Articles by Cat Ellis, Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor, covering smart home tech, kitchen appliances, vacuums, haircare and more. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, having worked on print magazines including PC Plus and PC Format, and is a Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) certified barista. Whether you want to invest in some smart lights, find your ideal hair styler, or pick the espresso machine of your dreams, she's the right person to help.

Articles by: Cat Ellis

Collection of colourful AeroPress coffee makers on pop-art style background with coffee beans and coffee grinders

Colourful AeroPress coffee makers are going cheap right now — with up to 20% off every shade from cheery pink to moody blue

By Cat Ellis Published 14 August 26

There are big discounts on the whole rainbow of lightweight coffee makers — and did you know you can use them to make cold brew?

Woman sitting beside portable air conditioner, holding phone

'Scammers often take advantage when temperatures rise' — industry experts explain how to spot fake air conditioner storefronts before you lose your money this summer

By Cat Ellis Published 13 August 26

Portable air conditioners are out of stock almost everywhere, and crooks are taking advantage by setting up fake storefronts to trick you out of your money.

Split image showing woman's hand showing John Lewis and Dyson portable fans

I've spent my summer testing portable fans, and these are the two that kept me coolest — including one that costs just £20

By Cat Ellis Published 13 August 26

I've spent a sweaty summer testing handheld fans, and these two kept me coolest — including a powerful premium option and a great value budget model.

Collection of different handheld electric fans

Do you really need an expensive fan to stay cool? I tested 5 handheld models from £17 to £130, and one budget pick stole the show

By Cat Ellis Published 12 August 26

Do expensive fans really cool you down faster? I tested five models at different price points to find out.

Split image of fries cooked in air fryer, front view of Ninja air fryer, and steak being cooked in air fryer with heat probe

The best air fryers 2026: from cooking for one to feeding a crowd

By Cat Ellis Last updated 12 August 26

Updated From crispy chips to roast chicken, we've cooked with every air fryer in this guide to help you find the right one for your kitchen.

Split image of three fans from Dimplex, Dyson, and SharkNinja

Struggling to sleep in this heatwave? These 3 extra-quiet fans will keep you cool all night — and they're in stock for next-day delivery

By Cat Ellis Published 12 August 26

A quiet fan can make the difference between a miserable, sticky night and proper restful sleep — and these three are tested and recommended by us.

Sliced cucumber in food processor, food processor containing berries, and grated carrot in food processor

The best food processors 2026: 6 tried and tested machines for easier food prep

By Cat Ellis Last updated 10 August 26

Updated We've tested the best food processors for every kind of cook, whether you need a compact model for quick prep or a powerful all-rounder for more demanding jobs.

Two people on couch illuminated with white and pink Philips Hue lights

Still using one big overhead bulb? 3 lighting experts explain how layering light sources can bring your home to life, and how you can try it yourself tonight

By Cat Ellis Published 8 August 26

I asked three lighting experts how you can layer strip lights, lamps, recessed lights and bulbs to create a bespoke setup that suits the way you live.

Lavazza Jolie Evo coffee maker on kitchen counter with espresso cups and saucers

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is the tiniest coffee machine I've ever tested, and brews a delicious espresso — but there's one sustainability catch you should know about

By Cat Ellis Published 5 August 26

Recommended

Lavazza's A Modo Mio Jolie Evo is a super compact espresso machine, and very reasonably priced, but its plastic capsules are harder to recycle than I'd like.

Panasonic bread and ice cream maker with selection of ice creams and bread

Panasonic's new gadget is a bread maker that also churns ice cream — I went hands-on with the wild two-in-one appliance, and the results were seriously tasty

By Cat Ellis Published 4 August 26

I've tested a lot of multi-function kitchen appliances, but never one as strange as this — so how well does it actually work?

A man pours foamed milk into a double espresso.

Your daily coffee is over 90% water, and tap water could be ruining your best beans — experts explain how to choose the right filter to unlock the full flavor

By Cat Ellis Published 2 August 26

I spoke to water-quality experts to find out what I should look for when choosing a water filter to upgrade my coffee-making experience.

Nespresso Verto capsules, machine dispensing espresso into cup, and Nespresso Original capsule in machine

The best Nespresso machines 2026: capsule coffee makers worth your kitchen counter

By Cat Ellis Last updated 30 July 26

Updated Nespresso Original and Vertuo machines tested and recommended by an SCA-certified barista.

