Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

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 16 July 26

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

De'Longhi Rivelia Start coffee maker in five colors on kitchen counter

The new De'Longhi Rivelia Start is a super-compact coffee maker with a 10-drink menu — including the cold brew we desperately need for sweltering summer days

By Cat Ellis Published 14 July 26

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start can brew 10 different drinks at the tap of a button, including cold brew, and create silky milk foam.

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 13 July 26

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.

Collage of six electric fans on icy blue backgrounds

Can't find a fan? Don't panic — as a home tech expert, I've tracked down 7 premium models that are still in stock from Dyson, Shark, and Meaco for delivery this week

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

The summer heat shows no sign of letting up, but there are still fans in stock from big names like Dyson, Shark, and Meaco — if you know where to look.

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 9 July 26

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.

Person's hand holding Shark ChillPill fan

Buying a Shark ChillPill personal fan this week? There's only one colour left in stock, so you'll have to move like lightning to grab one

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

The three-in-one personal fan is flying off the shelves, and there's now only one colour available for delivery this week at Amazon.

Person using AeroPress Steel coffee maker outdoors

After selling out in record time, the all-metal AeroPress Steel is finally back in stock — and it’s the near-indestructible coffee upgrade your summer camping kit is missing

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

Put down that jar of instant — the AeroPress Steel is a seriously tough, travel-ready brewer that will let you prepare proper coffee anywhere.

Split image of Shark, Meaco, and Dreo fans

We've tested the best fans of 2026 so far — these 5 models from Shark, Dyson, and Dreo are the ones we trust to actually keep us cool

By Cat Ellis Published 8 July 26

We test over a dozen new fans every year on TechRadar — these are the coolest new models that actually deliver on their claims.

Split image of three fans from Dyson, Meaco, and Dreo

Beat the UK heatwave this week — these 8 top-rated cooling fans from big brands like Dyson and Meaco are all under £100 and still in stock

By Cat Ellis Published 6 July 26

A good fan is hard to find, particularly if you don't have hundreds to spend, so I've done the work for you and found eight great affordable options that are in stock now.

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 5 July 26

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 4 July 26

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

The best blender 2026: top models from Vitamix, Smeg, and Nutribullet tested by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 2 July 26

Updated Powerful home blenders from big brands, tested with real recipes and rated for power, performance, and volume.

Collection of cooling fans on cool-colored geometric backgrounds

With another heatwave coming, I'm tracking the best deals on big-name fans — here are the quiet, bedroom-ready models I'd buy before they go out of stock

By Cat Ellis Published 2 July 26

The temperature is set to soar again, so make sure you're ready by grabbing one of these quiet, effective fans for a bargain price.

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 1 July 26

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

Collection of multicolored Le Creuset mugs with coffee making equipment and herbs

With these Prime Day deals, I can fill my kitchen with Le Creuset coffee cups without taking out a second mortgage

By Cat Ellis Published 26 June 26

As much as I love Le Creuset stoneware, I can't usually afford it, so I'll be picking up some of these gorgeous cups while the deals last.

Two Ninja coffee maker on wooden kitchen table with coffee drinks and pastries

Should you buy the Ninja AutoBarista Pro or the Ninja Luxe Café Pro this Prime Day? As a barista, here's what I'd pick

By Cat Ellis Published 26 June 26

The Ninja Luxe Café Pro has received a big price cut for Prime Day, but should you grab it while the deal lasts or pick the pricier AutoBarista Pro instead?

Three standing fans and one desk fan on a blue background with a feather and thermometer

Quiet fans are selling like hot cakes, but these 5 Prime Day deals are all still in stock, and will keep you cool and comfortable at night

By Cat Ellis Published 25 June 26

Fans are selling fast in the Amazon Prime Day sale, but there are still great deals to be found on whisper-quiet coolers from reputable brands.

The 4 best super-quiet fans to help you sleep comfortably this summer — tried and tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 25 June 26

Quiet and effective fans to help you avoid sweaty, sleepless nights — all tested and rated by our team of home-tech experts.

Split image of three home security cameras

Blink cameras are super cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives are just as good — and deeply discounted too

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Blink security cameras are excellent, but their features are very limited without a subscription so take a good look at these great value alternatives.

Split image of Ninja coffee maker, Ninja air fryer, and Ninja ice cream maker

The 5 best Ninja appliances to upgrade your kitchen this summer — make perfect burgers, slushies, ice cream, and much more

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Ninja is one of the biggest names in food prep, and for good reason. Here's our pick of the very best to upgrade your kitchen this summer.

Aldi tripod fan on white and pink background

Aldi just announced a new range of cooling fans with prices starting at £6.99 — coming to the middle aisle very soon

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

These three compact coolers will help you stay comfortable without burning a hole in your wallet, and they're arriving in the middle aisle next week.

Split image of two Nespresso capsules inside coffee makers, and a Nespresso machine dispensing espresso

I'm a trained barista, and these are the top 5 Nespresso machines I'd recommend to anyone — all with Prime Day savings

By Cat Ellis Published 24 June 26

Making great espresso doesn't have to be a hassle — I've hand-picked my five top Nespresso machines, all of which are going cheap for Amazon Prime Day.

Split image of three different video doorbells

Ring doorbells are going cheap for Prime Day, but these 5 subscription-free alternatives could cost you less in the long run

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

Get all the features you'd expect from a premium video doorbell, without having to pay a monthly fee.

Split image of two smart locks, and app interface for unlocking a third lock

The 3 top smart locks for easy installation and peace of mind, tested and trusted by home tech experts

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

Smart home security doesn't have to be complicated — these top-rated locks are easy to install, simple to use, and will give you peace of mind.

Dimplex tower fan blowing air over bed at night while couple sleep

I slept under a blanket of cool air last night thanks to this clever adjustable tower fan — and there's a huge £76 off for Prime Day

By Cat Ellis Published 23 June 26

The Dimplex FlexBlade Tower Fan can be used vertically or horizontally, and has a night mode to keep you cool with minimal noise.

Cat Ellis

Articles by: Cat Ellis

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