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

Collection of mint green and stainless steel kitchen accessories on kitchen counter

Bring KitchenAid's official color of the year into your home with mint green and brushed stainless steel accessories — from just $1.49

By Cat Ellis published 13 February 26

Drench your cooking space in this year's freshest color, paired with smart brushed stainless steel.

Philips Hue Essential bulb shifting between shades of blue and purple

I tested the Philips Hue Essential smart lights, and they blew me away with their budget price and stunning colors

By Cat Ellis published 12 February 26

If you like the idea of smart lighting but you've been put off by the price, the Philips Hue Essential series could be exactly what you need.

KitchenAid stand mixer in spearmint with an assortment of green foods and kitchen accessories on countertop

KitchenAid has revealed its official color of 2026, and it's the breath of minty freshness your kitchen needs this spring

By Cat Ellis published 12 February 26

Spearmint is a refreshing shade of green with a sandy finish, and it's like licking a mint choc chip ice cream at the beach on a warm summer's day.

The Delonghi Specialista Arte Evo sits on a stone-effect surface in front of a pink backdrop. It has a green cup and saucer, and a small cork-topped bottle of milk to its left.

'Satisfying and great-tasting results' — this five-star De'Longhi coffee maker is a spectacular value, and it's $200 off at Best Buy

By Cat Ellis published 11 February 26

The De'Longhi La Specialista Arte Evo earned full marks in our 2024 review, and it's still an exceptional buy for beginner baristas.

Jura Z10 coffee maker with hot chocolate

The new Jura Z10 coffee maker has a menu of 51 options including coffee, cold brew, and chocolate drinks — and you can place your order from your phone

By Cat Ellis published 11 February 26

The Jura Z10 is like having your own personal (and very adaptable) barista right in your kitchen.

KitchenAid stand mixer being used to beat eggs

Got a KitchenAid stand mixer? Turn it into a food processor, spiralizer, or ice cream maker with these attachments, going cheap at Best Buy

By Cat Ellis published 10 February 26

Mix things up in the kitchen with these great savings on KitchenAid add-ons in the Presidents' Day sale at Best Buy

I test coffee makers for a living, and this tiny De'Longhi espresso machine is the only one with a permanent spot on my own kitchen counter

By Cat Ellis published 9 February 26

The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is small but perfectly formed, and proves that great espresso doesn't have to be expensive.

Split image of woman holding Moflin, and Moflin on Welsh language workbook

'Moflin had a really warm and fuzzy moment' – a week with the robot pet that wriggled and squeaked its way into my heart

By Cat Ellis published 8 February 26

How I learned to stop worrying and love Casio's affectionate AI guinea pig.

Montage of three Philips Hue smart lights on black cyberpunk-inspired background

I test smart lights for a living, and these are my top 3 Philips Hue smart lights to brighten up any space

By Cat Ellis published 7 February 26

Give any room a glow-up and set the mood with these color-shifting smart lights.

Collection of blue and brass-colored home office accessories

Give your home office a touch of class with IKEA's lights and accessories in slate blue and brass — from just $4

By Cat Ellis published 6 February 26

A dramatic splash of color will make working from home feel luxurious — and it can be surprisingly affordable.

Blink Outdoor 2K+ security camera mounted on wall with raindrops

Blink's new compact camera takes home security to the next level with 4x zoom, improved night vision and more

By Cat Ellis published 5 February 26

This compact, weather-resistant camera punches well above its weight, particularly if you sign up for a Blink subscription.

Split image of woman using coffee machine steam wand, and messy poached egg on toast

Can you cook eggs with an espresso machine? I tested 5 popular steam wand hacks to see how well they work — and how much mess they make

By Cat Ellis published 4 February 26

How do you like your eggs in the morning? I tried these steam wand hacks, so you don't have to.

Sliced cucumber in food processor, food processor containing berries, and grated carrot in food processor

The best food processor 2026: from KitchenAid, Ninja, Magimix and more, tested by kitchen experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 2 February 26

Updated These are the best food processors for every kind of cook and every kind of kitchen, from big names including Ninja, Magimix, and KitchenAid.

IKEA Valentine's Day kitchen accessories laid out on table with cakes and flowers

IKEA Valentine's Day trends 2026: feel the love with cute kitchen tech and accessories from $1

By Cat Ellis published 2 February 26

Treat your sweetheart to a special breakfast with these pretty and affordable kitchen must-haves.

Three drip coffee makers on kitchen counter

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 drip coffee machines I recommend for quick, easy, and delicious brews every time

By Cat Ellis published 1 February 26

Drip coffee shouldn't be complicated, and these three machines make the process as quick and simple as possible, with great results.

Collection of yellow and white IKEA kitchen accessories on counter

Give your kitchen a spring glow-up with these butter yellow accessories from IKEA – all under $20

By Cat Ellis published 31 January 26

This collection of sunny tableware and lighting accessories will chase away the winter blues, with prices starting from just $1.99.

Philips Baristina coffee maker on blue background

Think brewing coffee with fresh beans is too much hassle? The new Philips Baristina might just change your mind with its 'one swipe' system

By Cat Ellis published 30 January 26

Freshly-brewed espresso in a flash, without the expense or waste of coffee pods.

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Three video doorbells on pedestals with spotlights

'Crisp video, excellent subject detection, and no hidden fees' — the 3 best subscription-free video doorbells, recommended by a smart home tech editor

By Cat Ellis published 29 January 26

Don't get stung by hidden fees – these doorbells give you free video storage, subject detection, and more for no extra cost.

Three Nespresso machines on kitchen counter

Looking for a Nespresso machine? I'm a qualified barista and these are the 3 I recommend for authentic-tasting espresso

By Cat Ellis published 28 January 26

Want the convenience of instant coffee with the rich flavor of fresh beans? You need a Nespresso machine, and these are the best ones around.

Collection of white and green IKEA home office accessories

IKEA home office trends for 2026: freshen up your workspace with sage green and crisp white — from just $5

By Cat Ellis published 27 January 26

IKEA's latest collection of office accessories, lighting, and furniture will bring a breath of spring to your working day.