Articles by 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 Dreo fan in reviewer's home and promotional image of Meaco air conditioner in bedroom

9 tips to get more from your fan or air conditioner — air quality experts on how to keep your whole home cool without spiking your energy bill

By Cat Ellis Published 27 July 26

Interview I asked three air-quality experts how to optimize your fan and portable AC this summer to keep your home cooler without spiking your energy bill.

I wanted great filter coffee and espresso without buying two appliances — and 9 months later, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System is still my absolute favorite for both

By Cat Ellis Published 24 July 26

I love both types of coffee equally, and this all-in-one brewer means I don't have to sacrifice my whole countertop for two separate machines.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker

The best espresso machines 2026: Tried, tested and worth your countertop

By Cat Ellis Last updated 24 July 26

Updated We've tested the latest drip coffee makers to find the ones worth waking up for.

portafilter full of coffee, espresso dispensing from espresso machine, and hand pulling espresso machine tamper

The best espresso machine 2026: home coffee makers tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 24 July 26

Updated Expert-recommended espresso machines to give you a morning jump-start.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo coffee maker preparing an iced coffee

The new De'Longhi Magnifica Duo prepares 20 different coffee drinks at the tap of a button — and its 3-minute cold brew feature has me sold

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

De'Longhi has upgraded one of its best automatic coffee makers with the ability to prepare authentic cold-extracted espresso, complete with chilled milk foam.

Split image of whole Jura E10 coffee maker, and close-up of coffee menu

Jura's new espresso machine packs cold brewing, delicious syrup-infused milk foam, and timed morning brewing into a surprisingly slim package — and it might be the ultimate upgrade for your small kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

Jura has just launched a new coffee maker that offers hot and cold extraction, syrup-infusion, milder brewing, and a timer — all in one compact package.

A new Google Home Display is reportedly on the way — but what our smart homes actually need in 2026 is a proper Pixel Tablet successor

By Cat Ellis Published 21 July 26

A new Home Display sounds intriguing — but I’ll be disappointed if Google gives us another stationary screen instead of a movable AI hub.

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IKEA Halloween lights set up on table at night

IKEA just dropped its Halloween collection in the middle of summer — and these ghostly lights are so cute, I can't wait until October

By Cat Ellis Published 20 July 26

It might still be the middle of summer, but it's never too early to start getting ready for spooky season — especially when the decorations are this cute.

Ninja Crispi Microwave containing four dishes of various vegetables

It’s a microwave, it’s an air fryer, it’s a... soup-maker? Ninja’s latest launch could be the only appliance your kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published 16 July 26

Microwaved food can easily get soggy, but that's not a problem with this new air fryer and microwave combo, packed with useful presets.

De'Longhi Rivelia Start coffee maker in five colors on kitchen counter

The new De'Longhi Rivelia Start is a super-compact coffee maker with a 10-drink menu — including the cold brew we desperately need for sweltering summer days

By Cat Ellis Published 14 July 26

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start can brew 10 different drinks at the tap of a button, including cold brew, and create silky milk foam.

Split image of three blenders from Ninja and Nutribullet

No room in your kitchen for a Ninja Slushi? We tested 3 blenders that make perfect slushies for one for a fraction of the price, and actually fit in your cupboard

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

If you don't have the space or cash for a Ninja Slushi machine, these portable blenders can make fantastic frozen drinks for a fraction of the price.

I'm a certified barista, and these are the best 3 espresso machines I've tested so far this year — and the only ones genuinely worth your kitchen counter space

By Cat Ellis Published 9 July 26

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the three models that have received my seal of approval so far in 2026.

Split image of Shark, Meaco, and Dreo fans

We've tested the best fans of 2026 so far — these 5 models from Shark, Dyson, and Dreo are the ones we trust to actually keep us cool

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

We test over a dozen new fans every year on TechRadar — these are the coolest new models that actually deliver on their claims.

Want a cheap Shark fan this summer? Amazon just knocked up to $70 off top-rated models — and these are my 3 expert picks

By Cat Ellis Published 7 July 26

Enjoy a cooling breeze with a super-fine mist of water to keep you feeling refreshed this summer.

Split image of EZVIZ EP4 internal screen, external camera, and screengrab of footage in app

The EZVIZ EP4 is a great home security camera for renters — but its facial recognition won't stop it from spamming you with alerts when you come home

By Cat Ellis Published 5 July 26

A super-sharp 4K security camera that fits right into your existing peephole — if you don't mind getting notifications when it sees your own face.

Smeg Musa ovens installed in neutral-colored kitchen

'It's a product that doesn't scream for attention, but captures it anyway': designer Carlo Borromeo on his new minimalist Smeg appliances — and why stripping away the color is the brand’s boldest design experiment yet

By Cat Ellis Published 4 July 26

BorromeodeSilva brought the world the denim-coated Smeg fridge in 2012, but the studio's latest partnership was a totally different challenge.

The best blender 2026: top models from Vitamix, Smeg, and Nutribullet tested by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 2 July 26

Updated Powerful home blenders from big brands, tested with real recipes and rated for power, performance, and volume.

Collection of drip coffee makers on table with beans and filters

Upgrade your morning pour-over with these 15 beautifully designed coffee drippers, chosen by a certified barista

By Cat Ellis Published 2 July 26

Sometimes you can't beat a cup of full-bodied drip coffee, and the right brewer will help you achieve the best flavor.

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 1 July 26

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

Collection of colorful Yeti coolers on pastel-colored blocks

Want a cheap Yeti cooler for your 4th of July celebrations? I'm a deal-hunting outdoor expert, and I've tracked down the only holiday offers actually worth your money

By Cat Ellis Published 30 June 26

Yeti coolers are going cheap, and you can get yours delivered in time for 4th July — these are the holiday discounts our outdoor expert has vetted for real value.

Collection of different colored AeroPress coffee makers lined up in a geometric formation with coffee beans, scoops, and sugar cubes

Sure, you have an AeroPress, but is it pink? The whole rainbow is on offer for Amazon Prime Day, and you might just need another one

By Cat Ellis Last updated 26 June 26

You might already own an AeroPress coffee maker, but if it doesn't match your shirt then it might be time to grab another...

Two Ninja coffee maker on wooden kitchen table with coffee drinks and pastries

Should you buy the Ninja AutoBarista Pro or the Ninja Luxe Café Pro this Prime Day? As a barista, here's what I'd pick

By Cat Ellis Published 26 June 26

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro has received a big price cut for Prime Day, but should you grab it while the deal lasts or pick the pricier AutoBarista Pro instead?

Collection of hard and soft Yeti coolers on a pink background with a picnic blanket, apples, and sandwiches

Yeti coolers are going cheap for Prime Day — if you know where to look. Here are my top picks as a deal-hunting outdoors expert

By Cat Ellis Last updated 26 June 26

As an outdoors expert, I know where to find all the best deals on hard and soft Yeti coolers — and they're not all at Amazon.

Split image of coffee beans in hopper of Philips Baristina coffee maker, and the coffee maker dispensing a shot of espresso into a glass measuring cup

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 cheap espresso machines I recommend — particularly on Prime Day

By Cat Ellis Published 25 June 26

Great quality coffee makers don't have to cost a fortune — these three all have my personal seal of approval, and won't burn a hole in your pocket.

Philips Baristina coffee maker with espresso

Forget Prime Day — one of the best coffee makers I've ever tested is half price right now, and anyone can grab it

By Cat Ellis Published 25 June 26

The Philips Baristina is one of the best bean-to-cup espresso machines I've ever tested, and it's half price today — even if you don't have Amazon Prime.

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