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

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 5 June 25

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 4 June 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis published 3 June 25

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 2 June 25

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 1 June 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis published 1 June 25

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 29 May 25

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 29 May 25

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

Nespresso's pistachio vanilla coffee capsules are delicious over ice, and I can't stop drinking them

By Cat Ellis published 25 May 25

Served with plenty of ice and cold foamed milk, this might be Nespresso's tastiest flavor to date.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee maker in Trace Blue on kitchen counter

Ninja's best coffee maker just got a makeover, and it looks so good it's selling out already

By Cat Ellis published 22 May 25

The Ninja Luxe Café is now available in soft shades of blue and gray, and they're flying off the shelves

Nanoleaf's new indoor and outdoor smart lights are its funkiest designs to date

By Cat Ellis published 20 May 25

You can always rely on Nanoleaf for cool smart lighting, and the Rope Light and Solar Garden Lights look stunning.

Couple arriving home to find smart lights illuminated

Think smart home tech isn't for you? Here are 5 easy ways it could change your life

By Cat Ellis published 18 May 25

Smart home tech doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating, and it can help with everyday tasks in ways you might not have considered.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic coffee machine

The De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is an espresso machine with a personality, and after one week we're already best friends

By Cat Ellis published 17 May 25

The Primadonna Aromatic is the chattiest espresso machine I've ever used, and its charming patter has won me over.

Split image of Breville Luxe Brewer coffee maker and insulated carafe

Breville's new premium drip coffee maker promises quick cold-brew, more flavor, and less mess

By Cat Ellis published 16 May 25

The Breville Luxe Brewer lets you decide exactly how your coffee brews – and stops you spilling water on your counter.

Three smart light bulbs on purple background

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

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 May 25

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

Three different types of Philips Hue bulbs installed in homes

Philips Hue bulb types explained: choose the right lights for your home

By Cat Ellis published 11 May 25

There are three main types of Philips Hue lightbulbs, and we're here to help you understand the differences between them all.

KitchenAid's new juicer and food chopper will eliminate the tangle of cords in your cupboards

By Cat Ellis published 9 May 25

You cab use the same battery pack with all appliances in the KitchenAid Go series, from vacuums to blenders.

Ninja Luxe Café and Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machines side by side

Ninja Luxe Café vs Ninja Luxe Café Pro: choose your perfect coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published 7 May 25

We weigh up the differences between Ninja's flagship coffee machines to help you pick the one that's best for you.

Person using Fellow Espresso Series 1 coffee machine

I'm a certified barista, and Fellow has just launched the most exciting home espresso machine I've seen this year

By Cat Ellis published 6 May 25

The new Fellow Espresso Series 1 puts professional-grade features in your kitchen.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machine on kitchen counter with various coffee drinks

Ninja's best coffee maker just got an upgrade to make brewing the perfect espresso even easier

By Cat Ellis published 6 May 25

The automating tamping system applies even pressure to your ground coffee for optimal extraction and no mess.

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.

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