Katie Mortram
Katie looks after everything homes-related, from kitchen appliances, to laundry products, to gardening tools. She also covers smart home technology, so is the best point of contact for any product recommendations around the home! She has tested and reviewed kitchen appliances for over 6 years, having previously worked for the Good Housekeeping Institute as a Product Tester and the Manager of the Homes department.
Consequently, she has extensive experience in developing testing protocols as well as a knowledgeable background in her field. She specializes in MDAs, such as washing machines and dishwashers, but she also has a passion for sustainability and eco-friendly solutions. As a result, she’s constantly giving advice on ways to reduce energy as well as water consumption around the home.
In her time at Tom’s Guide, she has also compiled countless ‘how to clean’ features, and her home is immaculate as a result. If you need advice on stain removal, or want to remove limescale from your shower door, she’s got you covered. Katie has tested all kinds of appliances in her home, including electric kettles, coffee machines and robot vacuums to name a few, so she knows the difference between a satisfactory performance and a quality product. Her aim is to help every consumer find the best product to suit their circumstances, whatever the budget and preferences.
Latest articles by Katie Mortram
![A cordless vacuum cleaner being pushed through the living room with a sofa behind](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/u6TEuWiLkKHcMtVntjC97T-320-80.jpg)
Are cordless vacuum cleaners worth it? Here are the pros and cons
By Katie Mortram published
Should you buy a cordless vacuum cleaner? Here are the pros and cons behind these appliances to help you make a decision.
![A white blender on a table next to fruit and plants](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KcQmZedEJvdTxtXeUTuZJL-320-80.jpg)
11 things you should never put in a blender
By Katie Mortram published
Want your blender to last longer? Then keep away from these 11 things.
![A woman emptying a dishwasher filled with colorful plates](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/T7v2YXQzafdKRNPJ2GwuEb-320-80.jpg)
Top 8 dishwasher mistakes, according to someone who tests appliances for a living
By Katie Mortram published
Here are the top 8 dishwasher mistakes everyone makes, according to our Homes Editor.
![An open dishwasher showing clean crockery and cutlery inside](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CBDgLdK9ZDMUXtuXTgCU3N-320-80.jpg)
7 things to look for when buying a dishwasher
By Katie Mortram published
If you need a new dishwasher, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. Here are 7 things to consider when buying a dishwasher.
![A black air fryer on an open countertop in a kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9DEzy26QTrbCRCvQXqH6Jc-320-80.jpg)
How to stop your air fryer from overheating
By Katie Mortram published
An air fryer can become a potential fire hazard if left to overheat unattended. Here’s how to prevent your air fryer from overheating.
![A white washing machine filled with clothes next to an overloaded clothes hamper and a plant](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AfaTKYkxDd7aNGpbKujztR-320-80.jpg)
I test appliances for a living and here are my top washing machine tips
By Katie Mortram published
Our Homes Editor has been testing appliances for more than 6 years. She's come up with 7 tips when it comes to washing machines.
![A red amaryllis which has bloomed](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4aFyBwADYkGZ3JeiK5o92K-320-80.jpg)
How to care for an amaryllis and make it bloom
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know how to care for an amaryllis? Here we cover everything you need to know, from watering to feeding to soil conditions.
![Leaves on a plant which are covered in frost](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wU29ehsWArDhvBZABZNuTQ-320-80.jpg)
How to protect plants from frost this winter
By Katie Mortram published
Want to know how to protect plants from frost? Here, we cover the best methods to keep your plants safe through the winter months.
![A close up of the ends of a Christmas cactus in bloom with red flowers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zXzkzgjP7GW7uMQssWEbDm-320-80.jpg)
How to care for a Christmas cactus and keep it alive
By Katie Mortram published
Need to know how to care for a Christmas cactus? Here, we cover everything you need to know, including tips on how to get it blooming.
![An Instant Pot sitting on a counter surrounded by food and utensils](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/sBpsLcop4NDRCL62R7pZmY-320-80.jpg)
How to clean an Instant Pot — tips to remove grease and grime
By Katie Mortram published
Need to know how to clean an Instant Pot? Here, we cover everything you need to do to deep clean this pressure cooker.
