the hit, the BCC13 is easily one of the best bean-to-cup espresso machines you can buy.

Person lying on bed with various Philips Hue lamps in bedroom

Your Philips Hue lights are getting 4 new effects – including a dreamy underwater mode

By Cat Ellis published

Underwater, Cosmos, Enchant, and Sunbeam could be extra relaxing when paired with the recently released Twilight lamp.

Twinkly Line smart lights on edge of desk, lit in green and blue gradient

Twinkly Line review: fun and affordable smart lights to jazz up small spaces

By Cat Ellis published

Adhesive LED strips that are bright, highly customizable, and can be set up in five minutes.

Dreo BaristaMaker milk frother with pitcher and frothing tips

Dreo BaristaMaker review: consistent foam for dairy and non-dairy milk every time

By Cat Ellis published

Whip up frothy milk for your lattes and cappuccinos – just don't expect quite the same results you'd get from a steam wand

House illuminated with Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 in white, blue, and purple

Govee's permanent outdoor lights can turn your home into a Barbie Dream House at the tap of a button

By Cat Ellis published

The new lighting system can go from practical to party in seconds, so there's no more climbing up ladders at Christmas.

Nutribullet Flip blender on kitchen counter with fruit

Nutribullet Flip review: a powerful personal blender for smoothies on the move

By Cat Ellis published

Some recipes will need two 30-second cycles to fully blend, but the Flip handles ice with ease, and is super-simple to use.

Young man and woman preparing fries using air fryer

Back-to-school cooking: the best air fryers for college students

By Cat Ellis published

We recommend the best air fryers if you're cooking on a student budget, and help you pick the perfect one for you.

Philips Hue Secure camera on a table

There's a big firmware update coming for your Philips Hue smart home setup

By Cat Ellis published

Hue Secure cameras are getting a bundle of new features and fixes, including improved package detection.

Person pressing Ring Battery Doorbell button

Ring's new video doorbell offers premium features for an entry-level price

By Cat Ellis published

The new Ring Battery Doorbell is available to pre-order now, with shipping due to start in early September.

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