Articles by 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

What are ESE coffee pods? Everything you need to know about these quick alternatives to freshly ground coffee

By Cat Ellis published 5 May 25

Want a quicker espresso at home? Nespresso and K-Cups aren't your only options.

The Philips Barista Brew espresso machine is good-looking and well priced, but it's challenging to master (and a bit messy, too)

By Cat Ellis published 4 May 25

A machine that can brew consistently good espresso, but only once you've overcome its idiosyncrasies.

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

By Cat Ellis last updated 1 May 25

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

WiZ TV Sync Box with backlight behind TV

If the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is too expensive, this new budget-friendly alternative from WiZ could be exactly what you need

By Cat Ellis published 30 April 25

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is less than half the price of Philips' box, and comes with a light strip included.

Thanks to this super cheap robot vacuum, I no longer want to rip out my kitchen floor

By Cat Ellis published 27 April 25

If you're also regretting your interior design choices, the solution is cheaper than you might expect.

A Fairphjone, Insta360 X5 camera and LG TV next to ecah other.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from your LG becoming an Xbox to the new Insta360 X5 camera

By Hamish Hector published 26 April 25

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Insta360, LG, Xbox, Alexa+, and more for April 26, 2025.

Woman detaching Philips Hue Smart Button from base stuck on nightstand

Got Philips Hue lights? This new customizable button could make them even smarter

By Cat Ellis published 25 April 25

There's a new version of the miniature controller launching soon.

Best free ebook reader in 2025: read your favorite books online

By Philip Berne last updated 24 April 25

Updated TechRadar presents a definitive list of the best free ebook readers available on PC, Mac, and mobile right now.

Alexa+ early adopter gives their thoughts: "Old Alexa was hot garbage but this new one was a pleasant surprise"

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

The AI assistant handles natural speech well, but it's still being used as a fancy egg timer.

Roku Battery Camera (right) and Battery Camera Plus (left) on table

Roku's new wireless security cameras will guard your home for up to two years on a single charge

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Weatherproof cameras that let you watch over your home from your phone or TV.

Split image showing retrofit smart lock, curtain puller, and switch pusher

Build a zero-waste smart home by automating your existing hardware

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Don't replace it – just upgrade it

Best free program to speed up your PC in 2025: optimizations to improve performance

By Cat Ellis last updated 23 April 25

Updated Presenting TechRadar's list of the best free programs to speed up your PC in 2025.

Nespresso Vertuo pods and boxes on kitchen counter with green graphic reading 'Sustainability Week'

How are Nespresso coffee pods recycled? Discover what happens behind the scenes

By Cat Ellis published 22 April 25

Coffee capsules are quick and convenient, but make more waste than fresh grounds – so what happens to it?

Eufy's new smart lock reads the veins in your palm for touchless entry – even if your hands are dirty

By Cat Ellis published 17 April 25

With 2K video, wide-angle recording, and AI to detect potential porch pirates.

I have Philips Hue lights everywhere in my home, and this is what I want to see from its AI assistant

By Cat Ellis published 13 April 25

Signify has been tight-lipped about the details of AI for Philips Hue, but here's my wishlist.

Person pouring water onto V60 coffee filter using gooseneck kettle

With this simple gadget, you can make great-tasting pour-over coffee with fewer beans

By Cat Ellis published 12 April 25

Brewing coffee is all about extraction, and the right kettle will help enormously. Here's how to choose one.

Nespresso's new sweet vanilla decaf pods could make coffee my new favorite bedtime drink

By Cat Ellis published 11 April 25

It tastes as comforting as cocoa, and won't keep you up at night.

Philips Hue's new SmartThings integration

Your Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is getting a big software update, and it's good news for gamers

By Cat Ellis published 9 April 25

The latest update fixes bugs and should improve performance for PS5 owners.

Person cooking 10 burgers using Ninja Sizzle Pro XL indoor grill

Ninja's new indoor grill lets you cook 10 burgers at once and doesn't need scrubbing afterward

By Cat Ellis published 9 April 25

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL gives you a huge cooking space, and it's a piece of cake to clean.

Nutribullet x McLaren blender with silhouette of F1 car in the background

Lights out and away we blend – McLaren and Nutribullet unveil new F1-themed blenders

By Cat Ellis published 9 April 25

Just add bananas, kale, and a little burnt rubber.

The Ninja Blast Max is so powerful it can obliterate frozen strawberries and even make kale smoothies delicious

By Cat Ellis published 7 April 25

It's the most powerful portable blender I've tested, and it makes light work of challenging ingredients.

Nespresso white chocolate and strawberry coffee pods

I didn't think white chocolate and strawberry coffee would work, but Nespresso's new pods proved me wrong

By Cat Ellis published 6 April 25

A coffee with both red fruit and creamy notes sounds strange, but it works much better than you might expect.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee maker on table with record player and mirror ball

Ninja's latest coffee machine takes away one of the biggest hassles of being a barista – and it's awesome

By Cat Ellis published 5 April 25

Getting the perfect grind size and fine-tuning it throughout the day used to be a real headache.

Philips Hue smart light bulbs illuminating blue in a lounge

Got Philips Hue lights? This free update gives you 8 new scenes for an instant makeover

By Cat Ellis published 4 April 25

The fresh bundle of themed presets will give your home a new look with a single tap.

The best smart plugs 2025: take control of any electrical appliance

By Cat Ellis last updated 2 April 25

Save energy and effort: automate your home effortlessly with the best smart plugs, tested and recommended by experts.

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