Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

The HEPA filter from inside the Blueair air purifier sits facing forward on a wood surface against a pink background.

What is a HEPA filter, and what is it used for?

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 May 25

HEPA filters are common in air purifiers and vacuums. Here's more on what they do, and whether they're worth prioritizing in the appliance you're shopping for.

Picture shows a Molekule Air Mini Plus air purifier sitting on a glass bedside table with a candle, cosmetic bottle, and potted plant to its right.

6 questions to ask before choosing an air purifier

By Ruth Hamilton published 10 May 25

Top tips to help you choose an air purifier that fits your needs and works in your space.

Shark Detect Pro cordless vacuum being tested in a living room

Shark Detect Pro Cordless vacuum review: lightweight, efficient and modern

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 9 May 25

Recommended

Although not the most powerful vac we've tested, the Shark Detect Pro Cordless is an excellent all-rounder that'll suit most people's needs.

A range of Dyson fans against a pink background with Tech Radar, Big savings written in white to the left.

Need to cool off? There's a massive sale on Dyson fans right now – here are the 3 best deals

By Ruth Hamilton published 9 May 25

Many of Dyson's coveted fans are the cheapest they've ever been – here's your chance to pick one up at a (kind of) bargain price.

Dyson V8 against an orange and blue background

The best vacuum for carpet 2025: powerful suction for deep cleaning

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 7 May 25

Keep your home spotless, with minimal effort, by using the best vacuum for carpet.

Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum cleaner

Which type of vacuum cleaner should I buy?

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 6 May 25

We compare the pros and cons of the various vacuum types, from nimble cordless stick vacuums to robust and powerful uprights.

Close up of navigation puck and buttons on Roborock Q5 Pro+ robot vacuum

7 things I wish I'd known before getting my first robot vacuum

By Ruth Hamilton published 3 May 25

In 14 months of testing robovacs, here are the most important things I've learned.

Man using FlexBreeze Pro Mist fan on a tennis court (left) and a couple using the fan on a camping trip

Shark goes for broke and straps a water tank onto its latest fan so it can blast you with cool mist all day

By Ruth Hamilton published 30 April 25

The FlexBreeze Pro Mist will envelope you in a cooling cloud, and I can't think of anything more refreshing.

iRobot just launched a new 'flagship' Roomba, but it's less impressive than its existing models – and I'm confused

By Ruth Hamilton published 24 April 25

The new Roomba Max 705 Vac looks very capable, but I'm struggling to get excited about it.

6 ways to extend the life of your Dyson Airwrap

By Ruth Hamilton published 23 April 25

Top tips to make your Airwrap last as long as possible, plus sustainable options for what to do if you need to replace yours.

Reviewer having her hair done with a Dyson Airwrap i.d. in a salon

How to get your Airwrap curls to hold, plus more top tips for getting the most from your Dyson multi-styler

By Ruth Hamilton published 21 April 25

I had my hair done by a celeb stylist – here's what he taught me about how to use the Dyson Airwrap the right way.

Dyson Gen5detect vacuum (left) vs Shark PowerDetect Cordless vacuum (right)

Shark PowerDetect Cordless vs Dyson Gen5detect: which brand's range-topping vacuum cleaner is better?

By Ruth Hamilton published 18 April 25

I tested Shark and Dyson's most expensive vacuums side-by-side – here's what I found out.

Dyson Supersonic Nural hair dryer (left) and Airwrap (right)

Dyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: do I need both?

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 15 April 25

Two ultra-popular tools, but both pretty pricey – I've tested both, so which one should you buy?

This curling wand looks like a drill and I'm not sure if it's dumb or genius

By Ruth Hamilton published 14 April 25

MDLondon has reinvented the curling wand, and if it actually works it could be a game-changer.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. with conical airwrap barrel attached

Dyson Airwrap i.d. review: a major upgrade on the original

By Ruth Hamilton published 12 April 25

Recommended

The 2024 Airwrap i.d. might look like its predecessor, but that extra button on the front is the key to effortless curls.

SwitchBot K10+ Pro robot vacuum with Big Savings graphic next to it

This pint-sized but powerful robovac is perfect for small homes – and it just dropped to less than half price

By Ruth Hamilton published 8 April 25

The dinky SwitchBot can navigate tight spaces, and the dock won't dominate your living room either.

Bagless Dyson V8 (left) and bagged Gtech ProLite (right) vacuums

Bagged vs bagless vacuums: which is best for you?

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 7 April 25

We run down the differences between bagged and bagless vacuum cleaners, to help you choose which one to buy.

Roborock Saros 10 robot vacuum in its dock, in reviewer's home

Roborock Saros 10 review: a game-changer for getting under the sofa

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 April 25

This robot vacuum has a retractible navigation puck that lets it venture places taller bots can't. Here's my review.

Segway Navimow X3 series being demoed on a lawn

Segway's new lawnbots mow at super-speed and can tackle lawns bigger than football fields

By Ruth Hamilton published 2 April 25

The new Navimow X3 series robot lawn mowers are designed to mow palatial lawns without getting lost or running out of power.

Remember the Shark fan that spits on you to keep you cool? Now it has a portable sibling for on-the-go misting

By Ruth Hamilton published 1 April 25

With the FlexBreeze HydroGo, you'll never have to be without your own personal wind (and mist) machine again.

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra in reviewer's home

I tried Samsung's pricey new AI vacuum, and I now know there's no need for an AI-powered vacuum to exist

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 March 25

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra is designed to be able to tell the difference between a mat and a carpet... but why?

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra next to Dyson Gen5detect in reviewer's home

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra vs Dyson Gen5detect: which premium stick vacuum is a better buy?

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 March 25

I tested Dyson and Samsung's priciest vacuums side-by-side – here's how they match up

Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra review: an excellent cleaner, let down by unnecessary AI features

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 March 25

The Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra cleans extremely well and the dock is ultra-convenient, but I'm not sold on those AI features.

Dyson fan with Big Savings graphic overlaid

Get ready for summer with massive discounts on Dyson fans at Amazon – here are today's 3 best deals

By Ruth Hamilton published 28 March 25

With up to 36% off classic models, today is a great day to buy a Dyson fan.

Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum with Big Savings graphic overlaid

We gave this Shark cordless stick vacuum a glowing 4-star review – and it's now 50% off at Amazon

By Ruth Hamilton published 27 March 25

This Shark cordless stick vacuum just dropped to a new lowest-ever price, and it's just the thing to kick-start your spring cleaning.

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