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

Google Nest Hub

Not a morning person? These 5 smart home tips and automations will take the pain out of early starts

By Cat Ellis published

Stop hitting 'snooze' – this smart tech will help you beat the morning slump.

Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Homepod smart speakers

The best smart speaker 2025: for Google, Alexa and Siri

By Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Whatever smart home ecosystem you use, our experts have picked the best smart speaker for you.

Philips Hue Smart Button, Tap Dial Switch, and Dimmer Switch

The best smart switch 2025: top buttons and dimmers for all your smart home devices

By Alistair Charlton, Cat Ellis last updated

Updated Our roundup of expert-tested smart switches to give you maximum control over your smart home tech.

Coffee beans in hopper, latte with heart in gray ceramic cup, and espresso pouring into glass cup

I'm a trained barista, and these are the 3 best espresso machines I've tested so far this year

By Cat Ellis published

Whether you want a delicious shot of black espresso, or your order is so complex it makes grown baristas cry, I've got the machine for you.

A Nintendo Switch 2 next to hands holding the Sigma BF and a B&O Bluetooth speaker sitting on a table

The best tech of 2025 so far – the 17 finest gadgets we've tested this year

By Mark Wilson published

TechRadar has spent days testing products across phones, TVs, laptops, cameras, smartwatches and more in 2025. These are the best ones we've reviewed so far this year.

Coffee being dispensed into a measuring cup, a glass cup of espresso, and coffee beans in a coffee machine's hopper

I've tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, and these are the top 3 to keep you caffeinated on a budget

By Cat Ellis published

You don't have to spend a fortune to get a great quality coffee maker, and these are my top recommendations.

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window

This window-cleaning robot is a miracle-worker, and if it's on sale for Prime Day you should grab one ASAP

By Cat Ellis published

The Winbot W2 Pro Omni will make light work of even filthy windows, and with the right deal, it could be your smartest Prime Day purchase.

Pink smoothie in blender, pink smoothie in glass, and pink slushie in glass

Feeling the heat? These are the best 3 blenders for smoothies and slushies, recommended by a kitchen tech expert

By Cat Ellis last updated

Ice and frozen fruit are no match for these powerful personal blender, which will whip up refreshing drinks in moments.

Woman waking with Philips Hue smart lamp

‘What you can do now is quite amazing’: the company behind Philips Hue reveals how to get the most from your smart lights

By Cat Ellis published

Smart lighting isn't just about bulbs any more – and it can improve your life at home, indoors and out

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window

The Ecovacs Winbot W2 Pro Omni got my filthy windows sparkling clean in minutes, and I can't quite believe it

By Cat Ellis published

It's not cheap, but this robot window cleaner really works, and it's incredibly simple to use.

A Tesla car, James Bonds and Samsung's foldable promo image

ICYMI: the week's 7 biggest tech stories from Tesla finally launching robotaxis (kinda) to Samsung's foldables teaser

By Hamish Hector published

Here's the biggest tech news stories from Samsung, Amazon, Tesla, and more for June 28, 2025

Philips Hue Motion Sensor on wall, and detection alert in app

This tiny sensor will turn your Philips Hue lights into a home security system – and it's cheap too

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week This affordable little device does double duty by controlling your smart lights hands-free and offering peace of mind while you're out.

Woman using smart display to lock door

How to upgrade to a smart display: take your smart home to the next level

By Cat Ellis published

Mobile apps and speakers are fine when you're starting out, but as your smart home grows, it's time to think bigger.

Two phones receiving AI-generated video description notifications from the Ring app

Is that a burglar in your home, or just the dog? Your Ring camera can now tell you instantly – here's how

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week The Ring app can now send AI-generated notifications describing what's happening when your camera detects motion.

Three Philips Hue lights

3 cool things you didn't realize your Philips Hue lights could do

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week You're probably only scratching the surface of what your smart lights can do – here's how to unlock their full potential.

Woman's hand pressing Philips Hue Dimmer Switch on wall

This palm-sized Philips Hue gadget has revolutionized my smart lighting setup

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week Smart lighting just got more accessible with this customizable controller that puts scenes and timed lighting options at your fingertips.

WinBot W2 Omni cleaning window

I've been a tech journalist for over 10 years, and this window-cleaning robot is the most satisfying gadget I've ever tested

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week My windows were an embarrassment, but this little bot had them sparkling in minutes.

Man using tablet to control smart lights in kitchen while holding child

Welcome to TechRadar's Smart Home Week

By Cat Ellis published

Smart home week Find out how technology can help you achieve domestic bliss, and how to choose and use the right devices for your home.

Coffee beans in an espresso machine, a latte macchiato, and ground coffee in a portafilter

I test coffee makers for a living, and these are the 3 best machines I've tried this year

By Cat Ellis published

It's brewing up to be a fantastic year for coffee lovers: these are my three favorite machines so far

Gaggia Classic coffee maker on kitchen counter

I’ve tested 13 coffee makers over the last year, but this Gaggia machine is still my all-time favorite

By Cat Ellis published

The Gaggia Classic Pro has developed a cult following, and if you want to really tinker with your espresso, it's the machine for you.

Mixed berry smoothie made using Beast Mighty 850 Plus blender with straw in vessel

There's one ingredient I've never been able to turn into a smoothie – until I tried this super powerful blender

By Cat Ellis published

The Beast Mighty 850 Plus lives up to its name, successfully pulverizing ingredients that lesser blenders can't.

Split image of video doorbell on wall and man looking shocked at phone while drinking coffee

These 3 hidden features will make your Ring doorbell even more useful, and you might not even know they exist

By Cat Ellis published

Are you getting the most from your doorbell? These handy tricky will ensure it's working as well as possible for your home.

Split image showing Philips Hue Wall Washer set up beside TV, and close-up of Wall Washer alone

Phillips Hue lights get a free AI upgrade – and it's a feature that could take your smart home to the next level

By Cat Ellis published

There's big news this week if you have Philips Hue lights, with a free AI upgrade in the app, plus a new Wall Washer light

Split image showing close-ups of coffee grinder and espresso being poured

5 things to look for when buying a home coffee maker, according to a trained barista

By Cat Ellis published

A home coffee maker is a big investment, so make sure you bear these factors in mind when choosing your next one.

Sage Barista Touch Impress machine

The Sage Barista Touch Impress with Cold Extraction might just be the most satisfying coffee machine I've ever used

By Cat Ellis published

A machine that guides you through the process of perfecting your espresso, whether you want it hot or cold.

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