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 Ninja QB3001 and the Ninja Auto IQ Blender BL480D next to each other

Blitzing battle: can you spend less and still get a brilliant blender on Black Friday?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 17 November 21

We tested the Nutri Ninja QB3001 against the Nutri Ninja Auto-iQ BL480D to find out which really is the brand’s best budget smoothie maker

The Amazon Echo Show 15 smart display mounted on a kitchen wall

The Amazon Echo 15 is now available to pre-order

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 November 21

The Amazon Echo Show 15, which was unveiled in September, is now available to pre-order and will ship on December 9.

Exclusive: Huge news for UK Echo users – Alexa is getting a new voice

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 November 21

After the option launched in the US earlier this year, Echo owners in the UK can now change Alexa’s voice to a deeper-sounding alternative.

Shark HyperAir hair dryer on a pink background

This Shark hair dryer is down to its lowest price ever in Amazon’s early Black Friday sale

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 16 November 21

Black Friday 2021 The Shark HyperAir IQ hair dryer has been discounted for the first time since it launched earlier this year, offering a hefty saving.

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera vs Ring Indoor Cam: Pick the right home security camera for you

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 November 21

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera and the Ring Indoor Cam can both be enlisted to keep an eye on your home when you’re not around. We round up the major differences between the two.

Google Nest Hub 2 vs Amazon Echo Show 8: pick the right smart display for you

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 November 21

The Google Nest Hub 2 and the Amazon Echo Show 8 are both competent smart displays for your home. We round up the major differences between the two.

Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) Vs Google Nest Hub Max: which smart display is for you?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 9 November 21

If you’re weighing up whether to buy a Google Nest Hub (2nd generation) or Google Nest Hub Max, we're here to help.

How to set an Alexa Emergency contact on your Echo to help protect a loved one

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 7 November 21

Using an Amazon Echo to call an emergency contact when you need help is easy when you know how, and could be a lifesaver for some.

The Amazon Echo Show 10 on a pink background on the left and the Amazon Echo Show 10 (2nd generation) on a blue background on the right

Amazon Echo Show 10 vs Echo Show 8 (2nd generation): which smart display is for you?

By Simon Hill, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 6 November 21

Versus If you’re weighing up whether to buy an Amazon Echo Show 10 or 8, we have the answers you need.

Ring Video Doorbell Pro vs Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: which smart doorbell should you choose?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 6 November 21

Versus Find out what’s new as we compare the Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2 with its predecessor and explain all the differences.

The side view of the Imou Bullet 2 mounted on a property

Imou Bullet 2 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 November 21

The Imou Bullet 2 is a weatherproof, mains-powered home security camera that records Full HD footage. How does it compare to rivals from Arlo and Ring?

The front view of the Instant Vortex Mini

Instant Vortex Mini review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 November 21

The Instant Vortex Mini is a more compact version of the brand’s Instant Vortex air fryer, and is great for singles and couples – but how does it compare to rivals from Philips and Ninja?

The De’Longhi La Specialista Arte in a home kitchen

This new De’Longhi coffee maker finally cuts out the worst part of making espresso at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 November 21

De’Longhi’s latest coffee machine comes with some simple accessories to make creating espresso at home far easier and less messy.

Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 Dual Pet & Car Cordless Vacuum Cleaner review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 2 November 21

The Vax ONEPWR Blade 4 Dual Pet & Car Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is lightweight and affordable, but how does it compare to rivals from Dyson and Shark?

The front view of the Imou A1 home security camera

Imou A1 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 2 November 21

An affordable indoor home security camera with a privacy shutter

The Gaggia Classic ready to brew an espresso on a kitchen countertop

Gaggia Classic review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 1 November 21

The Gaggia Classic is an expressive espresso machine that lets you experiment with brew time and different portafilters to ensure you can create an espresso to suit you

We ask a barista how to make coffee-shop worthy drinks at home

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 1 November 21

You can make coffee-shop standard hot drinks at home -this barista shares some of the tricks of the trade.

How to reset an Amazon Echo so you can donate it to friends or family

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 30 October 21

Resetting an Amazon Echo, either if it's not working properly or you’ve upgraded and are giving it away, is easy when you know how.

The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Max on a green background

Get this Eufy robot vacuum for its lowest price ever right now

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 27 October 21

The Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S Max has been discounted by almost a40%, offering a hefty saving.

The Ninja Personal Blender and Smoothie Maker QB3001 on a blue background

Seize this Ninja smoothie maker for its (almost) lowest price

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 26 October 21

The Ninja Nutri Slim Blender and Smoothie Maker QB3001UK has been discounted by 17%, offering a hefty saving.

The Ninja Foodi 9-in-1 electric pressure cooker OP350UK on a green background

Snap up this Instant Pot alternative for its almost lowest price

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 25 October 21

The Ninja Foodi Electric multi-cooker OP350UK has been discounted by 25%, offering a hefty saving.

The Facebook Portal Go on an orange background, the Facebook Portal on a red background

Facebook Portal Go vs Facebook Portal: which smart display should you buy this Black Friday?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 24 October 21

We tested the Facebook Portal Go against the Facebook Portal to find out which really is the brand’s best smart display.

the side view of the Google Nest Cam (Wired)

Google Nest Cam (wired) review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 20 October 21

The Google Nest Cam (wired) is the brand’s latest home security camera. It’s more affordable than other models, but still offers facial recognition smarts