Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Panasonic bread and ice cream maker with selection of ice creams and bread

Panasonic's new gadget is a bread maker that also churns ice cream — I went hands-on with the wild two-in-one appliance, and the results were seriously tasty

By Cat Ellis Published 4 August 26

I've tested a lot of multi-function kitchen appliances, but never one as strange as this — so how well does it actually work?

A man pours foamed milk into a double espresso.

Your daily coffee is over 90% water, and tap water could be ruining your best beans — experts explain how to choose the right filter to unlock the full flavor

By Cat Ellis Published 2 August 26

I spoke to water-quality experts to find out what I should look for when choosing a water filter to upgrade my coffee-making experience.

"We’re not hiding how things work, we’re expressing it" — I sat down with Jake Dyson to talk radical product design, and why your favorite vacuum and hair dryer look like nothing else on the planet

By Cat Ellis Published 28 July 26

I spoke to Chief Engineer Jake Dyson about the company's unique designs, and why it's not afraid to break the mold

Split image of Dreo fan in reviewer's home and promotional image of Meaco air conditioner in bedroom

9 tips to get more from your fan or air conditioner — air quality experts on how to keep your whole home cool without spiking your energy bill

By Cat Ellis Published 27 July 26

Interview I asked three air-quality experts how to optimize your fan and portable AC this summer to keep your home cooler without spiking your energy bill.

I wanted great filter coffee and espresso without buying two appliances — and 9 months later, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System is still my absolute favorite for both

By Cat Ellis Published 24 July 26

I love both types of coffee equally, and this all-in-one brewer means I don't have to sacrifice my whole countertop for two separate machines.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo coffee maker preparing an iced coffee

The new De'Longhi Magnifica Duo prepares 20 different coffee drinks at the tap of a button — and its 3-minute cold brew feature has me sold

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

De'Longhi has upgraded one of its best automatic coffee makers with the ability to prepare authentic cold-extracted espresso, complete with chilled milk foam.

Split image of whole Jura E10 coffee maker, and close-up of coffee menu

Jura's new espresso machine packs cold brewing, delicious syrup-infused milk foam, and timed morning brewing into a surprisingly slim package — and it might be the ultimate upgrade for your small kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

Jura has just launched a new coffee maker that offers hot and cold extraction, syrup-infusion, milder brewing, and a timer — all in one compact package.

A new Google Home Display is reportedly on the way — but what our smart homes actually need in 2026 is a proper Pixel Tablet successor

By Cat Ellis Published 21 July 26

A new Home Display sounds intriguing — but I’ll be disappointed if Google gives us another stationary screen instead of a movable AI hub.

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Ninja Crispi Microwave containing four dishes of various vegetables

It’s a microwave, it’s an air fryer, it’s a... soup-maker? Ninja’s latest launch could be the only appliance your kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published 16 July 26

Microwaved food can easily get soggy, but that's not a problem with this new air fryer and microwave combo, packed with useful presets.

De'Longhi Rivelia Start coffee maker in five colors on kitchen counter

The new De'Longhi Rivelia Start is a super-compact coffee maker with a 10-drink menu — including the cold brew we desperately need for sweltering summer days

By Cat Ellis Published 14 July 26

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start can brew 10 different drinks at the tap of a button, including cold brew, and create silky milk foam.

Split image of three blenders from Ninja and Nutribullet

No room in your kitchen for a Ninja Slushi? We tested 3 blenders that make perfect slushies for one for a fraction of the price, and actually fit in your cupboard

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

If you don't have the space or cash for a Ninja Slushi machine, these portable blenders can make fantastic frozen drinks for a fraction of the price.

Collage of six electric fans on icy blue backgrounds

Can't find a fan? Don't panic — as a home tech expert, I've tracked down 7 premium models that are still in stock from Dyson, Shark, and Meaco for delivery this week

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

The summer heat shows no sign of letting up, but there are still fans in stock from big names like Dyson, Shark, and Meaco — if you know where to look.

