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

Google Nest Mini

'Why should I give Google money?' – former Nest fans decry new leaked model, and I really can't blame them

By Cat Ellis published

Google has given us a sneaky peek at a new Nest smart speaker, but what will it be, and do we really want it?

Ring Battery Video Doorbell on pink background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Want a video doorbell? Ring is having a massive summer sale, and I've picked the 3 best deals

By Cat Ellis published

Give your home security a boost for less while these Ring deals last.

Split image of two Ninja air fryers, and golden fries cooked inside air fryer

I test kitchen tech for a living, and these are my top 3 Ninja air fryers for quick and tasty meals

By Cat Ellis published

Ninja is the biggest name in air fryers, and these three will make preparing all your favorite dishes a piece of cake.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machine in black and dark blue

Ninja's best coffee machine just got a makeover – and it looks better than ever

By Cat Ellis published

The Ninja Luxe Café Premier brews hot and cold, and now comes in two new space age colors.

Woman looking at coffee machines in store

As a trained barista, I want you to know these 3 things before buying your next coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published

A coffee machine can be one of the most expensive appliances in your kitchen, so make sure you pick the best one.

Five coffee makers on picnic blanket

Coffee is my life, and these are my 5 favorite coffee makers for camping adventures

By Cat Ellis published

Sponsored

There's no need to resort to instant coffee granules when you're spending the night under canvas.

Split image of cold brew option on coffee machine, espresso machine dispensing chilled latte macchiato, and machine dispensing espresso onto ice cubes

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my top 3 picks for making delicious cold-brew at home

By Cat Ellis published

Making smooth and delicious cold-brew doesn't have to take hours with the right coffee maker.

Split image of coffee beans, coffee machine dispensing milk, and latte macchiato made using home coffee machine

Shhh – I test coffee makers for a living, and theses are the top 4 quiet espresso machines I recommend

By Cat Ellis last updated

Does your bean-to-cup machine leave your ears ringing? Here are three quieter alternatives

Split image of two drip coffee makers, and a glass cup of espresso

BPA-free, glass, and metal – the top 3 toxin-free coffee makers recommended by a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published

Avoid potentially harmful BPA with this selection of top-performing drip and espresso machines.

Two women drinking coffee, looking disgusted

Is your coffee machine a health hazard? 6 tips to keep it clean and fresh, from a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published

Automatic espresso machines can make a lovely warm, damp environment for nasties if not properly cared for.

Philips Hue Wall Washer light on nightstand with plant, beside bed

I swapped my alarm clock for this Philips Hue light, and I've never felt more refreshed in the morning

By Cat Ellis published

Finally, a simulated sunrise that doesn't jolt me awake, and a nightlight that helps me drift off in minutes.

Person pressing button on coffee machine, coffee machine dispensing espresso, and coffee machine dispensing latte macchiato

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are the top 3 automatic machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis published

The best machines for perfect brews at the press of a button. Coffee doesn't get much easier than this.

Casabrews 5418PRO espresso machine on kitchen counter with plant and cup of coffee

The new Casabrews 5418 Pro is the tiniest espresso machine I've tested, but it packs an impressive punch

By Cat Ellis published

Could this little wonder take the title of "best budget espresso machine"?

Philips Hue Wall Washer light

The Philips Hue Play Wall Washer transformed my home cinema setup, and it makes a perfect wake-up light, too

By Cat Ellis published

A discreet little lamp that can bathe your walls with a smooth gradient of color, all the way to the ceiling.

Stew cooking in Instant Pot, Instant Pot on kitchen counter with ingredients, and fries cooked in Instant Pot

The best Instant Pot 2025: versatile multi-cookers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our experts have picked the best Instant Pot multi-cookers for every kitchen.

BMW Boxer espresso machine on counter with espresso cups and coffee grinder

BMW has built a coffee maker out of a motorcycle engine – and it brews like a beast

By Cat Ellis published

The limited-edition Big Coffee Boxer will certainly be a conversation-starter, and it's a serious espresso machine if you've got money to burn.

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

The Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal is the drip coffee maker I've been waiting for all my life

By Cat Ellis published

Drip coffee shouldn’t be complicated, and with this two-in-one hot and cold brewer, it isn’t.

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

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

Blink Doorbell on wall with raindrops

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

Happy woman drinking coffee in kitchen

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

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

Sage Luxe Brewer Thermal

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

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

Philips LatteGo 5500 Series

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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

Thermomix TM7 with lid removed

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

By Cat Ellis published

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

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

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