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

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo coffee maker preparing an iced coffee

The new De'Longhi Magnifica Duo prepares 20 different coffee drinks at the tap of a button — and its 3-minute cold brew feature has me sold

By Cat Ellis Published

De'Longhi has upgraded one of its best automatic coffee makers with the ability to prepare authentic cold-extracted espresso, complete with chilled milk foam.

Split image of whole Jura E10 coffee maker, and close-up of coffee menu

Jura's new espresso machine packs cold brewing, delicious syrup-infused milk foam, and timed morning brewing into a surprisingly slim package — and it might be the ultimate upgrade for your small kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published

Jura has just launched a new coffee maker that offers hot and cold extraction, syrup-infusion, milder brewing, and a timer — all in one compact package.

Google Pixel Tablet at Google I/O

A new Google Home Display is reportedly on the way — but what our smart homes actually need in 2026 is a proper Pixel Tablet successor

By Cat Ellis Published

A new Home Display sounds intriguing — but I’ll be disappointed if Google gives us another stationary screen instead of a movable AI hub.

2 Comments
Ninja Crispi Microwave containing four dishes of various vegetables

It’s a microwave, it’s an air fryer, it’s a... soup-maker? Ninja’s latest launch could be the only appliance your kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published

Microwaved food can easily get soggy, but that's not a problem with this new air fryer and microwave combo, packed with useful presets.

Split image of three blenders from Ninja and Nutribullet

No room in your kitchen for a Ninja Slushi? We tested 3 blenders that make perfect slushies for one for a fraction of the price, and actually fit in your cupboard

By Cat Ellis Published

If you don't have the space or cash for a Ninja Slushi machine, these portable blenders can make fantastic frozen drinks for a fraction of the price.

Split image of three espresso machines

I'm a certified barista, and these are the best 3 espresso machines I've tested so far this year — and the only ones genuinely worth your kitchen counter space

By Cat Ellis Published

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the three models that have received my seal of approval so far in 2026.

Split image of EZVIZ EP4 internal screen, external camera, and screengrab of footage in app

The EZVIZ EP4 is a great home security camera for renters — but its facial recognition won't stop it from spamming you with alerts when you come home

By Cat Ellis Published

A super-sharp 4K security camera that fits right into your existing peephole — if you don't mind getting notifications when it sees your own face.

Smeg Musa ovens installed in neutral-colored kitchen

'It's a product that doesn't scream for attention, but captures it anyway': designer Carlo Borromeo on his new minimalist Smeg appliances — and why stripping away the color is the brand’s boldest design experiment yet

By Cat Ellis Published

BorromeodeSilva brought the world the denim-coated Smeg fridge in 2012, but the studio's latest partnership was a totally different challenge.

Split image of three video doorbells mounted on walls

The best video doorbell: security for your home, wherever you are

By James Capell Last updated

Updated We've spent months testing video doorbells from big and small brands to help you make the right choice.

T3 Afar hair dryer folded, with card bundled and nozzle detached

This travel hair dryer is so good, I gave away my full-size one and never looked back

By Cat Ellis Published

Mini dryers aren't just for vacations — pick the right portable and you'll want to use it every day.

Split image of Ezviz peephole camera installed in door, and footage captured by the camera in the Ezviz app

I installed this brilliant peephole camera in 10 minutes, and it's a great subscription-free alternative to a video doorbell for renters and apartment-dwellers

By Cat Ellis Published

If you live in an apartment or rented house, this clever little camera gives you all the best features of a video doorbell without damaging your door.

KitchenAid KF4 espresso machine with coffee drinks on kitchen counter

The KitchenAid KF4 brews a beautifully balanced espresso thanks to its Intelligrind system, but its iced drink menu left me cold

By Cat Ellis Published

KitchenAid's latest fully automatic coffee maker is extra compact and makes an excellent espresso, though its 'iced' drinks leave something to be desired.