![A white juicer on a kitchen counter surrounded with fruit and vegetables](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/V2fwDbGZ2TMvhLswFC5Dnn-320-80.jpg)
9 foods you should never put in a juicer
By Katie Mortram published
Here are 9 foods you should keep out of the juicer at all costs. Because not every fruit and vegetable is juicer-friendly.
![A roasted turkey cooked spatchcocked](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/beZekkJiQ6xTF8aMrmCVHV-320-80.jpg)
How to spatchcock a turkey for quick, even and crisp results
By Katie Mortram last updated
Here’s how to spatchcock a turkey quickly and easily, for tasty meals.
![A woman preparing Christmas dinner in the kitchen](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/8hcf8vKdVqPr9dFUFWqpvC-320-80.jpg)
10 tips to make this year's Christmas dinner less stressful
By Katie Mortram published
Do you dread the stress of cooking Christmas dinner? Here are 10 tips to make the process easier.
![Carving a turkey on the dinner table](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/MLbcFQHqCRepaRxrijiEzJ-320-80.jpg)
How to carve a turkey for Christmas
By Cynthia Lawrence last updated
If you’re hosting Christmas dinner, here’s how to carve a turkey the easy way.
![Six white towels stacked and rolled on a wooden surface](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZwoAM2M8QNZvSdLLt4gAnd-320-80.jpg)
How to fold towels like a pro
By Katie Mortram published
Want to impress your guests? Here’s how to fold towels to add a touch of luxury to your home.
![A poinsettia sitting on a table next to gifts with a Christmas tree in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/YgKGjxZ6gHHsJh32r3e7dD-320-80.jpg)
How to care for a poinsettia in 6 simple steps
By Katie Mortram published
Here’s how to care for a poinsettia, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned gardener.
![A slice of pizza being removed from the pie with stringy cheese](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/v853jo7rmBFFjjxiB7qsYN-320-80.jpg)
How to reheat pizza properly — 3 ways to make it taste fresh
By Katie Mortram published
Need to know how to reheat pizza in the oven? Here we cover the best tips and tricks to get your pizza piping hot and delicious.
![A space heater in a living room next to a rug and sofa](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fqhiEfwoYAzeDj2dHhuDL8-320-80.jpg)
Should you buy a space heater? Here are the pros and cons
By Katie Mortram published
Thinking about buying a space heater? Here are the pros and cons behind these devices.
![An air purifier in a bedroom in front of a bed and bedside cabinet](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9Z7QtKQBqA6XHwQeG7aUQa-320-80.jpg)
7 ways to get more out of your air purifier
By Katie Mortram published
Here are 7 ways to improve the performance of your air purifier — so you can get it running at its best.
![A woman holding a towel to her face in front of a washing machine](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EhAwLYV7XXwXcNLMBb3Vam-320-80.jpg)
How to make your towels feel soft and fluffy again
By Katie Mortram published
If your towels feel like sandpaper, don’t throw them away. We break down how to make towels feel soft again in four simple steps.
![Close up of a Christmas tree with red decorations and a fire place in the background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VSBFWZu2qRnVWVYPpqjJER-320-80.jpg)
Real Christmas tree versus fake — which is better?
By Katie Mortram published
Should you buy a real Christmas tree or a fake one? Here’s the fundamental differences to help you decide.
![Someone sitting at home keeping warm with a blanket, slippers and a hot drink](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9QR3e57hzuoaokQEpWSH4L-320-80.jpg)
7 ways I’ve kept warm without turning the heat on
By Katie Mortram published
I’m trying to save money on my energy bill by resisting the heating. Here’s how I’ve gotten by so far.
![A dirty pair of canvas shoes next to a clean pair on the grass to explain how to clean white shoes](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/R2eJJxc7yvHEJiqjReh4qS-320-80.jpg)
How to clean white shoes and get them looking like new again
By Katie Mortram last updated
If you want your new shoes to stay spotless, here's how to clean white shoes and make them last longer.