Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and worked on print magazines including PC Plus, Official Windows Magazine, and PC Format before moving online. She's also a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista, so whether you want to upgrade your smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Split image of IKEA Gatebo microwave on kitchen counter, and close-up of vegetables cooking inside microwave

IKEA just launched a budget-friendly air fryer and microwave combo, and it might be the only cooking appliance your tiny kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis published 15 January 26

Imagine what you could do with all that extra space

Two woman wearing Garmin Lily 2 Active watches, with badge reading 'Get fit for '26'

I just traded in my Polar running watch for a Garmin after learning a rather expensive lesson

By Cat Ellis published 9 January 26

Just because two devices should be compatible in theory, that doesn't necessarily mean they are.

Split image of Philips Hue Essential and Lifx Everyday smart light bulbs in concrete lamps

I love the new Philips Hue Essential smart bulbs, but how do the new Lifx Everyday lights compare?

By Cat Ellis published 8 January 26

CES 2026 Lifx has followed in Hue's footsteps with a new line of cheap and very cheerful bulbs, but which ones should be brightening your home?

IKEA just revealed a new donut-shaped smart light – and it'll look sweet on your tables or walls

By Cat Ellis published 7 January 26

CES 2026 The lights can be controlled using a remote, or connected to IKEA's Wi-Fi hub and linked to your smart home system.

Split image of Ring door sensor, glass break sensor, and smart light switch

Your Ring doorbell and cameras are getting a huge upgrade with AI-powered warnings when something looks unusual

By Cat Ellis published 7 January 26

CES 2026 Ring launches new AI alerts, plus a collection of sensors to detect break-ins, floods, carbon monoxide, and much more.

Philips Hue lighting scene with and without Hue SpatialAware

The Philips Hue app can now customize lighting scenes so they suit the layout of your rooms

By Cat Ellis published 7 January 26

Hue SpatialAware is a new augmented reality feature that considers the location of your bulbs and lamps when applying a scene.

Wireless charging, super-fast unlocking, and built-in solar panels – the next generation of smart locks from CES 2026

By Cat Ellis published 6 January 26

CES 2026 Home security is a hot topic at CES, with locks that are smarter, more secure, and simpler to use than ever.

CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show

By Mark Wilson last updated 5 January 26

CES 2025 is now well underway and we're live at the show – here's all of the latest tech news.

How to give your air fryer a deep clean, and keep it looking – and cooking – like new

By Cat Ellis published 4 January 26

Air fryers don't use much oil, but they still get greasy. Thankfully, getting them clean again is a piece of cake.

Woman wiping coffee maker drip tray with cloth

How to deep-clean your coffee maker for a better-tasting espresso in 2026 – a barista's guide

By Cat Ellis published 3 January 26

Deep clean your coffee maker for the tastiest espresso ever – six top tips from a barista

Philips Hue Essential bulb next to Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulb, both on dimmest setting

Philips Hue Essential lights are spectacular value, but the originals outshine them in one key way

By Cat Ellis published 29 December 25

Hue Essential bulbs are just as good as the originals in most situations, provided you don't need to dial the brightness right down.

Jura J10 machine dispensing cold extracted espresso

I've reviewed over a dozen coffee makers this year, and these are my 3 favorites from 2025

By Cat Ellis published 23 December 25

Three outstanding options to help you through the daily grind

Split image of three home security cameras

Want a home security camera without a subscription? I test smart home tech for a living, and these are my 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 23 December 25

These feature-packed home security cameras offer crisp 4K footage, solar charging, local storage for your videos, and AI smarts too – with no extra fees.

Split image of fries cooked using air fryer, Ninja 5-in-1 air fryer, and burger cooked using air fryer

Looking for a Ninja air fryer? I test them for a living, and these are the 3 I'd buy for my own kitchen

By Cat Ellis published 21 December 25

Whether you're cooking a side of fries or dinner for the whole family, there's a Ninja air fryer for your kitchen.

Split image of iced coffee, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and espresso cup on coffee maker drip tray

The 3 best De'Longhi coffee makers you can buy – recommended by a barista

By Cat Ellis published 20 December 25

De'Longhi makes some of the best espresso machines I've ever used, and these are my top picks.

Your Ring doorbell can now use Alexa+ to identify who's calling and give them an appropriate greeting

By Cat Ellis published 18 December 25

Alexa+ Greetings can recognize and give instructions to delivery people, greet friends and family, and (politely) turn away cold callers.

Ground coffee in portafilter, automatic espresso machine dispensing espresso, and caffe latte in glass cup

The best coffee maker: espresso and filter made easy

By Cat Ellis last updated 16 December 25

Updated Coffee makers that you can rely on to produce consistently delicious results, whatever style you prefer.

Looking for a cheap coffee maker? I'm a trained barista and these are my three top recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 16 December 25

The cost of takeout coffee has rocketed, so pick up one of these excellent budget brewers and save cash by making your own at home.

This home security cam monitors your property 24/7 with 'unlimited' battery life – and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published 15 December 25

IMOU's latest point-and-tilt camera uses a solar panel, high-capacity battery, and power-efficient recording for constant surveillance.

A collection of creamy white colored kitchen appliances and accessories on a wooden counter

Pantone's color of 2026 is creamy Cloud Dancer – and here are 12 ways to bring it into your kitchen

By Cat Ellis published 14 December 25

This soft off-white shade will complement your existing style, whether it's classic or modern.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with caffe latte

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is a super affordable coffee maker, but beware – there's a catch that means it could cost you in the long run

By Cat Ellis published 13 December 25

Looking for a cheap and cheerful coffee maker? The Finesse Friendly could be the one for you, but mind how much you're spending on pods.

Split image of three drip coffee makers on kitchen counter

Want a new drip coffee maker? I'm a trained barista, and these are my 3 top recommendations for your kitchen

By Cat Ellis published 9 December 25

Upgrade your mornings with a new brewer for perfect pour-over every time.

Keurig coffee maker on red background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the best Keurig machine deals you can grab today – with delivery for Christmas

By Cat Ellis published 8 December 25

Snag a Keurig coffee maker for a record-low price and watch your loved one's face light up when they unwrap it.

Split image of three Breville espresso machines

Looking for a Breville espresso machine? I'm a certified barista, and these are my 3 top recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 7 December 25

If you're shopping for a Breville espresso machine, these are the three I think deserve a place on your kitchen counter.

A selection of kitchen accessories on a white marble counter

12 perfect gifts for passionate home cooks, curated by a kitchen tech editor

By Cat Ellis published 7 December 25

The kitchen tools and gadgets they didn't know they always wanted.

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