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

Kitchen with assortment of IKEA accessories in black and duck egg blue

IKEA kitchen trends for autumn 2026 — clever storage and accessories in calming anthracite and duck egg blue, from £1

By Cat Ellis Published

The nights are getting cooler, but this colour palette is surprisingly warm, especially when teamed with natural wood.

Split image of three beginner-friendly coffee makers in use

Don’t waste money on an overly complex coffee maker — as a certified barista, these are the 3 best beginner-friendly machines I recommend for easy brewing

By Cat Ellis Published

Coffee-making doesn't have to be complicated or expensive — these three beginner-friendly machines makes it both affordable and easy.

Cosori Juni drip coffee machine

This new drip coffee maker mimics the movement of a skilled barista's hand, and uses AI to help you achieve a perfect brew every morning

By Cat Ellis Published

The Cosori Juni uses a rotating basket and extending arm to pour water over your ground coffee like a barista with a goose-neck kettle.

Person removing drawer of vegetables from Ninja Crispi Dual Zone Air Fryer

The Ninja Crispi air fryer is now twice as good, with a DualZone model that can cook two different foods at once

By Cat Ellis Published

Choose two different cooking settings, and sync the two zones so your whole meal is ready at the same time.

Split image of Philips Hue Screen Sync camera mounted on TV and Philips Hue Nanoleaf panels on wall

Philips Hue just launched over a dozen new smart lights and accessories — here's every syncing device, light strip, and wall panel worth your money

By Cat Ellis Published

If you missed the massive new Philips Hue drop, here's every smart light, panel, and accessory worth buying — and where to find them.

Split image of IKEA Dubbelkisel driver on pink background, and IKEA spotlights in wardrobe full of clothes

IKEA just launched a Matter-enabled driver that makes your integrated cabinet lights part of your smart home

By Cat Ellis Published

The Dubbelkisel lighting driver connects IKEA's integrated lights to the Dirigera smart home hub, and is Matter-enabled to give you even more options.

The Govee Uplighter Floor Lamp shines a multicoloured aurora effect onto a slanted ceiling.

The best smart lights in 2026: smart lighting for every home

By Cat Ellis Last updated

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

Philips Hue smart light

What's next for Philips Hue? Executive Marco Merolla says AI will change 'the way you can enjoy the system and create beautiful things'

By Cat Ellis Published

Accessibility isn't just about price — it's about compatibility, and opening up new options to users.

Govee Sky Ceiling Light installed in room

Govee takes on Philips with smart ceiling light looks just like a skylight, and shifts colors depending on the time, weather — and even your mood

By Cat Ellis Published

Philips wowed us with its realistic skylight earlier this year, but how does Govee's version compare?

Breville the Juice Fountain cold juicer

The best juicer: 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.

Philips Hue smart light

‘You can really unleash a lot of creativity’: Philips Hue founder George Yianni explains why its AI upgrades will be genuinely useful and 'a bit of a game changer'

By Cat Ellis Published

The brand's founder and CTO explains why artificial intelligence and home lighting are a perfect fit, and what he's most excited about next.

Philips Hue smart light

No HDMI needed — Philips Hue's new camera-based Screen Sync system works with any source, including your TV's native streaming apps

By Cat Ellis Published

Philips Hue Play Screen Sync lets you synchronize your smart lights with content from any source, including your smart TV's native streaming apps.

4 Comments
Ninja Crispi Microwave on kitchen counter containing stuffed peppers

The new Ninja Crispi Microwave cooks and crisps enough food for 8 people — and it might make you want to to pull the plug on your full-sized oven

By Cat Ellis Published

This new all-in-one cooker gives you all the benefits of an air fryer with the versatility of a microwave. Who needs a full-size oven?

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer

The best small air fryers 2026: our favourite space-saving air fryers

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Couple installing solar panel on balcony

Will plug-in solar panels affect your home insurance? An expert explains what you should know before fitting them

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal in the UK, but make sure you have all the facts before fitting them.

Collection of solar-powered products including lights and security systems, in magazine-style layout with plinths

Can't install plug-in solar panels? No problem — I've hand-picked 12 solar-powered gadgets to brighten your home and save you money anyway

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal in the UK, but they won't work for every home, so I've put together a list of top solar-powered gadgets you can use anywhere.

Couple standing on balcony holding solar panel

Plug-in batteries seem like a great fit for your new plug-in solar panels, but don't rush to buy one just yet — the rules are more complicated than you'd think

By Cat Ellis Published

Plug-in solar panels are now legal, but plug-in batteries have yet to receive the green light.

2 Comments
Two Meaco tower cans in living room, near door

Meaco fans sold out completely during the last heatwave — but the company just launched two new tower models, and they're both in stock right now

By Cat Ellis Published

There are two sizes to choose from, both with 12 speed settings, eco and night modes, and glow-in-the-dark remote controls.

Split image of three home security cameras

The best home security cameras: indoor, outdoor and subscription-free cams

By Cat Ellis Last updated

Updated We've tested masses of security cameras in our own homes to bring you this guide to the very best.

People's hands adjusting Hive Thermostat (left) and Google Nest Learning Thermostat, which are number four and number one in our guide respectively

The best smart thermostat 2026: 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.

Man and woman standing on balcony holding solar panel

3 places you can't install plug-in solar panels — the new planning rules that could ruin your grand designs for your balcony

By Cat Ellis Published

If your planned location doesn't qualify as "permitted development" then you'll need to apply for planning permission before getting started.

Split image showing mug of milk foam, milk in electric milk frother, and a latte with a heart on top

Want delicious lattes the easy way? I'm a certified barista, and these are the top 3 milk frothers I recommend for perfect results every time

By Cat Ellis Published

Whether you prefer dairy or plant-based milk, an electric milk frother is your shortcut to perfect cappuccinos and lattes.

Woman holding red Dyson HushJet Mini Cool Fan

From styling your hair to drying your socks — 5 ways to use your portable fan in between heatwaves

By Cat Ellis Published

Don't toss your fan in a drawer when the temperature eventually starts to drop a little — it can do so much more than just keep you cool.

Split image of coffee beans in hopper, coffee maker dispensing espresso, and control panel on espresso machine showing options for cold brew, espresso, and steam

I'm a certified barista, and these are my 3 favorite small coffee machines that deliver delicious espresso without dominating your kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the 3 best compact models I recommend for cafe-quality espresso every time.

Collection of colourful AeroPress coffee makers on pop-art style background with coffee beans and coffee grinders

Colourful AeroPress coffee makers are going cheap right now — with up to 20% off every shade from cheery pink to moody blue

By Cat Ellis Published

There are big discounts on the whole rainbow of lightweight coffee makers — and did you know you can use them to make cold brew?

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