Articles by 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

KitchenAid stand mixer with wooden bowl in Porcelain White

KitchenAid's enormously popular wooden bowl stand mixer is back – and I think it looks better than ever

By Cat Ellis Published 16 September 25

The updated Artisan mixer has the same natural walnut wood accents, with a fresh new Porcelain White color scheme.

Split image of Lavazza Assoluta Bean-to-Cup coffee machine and Lavazza mobile app

Lavazza's smart new coffee machine automatically adjusts its settings to suit your beans – and it looks stunning too

By Cat Ellis Published 16 September 25

The Lavazza Assoluta looks amazing, and I can't wait to test it in my own kitchen.

Montage of Philips, De'Longhi, and KitchenAid coffee machines

The best 3 espresso machines for beginners, recommended by a qualified barista

By Cat Ellis Published 16 September 25

Never used an espresso machine before? Don't be intimidated – these three machines make it as easy as pie.

Montage of three wireless video doorbells

I'm a smart home tech editor, and these are the 3 best wireless video doorbells that you can install in minutes

By Cat Ellis Published 15 September 25

Home security doesn't have to be complicated – these top-notch video doorbells can be installed in a couple of minutes each.

Brewing hot and cold espresso is a piece of cake with the cute little De'Longhi Dedica Duo – and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis Published 7 September 25

I thought the Dedica Style couldn't be beaten, but it looks like I might have been wrong.

Split image of three super-automatic espresso machines

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 super-automatic espresso machines I recommend for one-touch brewing

By Cat Ellis Published 7 September 25

It's time to wave goodbye to your neighborhood barista – soon you'll be brewing cafe-quality coffee at home with zero effort.

2 Comments

Best of IFA 2025 awards – our 15 favorite tech reveals at the show, from next-gen TVs to stair-climbing robo-vacs

By Matt Bolton Published 5 September 25

From hybrid gaming laptops to AI home robots to elite turntables, IFA in Berlin saw tech innovations of all kinds.

Reolink TrackFlexFloodlight WiFi camera mounted on exterior wall

Reolink's new subscription-free security camera protects your home with 360-degree coverage and super-bright floodlights

By Cat Ellis Published 5 September 25

Reolink is also launching AI-powered search so you can use natural language to find a specific moment, with no extra fees.

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 5 September 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 4 September 25

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 4 September 25

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 4 September 25

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.

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 31 August 25

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 26 August 25

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

'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 26 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 25 August 25

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 24 August 25

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 23 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 22 August 25

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

3 Comments

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 22 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 21 August 25

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

21 Comments

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 21 August 25

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 17 August 25

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

2 Comments

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

By Cat Ellis Published 16 August 25

Cat Ellis

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