Cat Ellis

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. 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

Split image of IKEA Gömpyssling light inside cupboard, and person removing film from the adhesive mount on the back of the light

IKEA just launched a tiny motion-sensitive light that you can stick anywhere — and you can get two for $5 right now

By Cat Ellis published

You can stick the IKEA Gömpyssling lights anywhere, and they're so versatile you'll want a set for every room.

Woman holding white Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan

Feeling the heat? The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan is portable, wearable, and will keep you cool anywhere

By Cat Ellis published

Place this compact fan on your desk at work, carry it on public transport, or wear it around your neck to keep you cool at festivals.

Smeg espresso machine and coffee grinder on kitchen counter

Smeg's new coffee maker prepares hot or cold espresso in three minutes — I tested it, and said it's 'an absolute pleasure to use' every morning

By Cat Ellis published

The Smeg ECF03 is now available in the US, and arrives alongside a new coffee grinder to complete your morning coffee routine.

IKEA Soluppgang kitchenware arranged outdoors

IKEA just launched a kitchen collection to bring the backcountry into your home — and as a homes editor, I'm in love

By Cat Ellis published

The new Soluppgång range starts at just $4

Shower head in a darkened room

Beyond the 'dark showering' trend — these expert lighting tips will really help you get a better night's sleep

By Cat Ellis published

Bathing with the lights down can help you relax before bed, but what other tricks can you use to nod off faster and sleep more soundly?

Smeg Mini Milk Frother

Smeg's tiny and stylish new milk frother will add a touch of flair to your morning coffee routine

By Cat Ellis published

My all-time favorite milk frother has a fresh new look and can turn plant-based or dairy milk into thick and creamy foam for perfect cappuccinos.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

The best video doorbell: security for your home, wherever you are

By James Capell last updated

Updated We've spent months testing video doorbells from big and small brands to help you make the right choice.

Dark blue KitchenAid Artisan Plus stand mixer on kitchen counter

KitchenAid's new premium stand mixer has one brilliant feature I didn't realize I needed in my baking

By Cat Ellis published

The KitchenAid Artisan Plus offers a more powerful motor, finer control, and a bowl light that lets you easily check on your ingredients.

Split image of fries cooked in air fryer, front view of Ninja air fryer, and steak being cooked in air fryer with heat probe

The best air fryers: quick and convenient fryers to feed a family

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Air fryers for quick meals in small spaces, tested by our team of experts in real-world conditions.

Split image of Ecovacs Winbot Mini and Switchbot K10 Plus

My apartment is always sparkling clean, and I owe it all to these two robots

By Cat Ellis published

This robot vacuum and window cleaner duo are specially designed for small spaces, and will drastically reduce the amount of time you spend scrubbing.

Split image of IKEA and Philips Hue light bars

IKEA just released a super cheap Philips Hue Play Light Bar lookalike, but there's one big drawback

By Cat Ellis published

The new IKEA lamp costs the same as a cup of coffee, but don't expect it to create an immersive home theater experience.

Split image of three De'Longhi coffee makers

Looking for a cheap De'Longhi coffee maker? I'm a trained barista, and I've found 5 awesome offers at Amazon right now

By Cat Ellis published

Amazon is holding a spring sale, and there's never been a better time to grab a five-star espresso machine.

Woman drinking espresso near De'Longhi Eletta Ultra coffee maker

Can't decide which coffee to choose? De'Longhi's new espresso machine offers over 50 options grouped by 'mood and style'

By Cat Ellis published

The menu is huge, but it's easy to find exactly what you want.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro mounted beside door

Ring just launched a battery-powered version of its premium 4K video doorbell, so you can install it 'virtually anywhere' with no wires

By Cat Ellis published

Ring just released a new premium 4K video doorbell, alongside three more 2K alternatives — here's everything you need to know.

The Samsung Trifold, Spider-Man swinging and the Apple AirPods Max 2

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Apple's AirPod Max 2 surprise to Nvidia DLSS 5 backlash

By Hamish Hector published

The week's top tech news stories from Apple, Sony, Nothing, Nvidia, and more for March 21, 2026

Philips Hue lightbulbs, Apple HomePod mini speaker, and Blink security camera on purple background

The best smart home devices 2026: smart speakers, lights, hubs, and more

By James Capell last updated

Updated Never mind repainting: with smart home tech you can completely transform how your home looks and works. These are our favorite bits of smart home kit

Aarke Coffee Maker in Sand on kitchen counter

Aarke's 'stunning' drip coffee maker looks better than ever, with a stylish new colorway that'll add a splash of sophistication to your kitchen

By Cat Ellis published

The Aarke Coffee Maker has a fresh new look for 2026 that fits perfectly with this year's freshest kitchen design trends.

Shark ChillPill

Feeling the heat? I tried the Shark ChillPill — a portable fan with misting spray for instant relief — and I'm not going anywhere without it this summer

By Cat Ellis published

The ChillPill is small enough to keep in your bag, and has three different cooling attachments for instant relief from summer stickiness.

Split image of Philips Hue gradient table lamp, smart light bulb, and Wall Washer lamp

Looking for cheap Philips Hue lights? I'm a home tech editor, and these are my 5 top picks from the Spring Sale

By Cat Ellis published

There are huge price cuts on almost all Philips Hue lights and accessories in the official store, with deals that smash Amazon's current offerings.

KitchenAid stand mixer with pasta roller attachment, with bowls of freshly made pasta

I tried KitchenAid's new super-easy pasta roller, and making flavored spaghetti is my new favorite hobby

By Cat Ellis published

Just screw this all-purpose attachment onto your stand mixer and start making tagliatelle, spaghetti, linguine and much more.

Russell Hobbs Everyday Espresso Machine on kitchen counter

I tested the tiny Russell Hobbs coffee maker that uses grounds or Nespresso pods — but I discovered one infuriating drawback

By Cat Ellis published

Forget creamy cappuccinos, the Everyday Espresso Machine makes so many bubbles you'll have a personal foam party in your kitchen.

Philips Café Aromis coffee maker on kitchen counter with a variety of coffee drinks

Philips just launched a new coffee maker with a 'conversational' virtual assistant to make sure your cappuccino is just right

By Cat Ellis published

This premium coffee maker can adjust its own internal brew settings to fine-tune your drinks — no barista knowledge or experience necessary.

Split image of three Smeg coffee makers with espresso cups

'Consistently well-extracted coffee time after time' — I'm a certified barista, and these are my top 3 Smeg espresso machines

By Cat Ellis published

I test espresso machines for a living, and these three stylish models will bring a touch of Italian chic to your kitchen counter.

Three smart light bulbs on table with cables, smart speakers, phone, and house plant

'Get enough of these and you could probably throw your own rave' — the 3 best smart light bulbs, recommended by a home tech editor

By Cat Ellis published

Upgrading to smart lighting costs less than you might expect, whether it's a single room or your whole home.

Split image of herbs chopped using mini food processor, KitchenAid Mini Chopper, and carrot grated using mini food processor

The 3 best mini food processors — compact choppers tested and recommended by a kitchen tech expert

By Cat Ellis published

Don't let a compact kitchen or a small budget hold you back — these tiny food processors pack real power into a tiny space.

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