I'm a certified barista, and these are the best 3 espresso machines I've tested so far this year — and the only ones genuinely worth your kitchen counter space

By Cat Ellis Published 9 July 26

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the three models that have received my seal of approval so far in 2026.

Person's hand holding Shark ChillPill fan

Buying a Shark ChillPill personal fan this week? There's only one colour left in stock, so you'll have to move like lightning to grab one

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

The three-in-one personal fan is flying off the shelves, and there's now only one colour available for delivery this week at Amazon.

Person using AeroPress Steel coffee maker outdoors

After selling out in record time, the all-metal AeroPress Steel is finally back in stock — and it’s the near-indestructible coffee upgrade your summer camping kit is missing

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

Put down that jar of instant — the AeroPress Steel is a seriously tough, travel-ready brewer that will let you prepare proper coffee anywhere.

Split image of Shark, Meaco, and Dreo fans

We've tested the best fans of 2026 so far — these 5 models from Shark, Dyson, and Dreo are the ones we trust to actually keep us cool

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

We test over a dozen new fans every year on TechRadar — these are the coolest new models that actually deliver on their claims.

Split image of three fans from Dyson, Meaco, and Dreo

Beat the UK heatwave this week — these 8 top-rated cooling fans from big brands like Dyson and Meaco are all under £100 and still in stock

By Cat Ellis Published 6 July 26

A good fan is hard to find, particularly if you don't have hundreds to spend, so I've done the work for you and found eight great affordable options that are in stock now.

Split image of EZVIZ EP4 internal screen, external camera, and screengrab of footage in app

The EZVIZ EP4 is a great home security camera for renters — but its facial recognition won't stop it from spamming you with alerts when you come home

By Cat Ellis Published 5 July 26

A super-sharp 4K security camera that fits right into your existing peephole — if you don't mind getting notifications when it sees your own face.

Smeg Musa ovens installed in neutral-colored kitchen

'It's a product that doesn't scream for attention, but captures it anyway': designer Carlo Borromeo on his new minimalist Smeg appliances — and why stripping away the color is the brand’s boldest design experiment yet

By Cat Ellis Published 4 July 26

BorromeodeSilva brought the world the denim-coated Smeg fridge in 2012, but the studio's latest partnership was a totally different challenge.

Collection of cooling fans on cool-colored geometric backgrounds

With another heatwave coming, I'm tracking the best deals on big-name fans — here are the quiet, bedroom-ready models I'd buy before they go out of stock

By Cat Ellis Published 2 July 26

The temperature is set to soar again, so make sure you're ready by grabbing one of these quiet, effective fans for a bargain price.

Collection of multicolored Le Creuset mugs with coffee making equipment and herbs

With these Prime Day deals, I can fill my kitchen with Le Creuset coffee cups without taking out a second mortgage

By Cat Ellis Published 26 June 26

As much as I love Le Creuset stoneware, I can't usually afford it, so I'll be picking up some of these gorgeous cups while the deals last.

Two Ninja coffee maker on wooden kitchen table with coffee drinks and pastries

Should you buy the Ninja AutoBarista Pro or the Ninja Luxe Café Pro this Prime Day? As a barista, here's what I'd pick

By Cat Ellis Published 26 June 26

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro has received a big price cut for Prime Day, but should you grab it while the deal lasts or pick the pricier AutoBarista Pro instead?

Three standing fans and one desk fan on a blue background with a feather and thermometer

Quiet fans are selling like hot cakes, but these 5 Prime Day deals are all still in stock, and will keep you cool and comfortable at night

By Cat Ellis Published 25 June 26

Fans are selling fast in the Amazon Prime Day sale, but there are still great deals to be found on whisper-quiet coolers from reputable brands.

The 4 best super-quiet fans to help you sleep comfortably this summer — tried and tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 25 June 26

Quiet and effective fans to help you avoid sweaty, sleepless nights — all tested and rated by our team of home-tech experts.

Split image of three home security cameras

Blink cameras are super cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives are just as good — and deeply discounted too

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Blink security cameras are excellent, but their features are very limited without a subscription so take a good look at these great value alternatives.

Cat Ellis

Articles by: Cat Ellis

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