Cat Ellis

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 an SCA-certified barista, so whether you want to invest in some smart lights or pick up a new espresso machine, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Smeg kettle and toaster in Jade Green on kitchen counter with spiced tea

Smeg's color of the year is like a Venetian canal winding through your kitchen, and it's making me want to hop in a gondola

By Cat Ellis published

The new Jade Green shade is like taking a plunge in a lagoon.

Person using Notes app in between squat rack exercises

Best free alternative to Evernote of 2025

By Cat Ellis last updated

We list the best free alternatives to Evernote, to make it simple and easy to make and manage notes on the go without needing a subscription.

Various SwitchBot smart home automation devices

Switchbot has totally redesigned its smart home hub – and it's great news for renters

By Cat Ellis published

The new hub has a physical dial, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.

Man in bed checking smart watch

I love my Garmin watch, but there's one health feature I've always wished it had

By Cat Ellis published

I'm not a morning person, but this one tool could make waking up less of a chore.

Ring video doorbell on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar don't miss'

Refurbished Ring doorbells are going cheap at Amazon, with up to 50% off good-as-new devices

By Cat Ellis published

Pick up a Ring doorbell in like-new condition for less than Black Friday deal prices.

A close-up of a person typing on the keyboard of their laptop

Best free word processor of 2025

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated We list the best free word processors, to make it simple and easy way to type and manage documents on your computer without using MS Word.

best Alexa speakers

The best Alexa speakers 2025: 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.

Amazon Echo Show 15 on blue background

The best smart display 2025: top smart screens tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated A smart display is the heart of your home, so make sure you choose the right one.

Seattle Coffee Gear Diletta Bello+ espresso machine on green background

The best espresso machine 2025: manual and automatic machines tested by experts

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Expert-recommended espresso machines to give you a morning jump-start.

Person opening door fitted with Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen)

This renter-friendly smart lock fits over your existing door hardware, and costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published

The Nuki Smart Lock Pro (5th Gen) can secure your door in just 1.5 seconds.

Two iPhones showing Apple HomeKit settings

Still using an iPad as a Home Hub? Bad news – Apple is about to end support for it

By Cat Ellis published

If you've been putting off upgrading to the new HomeKit architecture, you'll soon be forced to take the plunge.

Magimix food processor on purple background

The best food processor 2025: expert-tested processors from KitchenAid, Ninja, Magimix, and more

By Cat Ellis last updated

These are the best food processors for every kind of cook and every kind of kitchen, from big names including Ninja, Magimix, and KitchenAid.

Jura J10 coffee maker on kitchen counter

I wasn't a fan of syrup in coffee until I tried the Jura J10 espresso machine – here's why

By Cat Ellis published

The J10's cold brew and Sweet Foam options aren't just gimmicks; they deliver excellent results

Breville The Barista Touch Impress coffee maker on blue background

The best coffee maker 2025: expert tested espresso and drip machines

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Coffee makers that you can rely on to produce consistently delicious results, whatever style you prefer.

Ninja Double Stack air fryer on blue background

The best air fryer 2025: Ninja, Samsung, Instant Pot and more

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Air fryers for quick meals in small spaces, tested by our team of experts.

Couple looking at phone in front of Philips Hue Impress wall light

Want to expand your Philips Hue setup? These 3 new lights will let you take it outdoors

By Cat Ellis published

Get your home party-ready in time for BBQ season.

Ring Battery Video Doorbell Pro on blue background with white text reading 'TechRadar best price'

One of Ring's best video doorbells crashes to its lowest-ever price at Amazon

By Cat Ellis published

Get head-to-toe video and protect your home with 3D motion detection.

Philips Hue lights being dimmed

Got Philips Hue lights? A free app update delivers these 3 improvements

By Cat Ellis published

Organizing your lights and keeping your home secure just got a lot easier.

Breville Barista Touch Express Impress machine on pink and purple background

The best bean-to-cup coffee machine 2025: quick and convenient coffee makers tested

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Tado Smart Thermostat

Tado thermostat owners are hot and bothered after marketing study raises possibility of subscription fee

By Cat Ellis published

The company conducted a marketing study to test the waters, but it could go either way.

Philips Hue lightbulbs, Apple HomePod mini speaker, and Blink security camera on purple background

The best smart home devices 2025: smart speakers, lights, hubs, and more

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Never mind repainting: with smart home tech you can completely transform how your home looks and works. These are our favorite bits of smart home kit

De’Longhi La Specialista Touch coffee machine with drinks on kitchen counter

De'Longhi's new bean-to-cup coffee machine could make you a milk-frothing maestro

By Cat Ellis published

Love a latte but struggle to make them at home? The De'Longhi La Specialista Touch might be the solution.

Philips Hue starter kit on purple background with white text reading 'TechRadar big savings'

Philips Hue starter kits just hit a record-low price – and the best deal isn't at Amazon

By Cat Ellis published

Dell is selling a five-piece Philips Hue starter kit for much less than Amazon's Black Friday price.

A collection of Amazon Echo devices on a grey background

Want to try Alexa+? Here are the Echo devices it'll work on

By Cat Ellis published

There's probably no need to replace your smart speakers (unless you really want to).

Panos Panay at Amazon Alexa event

You can pay $19.99 a month for Alexa Plus – but why would you?

By Cat Ellis published

When Prime subscribers get it free, the standalone price is arbitrary.

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