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

Couple arriving home to find smart lights illuminated

Think smart home tech isn't for you? Here are 5 easy ways it could change your life

By Cat Ellis published 18 May 25

Smart home tech doesn't have to be complicated or intimidating, and it can help with everyday tasks in ways you might not have considered.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic coffee machine

The De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic is an espresso machine with a personality, and after one week we're already best friends

By Cat Ellis published 17 May 25

The Primadonna Aromatic is the chattiest espresso machine I've ever used, and its charming patter has won me over.

Split image of Breville Luxe Brewer coffee maker and insulated carafe

Breville's new premium drip coffee maker promises quick cold-brew, more flavor, and less mess

By Cat Ellis published 16 May 25

The Breville Luxe Brewer lets you decide exactly how your coffee brews – and stops you spilling water on your counter.

Three smart light bulbs on purple background

The best smart lights 2025: light up your life with smart bulbs and lamps

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 May 25

Updated We've tested the best smart light bulbs and light panels from all the big brands including Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.

Three different types of Philips Hue bulbs installed in homes

Philips Hue bulb types explained: choose the right lights for your home

By Cat Ellis published 11 May 25

There are three main types of Philips Hue lightbulbs, and we're here to help you understand the differences between them all.

KitchenAid's new juicer and food chopper will eliminate the tangle of cords in your cupboards

By Cat Ellis published 9 May 25

You cab use the same battery pack with all appliances in the KitchenAid Go series, from vacuums to blenders.

Ninja Luxe Café and Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machines side by side

Ninja Luxe Café vs Ninja Luxe Café Pro: choose your perfect coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published 7 May 25

We weigh up the differences between Ninja's flagship coffee machines to help you pick the one that's best for you.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machine on kitchen counter with various coffee drinks

Ninja's best coffee maker just got an upgrade to make brewing the perfect espresso even easier

By Cat Ellis published 6 May 25

The automating tamping system applies even pressure to your ground coffee for optimal extraction and no mess.

What are ESE coffee pods? Everything you need to know about these quick alternatives to freshly ground coffee

By Cat Ellis published 5 May 25

Want a quicker espresso at home? Nespresso and K-Cups aren't your only options.

The Philips Barista Brew espresso machine is good-looking and well priced, but it's challenging to master (and a bit messy, too)

By Cat Ellis published 4 May 25

A machine that can brew consistently good espresso, but only once you've overcome its idiosyncrasies.

The best smart locks 2025: keyless security systems tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 1 May 25

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

WiZ TV Sync Box with backlight behind TV

If the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is too expensive, this new budget-friendly alternative from WiZ could be exactly what you need

By Cat Ellis published 30 April 25

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is less than half the price of Philips' box, and comes with a light strip included.

Thanks to this super cheap robot vacuum, I no longer want to rip out my kitchen floor

By Cat Ellis published 27 April 25

If you're also regretting your interior design choices, the solution is cheaper than you might expect.

A Fairphjone, Insta360 X5 camera and LG TV next to ecah other.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from your LG becoming an Xbox to the new Insta360 X5 camera

By Hamish Hector published 26 April 25

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Insta360, LG, Xbox, Alexa+, and more for April 26, 2025.

Woman detaching Philips Hue Smart Button from base stuck on nightstand

Got Philips Hue lights? This new customizable button could make them even smarter

By Cat Ellis published 25 April 25

There's a new version of the miniature controller launching soon.

Best free ebook reader in 2025: read your favorite books online

By Philip Berne last updated 24 April 25

Updated TechRadar presents a definitive list of the best free ebook readers available on PC, Mac, and mobile right now.

Alexa+ early adopter gives their thoughts: "Old Alexa was hot garbage but this new one was a pleasant surprise"

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

The AI assistant handles natural speech well, but it's still being used as a fancy egg timer.

Roku Battery Camera (right) and Battery Camera Plus (left) on table

Roku's new wireless security cameras will guard your home for up to two years on a single charge

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Weatherproof cameras that let you watch over your home from your phone or TV.

Split image showing retrofit smart lock, curtain puller, and switch pusher

Build a zero-waste smart home by automating your existing hardware

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Don't replace it – just upgrade it

Best free program to speed up your PC in 2025: optimizations to improve performance

By Cat Ellis last updated 23 April 25

Updated Presenting TechRadar's list of the best free programs to speed up your PC in 2025.

Nespresso Vertuo pods and boxes on kitchen counter with green graphic reading 'Sustainability Week'

How are Nespresso coffee pods recycled? Discover what happens behind the scenes

By Cat Ellis published 22 April 25

Coffee capsules are quick and convenient, but make more waste than fresh grounds – so what happens to it?

Eufy's new smart lock reads the veins in your palm for touchless entry – even if your hands are dirty

By Cat Ellis published 17 April 25

With 2K video, wide-angle recording, and AI to detect potential porch pirates.

I have Philips Hue lights everywhere in my home, and this is what I want to see from its AI assistant

By Cat Ellis published 13 April 25

Signify has been tight-lipped about the details of AI for Philips Hue, but here's my wishlist.

Person pouring water onto V60 coffee filter using gooseneck kettle

With this simple gadget, you can make great-tasting pour-over coffee with fewer beans

By Cat Ellis published 12 April 25

Brewing coffee is all about extraction, and the right kettle will help enormously. Here's how to choose one.

Nespresso's new sweet vanilla decaf pods could make coffee my new favorite bedtime drink

By Cat Ellis published 11 April 25

It tastes as comforting as cocoa, and won't keep you up at night.

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