Cat Ellis

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

Philips Hue

Are Philips Hue Essential bulbs the cheap smart lights we don't need?

By Cat Ellis published

There's no shortage of brands making affordable smart lights, but it looks like Hue wants a piece of the entry-level pie.

Swann EVO Wireless Solar security camera mounted on wall

Swann's new subscription-free home security camera stays charged with just 45 minutes of sunlight per day

By Cat Ellis published

The days of climbing up to replace batteries and paying monthly fees to save your video clips are over.

Three juicers being used to prepare fresh fruit juice

The best juicer 2025: tested for juice yield, smoothness, and ease of use

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our expert team have juiced buckets of produce to bring you this list of the very best centrifugal and cold press juicers around.

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?

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.

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

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 three home security cameras

I'm a smart home tech reviewer, and these are the top 3 subscription-free home security cameras I recommend

By Cat Ellis published

Don't pay extra to store your videos and unlock extra security features – these smart cams do it all as standard.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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