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

Ninja Crispi Microwave containing four dishes of various vegetables

It’s a microwave, it’s an air fryer, it’s a... soup-maker? Ninja’s latest launch could be the only appliance your kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published

Microwaved food can easily get soggy, but that's not a problem with this new air fryer and microwave combo, packed with useful presets.

Split image of fries cooked in air fryer, front view of Ninja air fryer, and steak being cooked in air fryer with heat probe

The best air fryers 2026: from compact to family-sized models

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated From crispy chips to roast chicken, we've cooked with every air fryer in this guide to help you find the right one for your kitchen.

De'Longhi Rivelia Start coffee maker in five colors on kitchen counter

The new De'Longhi Rivelia Start is a super-compact coffee maker with a 10-drink menu — including the cold brew we desperately need for sweltering summer days

By Cat Ellis Published

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start can brew 10 different drinks at the tap of a button, including cold brew, and create silky milk foam.

Split image of three blenders from Ninja and Nutribullet

No room in your kitchen for a Ninja Slushi? We tested 3 blenders that make perfect slushies for one for a fraction of the price, and actually fit in your cupboard

By Cat Ellis Published

If you don't have the space or cash for a Ninja Slushi machine, these portable blenders can make fantastic frozen drinks for a fraction of the price.

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp shines a multicoloured aurora effect onto a slanted ceiling.

The best smart lights in 2026: smart lighting for every home

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated We've tested the best smart light bulbs and light panels from all the big brands including Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.

Split image of three espresso machines

I'm a certified barista, and these are the best 3 espresso machines I've tested so far this year — and the only ones genuinely worth your kitchen counter space

By Cat Ellis Published

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the three models that have received my seal of approval so far in 2026.

Split image of Shark, Meaco, and Dreo fans

We've tested the best fans of 2026 so far — these 5 models from Shark, Dyson, and Dreo are the ones we trust to actually keep us cool

By Cat Ellis Published

We test over a dozen new fans every year on TechRadar — these are the coolest new models that actually deliver on their claims.

Split image of three shark fans

Want a cheap Shark fan this summer? Amazon just knocked up to $70 off top-rated models — and these are my 3 expert picks

By Cat Ellis Published

Enjoy a cooling breeze with a super-fine mist of water to keep you feeling refreshed this summer.

Split image of three home security cameras

The best home security cameras: indoor, outdoor and subscription-free cams

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated We've tested masses of security cameras in our own homes to bring you this guide to the very best.

Split image of EZVIZ EP4 internal screen, external camera, and screengrab of footage in app

The EZVIZ EP4 is a great home security camera for renters — but its facial recognition won't stop it from spamming you with alerts when you come home

By Cat Ellis Published

A super-sharp 4K security camera that fits right into your existing peephole — if you don't mind getting notifications when it sees your own face.

Smeg Musa ovens installed in neutral-colored kitchen

'It's a product that doesn't scream for attention, but captures it anyway': designer Carlo Borromeo on his new minimalist Smeg appliances — and why stripping away the color is the brand’s boldest design experiment yet

By Cat Ellis Published

BorromeodeSilva brought the world the denim-coated Smeg fridge in 2012, but the studio's latest partnership was a totally different challenge.

Split image of three blenders in use

The best blender 2026: top models from Vitamix, Smeg, and Nutribullet tested by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated Powerful home blenders from big brands, tested with real recipes and rated for power, performance, and volume.

Collection of drip coffee makers on table with beans and filters

Upgrade your morning pour-over with these 15 beautifully designed coffee drippers, chosen by a certified barista

By Cat Ellis Published

Sometimes you can't beat a cup of full-bodied drip coffee, and the right brewer will help you achieve the best flavor.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

The best video doorbell: security for your home, wherever you are

By James Capell Last updated

Updated We've spent months testing video doorbells from big and small brands to help you make the right choice.

portafilter full of coffee, espresso dispensing from espresso machine, and hand pulling espresso machine tamper

The best espresso machine 2026: home coffee makers tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated Expert-recommended espresso machines to give you a morning jump-start.

Collection of colorful Yeti coolers on pastel-colored blocks

Want a cheap Yeti cooler for your 4th of July celebrations? I'm a deal-hunting outdoor expert, and I've tracked down the only holiday offers actually worth your money

By Cat Ellis Published

Yeti coolers are going cheap, and you can get yours delivered in time for 4th July — these are the holiday discounts our outdoor expert has vetted for real value.

Collection of different colored AeroPress coffee makers lined up in a geometric formation with coffee beans, scoops, and sugar cubes

Sure, you have an AeroPress, but is it pink? The whole rainbow is on offer for Amazon Prime Day, and you might just need another one

By Cat Ellis Last updated

You might already own an AeroPress coffee maker, but if it doesn't match your shirt then it might be time to grab another...

Two Ninja coffee maker on wooden kitchen table with coffee drinks and pastries

Should you buy the Ninja AutoBarista Pro or the Ninja Luxe Café Pro this Prime Day? As a barista, here's what I'd pick

By Cat Ellis Published

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro has received a big price cut for Prime Day, but should you grab it while the deal lasts or pick the pricier AutoBarista Pro instead?

Collection of hard and soft Yeti coolers on a pink background with a picnic blanket, apples, and sandwiches

Yeti coolers are going cheap for Prime Day — if you know where to look. Here are my top picks as a deal-hunting outdoors expert

By Cat Ellis Last updated

As an outdoors expert, I know where to find all the best deals on hard and soft Yeti coolers — and they're not all at Amazon.

Split image of coffee beans in hopper of Philips Baristina coffee maker, and the coffee maker dispensing a shot of espresso into a glass measuring cup

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 cheap espresso machines I recommend — particularly on Prime Day

By Cat Ellis Published

Great quality coffee makers don't have to cost a fortune — these three all have my personal seal of approval, and won't burn a hole in your pocket.

Philips Baristina coffee maker with espresso

Forget Prime Day — one of the best coffee makers I've ever tested is half price right now, and anyone can grab it

By Cat Ellis Published

The Philips Baristina is one of the best bean-to-cup espresso machines I've ever tested, and it's half price today — even if you don't have Amazon Prime.

Split image of three cooling fans

The 4 best super-quiet fans to help you sleep comfortably this summer — tried and tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Quiet and effective fans to help you avoid sweaty, sleepless nights — all tested and rated by our team of home-tech experts.

Split image of three home security cameras

Blink cameras are super cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives are just as good — and deeply discounted too

By Cat Ellis Published

Blink security cameras are excellent, but their features are very limited without a subscription so take a good look at these great value alternatives.

Split image of Ninja coffee maker, Ninja air fryer, and Ninja ice cream maker

The 5 best Ninja appliances to upgrade your kitchen this summer — make perfect burgers, slushies, ice cream, and much more

By Cat Ellis Published

Ninja is one of the biggest names in food prep, and for good reason. Here's our pick of the very best to upgrade your kitchen this summer.

Split image of two Nespresso capsules inside coffee makers, and a Nespresso machine dispensing espresso

I'm a trained barista, and these are the top 5 Nespresso machines I'd recommend to anyone — all with Prime Day savings

By Cat Ellis Published

Making great espresso doesn't have to be a hassle — I've hand-picked my five top Nespresso machines, all of which are going cheap for Amazon Prime Day.

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