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

Woman using smart display to lock door

How to upgrade to a smart display: take your smart home to the next level

By Cat Ellis published

Mobile apps and speakers are fine when you're starting out, but as your smart home grows, it's time to think bigger.

Two phones receiving AI-generated video description notifications from the Ring app

Is that a burglar in your home, or just the dog? Your Ring camera can now tell you instantly – here's how

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week The Ring app can now send AI-generated notifications describing what's happening when your camera detects motion.

Three Philips Hue lights

3 cool things you didn't realize your Philips Hue lights could do

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week You're probably only scratching the surface of what your smart lights can do – here's how to unlock their full potential.

Woman's hand pressing Philips Hue Dimmer Switch on wall

This palm-sized Philips Hue gadget has revolutionized my smart lighting setup

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week Smart lighting just got more accessible with this customizable controller that puts scenes and timed lighting options at your fingertips.

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window

I've been a tech journalist for over 10 years, and this window-cleaning robot is the most satisfying gadget I've ever tested

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week My windows were an embarrassment, but this little bot had them sparkling in minutes.

Man using tablet to control smart lights in kitchen while holding child

Welcome to TechRadar's Smart Home Week

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week Find out how technology can help you achieve domestic bliss, and how to choose and use the right devices for your home.

Coffee beans in an espresso machine, a latte macchiato, and ground coffee in a portafilter

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the 3 best machines I've tried this year

By Cat Ellis published

It's brewing up to be a fantastic year for coffee lovers: these are my three favorite machines so far

Gaggia Classic coffee maker on kitchen counter

I’ve tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, but this Gaggia machine is still my all-time favorite

By Cat Ellis published

The Gaggia Classic Pro has developed a cult following, and if you want to really tinker with your espresso, it's the machine for you.

Mixed berry smoothie made using Beast Mighty 850 Plus blender with straw in vessel

There's one ingredient I've never been able to turn into a smoothie – until I tried this super powerful blender

By Cat Ellis published

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus lives up to its name, successfully pulverizing ingredients that lesser blenders can't.

Split image of video doorbell on wall and man looking shocked at phone while drinking coffee

These 3 hidden features will make your Ring doorbell even more useful, and you might not even know they exist

By Cat Ellis published

Are you getting the most from your doorbell? These handy tricky will ensure it's working as well as possible for your home.

Split image showing Philips Hue Wall Washer set up beside TV, and close-up of Wall Washer alone

Phillips Hue lights get a free AI upgrade – and it's a feature that could take your smart home to the next level

By Cat Ellis published

There's big news this week if you have Philips Hue lights, with a free AI upgrade in the app, plus a new Wall Washer light

Split image showing close-ups of coffee grinder and espresso being poured

5 things to look for when buying a home coffee maker, according to a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published

A home coffee maker is a big investment, so make sure you bear these factors in mind when choosing your next one.

Sage Barista Touch Impress machine

The Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction might just be the most satisfying coffee machine I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published

A machine that guides you through the process of perfecting your espresso, whether you want it hot or cold.

KitchenAid Pure Power blender on kitchen counter with ingredients

KitchenAid's new blender handles everything from ice to hot soup, and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published

The Pure Power Blender has a motor and blades tough enough for ice, and a vented lid that lets you safely blend hot ingredients right from the pan.

IMOU video doorbell installed beside door

Watch out Ring – this new video doorbell from IMOU has a rotating camera to track visitors, and AI to detect loiterers

By Cat Ellis published

If you're an anxious homeowner, this all-seeing doorbell will help give you peace of mind.

Nespresso Vanilla Coconut coffee capsule

I tried Nespresso's limited edition Coconut Vanilla capsules – and if you like fancy iced coffee, you should too

By Cat Ellis published

The medium-dark roasted coffee is a great foil for the creamy vanilla, and it all pairs well with dairy or plant-based milk.

Nespresso coffee machine on green gradient background

The best Nespresso machine 2025: barista-recommended capsule coffee makers

By Cat Ellis last updated

Easy-to-use pod coffee makers tester and recommended by our highly caffeinated team of experts.

Philips Hue lightbulbs, Apple HomePod mini speaker, and Blink security camera on purple background

The best smart home devices 2025: smart speakers, lights, hubs, and more

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Never mind repainting: with smart home tech you can completely transform how your home looks and works. These are our favorite bits of smart home kit

Split image showing Philips Hue Play Smart Wall Washer light synced with TV and on a shelf

Philips Hue is launching a stylish new smart light to 'wash' your walls with color – early Amazon listing reveals all

By Cat Ellis published

The powerful new lamp can sync with movies and games, or be used alone to set the mood.

De'Longhi Dedica Duo espresso machine

De'Longhi just released a new version of its best compact espresso machine, and it's frankly adorable

By Cat Ellis published

The De'Longhi Dedica Duo comes in four candy colors, and it's the cutest coffee maker I've ever seen.

Split image showing woman controlling smart lights with her phone and pendant lights illuminated blue

Philips Hue's AI assistant is finally here – and if you have an iPhone, you can try it now

By Cat Ellis published

The long-awaited feature is rolling out in Benelux, so fire up your VPN if you live elsewhere and get your most creative prompts ready.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic espresso machine on kitchen counter with coffee beans, oat milk, and snake plant

The De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is one of the best bean-to-cup coffee makers I've ever used – and one of the most expensive

By Cat Ellis published

With a menu of 35 customizable hot and cold drinks, plus the ability to 'learn' your favorites, variety is the spice of life

Sage Barista Touch Impress machine

The Sage Barista Impress is so satisfying to use, I just want to make lattes all day

By Cat Ellis published

Using its lever to tamp down the perfect puck of coffee will never get old.

Room lit with pink and purple Philips Hue lights

Configuring your Philips Hue lights and sensors is now headache-free thanks to this free app update

By Cat Ellis published

The latest app version helps avoid being locked out of certain scenes if you miss a stage of the setup process.

Blink Video Doorbell mounted on wall beside door

Blink's new wireless video doorbell gives Ring a run for its money with two-year battery life and HD night vision

By Cat Ellis published

The next-gen Blink Video Doorbell costs a lot less than you might expect, too.

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