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

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is the drip coffee maker I've been waiting for all my life

By Cat Ellis published 2 August 25

Drip coffee shouldn’t be complicated, and with this two-in-one hot and cold brewer, it isn’t.

Nespresso machine, manual espresso machine, and drip coffee machine

Need a coffee maker for college? I test them for a living, and these are my top 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 31 July 25

Don't get caught out by cheap, low-quality coffee makers – these three quality machines are compact, budget-friendly, and campus-ready.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte macchiato, and person's hand using bean-to-cup coffee machine

The best bean-to-cup coffee machine 2025: quick and convenient coffee makers tested

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 July 25

Updated We've tested the best bean-to-cup coffee machines to find the best options from De'Longhi, Breville, Ninja, Gaggia and more.

Split image showing two different smart thermostats being adjusted by hand

The best smart thermostat 2025: the easy way to make your heating more efficient

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 July 25

Updated We've tested the best smart thermostats from top brands to find the smartest ways to heat and cool your home.

Blink's new video doorbell can run for up to two years on the same set of AA batteries

By Cat Ellis published 30 July 25

Blink has launched a bundle of new budget-friendly devices to secure your home.

6 ways to brew better coffee at home, according to a certified coffee grader – and the most common coffee myths busted

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

When it comes to coffee, don't believe everything you hear – there are some common misunderstandings.

I went hands-on with the new Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal, and it might be the best drip coffee maker I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

With this smart filter machine, there'll be no more lukewarm brews.

I tested the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series, and it's the perfect espresso machine for one or two people

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 25

Great espresso and nicely textured milk at the press of a button – just be careful where you put your cup.

Philips Hue starter kit on purple background with white text reading 'TechRadar Lowest Price'

Philips Hue starter kits crash to record-low prices in secret Amazon sale – don't miss out

By Cat Ellis published 25 July 25

There are huge savings on bulbs and LED strips, so catch them while you can.

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer

The best small air fryers 2025: compact fryers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated 24 July 25

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Breville Oracle Dual Boiler coffee maker on kitchen counter with drinks

Breville's new espresso machine can brew coffee and steam milk at the same time – and it's eye-wateringly expensive

By Cat Ellis published 23 July 25

The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler is launching first in Australia, and is the company's priciest machine to date.

I went hands-on with the Thermomix TM7 – the all-in-one appliance that can cook just about anything

By Cat Ellis published 21 July 25

From stews to salads and even sorbets, this super multi-cooker can do it all.

Philips Hue starter kit on pink background with white text 'TechRadar Lowest Price'

Philips Hue starter kits are going cheap at Amazon right now, so grab one while you can

By Cat Ellis published 21 July 25

This bundle, including two White & Color Ambiance bulbs, a dimmer switch, and the Philips Hue Bridge, is down to a record-low price.

Beast Health 850 Plus blender with smoothie ingredients on kitchen counter

The powerful Beast blender lives up to its name, and it's even made me a kale smoothie fan

By Cat Ellis published 20 July 25

This powerful personal blender has significantly more oomph than your typical smoothie maker, if you're willing to pay the higher price.

Not a morning person? These 5 smart home tips and automations will take the pain out of early starts

By Cat Ellis published 19 July 25

Stop hitting 'snooze' – this smart tech will help you beat the morning slump.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod smart speakers

The best smart speaker 2025: for Google, Alexa and Siri

By Cat Ellis last updated 18 July 25

Updated Whatever smart home ecosystem you use, our experts have picked the best smart speaker for you.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

The best video doorbell 2025: security for your home, wherever you are

By Cat Ellis last updated 17 July 25

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

Philips Hue light bulb on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar price cut'

Philips Hue smart bulbs just got a massive 41% price cut at Amazon, smashing last week's Prime Day deals

By Cat Ellis published 17 July 25

Now's the time to extend your smart lighting setup.

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

The best espresso machine 2025: home coffee makers tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 14 July 25

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

Philips Hue Smart Button, Tap Dial Switch, and Dimmer Switch

The best smart switch 2025: top buttons and dimmers for all your smart home devices

By Alistair Charlton, Cat Ellis last updated 14 July 25

Updated Our roundup of expert-tested smart switches to give you maximum control over your smart home tech.

De'Longhi espresso machine on red background with white text reading 'TechRadar big savings'

Missed Prime Day? Fear not, there's still $500 off this De'Longhi espresso machine and it's the best deal I've seen all year

By Cat Ellis published 14 July 25

A giant discount on a fully automatic coffee maker that beats Amazon's Prime Day offers.

Vacuum cleaner and coffee maker on green and purple gradient background

We test home appliances for a living – these are the only Prime Day deals worth your time today

By Cat Ellis last updated 9 July 25

The TechRadar Homes Team has hand-picked the best offers from this year's Prime Day sale, with big savings on appliances from Ninja, Dyson, Shark and more.

Coffee beans, latte macchiato, and caffe latte

I'm a certified barista, and these are the three bean-to-cup coffee makers I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published 9 July 25

Fantastic beans and how to grind them

Breville coffee machine on blue background

I've tested 13 coffee machines in the last year, and these are my top Prime Day recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 8 July 25

I'm TechRadar's coffee expert, and these are the best offers available right now.

Philips Hue starter kit on blue and green background with white text reading 'TechRadar Prime Day Philips Hue Deals'

Philips Hue bulbs and starter kits crash to record-low prices for Amazon Prime Day

By Cat Ellis published 8 July 25

I've been covering Prime Day for years, and these are some of the best smart lighting deals I've ever seen.

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