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

Three smart light bulbs on purple background

The best smart lights 2024: light up your life with smart bulbs and lamps

By Jennifer Oksien last updated

Updated We've tested the best smart light bulbs and light panels from all the big brands including Philips Hue and Nanoleaf.

A home theater with blue lighting strips, with a logo for 'Home Theater Week'

How to use smart lighting to create the ultimate home theater experience

By Cat Ellis published

Layered lighting is the key to setting the mood, whether you're creating a full home theater or adapting your living room.

KitchenAid KF8 coffee maker on kitchen counter

Shhh - KitchenAid's new coffee machines can brew up to 40 hot and cold drinks, and they're whisper quiet

By Cat Ellis published

One of the three models even has a dedicated mode for frothing plant-based milk for soya or oat cappuccinos.

Smeg BCC13 coffee maker with cups on kitchen counter

Smeg BCC13 review: perfectly extracted espresso and foamed milk every time

By Cat Ellis published

If your budget can take the hit, the BCC13 is easily one of the best bean-to-cup espresso machines you can buy.

Person lying on bed with various Philips Hue lamps in bedroom

Your Philips Hue lights are getting 4 new effects – including a dreamy underwater mode

By Cat Ellis published

Underwater, Cosmos, Enchant, and Sunbeam could be extra relaxing when paired with the recently released Twilight lamp.

Twinkly Line smart lights on edge of desk, lit in green and blue gradient

Twinkly Line review: fun and affordable smart lights to jazz up small spaces

By Cat Ellis published

Adhesive LED strips that are bright, highly customizable, and can be set up in five minutes.

Dreo BaristaMaker milk frother with pitcher and frothing tips

Dreo BaristaMaker review: consistent foam for dairy and non-dairy milk every time

By Cat Ellis published

Whip up frothy milk for your lattes and cappuccinos – just don't expect quite the same results you'd get from a steam wand

House illuminated with Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 in white, blue, and purple

Govee's permanent outdoor lights can turn your home into a Barbie Dream House at the tap of a button

By Cat Ellis published

The new lighting system can go from practical to party in seconds, so there's no more climbing up ladders at Christmas.

Nutribullet Flip blender on kitchen counter with fruit

Nutribullet Flip review: a powerful personal blender for smoothies on the move

By Cat Ellis published

Some recipes will need two 30-second cycles to fully blend, but the Flip handles ice with ease, and is super-simple to use.

Young man and woman preparing fries using air fryer

Back-to-school cooking: the best air fryers for college students

By Cat Ellis published

We recommend the best air fryers if you're cooking on a student budget, and help you pick the perfect one for you.

Philips Hue Secure camera on a table

There's a big firmware update coming for your Philips Hue smart home setup

By Cat Ellis published

Hue Secure cameras are getting a bundle of new features and fixes, including improved package detection.

Person pressing Ring Battery Doorbell button

Ring's new video doorbell offers premium features for an entry-level price

By Cat Ellis published

The new Ring Battery Doorbell is available to pre-order now, with shipping due to start in early September.

Young girl looking at woman on interior screen of Smart Door Lock 2 Pro

Xiaomi's new smart lock offers 10 ways to open your front door, including AI facial recognition

By Cat Ellis published

Plus a high-res screen on the inside to show you who's calling.

Young woman wearing headphones drinking coffee

Back-to-school brews: the best coffee makers for college students

By Cat Ellis published

Compact and affordable coffee makers to keep you fuelled during long days of lectures.

Woman's hand adjusting Google Nest Thermostat 2020

Google Home's new interface is rolling out now, and you don't need the latest hardware to get it

By Cat Ellis published

Owners of old Google Nest and Ecobee thermostats have reported seeing the updated app.

The Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Gen

Google Home app gets much-needed overhaul ready for new smart thermostat

By Cat Ellis published

Controlling your smart thermostat is about to get a lot more straightforward thanks to the simplified mobile app.

Man using coffee maker to make espresso

I took a barista class, and these are the most important lessons I learned for making perfect coffee at home

By Cat Ellis published

Coffee is very personal, and with these tips you'll have complete control over the flavor of your daily brew.

Home Depot Commercial Electric Smart Exhaust Fan installed in bathroom

It's a Bluetooth speaker, it's a color-changing smart light, it's a bathroom fan – and I think I want it

By Cat Ellis published

This multi-function vent is here to fill a watery niche in your smart home setup.

Nanoleaf Expo smart lighting around TV

Nanoleaf's new smart display cases show off your collectibles and sneakers with sound-reactive lighting

By Cat Ellis published

Plus screen mirroring, preset scenes, custom color palettes, or just plain white lighting if you prefer.

Xiaomi Motion Sensor 2S on wooden shelf

Burglars beware – this tiny motion sensor from Xiaomi can detect a hand wave from three meters away

By Cat Ellis published

The Motion Sensor 2S can also pick up subtle changes in light levels, and has a battery life of three years.

smeg espresso coffee maker

3 coffee maker mistakes that are ruining your morning brew, according to an expert

By Cat Ellis published

These problems are easy to fix, and will ensure a better-tasting cup of coffee every day.

Breville Oracle Jet coffee machine on kitchen counter

Breville's new all-in-one espresso machine grinds, froths, brews hot and cold – and has a price tag that'll roast your wallet

By Cat Ellis published

The Oracle Jet gives you real-time feedback to improve your coffee-making, but the $2,000 price may be tough to swallow.

Google Nest Learning Thermostat (Gen 3)

New Google Nest smart thermostat leaks in TikTok unboxing video – and it's had a serious makeover

By Cat Ellis published

The Google Nest Learning Thermometer (4th Gen) is slimmer than ever, with a barely-there stainless steel case.

The Nest Learning Thermostat mounted on a wall being controlled by a woman

Leaked images show how Google's new smart thermostat will save you energy - and potentially cash

By Cat Ellis published

The new thermostat will calculate an efficient temperature for you home when you're away, and offer energy-saving tips.

KitchenAid colored bakeware in various shades on kitchen counter

Time to pre-heat your credit card – KitchenAid has launched a whole range of bakeware to match your stand mixer

By Cat Ellis published

There are 11 baking pans, trays, and sheets to choose from, in seven pastel and metallic shades.

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