Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum cleaner

Can't decide which Dyson vacuum is right for you? Here are the models I'd recommend for 5 different use cases

By Ruth Hamilton published 25 June 25

Tailored recommendations for big homes, small homes, pets, hard floors, and carpet.

Dyson Supersonic r and Supersonic Nural hair dryers, in reviewer's bathroom

Dyson Supersonic Nural vs Dyson Supersonic r: which ultra-premium dryer is better?

By Ruth Hamilton published 24 June 25

I tested two of the priciest hair dryers on the market against one another in the ultimate head-to-head – here's what I learned.

Person using Roborock F25 Ace Combo mop in a home with dogs running around

I've only been using it a day, but I can already tell this wet-and-dry vacuum combo is going to be a pet-owner's new best friend

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 June 25

When it comes to tackling pet hair and muddy prints, this wet-and-dry vacuum is pawsome.

Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum in its auto-empty base

Vacuum cleaner brands are starting to embrace this feature – I used to think it was pointless, but now I've changed my mind

By Ruth Hamilton published 19 June 25

I used to think self-empty docks for cordless vacs were a lazy person's luxury – now I think they can be invaluable.

Dyson just made the world's slimmest vacuum cleaner – and after trying it out, I can never go back to a regular stick vac

By Ruth Hamilton published 18 June 25

It's the most fun I've had cleaning the floor.

Mammotion Yuka Mini robot lawn mower in reviewer's yard

I tried setting up my first lawnbot and the experience nearly broke me – these are the mistakes I made that you need to avoid

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 June 25

BRB, off to throw my robot mower in the neighbor's pond.

Are Dyson vacuums worth the premium price? After testing most of the leading brands, here's my take

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 June 25

Dyson vacuums are as high-tech as they are pricey – here's my take on whether you should invest in one.

Samsung’s terrible new battery icon proves Apple made the right call with Liquid Glass

By Jamie Richards published 14 June 25

Samsung’s new battery icon is confusingly vague and hard to recognize, which has made me appreciate Apple's recent iOS design changes even more

Three of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, on a green background

The best vacuum for pet hair 2025: keep fur and dander under control

By Tom May last updated 13 June 25

Keep your home fur-free with the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Shark WandVac car vacuum on a pink background

The best car vacuum 2025: lightweight vacs to keep your car spotless

By Jim McCauley last updated 9 June 25

Keep your car dust and crumb-free with these powerful, portable car vacuums.

Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum against an aqua and blue background

The best vacuum for hardwood floors 2025: gentle but effective vacuums for hard floors

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 6 June 25

We test dozens of vacuums each year – these are the models that performed best on hardwood floors.

Dyson's new hair dryer is a feat of engineering – but there's one annoying design feature you need to know about if you're thinking of buying one

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 May 25

Thinking of buying a Supersonic r? Check your plug outlets first.

The original Dyson bladeless fan just got a long-awaited revamp, and it looks better than ever

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 28 May 25

The Dyson Cool CF1 might have taken 16 years to arrive, but a series of welcome upgrades mean it's a force to be reckoned with.

Roborock Q5 Pro+ robovac on blue background

The best budget robot vacuum cleaner 2025: low-effort cleaning at low prices

By Jim McCauley last updated 27 May 25

Budget-friendly but still brilliant robot vacuums to keep your floors clean without spending a fortune.

Segway Navimow X3 series being demoed on a lawn

What is RTK for robot lawn mowers?

By Ruth Hamilton published 27 May 25

Modern lawnbots rely on real-time kinematic positioning to help them navigate accurately – here's how it works.

Alen BreatheSmart 75i in reviewer's home

5 things to look for in an air purifier for hay fever

By Ruth Hamilton published 25 May 25

What makes a good air purifier for seasonal allergies? We asked an expert.

The best hair dryer, the GHD Helios, on a purple background

The best hair dryer 2025: expert tested and approved

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 23 May 25

We've reviewed the best hair dryers and latest blow dryers from Dyson, GHD and Shark to help you care for your hair. Here are our top picks.

The best hair styler 2025: tools to shape, smooth and curl

By Rosie Hilder last updated 23 May 25

Our pick of the best styling tools for a range of hair types and budgets – tried and tested by experts.

Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer in reviewer's hand

Dyson Supersonic r review: an unusual hair dryer that's perfect for precision styling

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 May 25

Recommended

I'm thrilled Dyson has made this professional dryer available to consumers – the back of my head has never looked so good.

Dyson's new vacuum is as thin as a broom handle and appears to float across the floor

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 May 25

The new Dyson PencilVac looks nothing like any vacuum I've seen before – here are the 6 strangest things about it.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum holding a cloth

4 things I loved about the world's first robovac with a mechanical arm – and 3 that need work

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 May 25

The Roborock Saros Z70 can tidy up as well as vacuuming, and while it has big potential it's not quite there yet.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum with its arm out

Roborock Saros Z70 review: this robot vacuum has an arm, but it's not yet all that handy yet

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 May 25

The RZ70 boasts some truly groundbreaking features, but it needs refining if it's to be truly useful.

How do robot lawn mowers navigate without a boundary wire?

By Ruth Hamilton published 18 May 25

Modern lawnbots can find their way around without wires – here's how.

Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni robot vacuum and mop

I test robot vacuums for a living, and this new bot has the best mopping system I've seen

By Ruth Hamilton published 13 May 25

The newly unveiled Deebot X9 Pro Omni promises less gunk and less smearing.

The HEPA filter from inside the Blueair air purifier sits facing forward on a wood surface against a pink background.

What is a HEPA filter, and what is it used for?

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 May 25

HEPA filters are common in air purifiers and vacuums. Here's more on what they do, and whether they're worth prioritizing in the appliance you're shopping for.

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