Articles by Carrie-Ann Skinner

Carrie-Ann Skinner was formerly Homes Editor at TechRadar, and has more than two decades of experience in both online and print journalism, with 13 years of that spent covering all-things tech. Carrie specializes in smart home devices such as smart plugs and smart lights, as well as large and small appliances including vacuum cleaners, air fryers, stand mixers, and coffee machines. Carrie is now a copy editor at PWC.

Articles by: Carrie-Ann Skinner

A woman looking in a fridge stacked full of food

LG’s latest InstaView fridges help save energy

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 4 August 21

LG’s InstaView refrigerator lineup now has a larger glass panel to help you see more of what’s inside without opening the door – here’s why that’s a good thing

The Arlo Ultra two camera kit on a green background and the Arlo Ultra 2 on a pink background

Arlo Ultra vs Arlo Ultra 2: which 4K security camera is right for you?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 1 August 21

Arlo’s first 4K security camera is soon to be discontinued, but you can still pick one up, but should you? We tested the Arlo Ultra and the Arlo Ultra 2 to find out which you should choose.

Child surrounded by teddies with an Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker

What is Amazon Kids on Alexa, and how do I turn it on?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 31 July 21

Do your little ones love Alexa? Ensure children don’t stumble across anything inappropriate with Amazon Kids for Alexa. Here’s what you need to know.

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Powerstrip KP303 on a wooden table

TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip KP303 review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 26 July 21

The TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip KP303 lets you control three electrical appliances remotely from just one power socket, but how does it compare to rivals from Amazon and Eve?

Philips Hue bulb and packging on the left and LIFX smart light bulb with packaging on the right

Philips Hue vs Lifx: which smart lights are right for your home?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 26 July 21

Philips Hue and LIFX are big names when it comes to smart lighting, but which you should choose?

Apple TV 4K (2021) with white remote against wooden surface

Apple TV 4K (2021) review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 21 July 21

It’s been four years coming, but is the latest Apple TV 4K a worthy contender as the streaming box for your home entertainment setup?

An Instant Pot Duo Crisp & air fryer with an Instant Vortex Plus on a kitchen countertop and plates of fries cooked in both appliances

I made fries in an Instant Pot… and they're not as good as using one of the best air fryers

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 17 July 21

Can an Instant Pot that’s added air frying to its list of cooking methods replace an air fryer for making fries?

Amazon smart plug connected to a coffee maker in a kitchen

What is a smart plug, and how it can stop your fear of leaving the coffee maker on?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

Love the idea of a smart plug but not sure what they do and how they work? Get switched on with our guide to the simplest smart home devices.

Roidmi RS60 cordless vacuum cleaner review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

The Roidmi RS60 is an expensive cordless vacuum cleaner that can mop floors as well, but can it rival top-of-the-range cleaners from Dyson and Miele?

Roidmi R10 cordless vacuum cleaner review

By Lauren Mulville, Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 15 July 21

The Roidmi R10, which was previously called the Roidmi S1E, is a lightweight, compact cordless vacuum that performs well on hard floors.

Ring makes using its video doorbells and security cameras more secure

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 13 July 21

Ring is rolling out end-to-end encryption on its wired video doorbells and security cameras following a technical preview in the US. Here’s what you need to know.

Dyson Micro 1.5kg being used to suck up crumbs on a lounge hard wood floor

Dyson Micro 1.5kg vs Dyson Omni-glide: which compact Dyson cordless vacuum is truly the best?

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 11 July 21

We tested the Dyson Micro 1.5kg against the Dyson Omni-glide to find out which really is Dyson’s best compact cordless vacuum.

A woman holding the Dyson Micro 1.5kg in a room with grey walls and grey wood floors

Dyson Micro 1.5kg review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 9 July 21

How does Dyson’s lightest and most compact cordless cleaner measure up to the brand’s top-of-the-range vacuums?

Pureeing vegetables in a blender on a kitchen countertop with avocado and celery next to the blender

The five best dishes to make in a blender and elevate your cooking

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 10 July 21

Thinking about purchasing a blender but not sure what you’ll actually use it for? Here’s a look at the dishes these versatile appliances can make.

Ring Video Doorbell Wired review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 7 July 21

The Ring Video Doorbell Wired is Ring’s cheapest and smallest video doorbell, but it comes with some compromises.

Wemo WiFi smart plug review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 5 July 21

The Wemo WiFi smart plug is a simple-to-use smart plug that works with HomeKit, as well as Alexa and Google Assistant in the US, but how does it compare to rivals from Eve and TP-Link?

How to recycle Nespresso pods, and why you absolutely should

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 3 July 21

Love using your single-serve pod coffee maker but feel guilty about the waste? Here’s how to recycle your Nespresso pods

IKEA Tradfri wireless control outlet review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner published 30 June 21

The IKEA Tradfri wireless control outlet is a simple-to-use smart plug that works with the IKEA Tradfri GATEWAY. It can be controlled via Alexa, Google Assistant or HomeKit.

The new Apple TV 4K brings a huge smart home upgrade you probably missed

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 30 June 21

The little-cared-for smart home technology Thread came into the spotlight with the HomePod Mini and now it’s been built-into the new Apple TV 4K

Amazon smart plug review

By Carrie-Ann Skinner last updated 29 June 21

The Amazon Smart Plug is an affordable way to control electrical devices in your home through Alexa, but how does it compare to rival plugs from TP-Link and Eve?