Cat Ellis

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

Greenfinch caught on Ring camera

Ring and the RSPB are giving away 50 free cameras so you can enjoy birdwatching when you're away from home

By Cat Ellis published

A recent study found that almost a quarter of under-35s are planning to start birdwatching this spring, and these cameras can help.

WiZ TV Sync Box with backlight behind TV

If the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is too expensive, this new budget-friendly alternative from WiZ could be exactly what you need

By Cat Ellis published

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is less than half the price of Philips' box, and comes with a light strip included.

De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic

De'Longhi's smart espresso machine learns what type of coffee you enjoy, and when you want to drink it

By Cat Ellis published

Choose from a menu of 35 hot and cold drinks, or create your own in the mobile app.

Ninja air fryer on green background

The best air fryer 2025: fryers to cook everything perfectly, from steak to cake

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Air fryers for quick meals in small spaces, tested by our team of experts in real-world conditions.

Three people making a toast with glasses of cold brewed coffee

Craving cold-brew coffee this summer? We've tested three machines that will let you make it at home in seconds rather than hours

By Cat Ellis published

Making cold-brew coffee at home has never been easier, and these are the best machines for the job.

Switchbot robot vacuum on black floor

Thanks to this super cheap robot vacuum, I no longer want to rip out my kitchen floor

By Cat Ellis published

If you're also regretting your interior design choices, the solution is cheaper than you might expect.

A Fairphjone, Insta360 X5 camera and LG TV next to ecah other.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from your LG becoming an Xbox to the new Insta360 X5 camera

By Hamish Hector published

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Insta360, LG, Xbox, Alexa+, and more for April 26, 2025.

Woman detaching Philips Hue Smart Button from base stuck on nightstand

Got Philips Hue lights? This new customizable button could make them even smarter

By Cat Ellis published

There's a new version of the miniature controller launching soon.

Breville Barista Touch Express Impress machine on pink and purple background

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

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Woman using Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction coffee maker

Love espresso martinis? Good news – Sage's best coffee machine can now make a perfect cold extracted espresso

By Cat Ellis published

The updated Barista Touch Impress promises rich, undiluted cold espresso for tastier summer classics.

Best free ebook reader

Best free ebook reader in 2025: read your favorite books online

By Philip Berne last updated

Updated TechRadar presents a definitive list of the best free ebook readers available on PC, Mac, and mobile right now.

Switchbot K10+ robot vacuum on pink background with white text reading 'TechRadar lowest price'

The tiny Switchbot K10+ robot vacuum keeps my flat looking spotless, and it's going cheap today

By Cat Ellis published

A super compact robot vacuum with impressive suction and battery life.

A toy Amazon Echo next to the Alexa Plus logo and a range of Echo devices

Alexa+ early adopter gives their thoughts: "Old Alexa was hot garbage but this new one was a pleasant surprise"

By Cat Ellis published

The AI assistant handles natural speech well, but it's still being used as a fancy egg timer.

Roku Battery Camera (right) and Battery Camera Plus (left) on table

Roku's new wireless security cameras will guard your home for up to two years on a single charge

By Cat Ellis published

Weatherproof cameras that let you watch over your home from your phone or TV.

Split image showing retrofit smart lock, curtain puller, and switch pusher

Build a zero-waste smart home by automating your existing hardware

By Cat Ellis published

Don't replace it – just upgrade it

A person working from home.

Best free program to speed up your PC in 2025: optimizations to improve performance

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Presenting TechRadar's list of the best free programs to speed up your PC in 2025.

Nespresso Vertuo pods and boxes on kitchen counter with green graphic reading 'Sustainability Week'

How are Nespresso coffee pods recycled? Discover what happens behind the scenes

By Cat Ellis published

Coffee capsules are quick and convenient, but make more waste than fresh grounds – so what happens to it?

Eufy FamiLock S3 Max

Eufy's new smart lock reads the veins in your palm for touchless entry – even if your hands are dirty

By Cat Ellis published

With 2K video, wide-angle recording, and AI to detect potential porch pirates.

Philips Hue + Spotify

I have Philips Hue lights everywhere in my home, and this is what I want to see from its AI assistant

By Cat Ellis published

Signify has been tight-lipped about the details of AI for Philips Hue, but here's my wishlist.

Person pouring water onto V60 coffee filter using gooseneck kettle

With this simple gadget, you can make great-tasting pour-over coffee with fewer beans

By Cat Ellis published

Brewing coffee is all about extraction, and the right kettle will help enormously. Here's how to choose one.

Nespresso Sweet Vanilla Decaf pods

Nespresso's new sweet vanilla decaf pods could make coffee my new favorite bedtime drink

By Cat Ellis published

It tastes as comforting as cocoa, and won't keep you up at night.

Philips Hue's new SmartThings integration

Your Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is getting a big software update, and it's good news for gamers

By Cat Ellis published

The latest update fixes bugs and should improve performance for PS5 owners.

Vitamix blender on gold background

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

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Person cooking 10 burgers using Ninja Sizzle Pro XL indoor grill

Ninja's new indoor grill lets you cook 10 burgers at once and doesn't need scrubbing afterward

By Cat Ellis published

The Ninja Sizzle Pro XL gives you a huge cooking space, and it's a piece of cake to clean.

Nutribullet x McLaren blender with silhouette of F1 car in the background

Lights out and away we blend – McLaren and Nutribullet unveil new F1-themed blenders

By Cat Ellis published

Just add bananas, kale, and a little burnt rubber.

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