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

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.

Person adjusting Philips Hue wireless camera on wall

Your Philips Hue cameras are getting a free upgrade to boost their battery life

By Cat Ellis published 31 March 25

The Philips Hue Secure battery camera is getting a big battery life improvement.

SwitchBot Blind Tilt mounted on window and in app

The SwitchBot Blind Tilt is a quick, easy and affordable way to control your blinds from your phone – no DIY necessary

By Cat Ellis published 29 March 25

I was thinking about buying smart blinds, but having tested this, I realize I don't need to.

Samsung two-door smart fridge in kitchen

Samsung's new AI smart fridge could stop you from accidentally wasting food, and I've seen it in action

By Cat Ellis published 28 March 25

A dual cooling system keeps food fresh, and AI suggests recipes for items expiring soon.

De'Longhi Linea Classic espresso machine on kitchen counter with hot and cold coffee drinks

I'm a qualified barista, and De'Longhi's latest espresso machine could be this year's best budget buy for coffee lovers

By Cat Ellis published 24 March 25

The Linea Classic has everything you need to brew delicious espresso, and won't break the bank.

De'Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine on kitchen counter

If your kitchen is as small as mine, the De'Longhi La Specialista Touch is one of the best espresso machines you can buy

By Cat Ellis published 23 March 25

Looking for your first espresso machine? The La Specialista Touch is a great choice, and can grow with you as you develop your skills.

Polar's latest software update might have finally convinced me to ditch my Garmin

By Cat Ellis published 23 March 25

TrainingPeaks has been invaluable in my marathon training, and now it's available on Polar devices too.

Nanoleaf PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip set up on gaming PC

This Nanoleaf light strip adds Ambilight-style illumination to your gaming setup – and it's amazingly cheap

By Cat Ellis published 21 March 25

The Nanoleaf PC Screen Mirror Lightstrip uses USB-C rather than a camera, meaning less latency than other systems.

Setting up your Philips Hue lights is now quicker and easier than ever thanks to the latest app update

By Cat Ellis published 21 March 25

You can use QR codes to add multiple lights and other devices to a room at once.

Smeg kettle and toaster in Jade Green on kitchen counter with spiced tea

Some of Smeg's best kitchen appliances just got a fresh new look, and I think I'm in love

By Cat Ellis published 20 March 25

The new Jade Green shade is like taking a plunge in a lagoon, and now I want to redecorate my whole kitchen.

Various SwitchBot smart home automation devices

Switchbot has totally redesigned its smart home hub – and it's great news for renters

By Cat Ellis published 17 March 25

The new hub has a physical dial, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

I love my Garmin watch, but there's one health feature I've always wished it had

By Cat Ellis published 16 March 25

I'm not a morning person, but this one tool could make waking up less of a chore.

The best Alexa speakers 2025: top smart speakers to control your home

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 March 25

Updated From Amazon to Sonos, these are the best smart speakers to bring the AI-powered Alexa into your smart home.

The best smart display 2025: top smart screens tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 March 25

Updated A smart display is the heart of your home, so make sure you choose the right one.

Person opening door fitted with Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen)

This renter-friendly smart lock fits over your existing door hardware, and costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published 12 March 25

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) can secure your door in just 1.5 seconds.

Two iPhones showing Apple HomeKit settings

Still using an iPad as a Home Hub? Bad news – Apple is about to end support for it

By Cat Ellis published 11 March 25

If you've been putting off upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture, you'll soon be forced to take the plunge.

Magimix food processor on purple background

The best food processor 2025: expert-tested processors from KitchenAid, Ninja, Magimix, and more

By Cat Ellis last updated 11 March 25

These are the best food processors for every kind of cook and every kind of kitchen, from big names including Ninja, Magimix, and KitchenAid.

Jura J10 coffee maker on kitchen counter

I wasn't a fan of syrup in coffee until I tried the Jura J10 espresso machine – here's why

By Cat Ellis published 9 March 25

The J10's cold brew and Sweet Foam options aren't just gimmicks; they deliver excellent results

Got Philips Hue lights? A free app update delivers these 3 improvements

By Cat Ellis published 5 March 25

Organizing your lights and keeping your home secure just got a lot easier.

Tado thermostat owners are hot and bothered after marketing study raises possibility of subscription fee

By Cat Ellis published 3 March 25

The company conducted a marketing study to test the waters, but it could go either way.

De’Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine with drinks on kitchen counter

De'Longhi's new bean-to-cup coffee machine could make you a milk-frothing maestro

By Cat Ellis published 1 March 25

Love a latte but struggle to make them at home? The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch might be the solution.

A collection of Amazon Echo devices on a grey background

Want to try Alexa+? Here are the Echo devices it'll work on

By Cat Ellis published 27 February 25

There's probably no need to replace your smart speakers (unless you really want to).

You can pay $19.99 a month for Alexa Plus – but why would you?

By Cat Ellis published 26 February 25

When Prime subscribers get it free, the standalone price is arbitrary.

Split image showing couple watching TV with purple Philips Hue lighting on the right, and TV with yellow Philips Hue lighting on the right

Your LG TV can now synchronize with Philips Hue lights without a pricey HDMI Sync Box

By Cat Ellis published 25 February 25

Make movies and games more immersive with the Hue Sync app – now available for LG TVs from 2024 onwards.

Cuisinart's Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is cheaper than the Ninja Creami Swirl, but is it as cool?

By Cat Ellis published 23 February 25

Affordable and simple to use – just keep a very close eye on it.

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