Cat Ellis

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

De'Longhi Rivelia coffee machine with various coffee drinks on kitchen counter

De'Longhi reveals ingenious new espresso machine with swappable hoppers so you can change beans in an instant

By Cat Ellis published

Can't choose just one variety, or want to switch to decaf in the afternoon? This is the machine for you

WiZ TV Sync Box with backlight behind TV

If the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is too expensive, this new budget-friendly alternative from WiZ could be exactly what you need

By Cat Ellis published

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is less than half the price of Philips' box, and comes with a light strip included.

Three people making a toast with glasses of cold brewed coffee

Craving cold-brew coffee this summer? We've tested three machines that will let you make it at home in seconds rather than hours

By Cat Ellis published

Making cold-brew coffee at home has never been easier, and these are the best machines for the job.

Switchbot robot vacuum on black floor

Thanks to this super cheap robot vacuum, I no longer want to rip out my kitchen floor

By Cat Ellis published

If you're also regretting your interior design choices, the solution is cheaper than you might expect.

A Fairphjone, Insta360 X5 camera and LG TV next to ecah other.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from your LG becoming an Xbox to the new Insta360 X5 camera

By Hamish Hector published

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Insta360, LG, Xbox, Alexa+, and more for April 26, 2025.

Woman detaching Philips Hue Smart Button from base stuck on nightstand

Got Philips Hue lights? This new customizable button could make them even smarter

By Cat Ellis published

There's a new version of the miniature controller launching soon.

Breville Barista Touch Express Impress machine on pink and purple background

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

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Best free ebook reader

Best free ebook reader in 2025: read your favorite books online

By Philip Berne last updated

Updated TechRadar presents a definitive list of the best free ebook readers available on PC, Mac, and mobile right now.

A toy Amazon Echo next to the Alexa Plus logo and a range of Echo devices

Alexa+ early adopter gives their thoughts: "Old Alexa was hot garbage but this new one was a pleasant surprise"

By Cat Ellis published

The AI assistant handles natural speech well, but it's still being used as a fancy egg timer.

Roku Battery Camera (right) and Battery Camera Plus (left) on table

Roku's new wireless security cameras will guard your home for up to two years on a single charge

By Cat Ellis published

Weatherproof cameras that let you watch over your home from your phone or TV.

Split image showing retrofit smart lock, curtain puller, and switch pusher

Build a zero-waste smart home by automating your existing hardware

By Cat Ellis published

Don't replace it – just upgrade it

A person working from home.

Best free program to speed up your PC in 2025: optimizations to improve performance

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Presenting TechRadar's list of the best free programs to speed up your PC in 2025.

Nespresso Vertuo pods and boxes on kitchen counter with green graphic reading 'Sustainability Week'

How are Nespresso coffee pods recycled? Discover what happens behind the scenes

By Cat Ellis published

Coffee capsules are quick and convenient, but make more waste than fresh grounds – so what happens to it?

Eufy FamiLock S3 Max

Eufy's new smart lock reads the veins in your palm for touchless entry – even if your hands are dirty

By Cat Ellis published

With 2K video, wide-angle recording, and AI to detect potential porch pirates.

Philips Hue + Spotify

I have Philips Hue lights everywhere in my home, and this is what I want to see from its AI assistant

By Cat Ellis published

Signify has been tight-lipped about the details of AI for Philips Hue, but here's my wishlist.

Person pouring water onto V60 coffee filter using gooseneck kettle

With this simple gadget, you can make great-tasting pour-over coffee with fewer beans

By Cat Ellis published

Brewing coffee is all about extraction, and the right kettle will help enormously. Here's how to choose one.

Nespresso Sweet Vanilla Decaf pods

Nespresso's new sweet vanilla decaf pods could make coffee my new favorite bedtime drink

By Cat Ellis published

It tastes as comforting as cocoa, and won't keep you up at night.

Philips Hue's new SmartThings integration

Your Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is getting a big software update, and it's good news for gamers

By Cat Ellis published

The latest update fixes bugs and should improve performance for PS5 owners.

Vitamix blender on gold background

The best blender 2025: Ninja, Vitamix, Nutribullet and more

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Powerful home blenders from all the big brands, tested and rated by kitchen experts.

Person cooking 10 burgers using Ninja Sizzle Pro XL indoor grill

Ninja's new indoor grill lets you cook 10 burgers at once and doesn't need scrubbing afterward

By Cat Ellis published

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL gives you a huge cooking space, and it's a piece of cake to clean.

Nutribullet x McLaren blender with silhouette of F1 car in the background

Lights out and away we blend – McLaren and Nutribullet unveil new F1-themed blenders

By Cat Ellis published

Just add bananas, kale, and a little burnt rubber.

Ninja Blast Max blender

The Ninja Blast Max is so powerful it can obliterate frozen strawberries and even make kale smoothies delicious

By Cat Ellis published

It's the most powerful portable blender I've tested, and it makes light work of challenging ingredients.

People at a party outside with Philips Hue lights

This massive sale on Philips Hue outdoor lights will get your yard looking amazing for BBQ season

By Cat Ellis published

Set the mood and transform your outdoor space for less.

Nespresso white chocolate and strawberry coffee pods

I didn't think white chocolate and strawberry coffee would work, but Nespresso's new pods proved me wrong

By Cat Ellis published

A coffee with both red fruit and creamy notes sounds strange, but it works much better than you might expect.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee maker on table with record player and mirror ball

Ninja's latest coffee machine takes away one of the biggest hassles of being a barista – and it's awesome

By Cat Ellis published

Getting the perfect grind size and fine-tuning it throughout the day used to be a real headache.

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