Cat Ellis

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

Young man and woman preparing fries using air fryer

Back-to-school cooking: the best air fryers for college students

By Cat Ellis published

We recommend the best air fryers if you're cooking on a student budget, and help you pick the perfect one for you.

Philips Hue Secure camera on a table

There's a big firmware update coming for your Philips Hue smart home setup

By Cat Ellis published

Hue Secure cameras are getting a bundle of new features and fixes, including improved package detection.

Person pressing Ring Battery Doorbell button

Ring's new video doorbell offers premium features for an entry-level price

By Cat Ellis published

The new Ring Battery Doorbell is available to pre-order now, with shipping due to start in early September.

Young girl looking at woman on interior screen of Smart Door Lock 2 Pro

Xiaomi's new smart lock offers 10 ways to open your front door, including AI facial recognition

By Cat Ellis published

Plus a high-res screen on the inside to show you who's calling.

Young woman wearing headphones drinking coffee

Back-to-school brews: the best coffee makers for college students

By Cat Ellis published

Compact and affordable coffee makers to keep you fuelled during long days of lectures.

Woman's hand adjusting Google Nest Thermostat 2020

Google Home's new interface is rolling out now, and you don't need the latest hardware to get it

By Cat Ellis published

Owners of old Google Nest and Ecobee thermostats have reported seeing the updated app.

The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen

Google Home app gets much-needed overhaul ready for new smart thermostat

By Cat Ellis published

Controlling your smart thermostat is about to get a lot more straightforward thanks to the simplified mobile app.

Man using coffee maker to make espresso

I took a barista class, and these are the most important lessons I learned for making perfect coffee at home

By Cat Ellis published

Coffee is very personal, and with these tips you'll have complete control over the flavor of your daily brew.

Home Depot Commercial Electric Smart Exhaust Fan installed in bathroom

It's a Bluetooth speaker, it's a color-changing smart light, it's a bathroom fan – and I think I want it

By Cat Ellis published

This multi-function vent is here to fill a watery niche in your smart home setup.

Nanoleaf Expo smart lighting around TV

Nanoleaf's new smart display cases show off your collectibles and sneakers with sound-reactive lighting

By Cat Ellis published

Plus screen mirroring, preset scenes, custom color palettes, or just plain white lighting if you prefer.

Xiaomi Motion Sensor 2S on wooden shelf

Burglars beware – this tiny motion sensor from Xiaomi can detect a hand wave from three meters away

By Cat Ellis published

The Motion Sensor 2S can also pick up subtle changes in light levels, and has a battery life of three years.

smeg espresso coffee maker

3 coffee maker mistakes that are ruining your morning brew, according to an expert

By Cat Ellis published

These problems are easy to fix, and will ensure a better-tasting cup of coffee every day.

Breville Oracle Jet coffee machine on kitchen counter

Breville's new all-in-one espresso machine grinds, froths, brews hot and cold – and has a price tag that'll roast your wallet

By Cat Ellis published

The Oracle Jet gives you real-time feedback to improve your coffee-making, but the $2,000 price may be tough to swallow.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 3)

New Google Nest smart thermostat leaks in TikTok unboxing video – and it's had a serious makeover

By Cat Ellis published

The Google Nest Learning Thermometer (4th Gen) is slimmer than ever, with a barely-there stainless steel case.

The Nest Learning Thermostat mounted on a wall being controlled by a woman

Leaked images show how Google's new smart thermostat will save you energy - and potentially cash

By Cat Ellis published

The new thermostat will calculate an efficient temperature for you home when you're away, and offer energy-saving tips.

KitchenAid colored bakeware in various shades on kitchen counter

Time to pre-heat your credit card – KitchenAid has launched a whole range of bakeware to match your stand mixer

By Cat Ellis published

There are 11 baking pans, trays, and sheets to choose from, in seven pastel and metallic shades.

Philips Hue Secure camera on a table

Your Philips Hue camera just got an AI-powered upgrade that will scare off burglars with an automatic 80dB siren

By Cat Ellis published

If you have a premium Philips Hue Secure plan, it can differentiate between animals, people, vehicles, and packages.

Ninja Luxe Café coffee machine on kitchen counter

Espresso, cold brew, or drip – Ninja's new three-in-one coffee machine does it all

By Cat Ellis published

The Ninja Luxe Café also has a hands-free milk frother that steams and whisks for the ideal texture.

Nest Learning Thermostat

New Google Nest thermostat leaks, alongside a long-overdue temperature sensor

By Cat Ellis published

The Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 4) could have a new touch interface, but will it have Matter integration?

Woman drinking from Nutribullet Flip blender

New Nutribullet Flip lets you drink smoothies directly from the blender without removing the lid

By Cat Ellis published

Plus a more powerful motor than most personal blenders to help it handle ice and frozen fruit.

Amazon Echo (2020)

People are using their Alexa speakers as glorified timers, and it's cost Amazon $25 billion – but is AI the answer?

By Cat Ellis published

The company sold devices at a loss, hoping people would use them to shop online, but the strategy didn't work.

Smeg BCC13 coffee machine on kitchen counter with pastries

Our favorite Smeg coffee machine now froths milk perfectly without a wand

By Cat Ellis published

The Smeg BCC13 bean-to-cup machine has an automatic milk frother to take the work out of achieving perfect foam.

Polaris Office screen grab

Polaris Office review

By Cat Ellis last updated

An impressive free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering a compelling value despite the occasional advertisement.

SoftMaker FreeOffice

SoftMaker FreeOffice review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Among the top free office suites available, FreeOffice has a well-crafted interface is designed to ease navigation, ensuring that users familiar with Microsoft Office can quickly adapt.

Fitbit Sense

Fitbit Sense review

By Cat Ellis last updated

Recommended

Updated The Fitbit Sense is a stylish, thoughtfully designed smartwatch to help you cope with the stress of life today.

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