Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

People's hands adjusting Hive Thermostat (left) and Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which are number four and number one in our guide respectively

The best smart thermostat 2026: the easy way to make your heating more efficient

By Cat Ellis last updated 2 November 26

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

Split image of ground coffee in a paper filter, espresso machine dispensing espresso, and person's hand adjusting brew settings on a coffee maker

Looking for a non-toxic coffee maker? I'm a certified barista, and these are my top 3 BPA-free picks for great taste and peace of mind

By Cat Ellis Published 1 November 26

Certified BPA-free coffee makers are hard to find, but these 3 models from Ninja and Fellow make the grade — and brew exceptional espresso and drip coffee, too.

DJI brought its best drone-navigation tech down to earth with the DJI Romo P innovative robot vacuum — here's why it's our Home Device of the Year

By Cat Ellis Published 31 October 26

DJI's first robot vacuum delivers first-rate navigation and obstacle-detection, together with exceptional cleaning power.

Split image of Dreame Ecceluxe Go coffee maker, Wacaco Nanopresso coffee maker, and AeroPress coffee maker

Civilization may crumble, but bad coffee is optional — I test coffee makers for a living, and these off-grid espresso machines are perfect for preppers

By Cat Ellis Published 30 October 26

Water, batteries, cash, tinned food... coffee beans? Keep your spirits high in an emergency with a compact coffee maker for brewing in an emergency.

Split image of fries cooked in air fryer, front view of Ninja air fryer, and steak being cooked in air fryer with heat probe

The best air fryers 2026: from cooking for one to feeding a crowd

By Cat Ellis last updated 28 October 26

Updated From crispy chips to roast chicken, we've cooked with every air fryer in this guide to help you find the right one for your kitchen.

De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine with coffee drinks on kitchen counter

De'Longhi’s redesigned all-in-one coffee maker is smaller than ever, and ready to prepare espresso, drip coffee, and cold brew on demand

By Cat Ellis Published 27 October 26

The new De'Longhi All-in-One Combination Coffee & Espresso Machine has a 20% smaller footprint, and brews espresso, drip coffee and cold brew on demand.

The best smart locks 2026: keyless security systems tested by experts

By James Capell last updated 23 October 26

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

The best blender 2026: top models from Vitamix, Smeg, and Nutribullet tested by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 22 October 26

Updated Powerful home blenders from big brands, tested with real recipes and rated for power, performance, and volume.

Split image of three home security cameras

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

By Cat Ellis last updated 21 October 26

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 2026: espresso and filter made easy

By Cat Ellis last updated 20 October 26

Updated Coffee makers you can rely on for consistently great results, whatever your preferred brew style.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

The best video doorbell: security for your home, wherever you are

By James Capell last updated 20 October 26

Updated We've spent months testing video doorbells from big and small brands to help you make the right choice.

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

The best bean-to-cup coffee maker 2026: quick and convenient espresso machines tested

By Cat Ellis last updated 19 October 26

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

Lavazza Tabli coffee maker on kitchen counter with coffee tabs and espresso cups, and a boston fern plant

Say goodbye to plastic pod waste: the Lavazza Tabli uses pressed coffee tablets to make quick, rich espresso that tastes genuinely fresh

By Cat Ellis Published 18 October 26

Recommended

The Tabli system trades metal and plastic capsules for compressed pucks of pure coffee — and the taste blows rivals like Nespresso out of the water.

Dreame Ecceluxe Go coffee maker on kitchen counter with house plant, carry case, and three types of coffee pods

Hot to go: I tried Dreame's clever portable espresso maker, which heats its own water and accepts three different types of coffee pods — plus grounds

By Cat Ellis Published 18 October 26

The Dreame Ecceluxe Go is a brilliant portable coffee maker that doesn't require a kettle.

Jura’s new C9 bean-to-cup machine brews coffee at a cooler 60C so you can sip your smooth espresso straight away without burning your tongue

By Cat Ellis Published 15 October 26

The new compact coffee maker can brew 17 drinks, and offers a lighter brewing style that uses a smaller dose of coffee, brewed at a lower temperature.

Smeg's new MultiGrill cooks paninis, burgers, vegetables, and even Belgian waffles — and it'll look great on your kitchen counter, too

By Cat Ellis Published 15 October 26

With a choice of preset cooking modes and interchangeable non-stick plates for cooking a huge range of dishes.

Nespresso Verto capsules, machine dispensing espresso into cup, and Nespresso Original capsule in machine

The best Nespresso machines 2026: capsule coffee makers worth your kitchen counter

By Cat Ellis last updated 12 October 26

Updated Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines tested and recommended by an SCA-certified barista.

Collection of pink and cream coloured IKEA bakware in kitchen

Want to earn a Hollywood handshake on a budget? IKEA’s affordable new pastel pink bakeware range will make you feel like a star baker

By Cat Ellis Published 10 October 26

If the thought of earning a Hollywood handshake has got you in the mood to whip up some sweet treats this weekend, here's how to do it in style.

Person cleaning Dyson vacuum cleaner with a cloth

Dyson’s new door-to-door service promises a ‘spa day’ for your vacuum, with a full inspection, deep-clean, and repairs to get it back in shape

By Cat Ellis Published 8 October 26

Chief Engineer Jake Dyson says the door-to-door service is like a 'spa day' for your cordless vacuum or wet-floor cleaner.

Person removing cooked waffle from Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker

I’ve seen vertical waffle irons before, but Ninja’s new mess-free design is the first to make authentic square Belgian waffles

By Cat Ellis Published 7 October 26

Pour in your batter, pick your preferred level of crispiness, and the Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker will handle the rest.

Looking for a Ninja coffee maker? I test them for a living, and these are my 3 top recommendations for espresso and drip coffee

By Cat Ellis Published 7 October 26

I test coffee makers for a living, and these three get my seal of approval for delicious drip coffee and espresso every time.

Ninja Prestige DualBrew System coffee maker on kitchen counter with plant, coffee cups with saucers, and coffee pods

One year on, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew is still the most versatile coffee maker I've ever tested — here's why it's the best pick for your small kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 5 October 26

The Ninja Prestige DualBrew System packs a full drip coffee maker and espresso machine into one package, and it's now at its lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Closeup of Blueair 3-in-1 heater, fan, and air purifier on wooden floor with badge reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Want to save energy by keeping the central heating off a little longer? This 3-in-1 Blueair fan heater is going cheap at the perfect time

By Cat Ellis Published 5 October 26

If you're feeling tempted to fiddle with the thermostat, wait a minute — this smart heater, fan, and air purifier combo can keep you comfortable instead.