Articles by Karen Freeman, Freelance Contributor

Karen is a world traveler, writer, teacher, family woman, and occasionally a movie extra. She has been writing about Apple, consumer tech, and lifestyle products since 2010 for various publications including TechRadar, CNET, Tom’s Guide, iMore, Macworld, AppAdvice, and WatchAware.

Articles by: Karen Freeman

Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat close up

The Honeywell Home X2S Smart Thermostat is smart heating made simple

By Karen Freeman published 11 January 26

The X2S Smart Thermostat is an easy-to-use Energy Star certified thermostat. It’s not the most modern-looking device, but it does the job.

The Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Countertop Air Fryer is super-sized for families and entertaining

By Karen Freeman published 31 December 25

Ninja has upscaled its portable Ninja Crispi air fryer, and this new version is big enough to feed a crowd.

Are you making these 6 common mistakes when using your air fryer?

By Karen Freeman published 12 October 25

If you're struggling with mess and unevenly-cooked food from your air fryer, we're here to help.

WEFFORT Smart Shades open, close up view

WEFFORT's Motorized Smart Shades are smooth and quiet, with plenty of options to ensure they suit your home

By Karen Freeman published 12 October 25

Cover your windows your way with these smart motorized shades.

Making cappuccino with Terra Kaffe TK-02

The Terra Kaffe TK-02 brings the high-end coffee shop to your home

By Karen Freeman published 21 September 25

Make over 100,000 coffee beverages right at home in seconds with the Terra Kaffe TK-02

Not getting the iPhone 17? Make your current iPhone feel new again with these 5 tips

By Karen Freeman published 15 September 25

Apple's iPhone 17 models look great, but with these five steps, you can make your current iPhone feel just as new.

The iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra – which phone will be best, according to the rumored specs?

By Karen Freeman published 4 September 25

We compare the rumored specs of the iPhone 17 Pro Max to the confirmed specs of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Three juicers being used to prepare fresh fruit juice

The best juicer: tested for juice yield, smoothness, and ease of use

By Cat Ellis last updated 22 August 25

Updated Our expert team have juiced buckets of produce to bring you this list of the very best centrifugal and cold press juicers around.

The Kuvings Hands-Free Slow Juicer AUTO10 Plus is the ultimate tool for juicing, and much more

By Karen Freeman published 20 August 25

Make large batches of juice, plus whip up sorbets, smoothies, sauces, plant milks, and more.

Air fryer with drawer open showing cooked fries, and close-up of fries and chicken nuggets in air fryer

The best small air fryers 2025: compact fryers tested and rated

By Cat Ellis last updated 24 July 25

Updated Top-rated compact air fryers that are perfect when you're cooking for one or two people.

Are smart blinds worth it? My thoughts after installing them in my own home

By Karen Freeman published 27 June 25

Smart home week Should you buy smart blinds for your home?

The best Apple Watch bands 2025: Top straps for every Watch model and size

By Karen Freeman last updated 4 June 25

Updated We round-up the best Apple Watch bands and straps for every size, taste and budget.

DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine on counter

The De'Longhi Linea Classic is a budget-friendly, entry-level espresso machine that makes you the barista

By Karen Freeman published 22 April 25

The DeLonghi Linea Classic Espresso Machine is ideal for budding and budget-minded baristas

The Ninja Swirl by Creami is a new twist on a popular ice cream maker, and I put it to the test

By Karen Freeman published 9 April 25

Make your own soft-serve frozen treats at home.

SmartWings Motorized Smart Shades halfway down

SmartWings Motorized Smart Shades review: Smart blinds that harness the power of the sun

By Karen Freeman published 4 April 25

Control your window treatments with your smartphone.

Touching the screen on Kalorik Vivid Touch air fryer

With the Kalorik Vivid Touch Touchscreen Air Fryer, I can tap my way to perfectly-done meals

By Karen Freeman published 3 March 25

The Kalorik Vivid Touch 7-Quart High-Resolution Touchscreen Air Fryer with Window makes air frying easier than ever.

The Ninja Crispi isn't your typical air fryer – and its unique design makes it worth the price

By Karen Freeman published 17 February 25

Are you looking for a unique, portable air fryer? Look no further than the Ninja Crispi.

I'm a huge Apple fan but even I'm getting bored of the iPhone

By Karen Freeman published 30 December 24

I'm a long-time Apple fan, but even I'm beginning to question my interest in the iPhone.

Ninja Thirsti Max review: your own personal soda machine

By Karen Freeman published 16 November 24

Make soda, sparkling water, and other fizzy drinks at home.

SMEG Combi Steam Oven on a kitchen counter

Smeg Combi Steam Oven review: a multi-functional countertop oven that looks stunning and cooks well

By Karen Freeman published 10 November 24

This gorgeous high-tech mini-oven costs a pretty penny, but is it worth it?

How to know if someone blocked you on iMessage

By Karen Freeman published 16 October 24

There's no surefire way to know if someone has blocked you, but there are some clues you can put together that will give you a pretty good idea.

How to tell which iPhone you have

By Karen Freeman published 15 October 24

There are so many iPhone models, it can be confusing to remember which one you've got in your hands. Luckily, it's easy to find out in just a couple of taps.

How to unsend an iMessage

By Karen Freeman published 15 October 24

You've accidentally sent an iMessage you wish you hadn't. Don't worry, just a few simple steps will make it un-happen.

AirPods Pro 2 vs AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: Which should you buy?

By Karen Freeman published 5 October 24

Apple's two best in-ear headphones both offer active noise cancellation, but there are some important differences you'll want to consider before making a purchase.

Apple AirPods 4 with AirPods 4 ANC, on purple background

AirPods 4 vs AirPods 4 with Noise Cancellation: which should you buy?

By Karen Freeman published 1 October 24

Active noise cancellation is the most significant difference between the two models, but it's far from the only one.