Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones review: an incredible feat of engineering

By Ruth Hamilton published 2 February 26

Recommended

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones cleans really well, if you can resist waving it around like a Lightsaber.

Philips OneUp 5000 electric mop in reviewer's kitchen

This lightweight electric mop could be a game-changer, if it wasn't for this one major flaw

By Ruth Hamilton published 29 January 26

The Philips OneUp 5000 is nimble, efficient and lightweight, but there's a big problem with the mop head.

Dyson's ridiculously compact new vacuum is going to change the market forever – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published 28 January 26

The PencilVac prioritizes lightness over outright power, and that's a good thing.

Navimow i2 AWD robot mower in action on astroturf

Of all the new 2026 robot lawn mowers, these are the 3 I'm most excited to try out

By Ruth Hamilton published 26 January 26

There are plenty of excellent lawbots heading our way in 2026, but these 3 stand out from the crowd.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window

Are robot window cleaners any good? I tested one – here's what you need to know before you buy

By Ruth Hamilton published 25 January 26

If you're thinking of outsourcing your window cleaning to a robot-helper, read this first.

'It's literally worry-free' – Segway Navimow exec on the new technology that's going to take robot lawn mowers mainstream

By Ruth Hamilton published 24 January 26

This "foolproof" navigation tech is going to make lawnbots even more accessible.

Roborock robot vacuum, Segway Navimow lawnbot and Dyson vacuum cleaner

I tested dozens of home gadgets last year – these are my 3 absolute favorites

By Ruth Hamilton published 24 January 26

A lot of great gadgets made their way through my door last year, but these are the ones that really blew me away.

Roborock Saros 10 navigating around tester's home

The 3 biggest lies robot vacuum brands are telling us, by a professional tester

By Ruth Hamilton published 23 January 26

Trying to see clearly through the marketing smoke and mirrors? Here are three big things to remember.

Dreame R20 vacuum floorhead with headlamps lit up

I test vacuums for a living – these are the 3 best cheap stick vacuums you can buy

By Ruth Hamilton published 23 January 26

All of these vacuums deliver reliable, efficient cleaning without breaking the bank – with prices starting as low as £169.99.

Close ups of two Dyson vacuums and a Dyson hair dryer

Dyson's biggest product innovations, ranked from game-changer to gimmick

By Ruth Hamilton published 23 January 26

I've tested most of Dyson's gadgets – these are the features that blew me away and the ones that turned out to be downgrades in disguise.

Detail shots of three different robot lawn mowers

I've seen most of 2026's new lawnbots, and these are the 3 major trends to look out for

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 January 26

Robot lawn mowers are getting a whole lot more capable — this looks like the year they'll finally go truly mainstream.

Roborock has launched a new flagship robovac, and that's your cue to go and buy the old version for a massively reduced price

By Ruth Hamilton published 22 January 26

I've tested dozens of robot vacuums, but this is the one that has a permanent spot in my home – and it's never let me down.

Dreame X60 robot vacuum (left) and Roborock Saros 20 (right)

I've seen most of 2026's new robot vacuums, and these are the 2 models I can't wait to try

By Ruth Hamilton published 21 January 26

These are my hot tips for the best robot vacuums of 2026.

This shapeshifting cleaner can transform into a robot vacuum, a stick vacuum or a mop — and I almost couldn't believe my eyes

By Ruth Hamilton published 21 January 26

The xLean TR1 can learn your own cleaning techniques, and mimic them in robot mode.

Dyson PencilVac (left) and Narwal dupe (right)

Dyson's PencilVac only just went on sale, but there's already a dupe on its way — here's what we know about Narwal's ultra-slim vacuum

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 January 26

Narwal promises longer runtimes and more suction power – but I'm skeptical it can deliver.

Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete robot vacuum

Dreame just launched its best-ever robot vacuum — here are 3 ways the X60 improves on its predecessor

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 January 26

From its streamlined look to its improved threshold-climbing abilities, this is a formidable new flagship from Dreame.

'When it needs to pivot, it turns the wheels and does a crab walk' – Segway Navimow exec reveals the invention that means its new flagship lawnbot won't churn up your grass

By Ruth Hamilton published 20 January 26

Exclusive: 'It's a showcase of the best technology we have.'

So you got a new robot vacuum – here are 7 things to do first

By Ruth Hamilton published 19 January 26

Not sure where to start with your new robovac? Follow these 7 steps and you'll be well on your way.

The outstanding Roborock Saros 10R just got even better — here are 3 ways the Saros 20 improves on its predecessor

By Ruth Hamilton published 18 January 26

Liked the Saros 10R? Wait until you see the Saros 20.

Dreame car, pet tracker and action camera

Dreame has expanded its remit to 'literally anything' and I'm not sure it's good news for one of my favorite vacuum brands

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 January 26

CES 2026 From action cameras to TVs to coffee machines to smart rings, Dreame has it covered

Vacuum cleaner floorhead with air intake slider, cleaning a carpeted floor

This hidden vacuum feature could change the way you clean your home

By Ruth Hamilton published 16 January 26

As a vacuum tester, this is the feature I always look for – and your vacuum probably already has it.

Dyson V16 Piston Animal cordless stick vacuum having its battery removed

5 things you didn't realize were damaging your Dyson vacuum's battery

By Ruth Hamilton published 15 January 26

If you want to make sure your Dyson vacuum stays in great working order for as long as possible, here are the things you need to avoid.

Tineco has released a wet-dry vacuum that's as nimble as a stick vac

By Ruth Hamilton published 12 January 26

CES 2026 The FLOOR ONE i7 Fold maneuvers like a dream.

Dreo's new fan blasts out an ultra-refreshing, fine mist – I could have stood in front of it all morning

By Ruth Hamilton published 12 January 26

CES 2026 The TurboCool series of misting fans achieved the impossible: it perked me right up on day four of CES.

I can't stop thinking about these affordable IKEA speakers that look like art

By Ruth Hamilton published 12 January 26

CES 2026 Of everything I saw at CES, it's these speakers that I want the most.

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