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

Split image of Breville Luxe Brewer coffee maker and insulated carafe

Breville's new premium drip coffee maker promises quick cold-brew, more flavor, and less mess

By Cat Ellis published 16 May 25

The Breville Luxe Brewer lets you decide exactly how your coffee brews – and stops you spilling water on your counter.

Three smart light bulbs on purple background

The best smart lights: light up your life with smart bulbs and lamps

By Cat Ellis last updated 13 May 25

Updated We've tested the best smart light bulbs and light panels from all the big brands including Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.

Philips Hue light bulbs and Hue Bridge on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar big savings'

Stock up on Philips Hue smart light bulbs from just £14 each in the Bright Days sale

By Cat Ellis published 13 May 25

Philips Hue bulbs, lamps, and accessories are going cheap – these are the offers I'll be grabbing.

Three different types of Philips Hue bulbs installed in homes

Philips Hue bulb types explained: choose the right lights for your home

By Cat Ellis published 11 May 25

There are three main types of Philips Hue lightbulbs, and we're here to help you understand the differences between them all.

Philips Hue White & Colour Ambiance bulbs on purple background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Philips Hue bulbs are going super cheap in the Tech Week sale at Amazon, so it's time to stock up

By Cat Ellis published 9 May 25

Spotlight and screw bulbs have crashed to record-low prices, but the offers won't last long.

KitchenAid's new juicer and food chopper will eliminate the tangle of cords in your cupboards

By Cat Ellis published 9 May 25

You cab use the same battery pack with all appliances in the KitchenAid Go series, from vacuums to blenders.

Ninja Luxe Café and Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machines side by side

Ninja Luxe Café vs Ninja Luxe Café Pro: choose your perfect coffee maker

By Cat Ellis published 7 May 25

We weigh up the differences between Ninja's flagship coffee machines to help you pick the one that's best for you.

Person using Fellow Espresso Series 1 coffee machine

I'm a certified barista, and Fellow has just launched the most exciting home espresso machine I've seen this year

By Cat Ellis published 6 May 25

The new Fellow Espresso Series 1 puts professional-grade features in your kitchen.

Ninja Luxe Café Pro coffee machine on kitchen counter with various coffee drinks

Ninja's best coffee maker just got an upgrade to make brewing the perfect espresso even easier

By Cat Ellis published 6 May 25

The automating tamping system applies even pressure to your ground coffee for optimal extraction and no mess.

What are ESE coffee pods? Everything you need to know about these quick alternatives to freshly ground coffee

By Cat Ellis published 5 May 25

Want a quicker espresso at home? Nespresso and K-Cups aren't your only options.

The Philips Barista Brew espresso machine is good-looking and well priced, but it's challenging to master (and a bit messy, too)

By Cat Ellis published 4 May 25

A machine that can brew consistently good espresso, but only once you've overcome its idiosyncrasies.

The best smart locks 2025: keyless security systems tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated 1 May 25

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer with two small chickens inside

Watch out Ninja – Philips has just launched a new customizable air fryer, and it's under £100

By Cat Ellis published 1 May 25

The Philips 1000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer can cook one large item or two smaller dishes thanks to its removable divider.

Ring and the RSPB are giving away 50 free cameras so you can enjoy birdwatching when you're away from home

By Cat Ellis published 30 April 25

A recent study found that almost a quarter of under-35s are planning to start birdwatching this spring, and these cameras can help.

WiZ TV Sync Box with backlight behind TV

If the Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box is too expensive, this new budget-friendly alternative from WiZ could be exactly what you need

By Cat Ellis published 30 April 25

The WiZ HDMI Sync Box is less than half the price of Philips' box, and comes with a light strip included.

De'Longhi's smart espresso machine learns what type of coffee you enjoy, and when you want to drink it

By Cat Ellis published 30 April 25

Choose from a menu of 35 hot and cold drinks, or create your own in the mobile app.

Thanks to this super cheap robot vacuum, I no longer want to rip out my kitchen floor

By Cat Ellis published 27 April 25

If you're also regretting your interior design choices, the solution is cheaper than you might expect.

A Fairphjone, Insta360 X5 camera and LG TV next to ecah other.

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from your LG becoming an Xbox to the new Insta360 X5 camera

By Hamish Hector published 26 April 25

The week's 7 biggest tech stories from Insta360, LG, Xbox, Alexa+, and more for April 26, 2025.

Woman detaching Philips Hue Smart Button from base stuck on nightstand

Got Philips Hue lights? This new customizable button could make them even smarter

By Cat Ellis published 25 April 25

There's a new version of the miniature controller launching soon.

Woman using Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction coffee maker

Love espresso martinis? Good news – Sage's best coffee machine can now make a perfect cold extracted espresso

By Cat Ellis published 24 April 25

The updated Barista Touch Impress promises rich, undiluted cold espresso for tastier summer classics.

Best free ebook reader in 2026: read your favorite books online

By Philip Berne last updated 24 April 25

Updated TechRadar presents a definitive list of the best free ebook readers available on PC, Mac, and mobile right now.

Switchbot K10+ robot vacuum on pink background with white text reading 'TechRadar lowest price'

The tiny Switchbot K10+ robot vacuum keeps my flat looking spotless, and it's going cheap today

By Cat Ellis published 24 April 25

A super compact robot vacuum with impressive suction and battery life.

Alexa+ early adopter gives their thoughts: "Old Alexa was hot garbage but this new one was a pleasant surprise"

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

The AI assistant handles natural speech well, but it's still being used as a fancy egg timer.

Roku Battery Camera (right) and Battery Camera Plus (left) on table

Roku's new wireless security cameras will guard your home for up to two years on a single charge

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Weatherproof cameras that let you watch over your home from your phone or TV.

Split image showing retrofit smart lock, curtain puller, and switch pusher

Build a zero-waste smart home by automating your existing hardware

By Cat Ellis published 23 April 25

Don't replace it – just upgrade it

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