Articles by Carrie-Ann Skinner

Carrie-Ann Skinner was formerly Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has more than two decades of experience in both online and print journalism, with 13 years of that spent covering all-things tech. Carrie specializes in smart home devices such as smart plugs and smart lights, as well as large and small appliances including vacuum cleaners, air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee machines. Carrie is now a copy editor at PWC.

Articles by: Carrie-Ann Skinner

The Echo Dot sitting on a table next to a water bottle and a yoga mat.

How to change Alexa’s name to Ziggy on an Amazon Echo

By Hamish Hector published 5 August 22

Your Amazon Echo has a new name, so here's how to change it from Alexa to Ziggy.

Blink Outdoor home security camera outside in the rain

Blink vs Arlo: which home security system is best for you?

By Simon Hill last updated 26 July 22

We pit Blink vs Arlo to see how these cheaper surveillance camera systems measure up.

A Philips Hue color bulb on a blue background and a WiZ white bulb on a beige background

Philips Hue vs WiZ: which smart lights are right for your home?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 26 July 22

Philips Hue and WiZ are both smart lighting brands owned by Signify, but which should you choose for your smart home?

Juicers vs blenders: which is best for fresh produce based beverages?

By Sophie Bird last updated 26 July 22

Can a blender do the job of a juicer?

The Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) on a blue background and the Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) on a pink background

Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) vs Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen): which smart display should you buy?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 18 July 22

We pitted the Amazon Echo Show 8 (1st gen) against the Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd gen) to find out which smart display you should choose.

The Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance starter kit components of two bayonet fitting bulbs, a Hue Bridge, and Hue button on a blue background

Save a third on this Philips Hue smart light starter kit

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 March 22

The Philips Hue White and Colour Ambiance Starter Kit has been discounted by a third, offering a hefty saving

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni in its docking station on a hard floor

Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 March 22

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni is a robot vacuum and mop that can scrub away ground-in stains, as well as empty and clean itself – but how does it compare to rivals from iRobot?

The Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto IQ BN800UK on a khaki background

Save 25% on this Ninja Blender and Food processor in one

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 March 22

The Ninja 3-in-1 Food Processor with Auto-IQ has been discounted by 25%, offering a hefty saving.

The Innr Smart Bulb Color in a lamp next to a bunch of daffodils

Innr Smart Bulb Color review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 March 22

The Innr Smart Bulb color are simple to use smart lights, but how do they compare to rival Philips Hue?

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Magimix on a red background

This Nespresso coffee maker just got a massive 65% price cut

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 23 March 22

The Nespresso Vertuo Plus by Magimix has been heavily discounted, offering a hefty saving.

The Grind One Pod machine next to Grind pods on a kitchen countertop

Grind One Pod machine review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 23 March 22

The Grind One Pod machine accepts Nespresso ‘original’ capsules, but how does it compare to Nespresso-branded pod coffee makers?

The iRobot Roomba J7+ in a hall while a man and a dog enter the home

There’s a fundamental problem with loads of robot vacuums

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 22 March 22

Robot vacuums that have obstacle avoidance are game-changing

The components of the Coravin Sparkling wine preservation system next to an open bottle of prosecco and a glass of prosecco

Coravin Sparkling review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

This new sparkling wine preservation system is an expensive method by which to keep fizzy wine fresh, but is it worth the investment?

The top of the Miele Scout RX3 Vision HD

Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

The Miele Scout RX3 Home Vision HD is a powerful robot vacuum with a built-in camera that allows you to keep an eye on your home – but how does it compare to robovac rival, iRobot?

The front view of the Eufy Video Doorbell Dual on a white wall

Eufy Video Doorbell Dual review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

Recommended

The Eufy Video Doorbell Dual features two cameras, one of which points down, making it easy to view any deliveries to your home – but how does it compare to rivals from Ring and Arlo?

The Ninja Foodi Max 14-in-1 SmartLiid Multi-Cooker on a pink background

Grab this Instant Pot alternative that can air fry for its lowest price ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 March 22

The Ninja Foodi Max 14-in-1 SmartLid Multi-Cooker 7.5L OL650UK has been discounted by 26% offering a hefty saving.

A grilled cheese on a plate next to a butter knife

I made grilled cheese in an air fryer and it was better than ever

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 19 March 22

Love grilled cheese but struggle not to burn it? Then consider using an air fryer - it makes it easy to perfect this delicious treat.

The Dyson Airwrap 2022 on a beige background next to the original Dyson Airwrap on a khaki background

New Dyson Airwrap vs original Dyson Airwrap: How the hot air stylers compare

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 March 22

Dyson has unveiled a new version of its Airwrap styler, so how does this expensive hair-care tool stack up against the original version?

The Proscenic T22 air fryer on a pink background

Save almost 40% on this Proscenic air fryer for the next 48 hours only

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 18 March 22

The Proscenic T22 air fryer has been discounted by 38% offering a hefty saving

The Dyson Airwrap being used with the Cander Smmoothing Dryer to reduce flyaways

The new Dyson Airwrap means I can finally get salon-style hair at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 March 22

Updated The flyaway attachment that ships with the new Dyson Airwrap will make achieving a smooth, salon-worthy blow-dry at home much easier.

The Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Ionic AC motor hair dryer being held in a hand

Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Ionic AC motor hair dryer review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 March 22

The Hot Tools Pro Signature Salon Ionic AC motor hair dryer is a simple to use, affordable hair-care appliance – but how does it compare to rivals from GHD and Dyson?

The Dyson Airwrap being used to curl hair

Dyson’s new Airwrap fixes one of its biggest problems

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 March 22

The new Dyson Airwrap lets you change the airflow direction when curling hair rather than having to change the barrel.

The Revamp Progloss Airstyle 6-in-1Air Styler DR-1250 being held ready to use

Revamp Progloss Airstyle 6-in-1Air Styler DR-1250 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 March 22

Revamp’s Progloss Airstyle 6-in-1 Air Styler DR-1250 is a simple-to-use, hot-air hair styler that’s more affordable than the Dyson Airwrap. So how does it compare?