Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Lavazza A Modo Mio Deséa coffee maker with coffee capsules and plant on kitchen counter

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Deséa makes delicious espresso and a decent cappuccino – if you use the right milk

By Cat Ellis Published 18 January 26

This little capsule coffee maker is whisper-quiet and compact enough to find a home in even the smallest kitchen, but its milk system holds it back.

Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg coffee maker on kitchen counter with espresso cups, box of coffee pods, and plant

Want delicious, quality espresso with the convenience of pods? After two weeks of testing, I can say the Lavazza A Modo Mio Smeg is the coffee maker for you

By Cat Ellis Published 17 January 26

This chic espresso machine isn't the cheapest capsule coffee maker around, but it's definitely one of the best.

Got a Nespresso machine? These 5 tricks and tips will help you make the most of it, and enjoy better-tasting coffee every morning

By Cat Ellis Published 15 January 26

Are you getting the best possible flavor from your Nespresso capsules? This quick guide will help ensure that you do.

Split image of IKEA Gatebo microwave on kitchen counter, and close-up of vegetables cooking inside microwave

IKEA just launched a budget-friendly air fryer and microwave combo, and it might be the only cooking appliance your tiny kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published 15 January 26

Imagine what you could do with all that extra space

Two woman wearing Garmin Lily 2 Active watches, with badge reading 'Get fit for '26'

I just traded in my Polar running watch for a Garmin after learning a rather expensive lesson

By Cat Ellis Published 9 January 26

Just because two devices should be compatible in theory, that doesn't necessarily mean they are.

Split image of Philips Hue Essential and Lifx Everyday smart light bulbs in concrete lamps

I love the new Philips Hue Essential smart bulbs, but how do the new Lifx Everyday lights compare?

By Cat Ellis Published 8 January 26

CES 2026 Lifx has followed in Hue's footsteps with a new line of cheap and very cheerful bulbs, but which ones should be brightening your home?

IKEA just revealed a new donut-shaped smart light – and it'll look sweet on your tables or walls

By Cat Ellis Published 7 January 26

CES 2026 The lights can be controlled using a remote, or connected to IKEA's Wi-Fi hub and linked to your smart home system.

Split image of Ring door sensor, glass break sensor, and smart light switch

Your Ring doorbell and cameras are getting a huge upgrade with AI-powered warnings when something looks unusual

By Cat Ellis Published 7 January 26

CES 2026 Ring launches new AI alerts, plus a collection of sensors to detect break-ins, floods, carbon monoxide, and much more.

Philips Hue lighting scene with and without Hue SpatialAware

The Philips Hue app can now customize lighting scenes so they suit the layout of your rooms

By Cat Ellis Published 7 January 26

Hue SpatialAware is a new augmented reality feature that considers the location of your bulbs and lamps when applying a scene.

Wireless charging, super-fast unlocking, and built-in solar panels – the next generation of smart locks from CES 2026

By Cat Ellis Published 6 January 26

CES 2026 Home security is a hot topic at CES, with locks that are smarter, more secure, and simpler to use than ever.

2 Comments

CES 2025 live: all the latest news from the world's biggest tech show

By Mark Wilson last updated 5 January 26

CES 2025 is now well underway and we're live at the show – here's all of the latest tech news.

How to give your air fryer a deep clean, and keep it looking – and cooking – like new

By Cat Ellis Published 4 January 26

Air fryers don't use much oil, but they still get greasy. Thankfully, getting them clean again is a piece of cake.

Philips Hue Essential bulb next to Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance bulb, both on dimmest setting

Philips Hue Essential lights are spectacular value, but the originals outshine them in one key way

By Cat Ellis Published 29 December 25

Hue Essential bulbs are just as good as the originals in most situations, provided you don't need to dial the brightness right down.

Jura J10 machine dispensing cold extracted espresso

I've reviewed over a dozen coffee makers this year, and these are my 3 favorites from 2025

By Cat Ellis Published 23 December 25

Three outstanding options to help you through the daily grind

2 Comments

Split image of three home security cameras

Want a home security camera without a subscription? I test smart home tech for a living, and these are my 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis Published 23 December 25

These feature-packed home security cameras offer crisp 4K footage, solar charging, local storage for your videos, and AI smarts too – with no extra fees.

Split image of fries cooked using air fryer, Ninja 5-in-1 air fryer, and burger cooked using air fryer

Looking for a Ninja air fryer? I test them for a living, and these are the 3 I'd buy for my own kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 21 December 25

Whether you're cooking a side of fries or dinner for the whole family, there's a Ninja air fryer for your kitchen.

3 Comments

Split image of iced coffee, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and espresso cup on coffee maker drip tray

The 3 best De'Longhi coffee makers you can buy – recommended by a barista

By Cat Ellis Published 20 December 25

De'Longhi makes some of the best espresso machines I've ever used, and these are my top picks.

7 Comments

Your Ring doorbell can now use Alexa+ to identify who's calling and give them an appropriate greeting

By Cat Ellis Published 18 December 25

Alexa+ Greetings can recognize and give instructions to delivery people, greet friends and family, and (politely) turn away cold callers.

Looking for a cheap coffee maker? I'm a trained barista and these are my three top recommendations

By Cat Ellis Published 16 December 25

The cost of takeout coffee has rocketed, so pick up one of these excellent budget brewers and save cash by making your own at home.

This home security cam monitors your property 24/7 with 'unlimited' battery life – and it costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis Published 15 December 25

IMOU's latest point-and-tilt camera uses a solar panel, high-capacity battery, and power-efficient recording for constant surveillance.

Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly coffee maker with caffe latte

The Bosch Tassimo Finesse Friendly is a super affordable coffee maker, but beware – there's a catch that means it could cost you in the long run

By Cat Ellis Published 13 December 25

Looking for a cheap and cheerful coffee maker? The Finesse Friendly could be the one for you, but mind how much you're spending on pods.

Split image of three drip coffee makers on kitchen counter

Want a new drip coffee maker? I'm a trained barista, and these are my 3 top recommendations for your kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 9 December 25

Upgrade your mornings with a new brewer for perfect pour-over every time.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

Want a cheap Ring doorbell alternative? I'm a smart home tech expert, and these are the 3 I recommend

By Cat Ellis Published 7 December 25

Affordable video doorbells with no subscription fees

Coffee maker dispensing steamed milk into glass cup

Love lattes? I test coffee makers for a living and these are my top 3 recommendations for the creamiest drinks

By Cat Ellis Published 3 December 25

Tired of paying a premium for take-out lattes? These three coffee makers will handle all the prep for you.

2 Comments

Lavazza Assoluta coffee machine with drink and two bags of coffee

The Lavazza Assoluta is a quirky coffee machine that adjusts its own settings to suit your beans – provided you buy the right ones

By Cat Ellis Published 16 November 25

If you don't mind sticking with Lavazza's own beans, the Assoluta will deliver consistently well-extracted coffee every morning.

Cat Ellis

Articles by: Cat Ellis

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