Articles by 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

Setting up your Philips Hue lights is now quicker and easier than ever thanks to the latest app update

By Cat Ellis published 21 March 25

You can use QR codes to add multiple lights and other devices to a room at once.

Smeg kettle and toaster in Jade Green on kitchen counter with spiced tea

Some of Smeg's best kitchen appliances just got a fresh new look, and I think I'm in love

By Cat Ellis published 20 March 25

The new Jade Green shade is like taking a plunge in a lagoon, and now I want to redecorate my whole kitchen.

Various SwitchBot smart home automation devices

Switchbot has totally redesigned its smart home hub – and it's great news for renters

By Cat Ellis published 17 March 25

The new hub has a physical dial, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I love my Garmin watch, but there's one health feature I've always wished it had

By Cat Ellis published 16 March 25

I'm not a morning person, but this one tool could make waking up less of a chore.

The best smart display 2025: top smart screens tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 March 25

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

Person opening door fitted with Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen)

This renter-friendly smart lock fits over your existing door hardware, and costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published 12 March 25

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) can secure your door in just 1.5 seconds.

Two iPhones showing Apple HomeKit settings

Still using an iPad as a Home Hub? Bad news – Apple is about to end support for it

By Cat Ellis published 11 March 25

If you've been putting off upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture, you'll soon be forced to take the plunge.

Jura J10 coffee maker on kitchen counter

I wasn't a fan of syrup in coffee until I tried the Jura J10 espresso machine – here's why

By Cat Ellis published 9 March 25

The J10's cold brew and Sweet Foam options aren't just gimmicks; they deliver excellent results

Got Philips Hue lights? A free app update delivers these 3 improvements

By Cat Ellis published 5 March 25

Organizing your lights and keeping your home secure just got a lot easier.

Tado thermostat owners are hot and bothered after marketing study raises possibility of subscription fee

By Cat Ellis published 3 March 25

The company conducted a marketing study to test the waters, but it could go either way.

De’Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine with drinks on kitchen counter

De'Longhi's new bean-to-cup coffee machine could make you a milk-frothing maestro

By Cat Ellis published 1 March 25

Love a latte but struggle to make them at home? The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch might be the solution.

A collection of Amazon Echo devices on a grey background

Want to try Alexa+? Here are the Echo devices it'll work on

By Cat Ellis published 27 February 25

There's probably no need to replace your smart speakers (unless you really want to).

You can pay $19.99 a month for Alexa Plus – but why would you?

By Cat Ellis published 26 February 25

When Prime subscribers get it free, the standalone price is arbitrary.

Split image showing couple watching TV with purple Philips Hue lighting on the right, and TV with yellow Philips Hue lighting on the right

Your LG TV can now synchronize with Philips Hue lights without a pricey HDMI Sync Box

By Cat Ellis published 25 February 25

Make movies and games more immersive with the Hue Sync app – now available for LG TVs from 2024 onwards.

Cuisinart's Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is cheaper than the Ninja Creami Swirl, but is it as cool?

By Cat Ellis published 23 February 25

Affordable and simple to use – just keep a very close eye on it.

Siemens EQ900 Plus coffee maker with coffee beans and milk bottle

I've tested a lot of coffee machines, and the Siemens EQ900 Plus makes the best macchiato I've tasted

By Cat Ellis published 22 February 25

If you love a milky coffee and have deep pockets, this could be the bean-to-cup machine of your dreams.

Any Video Converter Free during our review

Any Video Converter Free review

By Steve Paris last updated 21 February 25

A free video downloader and converter with built-in editing tools and excellent format support.

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus mounted on exterior wall

Ring's new security camera has its highest resolution – and I can't wait to try it

By Cat Ellis published 20 February 25

The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus has an upgraded camera for 2K footage, wide viewing angles, and improved night vision.

Eufy's new camera smart lock covers blind spots your Ring doorbell might miss

By Cat Ellis published 19 February 25

The FamiLock opens your door with a wave of your hand, and it supports Matter too.

Baked air fryer breakfast muffins on plate

These air fryer breakfast muffins are tastier than anything I've had from Starbucks – here's the recipe

By Cat Ellis published 15 February 25

Baked from scratch, these muffins can be on your kitchen table in just 20 minutes.

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6 with coffee beans and scoop on kitchen counter

The KitchenAid KF6 brews exceptional espresso, looks stunning, and costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published 14 February 25

This stylish bean-to-cup machine excels at the basics, making pulling perfect shots as easy as pressing a button.

Ninja Creami Swirl ice cream maker with frozen desserts

The viral Ninja Creami Swirl ice cream maker is finally on sale, and I can't wait to start making protein ice cream at home

By Cat Ellis published 12 February 25

Make soft-serve custard, ice cream, fruit whip, frozen yogurt, and much more.

Jura's new coffee machine brews hot or cold and can even add your choice of syrup

By Cat Ellis published 11 February 25

Take your pick from 42 different options, with optional sweetened foam.

Slice of Victoria sponge cake on plate with fork

I made deliciously fluffy cake in an air fryer, and these 7 tricks will help you do the same in 15 minutes

By Cat Ellis published 9 February 25

Your air fryer can do much more than just cook chicken nuggets.

Person using Apple Watch on wrist beside shelf illuminated by blue IKEA smart light

Got IKEA smart lights? You can now control them directly from your Apple Watch

By Cat Ellis published 7 February 25

IKEA Home Smart is now available for watchOS, and will let you operate lamps and bulbs from your wrist.

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