Articles by Karen Freeman, Freelance Contributor

Karen is a world traveler, writer, teacher, family woman, and occasionally a movie extra. She has been writing about Apple, consumer tech, and lifestyle products since 2010 for various publications including TechRadar, CNET, Tom’s Guide, iMore, Macworld, AppAdvice, and WatchAware.

Articles by: Karen Freeman

Ninja AutoBarista Pro and espresso in hand

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro accommodates two totally different coffee-drinkers — and I wish all coffee machines made life this easy

By Karen Freeman published 28 June 26

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro comes with two swappable coffee bean hoppers and lets you set up two different brew profiles for each beverage.

Ice cream for breakfast? Ninja Creami makes a healthy frozen breakfast treat easy

By Karen Freeman published 28 June 26

Why not have ice cream for breakfast, when you can turn your favorite yogurt and other protein-rich foods into a frozen treat?

The Ninja AutoBarista Pro Fully Automatic Espresso Machine lets you make just about any coffee creation you can imagine

By Karen Freeman published 22 June 26

Create just about any hot or iced coffee creation you'd like with the touch of a button.

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

By Cat Ellis last updated 16 June 26

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

Ninja French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven on counter with hand opening door

Ninja French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven does it all — but it cooks faster than you might expect, so you'll need to keep an eye on it

By Karen Freeman published 5 June 26

Recommended

Ninja's new French Door Air Fryer and Countertop Oven is super versatile, but be warned that it cooks so fast, you'll need to keep an eye on your dinner.

BISSELL CrossWave HydroScrub All-in-One-Multi-Surface Cleaner

I tested the Bissell CrossWave HydroScrub, and this wireless all-in-one might be the only floor cleaner your home needs

By Karen Freeman published 8 April 26

This wireless wet and dry cleaner makes light work of pet hair and general dirt, and runs for up to 45 minutes on a single charge.

Ninja Power Duo Immersion Blender with Whisk parts on counter

I tested the Ninja Power Duo Immersion Blender — a quick and effective tool that can tackle just about any ingredient

By Karen Freeman published 22 March 26

A simple, space-saving appliance that can tackle just about any ingredient you can throw at it.

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer

The best small air fryers 2026: compact fryers for small households

By Cat Ellis last updated 27 January 26

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Ninja BlendBoss blender on kitchen counter

I've tested the cool and colorful Ninja BlendBOSS, and making silky smoothies has bever been so much fun

By Karen Freeman published 14 January 26

Whip up your favorite smoothies and shakes at home, then take them anywhere with the BlendBOSS's 26oz travel tumbler.

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat close up

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is smart heating made simple

By Karen Freeman published 11 January 26

The X2S Smart Thermostat is an easy-to-use Energy Star certified thermostat. It’s not the most modern-looking device, but it does the job.

The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Countertop Air Fryer is super-sized for families and entertaining

By Karen Freeman published 31 December 25

Ninja has upscaled its portable Ninja Crispi air fryer, and this new version is big enough to feed a crowd.

Are you making these 6 common mistakes when using your air fryer?

By Karen Freeman published 12 October 25

If you're struggling with mess and unevenly-cooked food from your air fryer, we're here to help.

WEFFORT Smart Shades open, close up view

WEFFORT's Motorized Smart Shades are smooth and quiet, with plenty of options to ensure they suit your home

By Karen Freeman published 12 October 25

Cover your windows your way with these smart motorized shades.

Making cappuccino with Terra Kaffe TK-02

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 brings the high-end coffee shop to your home

By Karen Freeman published 21 September 25

Make over 100,000 coffee beverages right at home in seconds with the Terra Kaffe TK-02

Not getting the iPhone 17? Make your current iPhone feel new again with these 5 tips

By Karen Freeman published 15 September 25

Apple's iPhone 17 models look great, but with these five steps, you can make your current iPhone feel just as new.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – which phone will be best, according to the rumored specs?

By Karen Freeman published 4 September 25

We compare the rumored specs of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to the confirmed specs of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is the ultimate tool for juicing, and much more

By Karen Freeman published 20 August 25

Make large batches of juice, plus whip up sorbets, smoothies, sauces, plant milks, and more.

Graywind's Smart Blinds can be finicky to install, but work with just about every smart home ecosystem

By Karen Freeman published 20 July 25

You'll be spoilt for choice with so many window coverings that can be controlled in so many ways.

Are smart blinds worth it? My thoughts after installing them in my own home

By Karen Freeman published 27 June 25

Smart home week Should you buy smart blinds for your home?

The best Apple Watch bands: Top straps for every Watch model and size

By Karen Freeman last updated 4 June 25

Updated We round-up the best Apple Watch bands and straps for every size, taste and budget.

DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine on counter

The De'Longhi Linea Classic is a budget-friendly, entry-level espresso machine that makes you the barista

By Karen Freeman published 22 April 25

The DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine is ideal for budding and budget-minded baristas

The Ninja Swirl by Creami is a new twist on a popular ice cream maker, and I put it to the test

By Karen Freeman published 9 April 25

Make your own soft-serve frozen treats at home.

SmartWings Motorized Smart Shades halfway down

SmartWings Motorized Smart Shades review: Smart blinds that harness the power of the sun

By Karen Freeman published 4 April 25

Control your window treatments with your smartphone.

Touching the screen on Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer

With the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer, I can tap my way to perfectly-done meals

By Karen Freeman published 3 March 25

The Kalorik Vivid Touch 7-Quart High-Resolution Touchscreen Air Fryer with Window makes air frying easier than ever.

The Ninja Crispi isn't your typical air fryer – and its unique design makes it worth the price

By Karen Freeman published 17 February 25

Are you looking for a unique, portable air fryer? Look no further than the Ninja Crispi.

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