Cat Ellis

Cat Ellis

Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor, covering smart home tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, haircare and more. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights, find your ideal hair styler, or pick the espresso machine of your dreams, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Govee Sky Ceiling Light installed in room

Govee takes on Philips with smart ceiling light looks just like a skylight, and shifts colors depending on the time, weather — and even your mood

By Cat Ellis Published

Philips wowed us with its realistic skylight earlier this year, but how does Govee's version compare?

Breville the Juice Fountain cold juicer

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

By Cat Ellis Last updated

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

Philips Hue smart light

‘You can really unleash a lot of creativity’: Philips Hue founder George Yianni explains why its AI upgrades will be genuinely useful and 'a bit of a game changer'

By Cat Ellis Published

The brand's founder and CTO explains why artificial intelligence and home lighting are a perfect fit, and what he's most excited about next.

Philips Hue smart light

No HDMI needed — Philips Hue's new camera-based Screen Sync system works with any source, including your TV's native streaming apps

By Cat Ellis Published

Philips Hue Play Screen Sync lets you synchronize your smart lights with content from any source, including your smart TV's native streaming apps.

3 Comments
Ninja Crispi Microwave on kitchen counter containing stuffed peppers

The new Ninja Crispi Microwave cooks and crisps enough food for 8 people — and it might make you want to to pull the plug on your full-sized oven

By Cat Ellis Published

This new all-in-one cooker gives you all the benefits of an air fryer with the versatility of a microwave. Who needs a full-size oven?

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer

The best small air fryers 2026: our favourite space-saving air fryers

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Couple installing solar panel on balcony

Will plug-in solar panels affect your home insurance? An expert explains what you should know before fitting them

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal in the UK, but make sure you have all the facts before fitting them.

Collection of solar-powered products including lights and security systems, in magazine-style layout with plinths

Can't install plug-in solar panels? No problem — I've hand-picked 12 solar-powered gadgets to brighten your home and save you money anyway

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal in the UK, but they won't work for every home, so I've put together a list of top solar-powered gadgets you can use anywhere.

Couple standing on balcony holding solar panel

Plug-in batteries seem like a great fit for your new plug-in solar panels, but don't rush to buy one just yet — the rules are more complicated than you'd think

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal, but plug-in batteries have yet to receive the green light.

2 Comments
Two Meaco tower cans in living room, near door

Meaco fans sold out completely during the last heatwave — but the company just launched two new tower models, and they're both in stock right now

By Cat Ellis Published

There are two sizes to choose from, both with 12 speed settings, eco and night modes, and glow-in-the-dark remote controls.

Split image of three home security cameras

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

By Cat Ellis Last updated

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

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

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

Man and woman standing on balcony holding solar panel

3 places you can't install plug-in solar panels — the new planning rules that could ruin your grand designs for your balcony

By Cat Ellis Published

If your planned location doesn't qualify as "permitted development" then you'll need to apply for planning permission before getting started.

Split image showing mug of milk foam, milk in electric milk frother, and a latte with a heart on top

Want delicious lattes the easy way? I'm a certified barista, and these are the top 3 milk frothers I recommend for perfect results every time

By Cat Ellis Published

Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based milk, an electric milk frother is your shortcut to perfect cappuccinos and lattes.

Woman holding red Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan

From styling your hair to drying your socks — 5 ways to use your portable fan in between heatwaves

By Cat Ellis Published

Don't toss your fan in a drawer when the temperature eventually starts to drop a little — it can do so much more than just keep you cool.

Split image of coffee beans in hopper, coffee maker dispensing espresso, and control panel on espresso machine showing options for cold brew, espresso, and steam

I'm a certified barista, and these are my 3 favorite small coffee machines that deliver delicious espresso without dominating your kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the 3 best compact models I recommend for cafe-quality espresso every time.

Collection of colourful AeroPress coffee makers on pop-art style background with coffee beans and coffee grinders

Colourful AeroPress coffee makers are going cheap right now — with up to 20% off every shade from cheery pink to moody blue

By Cat Ellis Published

There are big discounts on the whole rainbow of lightweight coffee makers — and did you know you can use them to make cold brew?

Woman sitting beside portable air conditioner, holding phone

'Scammers often take advantage when temperatures rise' — industry experts explain how to spot fake air conditioner storefronts before you lose your money this summer

By Cat Ellis Published

Portable air conditioners are out of stock almost everywhere, and crooks are taking advantage by setting up fake storefronts to trick you out of your money.

Split image showing woman's hand showing John Lewis and Dyson portable fans

I've spent my summer testing portable fans, and these are the two that kept me coolest — including one that costs just £20

By Cat Ellis Published

I've spent a sweaty summer testing handheld fans, and these two kept me coolest — including a powerful premium option and a great value budget model.

Collection of different handheld electric fans

Do you really need an expensive fan to stay cool? I tested 5 handheld models from £17 to £130, and one budget pick stole the show

By Cat Ellis Published

Do expensive fans really cool you down faster? I tested five models at different price points to find out.

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

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.

Split image of three fans from Dimplex, Dyson, and SharkNinja

Struggling to sleep in this heatwave? These 3 extra-quiet fans will keep you cool all night — and they're in stock for next-day delivery

By Cat Ellis Published

A quiet fan can make the difference between a miserable, sticky night and proper restful sleep — and these three are tested and recommended by us.

Sliced cucumber in food processor, food processor containing berries, and grated carrot in food processor

The best food processors 2026: 6 tried and tested machines for easier food prep

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated We've tested the best food processors for every kind of cook, whether you need a compact model for quick prep or a powerful all-rounder for more demanding jobs.

Two people on couch illuminated with white and pink Philips Hue lights

Still using one big overhead bulb? 3 lighting experts explain how layering light sources can bring your home to life, and how you can try it yourself tonight

By Cat Ellis Published

I asked three lighting experts how you can layer strip lights, lamps, recessed lights and bulbs to create a bespoke setup that suits the way you live.

Lavazza Jolie Evo coffee maker on kitchen counter with espresso cups and saucers

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is the tiniest coffee machine I've ever tested, and brews a delicious espresso — but there's one sustainability catch you should know about

By Cat Ellis Published

Recommended

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is a super compact espresso machine, and very reasonably priced, but its plastic capsules are harder to recycle than I'd like.

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