Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

Close up of handle section on Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum

'They're as robust as they can be while being comfortable for most users': a Dyson engineer reveals the brand's vacuum design ethos

By Ruth Hamilton published 2 January 26

Dyson vacuums consistently disappoint when it comes to comfort – I wanted to know why that is.

iRobot Roomba Combo Essential in reviewer's home

'Your data is not going to leave the US' – iRobot CEO reassures Roomba owners following takeover by Chinese company

By Ruth Hamilton published 1 January 26

Exclusive: CEO responds to iRobot co-founder's suggestion that Roomba data would be transferred to China.

Person holding Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum and Shark Detect Pro cordless

I've tested a bunch of Shark vacuums and they all have the same problem

By Ruth Hamilton published 1 January 26

In Shark's EOY report card, this is the area it should look to improve.

From robovacs for small homes to a Roomba for your lawn, here are 4 things we can expect to see from iRobot – according to the CEO

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 December 25

Exclusive: There are some intriguing plans for the original robot vacuum brand following recent company takeover.

Dyson's latest flagship vacuum isn't great – but these 2 particular innovations are genius

By Ruth Hamilton published 31 December 25

These innovations couldn't save the V16 – but they could shine in the next flagship vacuum.

Homes Editor holding two vacuums with auto empty docks in the background

Still emptying your own vacuum? You're about to be in the minority if the big brands have any say in it

By Ruth Hamilton published 30 December 25

You heard it here first – auto-empty docks are going to hit the mainstream in 2026.

Dyson has just released a vacuum that doesn't make any sense – here are 6 baffling questions about the PencilVac, answered

By Ruth Hamilton published 29 December 25

I've been using this vacuum for two weeks, and I've finally figured it all out.

The magnetic circular remote sits on the middle of the fan's grill.

We tested the best fans on the market – here are the models that came out on top

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 24 December 25

12 outstanding pedestal, tower and desk fans to keep you cool when the temperatures rise.

Person using Roborock F25 Ace Combo mop in a home with dogs running around

The best wet-dry vacuum cleaner: recommended by expert reviewers

By Jim McCauley last updated 24 December 25

We've tested a range of wet and dry vacuums from leading brands – here are the ones that came out on top.

The iRobot Roomba J7+ cleaning carpet next to a set of stairs

'There were many years of issues that led to the situation we're in' — iRobot CEO on why the failed Amazon deal can't be blamed for the company's issues

By Ruth Hamilton published 23 December 25

Exclusive Expensive processes and a failure to listen to the customer set iRobot on its downward trajectory, says its CEO.

'It's business as usual. The app is working, warranties will be honored' — iRobot CEO reassures Roomba owners following takeover

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 December 25

Your Roomba is not about to become an expensive doorstop, promises company boss.

Tester using Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum in living room

What's the best vacuum for deep carpet? I tested a bunch of options side by side – this one was the clear winner

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 December 25

Deep carpet requires a special kind of vacuum cleaner – and this model has what it takes.

'This is good news for us' – iRobot CEO on how the Picea takeover actually presents a bright new future for the robovac pioneers

By Ruth Hamilton published 19 December 25

Exclusive The headlines might be gloomy, but CEO Gary Cohen argues the outlook for iRobot is sunny.

Vacuum cleaner features ranked from 'essential' to 'unnecessary', by a professional tester

By Ruth Hamilton published 17 December 25

From headlamps to sliders, these are the features worth prioritizing, and those you can ignore.

I've been using Dyson's new ultra-light vacuum for two weeks – these are the pros and cons so far

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 December 25

Dyson shrank down all this vacuum's insides and squeezed them into the handle – so what's it like to use?

Dyson Clean+Wash Hygiene wet cleaner and WashG1 cleaner

Dyson's new wet floor cleaner improves on the last one in these 3 big ways – I can't wait to try it properly

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 December 25

The Clean+Wash Hygiene might be the lightest, most hands-off cleaner on the market.

Four Dyson cordless stick vacuums leaning against a sofa

I tested 4 of Dyson's best stick vacuums head to head – this is the one to buy, and the one to avoid

By Ruth Hamilton published 13 December 25

When it comes to Dyson vacuums, it turns out the newest models aren't always the best choice.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal vacuum with updated Hair screw tool, lifting pet hair from a velvet cushion

Which brand has the best pet hair tool? I tested a whole bunch – here are the results

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 December 25

If you need a tool to de-fuzz your sofa, these are the brands to buy.

Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum with lid off and dust cup removed

How much suction do you need on a robovac? Here's what I look for as a professional reviewer

By Ruth Hamilton published 10 December 25

When it comes to cleaning clout, it's not all about the suction specs – but there's still a minimum level you should look for.

Dyson V8 Cyclone vacuum cleaning fine dust from carpet

I was blown away by this basic Dyson vacuum's cleaning powers – and I'm wondering if modern vacs are over-engineered

By Ruth Hamilton published 9 December 25

The V8 Cyclone looks like a dinosaur compared to some modern vacuums I've tested, but it's also one of the most effective cleaners.

I'm a sucker for a vacuum with automated power adjustment – but it won't actually clean your floors better

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 December 25

There are more important things when it comes to cleaning power, but Auto modes still have their benefits.

Dreame Matrix10 Ultra robot vacuum mopping a wooden floor, with mop pad extended

Dreame's new robovac has the most advanced mop setup I've seen, and the jukebox-style mop dispenser is just the start of it

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 December 25

Germaphobes are going to go wild for this robovac's never-before-seen mop feature.

The best robot vacuum: top robovacs to keep every home dust-free

By Ruth Hamilton published 29 November 25

Updated Your guide to the top robot vacuums (and mops) for hassle-free cleaning, as recommended by experienced reviewers.

The best Shark vacuum cleaners: superb Shark cleaners for every household

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 17 November 25

We've tested the best Shark vacuums for every household, from versatile cordless stick vacs to powerful uprights.

Should I buy a Roomba in the Black Friday sales? No – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published 17 November 25

There are bound to be Roomba bargains this Black Friday, but you should approach with caution.

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