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

I took a barista class, and these are the most important lessons I learned for making perfect coffee at home

By Cat Ellis published 11 August 24

Coffee is very personal, and with these tips you'll have complete control over the flavor of your daily brew.

Home Depot Commercial Electric Smart Exhaust Fan installed in bathroom

It's a Bluetooth speaker, it's a color-changing smart light, it's a bathroom fan – and I think I want it

By Cat Ellis published 9 August 24

This multi-function vent is here to fill a watery niche in your smart home setup.

Nanoleaf's new smart display cases show off your collectibles and sneakers with sound-reactive lighting

By Cat Ellis published 8 August 24

Plus screen mirroring, preset scenes, custom color palettes, or just plain white lighting if you prefer.

Burglars beware – this tiny motion sensor from Xiaomi can detect a hand wave from three meters away

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 24

The Motion Sensor 2S can also pick up subtle changes in light levels, and has a battery life of three years.

3 coffee maker mistakes that are ruining your morning brew, according to an expert

By Cat Ellis published 3 August 24

These problems are easy to fix, and will ensure a better-tasting cup of coffee every day.

Breville Oracle Jet coffee machine on kitchen counter

Breville's new all-in-one espresso machine grinds, froths, brews hot and cold – and has a price tag that'll roast your wallet

By Cat Ellis published 2 August 24

The Oracle Jet gives you real-time feedback to improve your coffee-making, but the $2,000 price may be tough to swallow.

New Google Nest smart thermostat leaks in TikTok unboxing video – and it's had a serious makeover

By Cat Ellis published 1 August 24

The Google Nest Learning Thermometer (4th Gen) is slimmer than ever, with a barely-there stainless steel case.

The Nest Learning Thermostat mounted on a wall being controlled by a woman

Leaked images show how Google's new smart thermostat will save you energy - and potentially cash

By Cat Ellis published 29 July 24

The new thermostat will calculate an efficient temperature for you home when you're away, and offer energy-saving tips.

KitchenAid colored bakeware in various shades on kitchen counter

Time to pre-heat your credit card – KitchenAid has launched a whole range of bakeware to match your stand mixer

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 24

There are 11 baking pans, trays, and sheets to choose from, in seven pastel and metallic shades.

Your Philips Hue camera just got an AI-powered upgrade that will scare off burglars with an automatic 80dB siren

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 24

If you have a premium Philips Hue Secure plan, it can differentiate between animals, people, vehicles, and packages.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee machine on kitchen counter

Espresso, cold brew, or drip – Ninja's new three-in-one coffee machine does it all

By Cat Ellis published 25 July 24

The Ninja Luxe Café also has a hands-free milk frother that steams and whisks for the ideal texture.

New Google Nest thermostat leaks, alongside a long-overdue temperature sensor

By Cat Ellis published 25 July 24

The Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4) could have a new touch interface, but will it have Matter integration?

Woman drinking from Nutribullet Flip blender

New Nutribullet Flip lets you drink smoothies directly from the blender without removing the lid

By Cat Ellis published 24 July 24

Plus a more powerful motor than most personal blenders to help it handle ice and frozen fruit.

People are using their Alexa speakers as glorified timers, and it's cost Amazon $25 billion – but is AI the answer?

By Cat Ellis published 24 July 24

The company sold devices at a loss, hoping people would use them to shop online, but the strategy didn't work.

Smeg BCC13 coffee machine on kitchen counter with pastries

Our favorite Smeg coffee machine now froths milk perfectly without a wand

By Cat Ellis published 23 July 24

The Smeg BCC13 bean-to-cup machine has an automatic milk frother to take the work out of achieving perfect foam.

Polaris Office review

By Cat Ellis last updated 21 June 24

An impressive free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering a compelling value despite the occasional advertisement.

SoftMaker FreeOffice review

By Cat Ellis last updated 19 June 24

Among the top free office suites available, FreeOffice has a well-crafted interface is designed to ease navigation, ensuring that users familiar with Microsoft Office can quickly adapt.

Fitbit Sense review

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 January 24

Recommended

Updated The Fitbit Sense is a stylish, thoughtfully designed smartwatch to help you cope with the stress of life today.

Garmin Vivosmart 5 review

By Cat Ellis last updated 29 January 24

The Vivosmart 5 might look plain, but it's a very capable fitness tracker that collects an impressive array of fitness stats.

Running pod, headphones, and heart rate monitor on orange background

The best running gadgets 2023: top fitness tech to help you run better

By Cat Ellis last updated 12 April 23

Updated These fitness gadgets will take your running to the next level and make sure you're having fun in the process.

How to use Microsoft Video Editor: make movies with Windows's hidden video editing software

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 December 22

Microsoft Video Editor offers free video editing software from the Photos app. But how do you use Window's hidden movie-maker?

Garmin Instinct Solar review

By Cat Ellis last updated 7 December 22

Recommended

Updated The Garmin Instinct Solar might be utilitarian looking, but it's a high-performing, practical multi-sports GPS watch.

Fitbit Charge 5 with Lunar White band, and Fitbit Luxe with soft gold link bracelet

Fitbit Charge 5 vs Fitbit Luxe: the two most stylish Fitbits compared

By Cat Ellis last updated 7 December 22

If you want a new Fitbit, but aren't sure which of the latest models to choose, we're here to help.

Fitbit Luxe review

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 December 22

Recommended

Review Fitbit's new premium fitness tracker, the Fitbit Luxe is small and sleek, and a great choice for gym-going cardio fans.

Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3: Which is the best fitness watch for you?

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 December 22

Versus There are some big differences between the Fitbit Versa 2 vs Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches – we break it all down.

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