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

Slice of Victoria sponge cake on plate with fork

I made deliciously fluffy cake in an air fryer, and these 7 tricks will help you do the same in 15 minutes

By Cat Ellis published

Your air fryer can do much more than just cook chicken nuggets.

Three smart light bulbs on purple background

The best smart lights 2025: light up your life with smart bulbs and lamps

By Jennifer Oksien last updated

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

Person using Apple Watch on wrist beside shelf illuminated by blue IKEA smart light

Got IKEA smart lights? You can now control them directly from your Apple Watch

By Cat Ellis published

IKEA Home Smart is now available for watchOS, and will let you operate lamps and bulbs from your wrist.

ProCook Barista Bean to Cup Espresso Coffee Machine on a table with two mugs and a vase of flowers

ProCook's semi-automatic espresso machine is one of the best I've ever used – and one of the most affordable, too

By Cat Ellis published

Watch out Breville, there's a new bean-to-cup machine in town.

KitchenAid stand mixer in Butter on kitchen table with breakfast items

KitchenAid reveals its color of the year for 2025 – and I want to eat it out of a tub with a spoon

By Cat Ellis published

Butter is a soft and sunny shade of yellow, and it will make you want to redecorate your whole kitchen.

Three video doorbells on pink background

The best video doorbell 2025: security for your home, wherever you are

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Philips Hue Xamento M

Do your Philips Hue lights keep forgetting your last settings? There's now a fix

By Cat Ellis published

A new software update solves a problem affecting Hue setups with motion detectors.

Breville Oracle Touch and Breville Barista Touch coffee makers

Breville Oracle Touch vs Breville Barista Touch: how to choose the right bean-to-cup coffee maker for you

By Cat Ellis published

One costs twice as much, but that's not the only difference between these two premium bean-to-cup espresso machines.

Freemake Video Converter during our review process

Freemake Video Converter review

By Steve Paris last updated

Convert videos from your desktop or sites like YouTube and Vimeo to any format you like – for free.

Person cooking salmon and vegetables using white Ninja Double Stack air fryer

The Ninja Double Stack is the best air fryer in the world – and it just got a 2025 revamp that makes it better than ever

By Cat Ellis published

Ninja has released several of its most popular appliances in a new white colorway.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4) on green background

The best smart thermostat 2025: save money with smart energy tech

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated We've tested the best smart thermostats from top brands to find the smartest ways to heat and cool your home.

Nespresso Coffee+ capsules

I tried Nespresso's energy-boosting coffee capsules, and I have a new favorite morning brew

By Cat Ellis published

Would you swap your bag of beans for a box of pods?

Smeg smart Galileo ovens installed in kitchen

'It's about giving you the coffee you want, not the coffee someone else wants': Smeg explains why smart appliances aren't a gimmick, and why connecting your oven to your phone makes sense

By Cat Ellis published

Is it time to connect your kitchen? There are some good reasons to consider it.

Three smart locks on blue and teal background

The best smart locks 2025: keyless security systems tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

GE Profile Smart Grind & Brew coffee maker on kitchen counter

This AI coffee machine uses Google Cloud to tailor your beverages – and you can buy it from Amazon today

By Cat Ellis published

SmartHQ AI Coffee Assistant is your friendly virtual barista.

Philips Hue and Nanoleaf smart light bulbs on blue and teal background

Philips Hue vs Nanoleaf: pick the right smart lights for your home

By Cat Ellis published

There are some important differences between Philips Hue and Nanoleaf, and we're here to help you make the best choice.

Woman sitting on sofa making a disgusted face while holding a cup of coffee

Are you one of the 39% of coffee drinkers who still use instant? Upgrading to one of these three cheap coffee machines will deliver a better-tasting brew

By Cat Ellis published

A Deloitte survey has revealed that granules are still the most popular choice.

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone air fryer and Ninja Double Stack air fryer on teal and pink background

Ninja Foodi Max Dual Zone vs Ninja Double Stack XL: choose your perfect air fryer

By Cat Ellis published

Two drawers are better than one, but do you want them side-by-side or stacked?

Cosori air fryer on pink and purple background

The best small air fryers 2025: tested by kitchen experts

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Breville Barista Impress espresso machine with brass accents in white and green

Breville just gave its best espresso machine a makeover, and I think I'm in love

By Cat Ellis published

It's classy, it's brassy, and it'll look perfect in your kitchen.

Nanoleaf 4D lighting kit and box on teal background

The best Ambilight alternatives 2025: enhance your home theater experience

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated The best Ambilight alternatives for immersive movies and games without replacing your TV.

Mostly blue image shown on TV with Philips Hue Play Light Bars beside it

Philips Hue Play Light Bar review: a fun and flexible addition to your home theater setup

By Cat Ellis published

Got a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box? This compact light will add a new dimension to your movies and games, wherever you put it.

Philips Somneo wake-up light on blue background

The best wake-up lights 2025: sunrise alarms tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Rise and shine with a natural-looking gradual sunrise and soft audio effects.

A living room kitted out with Philips Hue Smart Lights in various lamps

Got Philips Hue lights? A free software update could turn them into motion sensors

By Cat Ellis published

Occupation detection with no extra hardware required.

Split image showing Nest Secure smoke alarm on the left, and person using smartphone to unlock Aqara smart lock on the right

The Google Home app is getting a big update, and it's good news for your security

By Cat Ellis published

Nest Protect and improved support for Matter-compatible smart locks incoming.

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