Articles by 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

The new Philips Baristina coffee maker brews superb espresso, and surprised me with a very cool feature I've never seen before

By Cat Ellis published 19 February 26

If you're looking for an entry-level machine that takes the messier parts of brewing espresso out of your hands, this is the one for you.

Hands-on with the Ninja BlendBoss — if there's an ingredient this super-powerful blender can't turn into a smoothie, I haven't found it yet

By Cat Ellis published 19 February 26

The funky-looking Ninja BlendBoss is the smoothie-maker of my dreams, making everything from chia seeds to carrots silky-smooth and sippable.

Person blending fruit in the Ninja BlendBoss blender

'Making silky smoothies has never been so much fun' — Ninja's most colourful blender is finally on sale in the UK

By Cat Ellis published 18 February 26

The BlendBoss has a super-powerful motor and tough blade assembly to make light work of tough ingredients like ice and fibrous veggies.

Person making cake using KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer in Mint

'A fresh outlook and moment of lightness' — how 'grounding and energizing' Spearmint became KitchenAid's official color of 2026

By Cat Ellis published 15 February 26

Brittni Pertijs, Design Manager for Color, Material and Finish at Whirlpool, explains the multi-year process of choosing the definitive hue of 2026.

Three video doorbells on light gray platforms with studio lighting

I test smart home tech for a living, and these are the top 3 Ring alternative video doorbells I recommend, with local storage for your videos

By Cat Ellis published 13 February 26

With these wireless video doorbells you can avoid subscription fees and keep control of your recordings at home.

Fan heater, electric heated blanket, and heated pillow in cosy living room

Snuggle up for the big freeze: these heated blankets, warming cushions, and fan heaters from Argos will keep you snug from just £25

By Cat Ellis published 12 February 26

Cold weather is on the way this weekend, so make sure you're prepared with the right tech to keep you toasty.

KitchenAid stand mixer in spearmint with an assortment of green foods and kitchen accessories on countertop

KitchenAid has revealed its official color of 2026, and it's the breath of minty freshness your kitchen needs this spring

By Cat Ellis published 12 February 26

Spearmint is a refreshing shade of green with a sandy finish, and it's like licking a mint choc chip ice cream at the beach on a warm summer's day.

Jura Z10 coffee maker with hot chocolate

The new Jura Z10 coffee maker has a menu of 51 options including coffee, cold brew, and chocolate drinks — and you can place your order from your phone

By Cat Ellis published 11 February 26

The Jura Z10 is like having your own personal (and very adaptable) barista right in your kitchen.

I test coffee makers for a living, and this tiny De'Longhi espresso machine is the only one with a permanent spot on my own kitchen counter

By Cat Ellis published 9 February 26

The De'Longhi Dedica Duo is small but perfectly formed, and proves that great espresso doesn't have to be expensive.

Split image of woman holding Moflin, and Moflin on Welsh language workbook

'Moflin had a really warm and fuzzy moment' – a week with the robot pet that wriggled and squeaked its way into my heart

By Cat Ellis published 8 February 26

How I learned to stop worrying and love Casio's affectionate AI guinea pig.

Montage of three Philips Hue smart lights on black cyberpunk-inspired background

I test smart lights for a living, and these are my top 3 Philips Hue smart lights to brighten up any space

By Cat Ellis published 7 February 26

Give any room a glow-up and set the mood with these color-shifting smart lights.

Blink Outdoor 2K+ security camera mounted on wall with raindrops

Blink's new compact camera takes home security to the next level with 4x zoom, improved night vision and more

By Cat Ellis published 5 February 26

This compact, weather-resistant camera punches well above its weight, particularly if you sign up for a Blink subscription.

Split image of woman using coffee machine steam wand, and messy poached egg on toast

Can you cook eggs with an espresso machine? I tested 5 popular steam wand hacks to see how well they work — and how much mess they make

By Cat Ellis published 4 February 26

How do you like your eggs in the morning? I tried these steam wand hacks, so you don't have to.

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

The best food processor 2026: from KitchenAid, Ninja, Magimix and more, tested by kitchen experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 2 February 26

Updated These are the best food processors for every kind of cook and every kind of kitchen, from big names including Ninja, Magimix, and KitchenAid.

Three drip coffee makers on kitchen counter

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the top 3 drip coffee machines I recommend for quick, easy, and delicious brews every time

By Cat Ellis published 1 February 26

Drip coffee shouldn't be complicated, and these three machines make the process as quick and simple as possible, with great results.

Collection of warm-coloured IKEA lights on wooden table

IKEA's cosy lighting will will give your home a glow-up to beat the winter blues, with prices from just £7

By Cat Ellis published 30 January 26

Add a splash of warmth to any room, without touching the thermostat.

Philips Baristina coffee maker on blue background

Think brewing coffee with fresh beans is too much hassle? The new Philips Baristina might just change your mind with its 'one swipe' system

By Cat Ellis published 30 January 26

Freshly-brewed espresso in a flash, without the expense or waste of coffee pods.