Ruth Hamilton

Ruth Hamilton

Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

Dyson PencilWash in use

What exactly is the Dyson PencilWash, and should I buy one?

By Ruth Hamilton published

Dyson just launched an impossible-looking hard floor cleaner — here's what you need to know about the ultra-compact Dyson PencilWash.

Dyson PencilWash in use

Dyson just made the smallest wet cleaner I’ve ever seen — and the vacuum master claims it 'glides effortlessly and reaches where others can’t'

By Ruth Hamilton published

The new Dyson PencilWash is a powered wet floor cleaner packed into the size and shape of a manual mop.

Roomba in a living room

The iRobot takeover is complete – but it looks like the Roomba brand is clinging on to its US roots

By Ruth Hamilton published

Roomba's parent brand might have a new Chinese owner, but it's still a 'US-based global consumer robotics company'.

The Navimow X4 Series at CES 2026

Segway Navimow CEO on why it won't be 'simply piling on features' in its robot lawn mowers

By Ruth Hamilton published

Exclusive: 'I have always hoped that technology can truly be applied to people's daily needs.'

Person holding the Dyson Pencilvac Fluffycones (left) and the Pencilvac Fluffy in use (right)

Dyson just quietly launched a new PencilVac, and it solves the big problem I had with the original

By Ruth Hamilton published

The new PencilVac Fluffy keeps everything that's amazing about the original, and fixes it's one big issue – and it costs less, too.

Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum floorhead with headlamps illuminated

I tested a load of different Shark vacuum cleaners – these are the models I'd recommend

By Ruth Hamilton last updated

Whether your priority is powerful suction, a nimble build or advanced features, I've found a Shark vacuum for you.

Navimow i2 AWD robot mower in action on astroturf

'Today, the real standard is no longer simply 'wire-free' but 'senseless intelligence' – whether the robot can be like an invisible gardener' – Segway Navimow CEO on the changing focus of robot mowers

By Ruth Hamilton published

Exclusive: I chatted to the CEO of one of the leading lawnbot brands to get his take on the changing landscape of robot mowers.

The Shark FlexStyle, Dreame Airstyle Pro and Dyson Airwrap i.d. in reviewer's home

I've tested the best hair stylers on the market – these are my top picks for every budget

By Ruth Hamilton last updated

These talented multi-stylers managed to make me look put-together, with minimal effort and skill.

A Meaco compressor dehumidifier (left) and desiccant dehumidifier (right) in home settings

Desiccant vs compressor dehumidifier: 3 key differences you need to know

By Ruth Hamilton published

These two kinds of dehumidifier do the same job, but work in different ways.

VARMBLIXT donut lamp

IKEA's iconic 'donut' lamp has had a glow-up – here are the 5 coolest features, with insights from a brand exec

By Ruth Hamilton published

Exclusive: 'It felt like a really good place to show how smart features can genuinely improve everyday life.'

Ikea sensors and smart bulb

'We're still a home furnishing company, it's just that adding smart functionality can give our products superpowers': IKEA exec shares the brand's big smart home plans

By Ruth Hamilton published

Exclusive: 'In the long term we don't really see smart products as a segment at all.'

IKEA Varmblixt

'Most people won't buy it because they want a smart device, but because it’s a beautiful lamp' – IKEA exec on the secrets behind the new version of the brand's iconic donut lamp

By Ruth Hamilton published

One of IKEA's most popular products has had a glow-up – I got the low-down on the new-look donut lamp.

Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, PencilVac Fluffycones and Clean+Wash Hygiene

Dyson's new launches are proof that branching out isn't always a good thing

By Ruth Hamilton published

After reviewing Dyson's three new launches, I'm even more convinced that it should stick to what it's good at.

Dyson WashG1 (left) and Clean+Wash Hygiene (right)

Dyson just brought out a new hard-floor cleaner, and I'm sorry, but I prefer the old one – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published

In 'improving' its WashG1 hard floor cleaner, Dyson got rid of everything that made it great.

Dyson Pencilvac

Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones review: an incredible feat of engineering

By Ruth Hamilton published

Recommended

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones cleans really well, if you can resist waving it around like a Lightsaber.

Dyson PencilVac in tester's home

Dyson's ridiculously compact new vacuum is going to change the market forever – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published

The PencilVac prioritizes lightness over outright power, and that's a good thing.

Navimow i2 AWD robot mower in action on astroturf

Of all the new 2026 robot lawn mowers, these are the 3 I'm most excited to try out

By Ruth Hamilton published

There are plenty of excellent lawbots heading our way in 2026, but these 3 stand out from the crowd.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window

Are robot window cleaners any good? I tested one – here's what you need to know before you buy

By Ruth Hamilton published

If you're thinking of outsourcing your window cleaning to a robot-helper, read this first.

Segway Navimow i2 LiDAR mowing a yard

'It's literally worry-free' – Segway Navimow exec on the new technology that's going to take robot lawn mowers mainstream

By Ruth Hamilton published

This "foolproof" navigation tech is going to make lawnbots even more accessible.

Roborock Saros 10 navigating around tester's home

The 3 biggest lies robot vacuum brands are telling us, by a professional tester

By Ruth Hamilton published

Trying to see clearly through the marketing smoke and mirrors? Here are three big things to remember.

Close ups of two Dyson vacuums and a Dyson hair dryer

Dyson's biggest product innovations, ranked from game-changer to gimmick

By Ruth Hamilton published

I've tested most of Dyson's gadgets – these are the features that blew me away and the ones that turned out to be downgrades in disguise.

Detail shots of three different robot lawn mowers

I've seen most of 2026's new lawnbots, and these are the 3 major trends to look out for

By Ruth Hamilton published

Robot lawn mowers are getting a whole lot more capable — this looks like the year they'll finally go truly mainstream.

Dreame X60 robot vacuum (left) and Roborock Saros 20 (right)

I've seen most of 2026's new robot vacuums, and these are the 2 models I can't wait to try

By Ruth Hamilton published

These are my hot tips for the best robot vacuums of 2026.

xLean TR1 robot / manual vacuum

This shapeshifting cleaner can transform into a robot vacuum, a stick vacuum or a mop — and I almost couldn't believe my eyes

By Ruth Hamilton published

The xLean TR1 can learn your own cleaning techniques, and mimic them in robot mode.

Dyson PencilVac (left) and Narwal dupe (right)

Dyson's PencilVac only just went on sale, but there's already a dupe on its way — here's what we know about Narwal's ultra-slim vacuum

By Ruth Hamilton published

Narwal promises longer runtimes and more suction power – but I'm skeptical it can deliver.

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