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

Person pressing button on coffee machine, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and coffee machine dispensing latte macchiato

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the top 3 automatic machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published

The best machines for perfect brews at the press of a button. Coffee doesn't get much easier than this.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The new Casabrews 5418 Pro is the tiniest espresso machine I've tested, but it packs an impressive punch

By Cat Ellis published

Could this little wonder take the title of "best budget espresso machine"?

Philips Hue Wall Washer light

The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer transformed my home cinema setup, and it makes a perfect wake-up light, too

By Cat Ellis published

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

Stew cooking in Instant Pot, Instant Pot on kitchen counter with ingredients, and fries cooked in Instant Pot

The best Instant Pot 2025: versatile multi-cookers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our experts have picked the best Instant Pot multi-cookers for every kitchen.

BMW Boxer espresso machine on counter with espresso cups and coffee grinder

BMW has built a coffee maker out of a motorcycle engine – and it brews like a beast

By Cat Ellis published

The limited-edition Big Coffee Boxer will certainly be a conversation-starter, and it's a serious espresso machine if you've got money to burn.

Ring video doorbell and camera on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Ring doorbells and cameras are going cheap at Amazon right now, with over $100 off selected bundles

By Cat Ellis published

There's never been a better time to invest in a Ring security system, with huge discounts on camera bundles.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

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

Blink Doorbell on wall with raindrops

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

Happy woman drinking coffee in kitchen

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

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

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

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

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

Philips LatteGo 5500 Series

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

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

Thermomix TM7 with lid removed

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

Google Nest Hub

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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