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 here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working, she can be found baking, running (to balance out the baking), and learning Welsh.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Woman using Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential installed on wall

Ecobee's new smart thermostat could save you money on heating – and it's half the price of the latest Google Nest

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 The Ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential helps you schedule heating and cooling, and spot opportunities to cut energy consumption.

Screen grab of AI assistant in Philips Hue app

The Philips Hue app is getting a big upgrade this year, with a new generative AI assistant

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 Details are scant so far, but Signify claims it's the start of "a new era in smart lighting".

4000 Series Matter-Compatible Smart Deadbolt installed on door

Philips' first Matter-compatible smart lock works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Assistant seamlessly

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 The company is also releasing a lock with palm-recognition and video.

SwitchBot Lock Ultra retrofitted on two different types of door lock

Switchbot's new renter-friendly smart lock can be retrofitted onto almost any door – even yours

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 With 16 unlocking options, including Apple HomeKit support.

Ring Spotlight Cam Pro mounted on exterior wall

Ring is giving two of its best security cameras a free video-quality upgrade this week

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is one of two cameras getting a 2K upgrade

Yukai Engineering's Nékojita FuFu robot cat clipped onto the side of a steaming coffee cup

This adorable little robot cat will stop you burning your tongue on hot coffee

By Cat Ellis published

CES 2025 From the company that brought you last year's finger-nibbling Amagami Ham Ham.

Runners racing in Paris Marathon with Eiffel Tower in the background and badge at top left reading "Get fit for '25"

I'm running the Paris Marathon this year - here are three pieces of tech I'm using to cross the finish line

By Cat Ellis published

You don't need the latest watch or the most expensive shoes to train for a marathon PB - just the right ones.

Google Nest Hub

If your Google Nest smart speaker has been giving you the silent treatment, there's now a fix

By Cat Ellis published

Some users found that their devices stopped responding to voice commands between Christmas and New Year's Day.

The year 2025 spelled out in coffee beans

The future of coffee - 3 hot trends brewing in 2025

By Cat Ellis published

An expert coffee roaster gives his insights into sustainability, capsules for connoisseurs, and home espresso machines.

Person's hand wiping front of coffee maker with cloth

Got a new coffee maker for Christmas? Here's how to love and cherish it, and make it last forever (almost)

By Cat Ellis published

With the right care, your coffee machine will keep on working just like the day you unwrapped it.

Woman sitting beside Christmas tree holding cup of coffee

5 absolutely last minute gifts for coffee lovers

By Cat Ellis published

Truly thoughtful ideas for the keen bean in your life, whatever your budget.

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker on counter with cup of coffee and small plant

Fellow Aiden Precision Coffee Maker review: drip coffee just got a whole lot smarter

By Cat Ellis published

This digital drip coffee machine delivers exceptional results, but it doesn't keep the beautifully brewed coffee hot for long.

best Alexa speakers

The best Alexa speakers 2025: top smart speakers to control your home

By Cat Ellis last updated

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

Samsung smart refrigerator, washing machine, tumble dryer, and oven with screens

Do your oven and fridge really need AI? Samsung thinks so, and plans to add screens to them too

By Cat Ellis published

Samsung is debuting four new AI-enhanced appliances at the CES show in January.

Woman setting up air fryer using phone

Your air fryer might be sharing your private data – here's how you can protect yourself now

By Cat Ellis published

Do you know what your kitchen appliances are saying about you?

An iPhone beside a laptop.

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 manage media-rich notes without a subscription.

Happy woman preparing Christmas dinner while drinking glass of wine

3 great last-minute Christmas gifts for foodies (that aren't oil, salt, or vinegar)

By Cat Ellis published

Avoid the usual kitchenalia and get your food-loving friends something they'll actually use and love this year.

A hand in front of the Philips Wi-Fi Palm Recognition Smart Deadbolt

The future of home security? Eufy's new smart lock can read your palm

By Cat Ellis published

The new lock will use the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand as a biometric key.

A person typing on a 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 create and manage documents without subscribing to a service.

Air fryer on green background with text reading "TechRadar Cyber Monday deals"

The best Cyber Monday air fryer deals 2024: hot sales still running

By Cat Ellis last updated

There's still time to save on air fryers from big names like Ninja and Breville with these extended Cyber Monday sales.

Nespresso machine on gray background with text reading "TechRadar Cyber Monday Deals"

The best Cyber Monday Nespresso deals 2024: offers still running

By Cat Ellis last updated

Cyber Monday is over, but there are still great deals brewing on Nespresso machines and pods - and you'll find them all here.

Nespresso Lattissima One coffee maker on teal background with white text reading "TechRadar lowest price"

That's a bit cheeky, Amazon – this premium Nespresso machine is even cheaper now than it was on Black Friday

By Cat Ellis published

The Nespresso Lattissima One has hit a new record-low price in time for Christmas.

Espresso machine on purple background with text reading "TechRadar Cyber Monday deals"

The best Cyber Monday espresso machine deals 2024: late sales still brewing

By Cat Ellis last updated

Cyber Monday is over, but there's still time to get a great deal on an espresso machine, if you're fast.

Gaggia Classic Pro coffee machine on gold background with white text reading "TechRadar don't miss"

The Italian-made Gaggia Classic espresso machine will make your kitchen at least 50% more stylish this Cyber Monday

By Cat Ellis published

This Cyber Monday Gaggia Classic espresso machine deal is chic, it's Italian-made. and it's red - go grab it before it goes.

Two Philips Hue White & Colour Ambiance light bulbs with box

These Philips Hue bulbs have glowing reviews, and they're a brilliant price this Cyber Monday

By Cat Ellis published

Hue goes where? Anywhere you want with prices this low for Cyber Monday.

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