Articles by Helen McCue, Freelance contributor

Helen is a freelance writer who specializes in kitchen and home appliances, and has written for some of the biggest home-related titles around. She has been reviewing small appliances, including blenders, air fryers, and vacuums for more than 15 years. When she's not busy testing the latest food and home gadgets, she enjoys DIY and gardening.

Articles by: Helen McCue

Miele Blizzard CX1 canister vacuum in reviewer's home

Miele Blizzard CX1 vacuum review

By Helen McCue published 4 January 25

Available in a range of configurations, the Miele Blizzard CX1 is a well-made, straightforward corded cylinder vacuum.

Ninja Foodi Health Grill & Air Fryer review

By Helen McCue last updated 12 November 24

An air fryer that doubles as an indoor barbecue for chargrilled foods – but does it really work?

Miele Boost CX1 canister vacuum in reviewer's home

Miele Boost CX1 review: a compact canister vacuum suited to small homes

By Helen McCue last updated 28 October 24

The Miele Boost CX1 is surprisingly compact for a canister vacuum, but it doesn't have the power to deep clean carpets.

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender with accessories on kitchen counter

Kenwood MultiPro OneTouch Food Processor and Blender review: one appliance that can do it all

By Helen McCue published 13 October 24

A a jack-of-trades kitchen appliance, but is it trying to be too many things?

Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum cleaning a yellow rug

Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum review: a plug-in vacuum that provides a thorough clean

By Helen McCue published 12 September 24

Editor's Choice

The Shark Stratos Pet Pro Upright Vacuum promises best-ever hair pick-up. Is this the must-have vac for homes with pets?

KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender review: enjoy the freedom of a battery-powered hand blender

By Helen McCue published 22 July 24

Can the KitchenAid Go Cordless Hand Blender deliver enough power to match its corded counterparts?

The KitchenAid Go Cordless Food Chopper on a kitchen counter

KitchenAid Go Cordless Food Chopper review: ditch the power cable and chop anywhere

By Helen McCue published 20 July 24

Recommended

Are battery-powered appliances, like the KitchenAid Go Cordless Food Chopper, the next big thing in kitchens?

The Cuisinart Expert Prep Pro food processor pictured against a pink background. The accessories storage case is pictured to its left, and the dicing accessory kit is pictured on its right. The stone-effect tabletop that it sits on has apples and bananas on.

Cuisinart 3.3L Expert Prep Pro review

By Helen McCue, Cesci Angell last updated 12 July 24

A large capacity food processor that has a lot to give, but it'll take up space.

Instant Infusion Brew coffee maker on kitchen counter

Instant Infusion Brew 12-Cup Coffee Maker review: a simple and affordable coffee maker

By Helen McCue published 15 April 24

Should you buy a coffee maker from a brand known for its multi-cookers and air fryers? I tried this drip coffee maker from Instant to find out.

Dyson being used by a person for cleaning

How to clean a Dyson vacuum

By Helen McCue published 23 October 23

Our step-by-step guide on how to clean and maintain your Dyson vacuum.

Woman looking over a broken vacuum cleaner

How to fix a vacuum cleaner with no suction

By Helen McCue published 16 October 23

Is your vacuum losing suction? Don’t panic – you should be able to bring it back to live with these simple cleaning and maintenance steps.

How to buy a cordless vacuum

By Helen McCue published 2 October 23

Our top tips on how to buy a cordless vacuum, including the must-have features to look for

Vitamix vs. Nutribullet: we put them head-to-head

By Helen McCue published 15 August 23

When looking for a new blender should you go premium with Vitamix, or would a more affordable Nutribullet do the job?

Vitamix vs Blendtec: which of these premium blender brands is best for you?

By Helen McCue published 8 August 23

We pit the two premium blender brands, Vitamix and Blendtec against each other. Which is best for you?

Gaggia Accademia review: a premium bean to cup coffee machine

By Helen McCue published 20 July 23

With a menu of 19 drink choices, this automatic bean-to-cup coffee machine can do it all, but the price is eye-watering.

ninja woodfire on patio next to a flower pot

Ninja Woodfire review: outdoor cooking without charcoal or gas

By Helen McCue published 21 May 23

Editor's Choice

Ninja breaks into the world of outdoor cooking with a clever multifunctional electric grill-style BBQ and smoker. We tried it out.

Carrots and parsnips cooked in an air fryer

3 ways an air fryer will help you to start eating healthy in 2023

By Helen McCue last updated 4 January 23

Get Fit for '23 Here’s how to transform your diet and get healthier by using an air fryer to cook all your favorite foods.

nutribullet smart touch lead image on techradar review

Nutribullet Smart Touch Blender review

By Helen McCue published 28 December 22

Nutribullet has added an upgraded full-size blender to its lineup, and we think it’s a big improvement on the previous model.

Nutribullet Juicer Pro review

By Helen McCue published 14 December 22

It’s a step up from the more basic Nutribullet Juicer, but is the Pro actually any better at juicing?

Vitamix vs Ninja: We put them head-to-head

By Helen McCue published 19 November 22

We're pitting Vitamix vs Ninja to help you decide which one is the best blender for you.

Moccasmaster during testing in the kitchen

Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee maker review

By Helen McCue published 16 November 22

Recommended

This expensive European coffee maker comes in a range of colors, but is its trendy design a case of style over substance?

Ultenic K20 review

By Helen McCue published 1 November 22

Ultenic makes only one other air fryer, so will its newly launched dual-drawer model be enough to compete with the big boys?

ShakeSphere Portable Blender E-Lid review

By Helen McCue published 10 October 22

It’s known for its manual shaker cups, but will ShakeSphere’s foray into the world of electrical blenders prove to be a hit?

Ultenic T10 review

By Helen McCue published 6 October 22

Can the self-emptying robot vacuum and mop from new brand Ultenic compete with leading rivals?

Image of Dualit Café Plus Capsule Machine during testing at home

Dualit Cafe Plus review

By Helen McCue last updated 3 October 22

We tried out this simple Nespresso coffee machine from Dualit. It’s easy to use, but isn’t for coffee connoisseurs.

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