Articles by Helen McCue, Freelance contributor

Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen and home appliances, and has written for some of the biggest home-related titles around. She has been reviewing small appliances, including blenders, air fryers, and vacuums for more than 15 years. When she's not busy testing the latest food and home gadgets, she enjoys DIY and gardening.

Articles by: Helen McCue

I test kitchen appliances for a living, and these are the top 6 blenders I recommend for everything from soup to slushies

By Cat Ellis last updated 2 September 25

Updated Powerful home blenders from big brands, tested with real recipes and rated for power, performance, and volume.

Split image of fries cooked in air fryer, front view of Ninja air fryer, and steak being cooked in air fryer with heat probe

The best air fryer 2025: quick and convenient fryers to feed a family

By Cat Ellis last updated 22 August 25

Updated Air fryers for quick meals in small spaces, tested by our team of experts in real-world conditions.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker

The best drip coffee maker 2025: delicious, fuss-free coffee, fast

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 August 25

Updated Drip coffee machines that will deliver consistently delicious, well brewed coffee - tested by us.

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.

Ninja Foodi Health Grill & Air Fryer review

By Helen McCue last updated 12 November 24

An air fryer that doubles as an indoor barbecue for chargrilled foods – but does it really work?

Miele Boost CX1 canister vacuum in reviewer's home

Miele Boost CX1 review: a compact canister vacuum suited to small homes

By Helen McCue last updated 28 October 24

The Miele Boost CX1 is surprisingly compact for a canister vacuum, but it doesn't have the power to deep clean carpets.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender with accessories on kitchen counter

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender review: one appliance that can do it all

By Helen McCue published 13 October 24

A a jack-of-trades kitchen appliance, but is it trying to be too many things?

The Cuisinart Expert Prep Pro food processor pictured against a pink background. The accessories storage case is pictured to its left, and the dicing accessory kit is pictured on its right. The stone-effect tabletop that it sits on has apples and bananas on.

Cuisinart 3.3L Expert Prep Pro review

By Helen McCue, Cesci Angell last updated 12 July 24

A large capacity food processor that has a lot to give, but it'll take up space.

A white colored KitchenAid 13 cup food processor photographed against a pink background, sitting on a great stone-effect surface. The food processor is surrounded by apples, oranges and a banana. The accessory storage caddy is pictured to the right of the processor, and the reversible grating disc is on the left.

KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L Food Processor review

By Helen McCue, Cesci Angell last updated 18 June 24

The KitchenAid 13 cup / 3.1L is a decent sized food processor with clever accessory storage.

Instant Infusion Brew coffee maker on kitchen counter

Instant Infusion Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker review: a simple and affordable coffee maker

By Helen McCue published 15 April 24

Should you buy a coffee maker from a brand known for its multi-cookers and air fryers? I tried this drip coffee maker from Instant to find out.

Dyson being used by a person for cleaning

How to clean a Dyson vacuum

By Helen McCue published 23 October 23

Our step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your Dyson vacuum.

Woman looking over a broken vacuum cleaner

How to fix a vacuum cleaner with no suction

By Helen McCue published 16 October 23

Is your vacuum losing suction? Don’t panic – you should be able to bring it back to live with these simple cleaning and maintenance steps.

How to buy a cordless vacuum

By Helen McCue published 2 October 23

Our top tips on how to buy a cordless vacuum, including the must-have features to look for

Vitamix vs. Nutribullet: we put them head-to-head

By Helen McCue published 15 August 23

When looking for a new blender should you go premium with Vitamix, or would a more affordable Nutribullet do the job?

Vitamix vs Blendtec: which of these premium blender brands is best for you?

By Helen McCue published 8 August 23

We pit the two premium blender brands, Vitamix and Blendtec against each other. Which is best for you?

ninja woodfire on patio next to a flower pot

Ninja Woodfire review: outdoor cooking without charcoal or gas

By Helen McCue published 21 May 23

Editor's Choice

Ninja breaks into the world of outdoor cooking with a clever multifunctional electric grill-style BBQ and smoker. We tried it out.

Carrots and parsnips cooked in an air fryer

3 ways an air fryer will help you to start eating healthy in 2023

By Helen McCue last updated 4 January 23

Get Fit for '23 Here’s how to transform your diet and get healthier by using an air fryer to cook all your favorite foods.

nutribullet smart touch lead image on techradar review

Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender review

By Helen McCue published 28 December 22

Nutribullet has added an upgraded full-size blender to its lineup, and we think it’s a big improvement on the previous model.

Vitamix vs Ninja: We put them head-to-head

By Helen McCue published 19 November 22

We're pitting Vitamix vs Ninja to help you decide which one is the best blender for you.

Moccasmaster during testing in the kitchen

Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee maker review

By Helen McCue published 16 November 22

Recommended

This expensive European coffee maker comes in a range of colors, but is its trendy design a case of style over substance?

Ultenic K20 review

By Helen McCue published 1 November 22

Ultenic makes only one other air fryer, so will its newly launched dual-drawer model be enough to compete with the big boys?

ShakeSphere Portable Blender E-Lid review

By Helen McCue published 10 October 22

It’s known for its manual shaker cups, but will ShakeSphere’s foray into the world of electrical blenders prove to be a hit?

Ultenic T10 review

By Helen McCue published 6 October 22

Can the self-emptying robot vacuum and mop from new brand Ultenic compete with leading rivals?

Image of Dualit Café Plus Capsule Machine during testing at home

Dualit Cafe Plus review

By Helen McCue last updated 3 October 22

We tried out this simple Nespresso coffee machine from Dualit. It’s easy to use, but isn’t for coffee connoisseurs.

Dualit eco press during use on counter top

Dualit’s new coffee machine offers a solution to the pod-recycling dilemma

By Helen McCue published 2 October 22

The EcoPress from Dualit makes it easier to recycle coffee capsules from home, but is it the best option?

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