Cat Ellis

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

Philips Hue lighting scene with and without Hue SpatialAware

The Philips Hue app can now customize lighting scenes so they suit the layout of your rooms

By Cat Ellis published

Hue SpatialAware is a new augmented reality feature that considers the location of your bulbs and lamps when applying a scene.

Split image of three smart locks

Wireless charging, super-fast unlocking, and built-in solar panels – the next generation of smart locks from CES 2026

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2026 Home security is a hot topic at CES, with locks that are smarter, more secure, and simpler to use than ever.

2 Comments
A hand holding a Garmin watch next to the CES logo and a Switchbot robot vacuum

CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show

By Mark Wilson last updated

CES 2025 is now well underway and we're live at the show – here's all of the latest tech news.

Woman opening air fryer drawer

How to give your air fryer a deep clean, and keep it looking – and cooking – like new

By Cat Ellis published

Air fryers don't use much oil, but they still get greasy. Thankfully, getting them clean again is a piece of cake.

Woman wiping coffee maker drip tray with cloth

How to deep-clean your coffee maker for a better-tasting espresso in 2026 – a barista's guide

By Cat Ellis published

Deep clean your coffee maker for the tastiest espresso ever – six top tips from a barista

Philips Hue Essential bulb next to Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulb, both on dimmest setting

Philips Hue Essential lights are spectacular value, but the originals outshine them in one key way

By Cat Ellis published

Hue Essential bulbs are just as good as the originals in most situations, provided you don't need to dial the brightness right down.

Jura J10 machine dispensing cold extracted espresso

I've reviewed over a dozen coffee makers this year, and these are my 3 favorites from 2025

By Cat Ellis published

Three outstanding options to help you through the daily grind

2 Comments
Split image of three home security cameras

Want a home security camera without a subscription? I test smart home tech for a living, and these are my 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published

These feature-packed home security cameras offer crisp 4K footage, solar charging, local storage for your videos, and AI smarts too – with no extra fees.

Split image of fries cooked using air fryer, Ninja 5-in-1 air fryer, and burger cooked using air fryer

Looking for a Ninja air fryer? I test them for a living, and these are the 3 I'd buy for my own kitchen

By Cat Ellis published

Whether you're cooking a side of fries or dinner for the whole family, there's a Ninja air fryer for your kitchen.

3 Comments
Split image of iced coffee, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and espresso cup on coffee maker drip tray

The 3 best De'Longhi coffee makers you can buy – recommended by a barista

By Cat Ellis published

De'Longhi makes some of the best espresso machines I've ever used, and these are my top picks.

7 Comments
Ring Video Doorbell Pro

Your Ring doorbell can now use Alexa+ to identify who's calling and give them an appropriate greeting

By Cat Ellis published

Alexa+ Greetings can recognize and give instructions to delivery people, greet friends and family, and (politely) turn away cold callers.

Split image of three coffee makers

Looking for a cheap coffee maker? I'm a trained barista and these are my three top recommendations

By Cat Ellis published

The cost of takeout coffee has rocketed, so pick up one of these excellent budget brewers and save cash by making your own at home.

IMOU home security camera

This home security cam monitors your property 24/7 with 'unlimited' battery life – and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published

IMOU's latest point-and-tilt camera uses a solar panel, high-capacity battery, and power-efficient recording for constant surveillance.

A collection of creamy white colored kitchen appliances and accessories on a wooden counter

Pantone's color of 2026 is creamy Cloud Dancer – and here are 12 ways to bring it into your kitchen

By Cat Ellis published

This soft off-white shade will complement your existing style, whether it's classic or modern.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with caffe latte

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is a super affordable coffee maker, but beware – there's a catch that means it could cost you in the long run

By Cat Ellis published

Looking for a cheap and cheerful coffee maker? The Finesse Friendly could be the one for you, but mind how much you're spending on pods.

Split image of three drip coffee makers on kitchen counter

Want a new drip coffee maker? I'm a trained barista, and these are my 3 top recommendations for your kitchen

By Cat Ellis published

Upgrade your mornings with a new brewer for perfect pour-over every time.

Keurig coffee maker on red background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the best Keurig machine deals you can grab today – with delivery for Christmas

By Cat Ellis published

Snag a Keurig coffee maker for a record-low price and watch your loved one's face light up when they unwrap it.

Split image of three Breville espresso machines

Looking for a Breville espresso machine? I'm a certified barista, and these are my 3 top recommendations

By Cat Ellis published

If you're shopping for a Breville espresso machine, these are the three I think deserve a place on your kitchen counter.

2 Comments
A selection of kitchen accessories on a white marble counter

12 perfect gifts for passionate home cooks, curated by a kitchen tech editor

By Cat Ellis published

The kitchen tools and gadgets they didn't know they always wanted.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

Want a cheap Ring doorbell alternative? I'm a smart home tech expert, and these are the 3 I recommend

By Cat Ellis published

Affordable video doorbells with no subscription fees

A selection of coffee-making accessories on a table

I'm a trained barista, and these are my top 12 Christmas gifts for coffee lovers

By Cat Ellis published

Turn your loved one's kitchen into a coffee house with these premium barista tools they'll use every time they brew.

Coffee maker dispensing steamed milk into glass cup

Love lattes? I test coffee makers for a living and these are my top 3 recommendations for the creamiest drinks

By Cat Ellis published

Tired of paying a premium for take-out lattes? These three coffee makers will handle all the prep for you.

2 Comments
Ninja Slushi machine on green background with text 'TechRadar Cyber Monday Deals'

Ninja kitchen appliances are going cheap post-Cyber Monday – great deals on the Creami, Crispi, and more

By Cat Ellis published

There are still record-breaking deals on Ninja appliances, and some prices are even better now than they were on Black Friday.

Two Amazon Echo devices on blue background with text 'TechRadar Big Savings'

Cyber Monday is over, but Amazon Echo devices are still selling for record-low prices – for now

By Cat Ellis published

There are still epic discounts on Amazon Echo speakers and smart displays, but they could disappear at any time.

A Breville coffee maker on a blue background with text 'TechRadar Cyber Monday deals'

Upgrade your coffee maker this Cyber Monday – save up to 56% on De'Longhi, Ninja and Keurig

By Cat Ellis last updated

From espresso machines to drip coffee makers, these Cyber Monday deals will perk you up.

Other versions of this page are available with specific content for the following regions: