Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor, covering smart home tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, haircare and more. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights, find your ideal hair styler, or pick the espresso machine of your dreams, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

The color-changing Russell Hobbs Calm Kettle is giving me a moment of peace in the morning, and it's perfect for Christmas

By Cat Ellis published 1 November 25

Turn your first brew of the day into a minute of mindfulness with soothing sounds and shifting light effects.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

Need help buying the best phone for you? Here’s what the TechRadar experts use, and how to score a good deal

By Roland Moore-Colyer published 1 November 25

With the Black Friday deals already here, now's a great time to snap up a brilliant phone that has the TechRadar seal of approval.

Nespresso machine dispensing coffee, latte made using Nespresso machine, and Nespresso capsules

The 3 best Nespresso machines for delicious coffee in an instant, recommended by a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published 29 October 25

If you want your coffee as quickly as possible, a Nespresso machine could be exactly what you need, and these are three of the best.

Coffee grounds in brew basket, cup of drip coffee, and settings on drip coffee machine

The 3 best drip coffee machines for your kitchen, recommended by a qualified barista

By Cat Ellis published 27 October 25

The best batch brewers for preparing delicious drip coffee and keeping it hot and tasty for hours.

3 Comments

The Lavazza Assoluta adjusts its own brew settings to suit your beans, but does it make a good espresso?

By Cat Ellis published 26 October 25

An espresso machine that aims to take the trial-and-error out of espresso.

The chic Smeg ECF03 looks like it came straight out of the 1950s, and brews consistently great hot and cold espresso

By Cat Ellis published 24 October 25

The new ECF03 is the most stylish way to prepare your morning pick-me-up.

The Jura J10 is the next best thing to having a barista in your kitchen, and it's our Home Device of the Year 2025

By Cat Ellis published 21 October 25

If your regular coffee order needs a TL;DR, this is the machine for you.

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

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

By Cat Ellis last updated 21 October 25

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

Ninja Crispi Pro air fryer containing roast chicken beside a dish of bread rolls on a kitchen counter

Ninja's glass air fryer now comes in an XL size and four pretty colors – which one will you choose?

By Cat Ellis published 16 October 25

According to Ninja, the new Crispi Max can cook dinner for up to 10 people.

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.

6 Comments

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.

2 Comments

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.

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