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

Man and woman setting up new air fryer in kitchen

3 things to consider when buying an air fryer on Black Friday

By Cat Ellis published

Black Friday is the perfect time to pick up an air fryer, so make sure you choose the right one.

A person working from home.

Best free program to speed up your PC of 2025

By Cat Ellis last updated

We list the best programs to speed up your PC, to make it simple and easy to optimize windows and clear out junk files.

Woman looking at coffee makers on shelf in store

3 things to consider when buying a coffee maker on Black Friday

By Cat Ellis published

Spoilt for choice with this year's deals? Make sure you choose the coffee maker that's right for you.

L'OR Barista by Alessi coffee maker

Tired of boring coffee makers? The new L'OR Barista was designed by an award-winning architect

By Cat Ellis published

The L'OR Barista can make two coffees at once, and it looks good while doing it.

Philips Hue and Govee lightbulbs on purple and teal background

Philips Hue vs Govee: choose the right smart lights for you

By Cat Ellis published

If you can't decide which smart bulbs would be best for your home, we're here to help.

Smeg BCC13 bean-to-cup coffee machine

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.

Philips Hue Surimu ceiling light installed in a lounge

New 24-hour scenes for your Philips Hue lights will set the mood all day long

By Cat Ellis published

You'll soon be able to choose either Golden Hours or Nature's Colors.

Vegan pumpkin spice cheesecake ingredients and finished cheesecake

I made this no-bake pumpkin spice cheesecake using only a blender, and you'd never guess it's vegan

By Cat Ellis published

A treat so creamy, it'll trick you into thinking it's made with dairy.

Three smart locks on blue and teal background

The best smart locks 2025: keyless security systems tested

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated The most secure and reliable smart locks for keyless convenience.

Limited edition Porsche / La Marzocco espresso machine

Want to start your day in true Italian style? This limited-edition Porsche coffee machine has you covered

By Cat Ellis published

It doesn't cost quite as much as a car, but it's still seriously pricey.

Woman speaking into SwannBuddy4K video doorbell

This AI video doorbell gives dynamic voice responses depending on who's calling - and it can be as aggressive as you like

By Cat Ellis published

A British-accented virtual assistant for your front door.

De'Longhi La Specialista Opera coffee maker on kitchen counter

De'Longhi's new manual coffee machine lets you call the shots

By Cat Ellis published

The new La Specialista Opera puts you in charge.

XIaomi Seven & Me coffee maker with latte and halved croissant

Xiaomi's crowdfunded coffee machine makes espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes in just three minutes – sort of

By Cat Ellis published

The Seven & Me machine brews coffee and foams milk simultaneously - but is it all it seems?

Kitchenaid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 with two coffee cups on kitchen counter

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine KF8 review: making café quality coffee at home has never been easier

By Cat Ellis published

From bean to cup with the minimum of fuss, this premium expresso machine makes preparing custom drinks a piece of cake.

Young woman with headphones after using a CD ripper

The best CD rippers 2025: back up your CD collection with these top rippers

By Cat Ellis last updated

With the right free tool, you can create copies of your discs so you have a backup

A closeup of the Apple HomePod 2

Apple has a vision for your smart home - but will it repeat the mistakes of the past?

By Cat Ellis published

The company has been out of the smart home game for a long time, so how can it get an edge?

Philips Hue Festavia smart string lights

Try before you buy: you can now use AR to preview how Philips Hue lights will look in your home

By Cat Ellis published

The Philips Hue app has received a 3D mapping update to help you decide whether to invest in more smart lights.

Woman's hand using Aqara Smart Lock U300

This new smart lock works with Matter, Thread, and Apple HomeKit – and it's yours with a 20% discount today

By Cat Ellis published

Made to be retrofitted to doors with a lever or handle.

A smart home

Controlling Google smart-home devices from your iPhone is about to get much easier

By Cat Ellis published

The Google Home app for iOS is getting a big upgrade to make favorites easier to access.

Kenwood Go Stand Mixer on kitchen counter

Small kitchen? No problem - Kenwood's tiny stand mixer lets you make up to 48 cupcakes and fits virtually anywhere

By Cat Ellis published

There's also a super compact hand mixer that you can stash in a bookcase

Woman putting ingredients in Nutribullet SmartSense blender

Nutribullet's new blender makes everything from nut milk to soup with a single touch

By Cat Ellis published

The Nutribullet SmartSense automatically senses quantities, and adjusts blending speed and time accordingly.

Ninja Crispi air fryer on kitchen counter with food in travel containers

Ninja's new portable air fryer lets you cook a 4lb chicken in the office

By Cat Ellis published

With the Ninja Crispi, you can cook anywhere with a power outlet.

Twinkly Strings lights on a Christmas tree (left) and up close (right)

Twinkly Strings review: striking smart string lights that aren't just for Christmas

By Cat Ellis published

These easy-to-use string lights can turn your tree or room into a canvas and paint it with light.

Sage the Kitchen Wizz 15 Pro food processor on teal background

The best food processor 2025: top kitchen appliances for slicing, dicing and mixing

By Jennifer Oksien last updated

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

Aqara Voice Mate H1 device superimposed over image of penthouse living room

Don't want a smart speaker listening to you at home? This AI-powered 'pebble' won't turn on its mic until it's picked up

By Cat Ellis published

The Aqara Voice Mate H1 sacrifices hands-free convenience for peace of mind.

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