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

Google Nest Learning Thermostat with seasonal poppy face

These pretty new Nest Learning Thermostat faces will turn your temperature controller into a work of art

By Cat Ellis published 14 October 25

The new Farsight faces will be displayed when you're within about 20 feet of the thermostat.

Since the Ninja Prestige DualBrew coffee maker came into my life, I'm finally becoming a morning person

By Cat Ellis published 12 October 25

The quickest and easiest way to get caffeine into your groggy system.

Split image of espresso in cup, person using espresso machine, and ground espresso beans in portafilter

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the 3 best espresso machines I've used this year

By Cat Ellis published 5 October 25

Whatever your budget and level of experience, I have the perfect espresso machine for your kitchen.

The new Google Home Speaker comes in some fun color options in the US, but elsewhere it's gray all the way

By Cat Ellis published 2 October 25

Not in North America? You're missing out on funky colored speaker and cameras, as well as the new Nest Doorbell.

Nest isn’t dead – Google takes on Ring with new AI-powered video doorbell and security cameras

By Cat Ellis published 1 October 25

Google's new doorbell and cameras boast 2K resolution and Gemini-powered smarts, but is that enough to keep pace with Ring?

Amazon’s big hardware event as it happened – four new Echo devices, Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, Alexa+, new Ring doorbells and more

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 September 25

Amazon's 2025 hardware event is happening today, and we're bringing you all the announcements as soon as they happen.

A color Amazon Kindle next to an Amazon Fire TV showing Maverick from Top Gun, next to some Amazon Echo Buds

New Echos and Kindles are coming tomorrow – 5 things to expect from Amazon's big 2025 hardware launch

By Mark Wilson last updated 29 September 25

Amazon has shared an invite for a major product launch on September 30 – here's what we think is coming based on its revealing teaser.

Small but perfectly formed, the De'Longhi Dedica Duo is my new favorite entry-level espresso machine

By Cat Ellis published 29 September 25

A stylish little espresso machine with an affordable price tag that delivers consistently great results, whether you're brewing hot or cold.

I test coffee machines for a living, and the Sage Luxe Thermal Brewer is my favorite so far this year – here's why

By Cat Ellis published 28 September 25

If you're in the market for a drip coffee machine, this one should be at the top of your shortlist.

Smeg ECF03 coffee machine on counter with coffee drinks

Smeg's new 2-in-1 coffee machine makes smooth cold-brewed espresso in just two minutes – and it looks stunning

By Cat Ellis published 25 September 25

The 1960s-style Smeg ECF03 comes in six colors, so you can pick the one that'll suit your kitchen best.

The best Alexa speakers 2025: top smart speakers to control your home

By Cat Ellis last updated 22 September 25

Updated From Amazon to Sonos, these are the best smart speakers to bring the AI-powered Alexa into your smart home.

Montage of three video doorbells mounted beside doors

I'm a smart home tech editor, and these are the best 3 video doorbells with chimes you can buy today

By Cat Ellis published 21 September 25

Video doorbells that come bundled with plug-in chimes so you never miss another caller.

Composite image of three wireless home security cameras

I review smart home tech for a living, and these are my top 3 wireless security cameras for every budget

By Cat Ellis published 18 September 25

Secure your home today without paying for professional installation.

Split image of De'Longhi Dedica Duo and De'Longhi Dedica Style coffee machines

De'Longhi Dedica Duo vs De'Longhi Dedica Style – which is the right entry-level espresso machine for you?

By Cat Ellis published 17 September 25

Looking for a compact, entry-level coffee machine? I'll help you pick the best one for your kitchen.

Split image of three De'Longhi coffee machines

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the 3 best De'Longhi espresso machines I recommend

By Cat Ellis published 17 September 25

De'Longhi espresso machines are top-notch, but choosing the right one for you can be daunting.

KitchenAid stand mixer with wooden bowl in Porcelain White

KitchenAid's enormously popular wooden bowl stand mixer is back – and I think it looks better than ever

By Cat Ellis published 16 September 25

The updated Artisan mixer has the same natural walnut wood accents, with a fresh new Porcelain White color scheme.

Split image of Lavazza Assoluta Bean-to-Cup coffee machine and Lavazza mobile app

Lavazza's smart new coffee machine automatically adjusts its settings to suit your beans – and it looks stunning too

By Cat Ellis published 16 September 25

The Lavazza Assoluta looks amazing, and I can't wait to test it in my own kitchen.

Montage of Philips, De'Longhi, and KitchenAid coffee machines

The best 3 espresso machines for beginners, recommended by a qualified barista

By Cat Ellis published 16 September 25

Never used an espresso machine before? Don't be intimidated – these three machines make it as easy as pie.

Montage of three wireless video doorbells

I'm a smart home tech editor, and these are the 3 best wireless video doorbells that you can install in minutes

By Cat Ellis published 15 September 25

Home security doesn't have to be complicated – these top-notch video doorbells can be installed in a couple of minutes each.

Brewing hot and cold espresso is a piece of cake with the cute little De'Longhi Dedica Duo – and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published 7 September 25

I thought the Dedica Style couldn't be beaten, but it looks like I might have been wrong.

Split image of three super-automatic espresso machines

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 super-automatic espresso machines I recommend for one-touch brewing

By Cat Ellis published 7 September 25

It's time to wave goodbye to your neighborhood barista – soon you'll be brewing cafe-quality coffee at home with zero effort.

Best of IFA 2025 awards – our 15 favorite tech reveals at the show, from next-gen TVs to stair-climbing robo-vacs

By Matt Bolton published 5 September 25

From hybrid gaming laptops to AI home robots to elite turntables, IFA in Berlin saw tech innovations of all kinds.

Reolink TrackFlexFloodlight WiFi camera mounted on exterior wall

Reolink's new subscription-free security camera protects your home with 360-degree coverage and super-bright floodlights

By Cat Ellis published 5 September 25

Reolink is also launching AI-powered search so you can use natural language to find a specific moment, with no extra fees.

Swann's latest home security camera will protect your home with 4K footage and sharp night vision – and it's subscription-free

By Cat Ellis published 5 September 25

There's a new entry-level version of the MaxRanger4K, with a more compact design and the same sharp recording.

The Philips Hue Bridge Pro is finally on sale, but there's something you should know before you buy one

By Cat Ellis published 4 September 25

The Bridge Pro can support three times as many lights as the Bridge V2, but there's a temporary snag.

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