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, and holds a professional certificate in security awareness for smart homes.. 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 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.

The 4 best super-quiet fans to help you sleep comfortably this summer — tried and tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 25 June 26

Quiet and effective fans to help you avoid sweaty, sleepless nights — all tested and rated by our team of home-tech experts.

Split image of three home security cameras

Blink cameras are super cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives are just as good — and deeply discounted too

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Blink security cameras are excellent, but their features are very limited without a subscription so take a good look at these great value alternatives.

Split image of Ninja coffee maker, Ninja air fryer, and Ninja ice cream maker

The 5 best Ninja appliances to upgrade your kitchen this summer — make perfect burgers, slushies, ice cream, and much more

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Ninja is one of the biggest names in food prep, and for good reason. Here's our pick of the very best to upgrade your kitchen this summer.

Split image of two Nespresso capsules inside coffee makers, and a Nespresso machine dispensing espresso

I'm a trained barista, and these are the top 5 Nespresso machines I'd recommend to anyone — all with Prime Day savings

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Making great espresso doesn't have to be a hassle — I've hand-picked my five top Nespresso machines, all of which are going cheap for Amazon Prime Day.

Split image of three different video doorbells

Ring doorbells are going cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives could cost you less in the long run

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

Get all the features you'd expect from a premium video doorbell, without having to pay a monthly fee.

Split image of two smart locks, and app interface for unlocking a third lock

The 3 top smart locks for easy installation and peace of mind, tested and trusted by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

Smart home security doesn't have to be complicated — these top-rated locks are easy to install, simple to use, and will give you peace of mind.

Two coffee makers on marble kitchen counter with various coffee drinks, sugar cubes, and pastries

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro is on sale for Prime Day, but this five-star De'Longhi coffee maker is even better with 43% off

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

We gave the De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo a full five stars, and Amazon has knocked 43% off the price for Prime Day.

Split image of three home security cameras installed outdoors

The top 5 subscription-free home security cameras, tested and recommended by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

These home security cameras will provide protection and peace of mind without tying you into an extra payment plan for storage and advanced features.

Split image of latte made using Breville coffee maker, Breville coffee maker dispensing espresso, and brew settings on Breville coffee maker

The top 3 Breville coffee makers I'm looking out for on Amazon Prime Day as a trained barista

By Cat Ellis Published 22 June 26

Whether you prefer espresso or drip coffee, there's a Breville coffee maker for you, and I'm expecting some deep Prime Day discounts.

Split image of two De'Longhi coffee makers, and an espresso using a third De'Longhi coffee maker

I'm a qualified barista, and these are the top 3 De'Longhi coffee makers I'll be looking for on Amazon Prime Day

By Cat Ellis Published 22 June 26

De'Longhi makes some of the best coffee machines around, and I'm expecting some deep discounts on them this Prime Day

Philips Baristina Latte coffee maker with coffee drinks on kitchen counter

I've never been so excited for a coffee maker — the Philips Baristina just got a huge upgrade with an integrated smart steam wand for perfectly foamed milk

By Cat Ellis Published 19 June 26

The new Philips Baristina Latte has a smart milk system that lets you pick the right texture at the turn of a dial, and works with both plant and dairy.

The Philips Baristina is one of the best coffee makers I've ever used, and it's half price at Amazon right now — who needs Prime Day?

By Cat Ellis Published 17 June 26

The Baristina makes brewing coffee with fresh beans as easy as using Nespresso pods, and you don't need to be a Prime subscriber to get this epic deal.