Articles by 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

Nespresso machine, manual espresso machine, and drip coffee machine

Need a coffee maker for college? I test them for a living, and these are my top 3 recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 31 July 25

Don't get caught out by cheap, low-quality coffee makers – these three quality machines are compact, budget-friendly, and campus-ready.

Split image showing two different smart thermostats being adjusted by hand

The best smart thermostat 2025: the easy way to make your heating more efficient

By Cat Ellis last updated 30 July 25

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

Blink's new video doorbell can run for up to two years on the same set of AA batteries

By Cat Ellis published 30 July 25

Blink has launched a bundle of new budget-friendly devices to secure your home.

6 ways to brew better coffee at home, according to a certified coffee grader – and the most common coffee myths busted

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

When it comes to coffee, don't believe everything you hear – there are some common misunderstandings.

I went hands-on with the new Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal, and it might be the best drip coffee maker I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published 27 July 25

With this smart filter machine, there'll be no more lukewarm brews.

I tested the Philips LatteGo 5500 Series, and it's the perfect espresso machine for one or two people

By Cat Ellis published 26 July 25

Great espresso and nicely textured milk at the press of a button – just be careful where you put your cup.

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

The best small air fryers 2025: compact fryers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated 24 July 25

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

Breville Oracle Dual Boiler coffee maker on kitchen counter with drinks

Breville's new espresso machine can brew coffee and steam milk at the same time – and it's eye-wateringly expensive

By Cat Ellis published 23 July 25

The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler is launching first in Australia, and is the company's priciest machine to date.

I went hands-on with the Thermomix TM7 – the all-in-one appliance that can cook just about anything

By Cat Ellis published 21 July 25

From stews to salads and even sorbets, this super multi-cooker can do it all.

Beast Health 850 Plus blender with smoothie ingredients on kitchen counter

The powerful Beast blender lives up to its name, and it's even made me a kale smoothie fan

By Cat Ellis published 20 July 25

This powerful personal blender has significantly more oomph than your typical smoothie maker, if you're willing to pay the higher price.

Not a morning person? These 5 smart home tips and automations will take the pain out of early starts

By Cat Ellis published 19 July 25

Stop hitting 'snooze' – this smart tech will help you beat the morning slump.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod smart speakers

The best smart speaker 2025: for Google, Alexa and Siri

By Cat Ellis last updated 18 July 25

Updated Whatever smart home ecosystem you use, our experts have picked the best smart speaker for you.

Philips Hue Smart Button, Tap Dial Switch, and Dimmer Switch

The best smart switch 2025: top buttons and dimmers for all your smart home devices

By Alistair Charlton, Cat Ellis last updated 14 July 25

Updated Our roundup of expert-tested smart switches to give you maximum control over your smart home tech.

Coffee beans, latte macchiato, and caffe latte

I'm a certified barista, and these are the three bean-to-cup coffee makers I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published 9 July 25

Fantastic beans and how to grind them

Breville coffee machine on blue background

I've tested 13 coffee machines in the last year, and these are my top Prime Day recommendations

By Cat Ellis published 8 July 25

I'm TechRadar's coffee expert, and these are the best offers available right now.

Philips Hue starter kit on blue and green background with white text reading 'TechRadar Prime Day Philips Hue Deals'

Philips Hue bulbs and starter kits crash to record-low prices for Amazon Prime Day

By Cat Ellis published 8 July 25

I've been covering Prime Day for years, and these are some of the best smart lighting deals I've ever seen.

Philips Hue Signe lamp and Festavia string lights on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Philips Hue Prime Day deals: 'beautiful' smart lights are going cheap, and these are the best offers

By Cat Ellis published 7 July 25

Thinking of getting your first Philips Hue lights, or planning to expand your setup? This is the perfect time

Coffee beans in hopper, latte with heart in gray ceramic cup, and espresso pouring into glass cup

I'm a trained barista, and these are the 3 best espresso machines I've tested so far this year

By Cat Ellis published 6 July 25

Whether you want a delicious shot of black espresso, or your order is so complex it makes grown baristas cry, I've got the machine for you.

A Nintendo Switch 2 next to hands holding the Sigma BF and a B&O Bluetooth speaker sitting on a table

The best tech of 2025 so far – the 17 finest gadgets we've tested this year

By Mark Wilson published 5 July 25

TechRadar has spent days testing products across phones, TVs, laptops, cameras, smartwatches and more in 2025. These are the best ones we've reviewed so far this year.

Coffee being dispensed into a measuring cup, a glass cup of espresso, and coffee beans in a coffee machine's hopper

I've tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, and these are the top 3 to keep you caffeinated on a budget

By Cat Ellis published 3 July 25

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great quality coffee maker, and these are my top recommendations.

Philips Hue lamp on purple background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

We gave the 'beautiful' Philips Hue Go table lamp a glowing review – and it's just dropped to a record-low price

By Cat Ellis published 2 July 25

Add mood lighting to any room, whether you have other Hue lights in your home or not.

This window-cleaning robot is a miracle-worker, and if it's on sale for Prime Day you should grab one ASAP

By Cat Ellis published 1 July 25

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni will make light work of even filthy windows, and with the right deal, it could be your smartest Prime Day purchase.

Pink smoothie in blender, pink smoothie in glass, and pink slushie in glass

Feeling the heat? These are the best 3 blenders for smoothies and slushies, recommended by a kitchen tech expert

By Cat Ellis last updated 1 July 25

Ice and frozen fruit are no match for these powerful personal blender, which will whip up refreshing drinks in moments.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal coffee machine, and person pouring coffee into cup

This new coffee machine from Sage takes the hassle out of making cold brew – and I can't wait to try it

By Cat Ellis published 1 July 25

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal can brew hot or cold, and lets you tinker with custom options to make your perfect cup.

De'Longhi Primadonna Elite coffee maker on purple background with white text reading 'TechRadar big savings'

Why wait for Prime Day? De'Longhi has knocked up to £750 off some of its best coffee machines

By Cat Ellis published 1 July 25

I've rounded up all the best offers from De'Longhi's epic summer sale – and there are some outstanding deals.

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