Aeropress manual coffee grinder

AeroPress has made the best manual coffee grinder I've ever used — and it's not even close

By Cat Ellis Published

This premium portable grinder doesn't just look great, it also grinds beautifully, however you prefer to make your coffee

KitchenAid KF4 espresso machine evaporating water from system

I test a lot of espresso machines, but the new KitchenAid KF4 has one of the smartest features I've ever seen — and it'll stop your coffee maker from getting gross

By Cat Ellis Published

Automatic coffee makers can get pretty gross, but KitchenAid's latest model can evaporate all the water inside to keep itself fresh.

Spot+Scrub Ai robot vacuum

'Elon Musk said he thinks humanoid robots will be in many homes in three years, and I agree with him.' I sat down with Jake Dyson to hear his predictions for AI and robotics in your home — and why you shouldn't throw out your stick vac just yet

By Cat Ellis Published

Dyson's Chief Engineer says robots will be in homes within the next three years — but you shouldn't throw out your stick vacuum just yet.

Dyson HushJet Mini Cool fan in woman's hand

The Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is the powerful personal fan you won't want to live without this summer — and it's surprisingly reasonably priced, too

By Cat Ellis Published

Editor's Choice

Wear it, hold it, or keep it on your desk — this stylish portable fan will keep you cool anywhere your summer takes you.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte macchiato, and person's hand using bean-to-cup coffee machine

The best bean-to-cup coffee maker 2026: quick and convenient espresso machines tested

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated We've tested the best bean-to-cup coffee makers to find the best options from De'Longhi, Breville, Ninja, Gaggia and more.

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-In-1 Vac & Mop in green and bronze, in dock in hallway

Tired of your ugly robot vacuum? Shark has a solution — designer robovacs in chic colors that blend with your decor rather than standing out

By Cat Ellis Published

The new Luxe Collection gives one of Shark's best robot vacuums a new look, with subtle colors and coordinating metallic accents you won't want to hide.

2 Comments
Montage of three Amazon Echo speakers

The best Alexa speakers 2026: top smart speakers to control your home

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated From Amazon to Sonos, these are the best smart speakers to bring the AI-powered Alexa into your smart home.

Ninja AutoBarista Pro and Ninja Luxe Cafe coffee maker on kitchen counter with varios coffee drinks and loose coffee beans

Ninja just launched an automatic espresso machine, but should you choose the new AutoBarista Pro or go for the cheaper Ninja Luxe Café? I'm here to help

By Cat Ellis Published

Pick the right Ninja for for your kitchen

Ninja AutoBarista Pro coffee maker on kitchen counter, with person's hand pouring milk out of pitcher

Ninja has solved the biggest, most disgusting problem with home coffee makers, and as a barista, I can't believe nobody thought of it earlier

By Cat Ellis Published

Automatic espresso machines can easily become a breeding ground for mold, but the new Ninja AutoBarista Pro has a case fan to stop that from happening.

Philips Cafe Aromis Series 8000 coffee maker on kitchen counter with coffee and house plant

I spent two weeks with the gorgeous Philips Café Aromis espresso machine, and creating delicious custom coffees has never been so much fun

By Cat Ellis Published

Editor's Choice

Even if you have no barista experience, Aromis has a chatbot-style assistant that will help you tweak the brew settings until your coffee tastes perfect.

Split image of three capsule coffee makers

Want great coffee, fast? I'm a trained barista, and these are my top 4 capsule coffee makers from Nespresso, Keurig, and more

By Cat Ellis Published

Capsule coffee makers get a bad rap, but if you choose the right one, you can enjoy great-tasting drinks at home in two minutes flat.

Ducati Barista M3 1926 Limited Edition Carbon Fiber coffee maker

Ducati is celebrating its 100th anniversary by launching a $2,000 Nespresso machine — and it's even stranger than it sounds

By Cat Ellis Published

The more I learn about the Ducati Barista M3 1926 Limited Edition Carbon Fiber, the stranger this luxury coffee maker sounds.

Man struggling in hot weather, holding a desktop electric fan close to himself

You're using your fan all wrong — these 3 top tips will help you cool down your home properly and stay comfortable in a heatwave

By Cat Ellis Published

Even a cheap electric fan can make a real difference to the temperature in your home — but only if you use it the right way.

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