Articles by 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, and holds a professional certificate in security awareness for smart homes.. 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

Smeg's new Mini Milk Frother prepares perfect foam for cappuccinos – but it's too thick for latte art

By Cat Ellis Published 25 August 25

Smeg's super-compact frother is whisper-quiet and super simple to use, but only offers one foam texture, and it's seriously thick.

Split image of person putting filter in drip coffee machine, and espresso machine dispensing coffee

I've tested 14 coffee makers in the last year, and these are my 3 favorite budget-friendly options

By Cat Ellis Published 24 August 25

You can easily spend hundreds on a coffee maker – but you don't have to.

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

The Casabrews 5418 Pro is a super-affordable espresso machine, but too many corners have been cut to make it a good budget buy

By Cat Ellis Published 23 August 25

The 5418 Pro has an appealing price tag, but the more I used it, the more the compromises became apparent.

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

By Cat Ellis Published 22 August 25

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

3 Comments

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 22 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 21 August 25

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

21 Comments

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 21 August 25

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 17 August 25

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

2 Comments

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

By Cat Ellis Published 16 August 25

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 15 August 25

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 15 August 25

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

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 12 August 25

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 11 August 25

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 10 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 10 August 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 6 August 25

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 6 August 25

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.

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

By Cat Ellis Published 2 August 25

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

4 Comments

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 31 July 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 30 July 25

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

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 27 July 25

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

2 Comments

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 27 July 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 26 July 25

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 23 July 25

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

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

By Cat Ellis Published 21 July 25

From stews to salads and even sorbets, this super multi-cooker can do it all.

5 Comments

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