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 a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista, so whether you want to upgrade your 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

Some of Smeg's best kitchen appliances just got a fresh new look, and I think I'm in love

By Cat Ellis published

The new Jade Green shade is like taking a plunge in a lagoon, and now I want to redecorate my whole kitchen.

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.

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: barista-tested and recommended

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

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.

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.

Split image showing couple watching TV with purple Philips Hue lighting on the right, and TV with yellow Philips Hue lighting on the right

Your LG TV can now synchronize with Philips Hue lights without a pricey HDMI Sync Box

By Cat Ellis published

Make movies and games more immersive with the Hue Sync app – now available for LG TVs from 2024 onwards.

Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker

Cuisinart's Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker is cheaper than the Ninja Creami Swirl, but is it as cool?

By Cat Ellis published

Affordable and simple to use – just keep a very close eye on it.

Siemens EQ900 Plus coffee maker with coffee beans and milk bottle

I've tested a lot of coffee machines, and the Siemens EQ900 Plus makes the best macchiato I've tasted

By Cat Ellis published

If you love a milky coffee and have deep pockets, this could be the bean-to-cup machine of your dreams.

Any Video Converter Free during our review

Any Video Converter Free review

By Steve Paris last updated

A free video downloader and converter with built-in editing tools and excellent format support.

Ring Outdoor Cam Plus mounted on exterior wall

Ring's new security camera has its highest resolution – and I can't wait to try it

By Cat Ellis published

The Ring Outdoor Cam Plus has an upgraded camera for 2K footage, wide viewing angles, and improved night vision.

Eufy Familock S3 Max

Eufy's new camera smart lock covers blind spots your Ring doorbell might miss

By Cat Ellis published

The FamiLock opens your door with a wave of your hand, and it supports Matter too.

Baked air fryer breakfast muffins on plate

These air fryer breakfast muffins are tastier than anything I've had from Starbucks – here's the recipe

By Cat Ellis published

Baked from scratch, these muffins can be on your kitchen table in just 20 minutes.

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF6 with coffee beans and scoop on kitchen counter

The KitchenAid KF6 brews exceptional espresso, looks stunning, and costs less than you might expect

By Cat Ellis published

This stylish bean-to-cup machine excels at the basics, making pulling perfect shots as easy as pressing a button.

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