Articles by Carrie-Ann Skinner

Carrie-Ann Skinner was formerly Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has more than two decades of experience in both online and print journalism, with 13 years of that spent covering all-things tech. Carrie specializes in smart home devices such as smart plugs and smart lights, as well as large and small appliances including vacuum cleaners, air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee machines. Carrie is now a copy editor at PWC.

Articles by: Carrie-Ann Skinner

The Philips Hue Inara outdoor lighting range

Philips Hue’s new outdoor smart lights will help make your garden an extension of your home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 25 January 22

Philips Hue’s new range of outdoor smart lights enable you to adjust the brightness and color from your phone, just as you can with its indoor lights.

The Ring Always Home Cam starting its surveillance path around a home

Ring’s home security drone is one step closer to going on sale

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 24 January 22

The invite list to get your hands on the Ring Always Home Cam, a security drone for your property, is now open.

An AirTag lying in grass with the metal side facing upwards

I lost my AirTag in a forest… but after two months I’ve been reunited with it

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 22 January 22

Here’s why enabling lost mode on your AirTag is vital

A espresso with late art on the top in a white coffee cup and saucer next to a hessian sack and coffee beans

This game-changing coffee maker trick means you’ll never drink bitter espresso again

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 22 January 22

Love making espresso at home but find it always tastes bitter? Here’s how to ensure coffee perfection.

The Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer with the light on so youcan keep an eye on the progress of what you're cooking

Instant Vortex Plus Dual Drawer Air Fryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 January 22

The brand behind Instant Pot has launched its first dual-basket air fryer, but how does it compare to rival Ninja?

Eufy SoloCam S40 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 20 January 22

The Eufy SoloCam S40 is a freestanding home security camera that’s ideal for external use since its integrated solar panel helps to keep the battery topped up.

Lenovo Smart Clock 2 review

By Cat Ellis, Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 January 22

Updated A neat little clock/smart speaker hybrid, but it's hard to escape the fact that the Google Nest Hub does all this and more.

Dreame Bot W10 robot vacuum review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 January 22

The Dreame Bot W10 is an expensive robot vacuum that can mop as well as sweep. It self-cleans, too, reducing the maintenance required.

The Amazon Echo Show 15 on a green background and the Amaozn Echo Show 10 on a pink background

Amazon Echo Show 15 vs Amazon Echo Show 10: which smart display should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 January 22

Amazon’s Echo Show 15 is its largest display ever, but costs the same as the Echo Show 10 - so we’ve tested to find out which is right for you.

Cinnamon Rolls that have been freshly baked and topped with sweetened cream cheese

I made cinnamon rolls in an air fryer and they were better than my usual method

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 15 January 22

Love cinnamon rolls but struggle to get them to look and taste like those you buy? We found out an air fryer is the secret to cooking them, and we'll never go back

The Dreo 6-Quart Air Fryer on a kitchen countertop

Dreo 6-Quart Air Fryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 12 January 22

The Dreo 6-Quart Air Fryer is a stylish kitchen appliance that can roast, broil, bake, dehydrate as well as air fry – but it requires more oil for a crisp finish than others on the market.

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer oven on a green background

This Instant air fryer and convection oven is close to its Black Friday record-low price

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 11 January 22

The Instant Vortex Plus 10-quart air fryer and convection oven has been discounted by 29%, offering a hefty saving.

The Facebook Portal Go on a blue background next to the Facebook Portal Plus on a yellow background

Facebook Portal Go vs Facebook Portal Plus: which smart display should you buy?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 8 January 22

We tested the Facebook Portal Go against the Facebook Portal Plus to find out which really is the brand’s best smart display.

CES 2022: Large appliances are the latest way to give your home’s decor a refresh

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 January 22

CES 2022 Samsung and Hisense both unveiled matching suites of appliances at CES, but will consumers really be happy paying a premium to ensure their gadgets match the rest of their kitchen?

Ring’s latest alarm add-on can detect the sound of breaking glass

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 January 22

CES 2022 The Ring Alarm Glass Break Sensor is an add-on for the brand’s smart alarm that can identify and alert you if the sound of breaking glass is detected in your home.

The eufy Security Video Doorbell Dual (Battery) on a white background next to its base station

This Eufy video doorbell helps solve the problem of lost and stolen packages

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 5 January 22

CES 2022 The Eufy Security Video Doorbell Dual (Battery) has two built-in cameras, one of which points downwards and will identify any packages left on the ground.

Abode aims to rival Ring with its affordable battery-powered video doorbell

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 January 22

CES 2022 The Abode Wireless Video Doorbell is a battery-powered doorbell camera that records footage of anyone at your threshold in 2K, and it costs less than rival Ring’s closest competitor.

The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra cleaning hard floors in a lounge with a dog looking at it

Roborock's new robot vacuum can keep an eye on pets and kids too

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 January 22

CES 2022 The Roborock S7 MaxV Ultra is the brand’s smartest robot vacuum to date, but its camera, which lets you converse with people in your home, really makes it stand out.

An Instant Vortex Pro air fryer on a pink background

How I’m going to use my air fryer to beat my January takeaway obsession

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 27 December 21

This handy kitchen appliance is speedy and healthy

The BaByliss 900 cordless hot brush on a wooden table

BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hot Brush review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 December 21

The BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hot Brush ensures you no longer need to be tethered to a power outlet when you want to style your hair.

The front view of the Facebook Portal Plus

Facebook Portal Plus review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 December 21

The Facebook Portal Plus is the social media giant’s largest smart display, but how does it compare to the Amazon’s Echo show range?

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB on a kitchen countertop

De'Longhi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 20 December 21

Recommended

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte EC9155MB is an espresso machine with a built-in grinder and integrated steam wand, letting you play barista at home.

Apple AirTags help you find your lost stuff… until you lose the AirTag itself

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 19 December 21

Here’s why opting for non-Apple approved accessories for AirTags turned out to be an expensive mistake.

Which Dyson do I have? Here’s why you need to know

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 December 21

Want to purchase replacement parts or know how to clean your Dyson vacuum properly? You’ll need your model number and here’s how to find it.

The Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400 on a kitchen countertop

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone Air Fryer AF400 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 December 21

Cook two different foods at the same time with this large-capacity air fryer

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