Articles by 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

Split image of coffee beans, coffee machine dispensing milk, and latte macchiato made using home coffee machine

Shhh – I test coffee makers for a living, and theses are the top 4 quiet espresso machines I recommend

By Cat Ellis last updated 15 August 25

Does your bean-to-cup machine leave your ears ringing? Here are three quieter alternatives

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the top 3 subscription-free video doorbells I recommend

By Cat Ellis published 14 August 25

Don't get trapped in a payment plan – these doorbells will give you advanced features and local storage for your videos with no added fees.

Split image of two drip coffee makers, and a glass cup of espresso

BPA-free, glass, and metal – the top 3 toxin-free coffee makers recommended by a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published 13 August 25

Avoid potentially harmful BPA with this selection of top-performing drip and espresso machines.

Split image of three home security cameras

I'm a smart home tech reviewer, and these are the top 3 subscription-free home security cameras I recommend

By Cat Ellis published 12 August 25

Don't pay extra to store your videos and unlock extra security features – these smart cams do it all as standard.

Two women drinking coffee, looking disgusted

Is your coffee machine a health hazard? 6 tips to keep it clean and fresh, from a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published 12 August 25

Automatic espresso machines can make a lovely warm, damp environment for nasties if not properly cared for.

Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed

I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning

By Cat Ellis published 11 August 25

Finally, a simulated sunrise that doesn't jolt me awake, and a nightlight that helps me drift off in minutes.

Person pressing button on coffee machine, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and coffee machine dispensing latte macchiato

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the top 3 automatic machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published 10 August 25

The best machines for perfect brews at the press of a button. Coffee doesn't get much easier than this.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The new Casabrews 5418 Pro is the tiniest espresso machine I've tested, but it packs an impressive punch

By Cat Ellis published 10 August 25

Could this little wonder take the title of "best budget espresso machine"?

The best home security cameras 2025: indoor, outdoor, and subscription-free cams

By Cat Ellis last updated 8 August 25

Updated We've tested masses of security cameras in our own homes to bring you this guide to the very best.

Ground coffee in portafilter, automatic espresso machine dispensing espresso, and caffe latte in glass cup

The best coffee maker 2025: espresso and filter made easy

By Cat Ellis last updated 8 August 25

Updated Coffee makers that you can rely on to produce consistently delicious results, whatever style you prefer.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker

The best drip coffee maker 2025: delicious, fuss-free coffee, fast

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 August 25

Updated Drip coffee machines that will deliver consistently delicious, well brewed coffee - tested by us.

Three juicers being used to prepare fresh fruit juice

The best juicer 2025: tested for juice yield, smoothness, and ease of use

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 August 25

Updated Our expert team have juiced buckets of produce to bring you this list of the very best centrifugal and cold press juicers around.

The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer transformed my home cinema setup, and it makes a perfect wake-up light, too

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 25

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

Stew cooking in Instant Pot, Instant Pot on kitchen counter with ingredients, and fries cooked in Instant Pot

The best Instant Pot 2025: versatile multi-cookers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated 6 August 25

Updated Our experts have picked the best Instant Pot multi-cookers for every kitchen.

BMW Boxer espresso machine on counter with espresso cups and coffee grinder

BMW has built a coffee maker out of a motorcycle engine – and it brews like a beast

By Cat Ellis published 6 August 25

The limited-edition Big Coffee Boxer will certainly be a conversation-starter, and it's a serious espresso machine if you've got money to burn.

Brew settings on drip coffee maker, cup of black coffee, and coffee dripping into carafe

I'm a qualified barista, and these are the 3 drip coffee machines I'd buy with my own money

By Cat Ellis published 3 August 25

The best batch brewers for preparing delicious drip coffee and keeping it hot and tasty for hours.

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is the drip coffee maker I've been waiting for all my life

By Cat Ellis published 2 August 25

Drip coffee shouldn’t be complicated, and with this two-in-one hot and cold brewer, it isn’t.

Nespresso machine, manual espresso machine, and drip coffee machine

Need a coffee maker for college? I test them for a living, and these are my top 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 31 July 25

Don't get caught out by cheap, low-quality coffee makers – these three quality machines are compact, budget-friendly, and campus-ready.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte macchiato, and person's hand using bean-to-cup coffee machine

The best bean-to-cup coffee machine 2025: quick and convenient coffee makers tested

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 July 25

Updated We've tested the best bean-to-cup coffee machines to find the best options from De'Longhi, Breville, Ninja, Gaggia and more.

Split image showing two different smart thermostats being adjusted by hand

The best smart thermostat 2025: the easy way to make your heating more efficient

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 July 25

Updated We've tested the best smart thermostats from top brands to find the smartest ways to heat and cool your home.

Blink's new video doorbell can run for up to two years on the same set of AA batteries

By Cat Ellis published 30 July 25

Blink has launched a bundle of new budget-friendly devices to secure your home.

6 ways to brew better coffee at home, according to a certified coffee grader – and the most common coffee myths busted

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

When it comes to coffee, don't believe everything you hear – there are some common misunderstandings.

I went hands-on with the new Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal, and it might be the best drip coffee maker I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

With this smart filter machine, there'll be no more lukewarm brews.

I tested the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series, and it's the perfect espresso machine for one or two people

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 25

Great espresso and nicely textured milk at the press of a button – just be careful where you put your cup.

Smoothie ingredients, protein smoothie in blender, and protein smoothie in glass with straw

The best blender 2025: Ninja, Vitamix, Nutribullet and more

By Cat Ellis last updated 24 July 25

Updated Powerful home blenders from all the big brands, tested and rated by kitchen experts.

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