Erin Bashford is a reviews writer at Tom’s Guide. She has a Master’s in Broadcast and Digital Journalism from the University of East Anglia and 7 years of experience reviewing music and events for various publications. She has edited publications such as Outline Magazine’s Guide to Norwich, and she has written for a number of music magazines and websites such as Clash Magazine, Outline Magazine and Dork Magazine, making her desperate to find the best audio gear.
Alongside this she has created video reports for BBC News and produced podcasts and radio broadcasts about everything from music to ghost stories. As an ex-barista, Erin is passionate about coffee tech. She also loves finding the best cooking hacks and kitchen appliances, including her beloved Instant Pot.
In her spare time, you can find her reading, practising yoga, hiking, writing fantasy fiction, or stressing over todays’ NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

I tried the AirPods Pro 3 and immediately fell in love, but I'm not going to buy them — here's why
By Erin Bashford published
I loved the AirPods Pro 3 as soon as I pressed 'play' on my music, but I won't be buying them. Here's why.

I'm an espresso machine reviewer, but I'd never buy a superautomatic machine for myself — here's why
By Erin Bashford published
I love coffee and I love convenience, so surely I should be the ideal person to get a superautomatic coffee machine? Alas, that is not the case, and here's why.

De’Longhi Dedica Duo review: A whimsical pastel ‘50s espresso machine with one major flaw
By Erin Bashford published
The De’Longhi Dedica Duo is a budget espresso machine in gorgeous pastel colors, and can even make delicious cold brew. Even so, it’s not perfect.

Casabrews CM5418 review: A budget espresso machine in competition with itself
By Erin Bashford published
The Casabrews CM5418 is a super-budget espresso machine perfect for small spaces and small budgets, but there are other better-value Casabrews machines.

Rode NTH-50 review
By Erin Bashford published
The Rode NTH-50 are studio headphones with faithful audio reproduction, especially for the mids and high-end, and an utter steal at just $109.

I wasn't impressed by this $99 espresso machine until I got this $38 accessory — now it makes barista-quality coffee
By Erin Bashford last updated
I took the Casabrews 3700 Essential, a $129/$99 espresso machine, and made it into a barista-quality machine with just one change. Here's exactly what I did.

I tested Wacaco’s new portable self-heating espresso maker, and it brews top-notch coffee… but at a cost
By Erin Bashford published
The Wacaco Pixapresso is a portable self-heating espresso machine that brews barista-quality coffee, but the battery life is a major shot in the foot.

Hario V60 vs Aeropress: Which manual brewer is best?
By Erin Bashford published
Which manual coffee maker is better, the AeroPress or the Hario V60? I compared them head-to-head.

I thought this Casabrews espresso machine wouldn't deliver — but I’m eating my words as I sip its delicious coffee
By Erin Bashford published
The Casabrews 3700 Essential is one of the cheapest espresso machines on the market, and with a few alterations, is also capable of brewing top-notch coffee.

Espresso machines can be tricky to master — here's my 3 favorite beginner-friendly machines for all home baristas
By Erin Bashford published
Espresso machines can be hard to learn, so I've rounded up the three most user-friendly machines so you can make coffee drinks from the get-go.

I've officially found my new favorite mid-range soundbar — it made me feel like I was at the movies
By Erin Bashford published
I recently tested the Samsung Q600F soundbar and subwoofer, and it's one of the best ways to achieve premium-quality sound on a mid-range budget.

I tested Samsung’s most affordable premium soundbar + subwoofer — and I felt like I was at a private movie theater built just for me
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung Q600F soundbar + subwoofer is an affordable way to get cinematic sound quality at home, but there are no smart features.

This is the most beautiful air fryer I’ve ever seen — but thankfully it’s not just a pretty face
By Erin Bashford published
The Laura Ashley Air Fryer has a very specific user in mind: someone who loves a floral kitchen. Surprisingly, it’s not just a pretty face, but is pricey.

I tested the brand new Breville Oracle Dual Boiler, and it’s the most futuristic espresso machine I’ve ever used… for better or for worse
By Erin Bashford published
The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler is an ultra-modern espresso machine with a Baratza grinder, a huge range of recipes built in, and a commercial-grade steam wand.

You might be using your espresso machine wrong — I'm an ex-barista and here's what you need to do
By Erin Bashford last updated
I'm an ex-barista and now a home espresso enthusiast. Here are my top foolproof ways to level up your home espresso into a drink worthy of a coffee shop.

I'm an ex-barista — here's my top 3 espresso machines for every budget
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista and now I review espresso machines, so I've tested loads of coffee makers. I've rounded up my top 3 recommendations from cheap to premium.

I've tested a ton of earbuds in the last year — here's my top picks under $50, $150 and $300
By Erin Bashford published
I review earbuds almost every week, so I've compiled my favorite budget, mid-range and premium options.

I'm a barista and I ditched my Breville Bambino Plus for this $129 espresso machine — is the $370 saving worth it?
By Erin Bashford last updated
I swapped out my Breville Bambino Plus for a $129 budget model for a week, and the results are what you'd expect... with a twist.

Bose vs Polk Audio: Which mid-range soundbar wins?
By Erin Bashford last updated
I put the Bose Smart Soundbar (2024) and the Polk Audio Signa S4 to the test, and the winner surprised even me.

I'm only excited about one pair of upcoming earbuds, and it's not the AirPods Pro 3
By Erin Bashford published
I love my AirPods Pro 2, but I'm not fussed about the upcoming AirPods Pro 3. The only new earbuds I care about are this $99 unassuming EarFun option.

I've been testing the new Breville Oracle Dual Boiler — here's my first impressions of this $3,000 espresso machine
By Erin Bashford last updated
The Breville Oracle Dual Boiler released today, but I've been testing it for a while now. This prosumer $3,000 model has a lot to love, but needs a little TLC.

I love my AirPods Pro 2 but I won't be buying the AirPods Pro 3 — here's why
By Erin Bashford published
Even though the AirPods Pro 3 are coming out imminently, I won't be upgrading from my AirPods Pro 2 for a multitude of reasons.

Don't fall for the Spotify Lossless hype — here's the streaming service you should use instead and why
By Erin Bashford published
Spotify Lossless is here, but I think there are much better music streaming services out there.

I hated running with a fiery passion — until I tried these workout earbuds
By Erin Bashford published
I just tested the H2O RIPT-Lite workout earbuds, and the sound quality blew me away. I found myself actually wanting to run just to use them again.

HyperX’s new streaming microphone looks like a Shure product, but does its sound quality match up? I tested it out
By Erin Bashford published
The HyperX FlipCast microphone is an XLR and USB-C mic with fantastic, effective AI noise cancellation and a groovy RGB LED panel, perfect for streamers.
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