Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor, covering smart home tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, haircare and more. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights, find your ideal hair styler, or pick the espresso machine of your dreams, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed

I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning

By Cat Ellis published 11 August 25

Finally, a simulated sunrise that doesn't jolt me awake, and a nightlight that helps me drift off in minutes.

Person pressing button on coffee machine, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and coffee machine dispensing latte macchiato

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the top 3 automatic machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published 10 August 25

The best machines for perfect brews at the press of a button. Coffee doesn't get much easier than this.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The new Casabrews 5418 Pro is the tiniest espresso machine I've tested, but it packs an impressive punch

By Cat Ellis published 10 August 25

Could this little wonder take the title of "best budget espresso machine"?

The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer transformed my home cinema setup, and it makes a perfect wake-up light, too

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 25

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

BMW Boxer espresso machine on counter with espresso cups and coffee grinder

BMW has built a coffee maker out of a motorcycle engine – and it brews like a beast

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 25

The limited-edition Big Coffee Boxer will certainly be a conversation-starter, and it's a serious espresso machine if you've got money to burn.

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is the drip coffee maker I've been waiting for all my life

By Cat Ellis published 2 August 25

Drip coffee shouldn’t be complicated, and with this two-in-one hot and cold brewer, it isn’t.

4 Comments

Nespresso machine, manual espresso machine, and drip coffee machine

Need a coffee maker for college? I test them for a living, and these are my top 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 31 July 25

Don't get caught out by cheap, low-quality coffee makers – these three quality machines are compact, budget-friendly, and campus-ready.

Blink's new video doorbell can run for up to two years on the same set of AA batteries

By Cat Ellis published 30 July 25

Blink has launched a bundle of new budget-friendly devices to secure your home.

6 ways to brew better coffee at home, according to a certified coffee grader – and the most common coffee myths busted

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

When it comes to coffee, don't believe everything you hear – there are some common misunderstandings.

2 Comments

I went hands-on with the new Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal, and it might be the best drip coffee maker I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

With this smart filter machine, there'll be no more lukewarm brews.

I tested the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series, and it's the perfect espresso machine for one or two people

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 25

Great espresso and nicely textured milk at the press of a button – just be careful where you put your cup.

Breville Oracle Dual Boiler coffee maker on kitchen counter with drinks

Breville's new espresso machine can brew coffee and steam milk at the same time – and it's eye-wateringly expensive

By Cat Ellis published 23 July 25

The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler is launching first in Australia, and is the company's priciest machine to date.

I went hands-on with the Thermomix TM7 – the all-in-one appliance that can cook just about anything

By Cat Ellis published 21 July 25

From stews to salads and even sorbets, this super multi-cooker can do it all.

5 Comments

Not a morning person? These 5 smart home tips and automations will take the pain out of early starts

By Cat Ellis published 19 July 25

Stop hitting 'snooze' – this smart tech will help you beat the morning slump.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod smart speakers

The best smart speaker: for Google, Alexa and Siri

By Cat Ellis last updated 18 July 25

Updated Whatever smart home ecosystem you use, our experts have picked the best smart speaker for you.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte with heart in gray ceramic cup, and espresso pouring into glass cup

I'm a trained barista, and these are the 3 best espresso machines I've tested so far this year

By Cat Ellis published 6 July 25

Whether you want a delicious shot of black espresso, or your order is so complex it makes grown baristas cry, I've got the machine for you.

6 Comments

A Nintendo Switch 2 next to hands holding the Sigma BF and a B&O Bluetooth speaker sitting on a table

The best tech of 2025 so far – the 17 finest gadgets we've tested this year

By Mark Wilson published 5 July 25

TechRadar has spent days testing products across phones, TVs, laptops, cameras, smartwatches and more in 2025. These are the best ones we've reviewed so far this year.

Coffee being dispensed into a measuring cup, a glass cup of espresso, and coffee beans in a coffee machine's hopper

I've tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, and these are the top 3 to keep you caffeinated on a budget

By Cat Ellis published 3 July 25

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great quality coffee maker, and these are my top recommendations.

5 Comments

This window-cleaning robot is a miracle-worker, and if it's on sale for Prime Day you should grab one ASAP

By Cat Ellis published 1 July 25

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni will make light work of even filthy windows, and with the right deal, it could be your smartest Prime Day purchase.

Pink smoothie in blender, pink smoothie in glass, and pink slushie in glass

Feeling the heat? These are the best 3 blenders for smoothies and slushies, recommended by a kitchen tech expert

By Cat Ellis last updated 1 July 25

Ice and frozen fruit are no match for these powerful personal blender, which will whip up refreshing drinks in moments.

Woman waking with Philips Hue smart lamp

‘What you can do now is quite amazing’: the company behind Philips Hue reveals how to get the most from your smart lights

By Cat Ellis published 29 June 25

Smart lighting isn't just about bulbs any more – and it can improve your life at home, indoors and out

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni got my filthy windows sparkling clean in minutes, and I can't quite believe it

By Cat Ellis published 28 June 25

It's not cheap, but this robot window cleaner really works, and it's incredibly simple to use.

A Tesla car, James Bonds and Samsung's foldable promo image

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Tesla finally launching robotaxis (kinda) to Samsung's foldables teaser

By Hamish Hector published 28 June 25

Here's the biggest tech news stories from Samsung, Amazon, Tesla, and more for June 28, 2025

Philips Hue Motion Sensor on wall, and detection alert in app

This tiny sensor will turn your Philips Hue lights into a home security system – and it's cheap too

By Cat Ellis published 27 June 25

Smart home week This affordable little device does double duty by controlling your smart lights hands-free and offering peace of mind while you're out.

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

By Cat Ellis published 26 June 25

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

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