Karen Freeman

Karen Freeman

Freelance Contributor

Karen is a world traveler, writer, teacher, family woman, and occasionally a movie extra. She has been writing about Apple, consumer tech, and lifestyle products since 2010 for various publications including TechRadar, CNET, Tom’s Guide, iMore, Macworld, AppAdvice, and WatchAware.

Articles by: Karen Freeman

Braun OptiBrew Pro on the counter
Looking for maximum versatility? The Braun OptiBrew Pro brews delicious drip coffee, makes specialized cold brew, and even froths milk — all in one machine

By Karen Freeman Published

Recommended

A step up from the typical drip coffee machine, with multiple brew sizes and styles plus a built-in milk frother.

Chefman Coffee Station Pro brewing carafe of drip coffee
The Chefman Coffee Station Pro is an ambitious kitchen space-saver that does a lot right, but stumbles on a few crucial brewing modes

By Karen Freeman Published

A clever multi-style coffee maker that handles the basics well, but not all its brewing modes work as well as they should.

Breville the Juice Fountain cold juicer
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.

Ninja CrushBOSS base with three containers
I went hands-on with the new Ninja CrushBOSS — and this three-in-one food processor and blender crushed through every food prep test I threw at it

By Karen Freeman Published

Recommended

The Ninja CrushBOSS is a kitchen system that takes care of all your food processing and blending needs.

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer
The best small air fryers 2026: our favourite space-saving air fryers

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Terra Kaffe Demi coffee maker on kitchen counter
The Terra Kaffe Demi is the best espresso machine I've ever used — compact, effortless to use, and capable of brewing exceptional coffee

By Karen Freeman Published

This fun-sized machine couldn't be easier to use, and it brews incredible espresso, coffee, and more.

Ninja Luxe Café Mini with a cup of espresso
The fun-size Ninja Luxe Café Mini helps you brew tasty espresso and drip coffee if your kitchen isn't big enough for two separate machines

By Karen Freeman Published

This fun-size coffee maker has a steep learning curve, but take the time to hone your barista skills and you'll be rewarded for your efforts.

Best apple watch bands
The best Apple Watch bands 2026: Stylish, comfortable straps for every budget

By Karen Freeman last updated

Updated We round-up the best Apple Watch bands and straps for every size, taste and budget.

Ninja creami and high protein ice cream
4 delicious high-protein Ninja Creami recipes that completely skip the pudding mix, protein shakes, and chalky powders

By Karen Freeman Published

Make your own high-protein frozen desserts without pre-made protein shakes, protein powder, or pudding mix

Healthy ice cream made in the Ninja Creami
Healthier recipes for your Ninja Creami — how I eliminated artificial sweeteners and still made the richest, creamiest ice cream of the summer

By Karen Freeman Published

The main reason to buy a Ninja Creami is so that you can make frozen treats that are healthier than what you can buy in a store.

Ninja AutoBarista Pro and cup of coffee close up
I tested the Ninja AutoBarista Pro, and its smart Grind iQ feature demystifies grind settings so you don’t have to master coffee science for a decent latte

By Karen Freeman Published

Grind iQ Technology in the Ninja AutoBarista Pro eliminates the need for guesswork when it comes to the perfect grind size for your particular beans.

Ninja AutoBarista Pro and espresso in hand
The Ninja AutoBarista Pro accommodates two totally different coffee-drinkers — and I wish all coffee machines made life this easy

By Karen Freeman Published

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro comes with two swappable coffee bean hoppers and lets you set up two different brew profiles for each beverage.

Ninja Swirl by Creami various recipes
Ice cream for breakfast? Ninja Creami makes a healthy frozen breakfast treat easy

By Karen Freeman Published

Why not have ice cream for breakfast, when you can turn your favorite yogurt and other protein-rich foods into a frozen treat?

Ninja AutoBarista Pro on the counter
The Ninja AutoBarista Pro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine lets you make just about any coffee creation you can imagine

By Karen Freeman Published

Create just about any hot or iced coffee creation you'd like with the touch of a button.

Ninja French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven on counter with hand opening door
Ninja French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven does it all — but it cooks faster than you might expect, so you'll need to keep an eye on it

By Karen Freeman Published

Recommended

Ninja's new French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven is super versatile, but be warned that it cooks so fast, you'll need to keep an eye on your dinner.

BISSELL CrossWave HydroScrub All-in-One-Multi-Surface Cleaner
I tested the Bissell CrossWave HydroScrub, and this wireless all-in-one might be the only floor cleaner your home needs

By Karen Freeman Published

This wireless wet and dry cleaner makes light work of pet hair and general dirt, and runs for up to 45 minutes on a single charge.

Ninja Power Duo Immersion Blender with Whisk parts on counter
I tested the Ninja Power Duo Immersion Blender — a quick and effective tool that can tackle just about any ingredient

By Karen Freeman Published

A simple, space-saving appliance that can tackle just about any ingredient you can throw at it.

Ninja BlendBoss blender on kitchen counter
I've tested the cool and colorful Ninja BlendBOSS, and making silky smoothies has bever been so much fun

By Karen Freeman Published

Whip up your favorite smoothies and shakes at home, then take them anywhere with the BlendBOSS's 26oz travel tumbler.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat close up
The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is smart heating made simple

By Karen Freeman Published

The X2S Smart Thermostat is an easy-to-use Energy Star certified thermostat. It’s not the most modern-looking device, but it does the job.

Ninja Crispi Pro air fryer on counter
The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Countertop Air Fryer is super-sized for families and entertaining

By Karen Freeman Published

Ninja has upscaled its portable Ninja Crispi air fryer, and this new version is big enough to feed a crowd.

Air fryer full of crinkle-cut fries
Are you making these 6 common mistakes when using your air fryer?

By Karen Freeman Published

If you're struggling with mess and unevenly-cooked food from your air fryer, we're here to help.

WEFFORT Smart Shades open, close up view
WEFFORT's Motorized Smart Shades are smooth and quiet, with plenty of options to ensure they suit your home

By Karen Freeman Published

Cover your windows your way with these smart motorized shades.

Making cappuccino with Terra Kaffe TK-02
The Terra Kaffe TK-02 brings the high-end coffee shop to your home

By Karen Freeman Published

Make over 100,000 coffee beverages right at home in seconds with the Terra Kaffe TK-02

iPhone 16 Pro in hand, dark mode
Not getting the iPhone 17? Make your current iPhone feel new again with these 5 tips

By Karen Freeman Published

Apple's iPhone 17 models look great, but with these five steps, you can make your current iPhone feel just as new.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – which phone will be best, according to the rumored specs?

By Karen Freeman Published

We compare the rumored specs of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to the confirmed specs of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

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