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

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

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is a super-affordable espresso machine, but too many corners have been cut to make it a good budget buy

By Cat Ellis published 23 August 25

The 5418 Pro has an appealing price tag, but the more I used it, the more the compromises became apparent.

Are Philips Hue Essential bulbs the cheap smart lights we don't need?

By Cat Ellis published 22 August 25

There's no shortage of brands making affordable smart lights, but it looks like Hue wants a piece of the entry-level pie.

Swann EVO Wireless Solar security camera mounted on wall

Swann's new subscription-free home security camera stays charged with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day

By Cat Ellis published 22 August 25

The days of climbing up to replace batteries and paying monthly fees to save your video clips are over.

Three juicers being used to prepare fresh fruit juice

The best juicer 2025: tested for juice yield, smoothness, and ease of use

By Cat Ellis last updated 22 August 25

Updated Our expert team have juiced buckets of produce to bring you this list of the very best centrifugal and cold press juicers around.

'Why should I give Google money?' – former Nest fans decry new leaked model, and I really can't blame them

By Cat Ellis published 21 August 25

Google has given us a sneaky peek at a new Nest smart speaker, but what will it be, and do we really want it?

Split image of two Ninja air fryers, and golden fries cooked inside air fryer

I test kitchen tech for a living, and these are my top 3 Ninja air fryers for quick and tasty meals

By Cat Ellis published 21 August 25

Ninja is the biggest name in air fryers, and these three will make preparing all your favorite dishes a piece of cake.

Woman looking at coffee machines in store

As a trained barista, I want you to know these 3 things before buying your next coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published 17 August 25

A coffee machine can be one of the most expensive appliances in your kitchen, so make sure you pick the best one.

Coffee is my life, and these are my 5 favorite coffee makers for camping adventures

By Cat Ellis published 16 August 25

There's no need to resort to instant coffee granules when you're spending the night under canvas.

Split image of cold brew option on coffee machine, espresso machine dispensing chilled latte macchiato, and machine dispensing espresso onto ice cubes

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my top 3 picks for making delicious cold-brew at home

By Cat Ellis published 15 August 25

Making smooth and delicious cold-brew doesn't have to take hours with the right coffee maker.

Split image of coffee beans, coffee machine dispensing milk, and latte macchiato made using home coffee machine

Shhh – I test coffee makers for a living, and theses are the top 4 quiet espresso machines I recommend

By Cat Ellis last updated 15 August 25

Does your bean-to-cup machine leave your ears ringing? Here are three quieter alternatives

Split image of two drip coffee makers, and a glass cup of espresso

BPA-free, glass, and metal – the top 3 toxin-free coffee makers recommended by a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published 13 August 25

Avoid potentially harmful BPA with this selection of top-performing drip and espresso machines.

Split image of three home security cameras

I'm a smart home tech reviewer, and these are the top 3 subscription-free home security cameras I recommend

By Cat Ellis published 12 August 25

Don't pay extra to store your videos and unlock extra security features – these smart cams do it all as standard.

Two women drinking coffee, looking disgusted

Is your coffee machine a health hazard? 6 tips to keep it clean and fresh, from a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published 12 August 25

Automatic espresso machines can make a lovely warm, damp environment for nasties if not properly cared for.

Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed

I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning

By Cat Ellis published 11 August 25

Finally, a simulated sunrise that doesn't jolt me awake, and a nightlight that helps me drift off in minutes.

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 10 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis published 10 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 25

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 6 August 25

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 6 August 25

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 4 August 25

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

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.

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.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
View Archive