Articles by Ruth Hamilton, Homes Editor

Ruth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, robovacs, fans and air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3 before joining TechRadar. Before that, she worked on various design titles, in print and online.

Articles by: Ruth Hamilton

The iRobot takeover is complete – but it looks like the Roomba brand is clinging on to its US roots

By Ruth Hamilton published 12 February 26

Roomba's parent brand might have a new Chinese owner, but it's still a 'US-based global consumer robotics company'.

Segway Navimow CEO on why it won't be 'simply piling on features' in its robot lawn mowers

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 February 26

Exclusive: 'I have always hoped that technology can truly be applied to people's daily needs.'

Person holding the Dyson Pencilvac Fluffycones (left) and the Pencilvac Fluffy in use (right)

Dyson just quietly launched a new PencilVac, and it solves the big problem I had with the original

By Ruth Hamilton published 11 February 26

The new PencilVac Fluffy keeps everything that's amazing about the original, and fixes it's one big issue – and it costs less, too.

IKEA Timmerflotte temperature and humidity sensor in writer's hand, showing a 62.5 per cent humidity reading on screen. With a wooden table and plants in the background

'It's my unexpected favorite' – IKEA exec reveals why this $10 / £5 sensor is his top pick from the new smart gadget range

By Ruth Hamilton published 10 February 26

This 'simple, useful, affordable' sensor can be used straight out of the box.

Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum floorhead with headlamps illuminated

I tested a load of different Shark vacuum cleaners – these are the models I'd recommend

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 10 February 26

Whether your priority is powerful suction, a nimble build or advanced features, I've found a Shark vacuum for you.

Navimow i2 AWD robot mower in action on astroturf

'Today, the real standard is no longer simply 'wire-free' but 'senseless intelligence' – whether the robot can be like an invisible gardener' – Segway Navimow CEO on the changing focus of robot mowers

By Ruth Hamilton published 9 February 26

Exclusive: I chatted to the CEO of one of the leading lawnbot brands to get his take on the changing landscape of robot mowers.

The Shark FlexStyle, Dreame Airstyle Pro and Dyson Airwrap i.d. in reviewer's home

I've tested the best hair stylers on the market – these are my top picks for every budget

By Ruth Hamilton last updated 9 February 26

These talented multi-stylers managed to make me look put-together, with minimal effort and skill.

IKEA Bilresa smart switch in tester's hand

3 reasons why you shouldn't sleep on these $6 / £3 smart switches – they're the understated hit of IKEA's new gadget range

By Ruth Hamilton published 8 February 26

Exclusive: 'There are situations when you don’t want to pick up your phone, open an app, and tap through menus to steer your smart product.'

A Meaco compressor dehumidifier (left) and desiccant dehumidifier (right) in home settings

Desiccant vs compressor dehumidifier: 3 key differences you need to know

By Ruth Hamilton published 7 February 26

These two kinds of dehumidifier do the same job, but work in different ways.

Meaco 12L Low Energy Dehumidifier in front of a rack of drying clothes

Buying a dehumidifier for drying clothes? There are two types – and the one to choose depends on if your priority is speed or running cost

By Ruth Hamilton published 6 February 26

I asked an expert whether a compressor dehumidifier or desiccant humidifier was better for drying clothes – here's what I learned.

IKEA's iconic 'donut' lamp has had a glow-up – here are the 5 coolest features, with insights from a brand exec

By Ruth Hamilton published 6 February 26

Exclusive: 'It felt like a really good place to show how smart features can genuinely improve everyday life.'

Roborock Saros 10 navigating around tester's home

I wasn't sure this premium robot vacuum was worth the money – but after using it every other night for 10 months, I've changed my mind

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 February 26

I'd recommend this robot vacuum to anyone with a shedding pet.

L'Oréal's new glass straighteners look cool, but it's the multi-styler design that has me really excited

By Ruth Hamilton published 5 February 26

Exclusive: I spoke to a L'Oréal exec to get the low-down on the innovative upcoming launch.

'We're still a home furnishing company, it's just that adding smart functionality can give our products superpowers': IKEA exec shares the brand's big smart home plans

By Ruth Hamilton published 4 February 26

Exclusive: 'In the long term we don't really see smart products as a segment at all.'

Shark Stratos IZ400 cordless vacuum in testing studio with floor samples

Shark Stratos IZ400 cordless vacuum review: an older model that still beats the competition

By Ruth Hamilton published 4 February 26

The Shark Stratos IZ400 is often overlooked, but it's one of the best-value cordless vacs you can buy.

'Most people won't buy it because they want a smart device, but because it’s a beautiful lamp' – IKEA exec on the secrets behind the new version of the brand's iconic donut lamp

By Ruth Hamilton published 4 February 26

One of IKEA's most popular products has had a glow-up – I got the low-down on the new-look donut lamp.

Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, PencilVac Fluffycones and Clean+Wash Hygiene

Dyson's new launches are proof that branching out isn't always a good thing

By Ruth Hamilton published 3 February 26

After reviewing Dyson's three new launches, I'm even more convinced that it should stick to what it's good at.

'Beauty and farming are not often thought of in the same breath, but we’ve brought them together' – James Dyson on why the brand's farms are playing a key role in its new haircare launch

By Ruth Hamilton published 3 February 26

Dyson has launched a bubble scalp treatment that uses a surprising ingredient to tackle hair loss, banish excess oil and guard against flakes.

Dyson WashG1 (left) and Clean+Wash Hygiene (right)

Dyson just brought out a new hard-floor cleaner, and I'm sorry, but I prefer the old one – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published 3 February 26

In 'improving' its WashG1 hard floor cleaner, Dyson got rid of everything that made it great.

Dyson's new wet cleaner tackles spills and messes with ease — but for me, it isn't quite exceptional enough to justify that price tag

By Ruth Hamilton published 2 February 26

The Clean+Wash Hygiene is an effective cleaner, but other brands offer more for a lower price.

I tested Dyson's impossibly compact new vacuum, and it was a revelation – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published 2 February 26

Recommended

The Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones cleans really well, if you can resist waving it around like a Lightsaber.

Philips OneUp 5000 electric mop in reviewer's kitchen

This lightweight electric mop could be a game-changer, if it wasn't for this one major flaw

By Ruth Hamilton published 29 January 26

The Philips OneUp 5000 is nimble, efficient and lightweight, but there's a big problem with the mop head.

Dyson's ridiculously compact new vacuum is going to change the market forever – here's why

By Ruth Hamilton published 28 January 26

The PencilVac prioritizes lightness over outright power, and that's a good thing.

Of all the new 2026 robot lawn mowers, these are the 3 I'm most excited to try out

By Ruth Hamilton published 26 January 26

There are plenty of excellent lawbots heading our way in 2026, but these 3 stand out from the crowd.

Hobot S7 Pro window cleaning robot on outside of reviewer's patio door window

Are robot window cleaners any good? I tested one – here's what you need to know before you buy

By Ruth Hamilton published 25 January 26

If you're thinking of outsourcing your window cleaning to a robot-helper, read this first.

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