"We’re not hiding how things work, we’re expressing it" — I sat down with Jake Dyson to talk radical product design, and why your favorite vacuum and hair dryer look like nothing else on the planet

By Cat Ellis Published 28 July 26

I spoke to Chief Engineer Jake Dyson about the company's unique designs, and why it's not afraid to break the mold

Split image of Dreo fan in reviewer's home and promotional image of Meaco air conditioner in bedroom

9 tips to get more from your fan or air conditioner — air quality experts on how to keep your whole home cool without spiking your energy bill

By Cat Ellis Published 27 July 26

Interview I asked three air-quality experts how to optimize your fan and portable AC this summer to keep your home cooler without spiking your energy bill.

I wanted great filter coffee and espresso without buying two appliances — and 9 months later, the Ninja Prestige DualBrew System is still my absolute favorite for both

By Cat Ellis Published 24 July 26

I love both types of coffee equally, and this all-in-one brewer means I don't have to sacrifice my whole countertop for two separate machines.

Coffee dripping into carafe, cup of drip coffee, and hand adjusting brew settings on drip coffee maker

The best espresso machines 2026: Tried, tested and worth your countertop

By Cat Ellis Last updated 24 July 26

Updated We've tested the latest drip coffee makers to find the ones worth waking up for.

portafilter full of coffee, espresso dispensing from espresso machine, and hand pulling espresso machine tamper

The best espresso machine 2026: home coffee makers tested by experts

By Cat Ellis Last updated 24 July 26

Updated Expert-recommended espresso machines to give you a morning jump-start.

De'Longhi Magnifica Duo coffee maker preparing an iced coffee

The new De'Longhi Magnifica Duo prepares 20 different coffee drinks at the tap of a button — and its 3-minute cold brew feature has me sold

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

De'Longhi has upgraded one of its best automatic coffee makers with the ability to prepare authentic cold-extracted espresso, complete with chilled milk foam.

Split image of whole Jura E10 coffee maker, and close-up of coffee menu

Jura's new espresso machine packs cold brewing, delicious syrup-infused milk foam, and timed morning brewing into a surprisingly slim package — and it might be the ultimate upgrade for your small kitchen

By Cat Ellis Published 22 July 26

Jura has just launched a new coffee maker that offers hot and cold extraction, syrup-infusion, milder brewing, and a timer — all in one compact package.

A new Google Home Display is reportedly on the way — but what our smart homes actually need in 2026 is a proper Pixel Tablet successor

By Cat Ellis Published 21 July 26

A new Home Display sounds intriguing — but I’ll be disappointed if Google gives us another stationary screen instead of a movable AI hub.

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Ninja Crispi Microwave containing four dishes of various vegetables

It’s a microwave, it’s an air fryer, it’s a... soup-maker? Ninja’s latest launch could be the only appliance your kitchen needs

By Cat Ellis Published 16 July 26

Microwaved food can easily get soggy, but that's not a problem with this new air fryer and microwave combo, packed with useful presets.

De'Longhi Rivelia Start coffee maker in five colors on kitchen counter

The new De'Longhi Rivelia Start is a super-compact coffee maker with a 10-drink menu — including the cold brew we desperately need for sweltering summer days

By Cat Ellis Published 14 July 26

The De'Longhi Rivelia Start can brew 10 different drinks at the tap of a button, including cold brew, and create silky milk foam.

Split image of three blenders from Ninja and Nutribullet

No room in your kitchen for a Ninja Slushi? We tested 3 blenders that make perfect slushies for one for a fraction of the price, and actually fit in your cupboard

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

If you don't have the space or cash for a Ninja Slushi machine, these portable blenders can make fantastic frozen drinks for a fraction of the price.

Collage of six electric fans on icy blue backgrounds

Can't find a fan? Don't panic — as a home tech expert, I've tracked down 7 premium models that are still in stock from Dyson, Shark, and Meaco for delivery this week

By Cat Ellis Published 13 July 26

The summer heat shows no sign of letting up, but there are still fans in stock from big names like Dyson, Shark, and Meaco — if you know where to look.

I'm a certified barista, and these are the best 3 espresso machines I've tested so far this year — and the only ones genuinely worth your kitchen counter space

By Cat Ellis Published 9 July 26

I test over a dozen coffee makers every year, and these are the three models that have received my seal of approval so far in 2026.

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