Cat Ellis

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

Split image of Swann MaxRanger4K Solar, Reolink Altas PT Ultra, and Blink Outdoor 4 cameras

I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the 3 outdoor security cameras I recommend to my family and friends

By Cat Ellis published

These are the cameras I trust to protect what matters most (and two of them don't need a subscription).

google nest

'Who in the hell would want red cameras?' – details of four new Nest devices have leaked, but has Google lost the smart home race already?

By Cat Ellis published

Amazon's speakers, doorbells, and cameras will almost certainly be cheaper, but Gemini for Home could give Google an edge.

Smeg milk frother

Smeg's new Mini Milk Frother prepares perfect foam for cappuccinos – but it's too thick for latte art

By Cat Ellis published

Smeg's super-compact frother is whisper-quiet and super simple to use, but only offers one foam texture, and it's seriously thick.

Split image of person putting filter in drip coffee machine, and espresso machine dispensing coffee

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my 3 favorite budget-friendly options

By Cat Ellis published

You can easily spend hundreds on a coffee maker – but you don't have to.

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

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

Philips Hue

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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 fryer 2025: quick and convenient fryers to feed a family

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Air fryers for quick meals in small spaces, tested by our team of experts in real-world conditions.

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

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

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

Google Nest Mini

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

Five coffee makers on picnic blanket

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the top 3 subscription-free video doorbells I recommend

By Cat Ellis published

Don't get trapped in a payment plan – these doorbells will give you advanced features and local storage for your videos with no added fees.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

Split image of three home security cameras

The best home security cameras 2025: 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.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker

The best drip coffee maker 2025: delicious, fuss-free coffee, fast

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Drip coffee machines that will deliver consistently delicious, well brewed coffee - tested by us.

Philips Hue Wall Washer light

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

By Cat Ellis published

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

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

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.

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