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

An Instant Pot Duo Crisp & air fryer with an Instant Vortex Plus on a kitchen countertop and plates of fries cooked in both appliances

I made fries in an Instant Pot… and they're not as good as using one of the best air fryers

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 July 21

Can an Instant Pot that’s added air frying to its list of cooking methods replace an air fryer for making fries?

Instant Vortex Plus air fryer oven on a green background

Grab this Instant Vortex air fryer oven for its (almost) lowest price ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 July 21

The Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven has been discounted by almost 25%, offering a hefty saving.

Amazon smart plug connected to a coffee maker in a kitchen

What is a smart plug, and how it can stop your fear of leaving the coffee maker on?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

Love the idea of a smart plug but not sure what they do and how they work? Get switched on with our guide to the simplest smart home devices.

Roidmi RS60 cordless vacuum cleaner review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

The Roidmi RS60 is an expensive cordless vacuum cleaner that can mop floors as well, but can it rival top-of-the-range cleaners from Dyson and Miele?

Roidmi R10 cordless vacuum cleaner review

By Lauren Mulville, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

The Roidmi R10, which was previously called the Roidmi S1E, is a lightweight, compact cordless vacuum that performs well on hard floors.

Ring makes using its video doorbells and security cameras more secure

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 13 July 21

Ring is rolling out end-to-end encryption on its wired video doorbells and security cameras following a technical preview in the US. Here’s what you need to know.

Dyson Micro 1.5kg being used to suck up crumbs on a lounge hard wood floor

Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs Dyson Omni-glide: which compact Dyson cordless vacuum is truly the best?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 11 July 21

We tested the Dyson Micro 1.5kg against the Dyson Omni-glide to find out which really is Dyson’s best compact cordless vacuum.

A woman holding the Dyson Micro 1.5kg in a room with grey walls and grey wood floors

Dyson Micro 1.5kg review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 July 21

How does Dyson’s lightest and most compact cordless cleaner measure up to the brand’s top-of-the-range vacuums?

Pureeing vegetables in a blender on a kitchen countertop with avocado and celery next to the blender

The five best dishes to make in a blender and elevate your cooking

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 10 July 21

Thinking about purchasing a blender but not sure what you’ll actually use it for? Here’s a look at the dishes these versatile appliances can make.

Ring Video Doorbell Wired review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 7 July 21

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is Ring’s cheapest and smallest video doorbell, but it comes with some compromises.

Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulbs with packaging on a blue background

Snap up these Philips Hue smart light bulbs for (almost) their lowest price ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 6 July 21

The Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance smart bulb three-pack has been discounted by 27%, offering a hefty saving.

Wemo WiFi smart plug review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 July 21

The Wemo WiFi smart plug is a simple-to-use smart plug that works with HomeKit, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant in the US, but how does it compare to rivals from Eve and TP-Link?

How to recycle Nespresso pods, and why you absolutely should

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 July 21

Love using your single-serve pod coffee maker but feel guilty about the waste? Here’s how to recycle your Nespresso pods

Arlo Ultra 2 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 1 July 21

The Arlo Ultra 2 is a 4K home security camera that’s easy to use and easily one of the best on the market, but how does it improve on the Arlo Ultra?

IKEA Tradfri wireless control outlet review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 30 June 21

The IKEA Tradfri wireless control outlet is a simple-to-use smart plug that works with the IKEA Tradfri GATEWAY. It can be controlled via Alexa, Google Assistant or HomeKit.

The new Apple TV 4K brings a huge smart home upgrade you probably missed

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 30 June 21

The little-cared-for smart home technology Thread came into the spotlight with the HomePod Mini and now it’s been built-into the new Apple TV 4K

Amazon smart plug review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 29 June 21

The Amazon Smart Plug is an affordable way to control electrical devices in your home through Alexa, but how does it compare to rival plugs from TP-Link and Eve?

Nanoleaf Elements review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 29 June 21

Wood-style panels to create lighting effects in your home

Snap up this Eufy robot vacuum for its lowest price ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 28 June 21

The Eufy RoboVac L70 Hybrid robot vacuum has been discounted by almost half, offering a hefty saving.

How to use Alexa Whisper Mode on an Amazon Echo

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 27 June 21

Alexa’s whisper mode ensures Amazon’s voice assistant can answer your queries without disturbing the whole household

How do smart light bulbs work, and should I buy one?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 26 June 21

Love the idea of smart light bulbs but not sure what they do and how they work? We shed some light on the subject for you.

The best meat thermometer just got an upgrade I never knew it needed

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 June 21

The Thermpen One is a new food thermometer launching in the US and the UK is faster and has a rotating display. Here’s everything you need to know.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro review

By Luke Edwards, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 23 June 21

See, hear and interact with anyone at your door using your phone, your smart speaker and plenty more.

Amazon Echo Flex review

By Cliff Joseph, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 23 June 21

Recommended

The Amazon Echo Flex mini marvel extends Amazon’s lead in the smart-home market yet again.

Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 23 June 21

The Ring Video Doorbell 3 Plus builds on previous versions with 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, a handy pre-roll feature and fewer false positives.

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Carrie-Ann Skinner

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