Erin Bashford is a senior 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. She has a strong interest in audio gear and the music world.
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 novels, or stressing over NYT Games.
Latest articles by Erin Bashford

I just tested the brand-new Samsung QS90H — and it’s one of the best all-in-one soundbars money can buy
By Erin Bashford Published
Editor's ChoiceThe Samsung QS90H is a powerful all-in-one soundbar. No need for a separate subwoofer or rears here: 7.1.2 channel in just one device.

You told me your three biggest issues with Moccamaster — and I have solutions for all of them
By Erin Bashford Published
On the sixteenth episode of The Coffee Lab, I answer your most-asked questions about the Moccamaster: Part 2!

I tested the Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus — and it’s ideal for total beginners due to this one game-changing feature
By Erin Bashford Published
RecommendedThe Ninja Luxe Cafe Mini Plus is one of the best espresso machines for complete beginners due to its helpful dialing-in assist feature.

I tested the Technics AZ100 — and they're premium earbuds capable of giving Bose a run for its money
By Erin Bashford Published
I tested the Technics AZ100 earbuds and they bring premium sound and cool style to the oversaturated earbud market.

I tested the Denon Home 600 — and it’s one of the most ambitious smart speakers yet
By Erin Bashford Published
The Denon Home 600 smart speaker is huge at 18 inches long, with 8 speakers and a built-in sub. But it’s pricey and has a few app-related issues.

I tested the Edifier MR5 — and they’re budget-friendly studio monitors with energy and clarity
By Erin Bashford Published
RecommendedThe Edifier MR5 are budget-slash-midrange studio monitors with a huge five connectivity types, great sound quality, and actually useful app functionality.

You said your Moccamaster couldn't do these 3 things — here's how I'd fix it
By Erin Bashford Published
On the sixteenth episode of The Coffee Lab, I answer your most-asked questions about the Moccamaster.

I tested the ultra-affordable Amazon Ember 4-Series TV and I wasn’t disappointed — here’s how it stacks up
By Erin Bashford Published
Although it’s not as bright or color-accurate as pricier alternatives, for around $300, the Amazon Ember 4-Series is a decent option.

I've tested soundbars twice its price but the 23-driver JBL Bar 1300XMK2 would be my desert island choice
By Erin Bashford Published
I tested JBL's new flagship soundbar, and the Bar 1300MK2 might just be the best penny-per-performance option on the market in 2026.

I tested JBL’s newest flagship soundbar — and it’s proof you don’t need to spend $2k on a full home theater setup
By Erin Bashford Published
Editor's ChoiceThe JBL Bar 1300XMK2 is one of the best ways to get a full cinematic audio experience at home, with a powerful subwoofer, immersive Atmos, and clear dialogue.

I tested Nespresso’s brand-new Vertuo Up — and it has a dedicated ‘Over Ice’ mode for summer
By Erin Bashford Published
RecommendedNespresso Vertuo Up is a futureproofed machine with app functionality, a new iced coffee mode, and a rotating water tank. Of course, it’s easy and fun to use.

I tried the new Nespresso summer flavors — here's my favorite
By Erin Bashford Published
On the 15th episode of The Coffee Lab, I'm trying all of the new Nespresso summer flavors. Which one will be my favorite?

I tested IKAPE’s portable espresso maker — and it’s the most coffee-snob-friendly portable coffee machine in the world
By Erin Bashford Published
Editor's ChoiceThe IKAPE Kapo K2 Pro is a premium, high-quality portable espresso maker with a weighty tamper and bottomless portafilter.

I've been using the AirPods Max 2 for 3 months — here's how they've held up
By Erin Bashford Published
I've been using the AirPods Max 2 since March, and they've seriously impressed me.

I tested the Grado SR80 open-back headphones — and they make my music sound like vinyl
By Erin Bashford Published
The Grado SR80 are open-back, on-ear headphones with retro aesthetics and wired connectivity, great for casual listening, but weirdly expensive.

I tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it.
By Erin Bashford Published
On the 14th episode of The Coffee Lab, I've got Lelit's brand-new Mara X3 in the lab. Is this $2,000 entry-level prosumer espresso machine worth it?

I tested the minimalist Cambridge Audio L/R S — and they’re some of the most premium-feeling midrange speakers on the market
By Erin Bashford Published
RecommendedThe Cambridge Audio L/R S are high-quality bookshelf speakers with a huge range of connectivity types and clean sound.

Worried about microplastics in your daily coffee? I tested Simply Good Coffee's 'Plastic-Free' Brewer
By Erin Bashford Last updated
For the 13th episode of The Coffee Lab, I've got in the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. How does it hold up?

I’m an ex-barista and these are the best pour-over coffee makers I’ve tested
By Erin Bashford Last updated
I've tested all the main players in the pour-over game, and here are my favorites: the Kalita Wave, Hario V60, Chemex, and Yeti Pour-Over.

I tested the Ninja AutoBarista Pro — and it’s one of the most ambitious automatic coffee machines I’ve ever tested (but I’m not sure it’s in a good way)
By Erin Bashford Published
The Ninja AutoBarista Pro is an ambitious automatic coffee machine with espresso, drip, and cold brew functions, but I’m not sure it meets all its marks.

I tested the brand-new Kindle Colorsoft 2026 — and it’s still the King of e-readers
By Erin Bashford Published
RecommendedThe Kindle Colorsoft 2026 is a fantastic e-reader, with a frontlit screen complete with night mode, an IPX8 rating, and 8 weeks of battery life.

Do you need a WDT tool for barista-quality coffee at home? I put the controversial coffee tool to the test
By Erin Bashford Published
On episode 12 of The Coffee Lab, I put the enigmatic Weiss Distribution Technique Tool (WDT tool) to the test. Is it an essential accessory?

I tested the most-anticipated espresso machine of 2026 — and the Fellow Espresso Series 1 hits all its marks
By Erin Bashford Published
Editor's ChoiceFellow Espresso Series 1 is perfect for beginners and coffee nerds alike, with enough shot profile options to fill a Yellow Pages and a pro-level steam wand.

I walked 316,000 steps in the Merrell Moab 3, and they’re some of the comfiest hiking shoes I’ve ever worn
By Erin Bashford Published
Editor's ChoiceThe Merrell Moab 3 are some of the best hiking shoes I’ve ever used, with grippy 5mm lugs, a supportive Vibram sole, and a super-cushioned interior.

I just saw Smeg's brand new Moonlight colorway in real life — and my kitchen is about to get a serious upgrade
By Erin Bashford Published
I saw Smeg's brand-new Moonlight colorway in real life, and it's the upgrade my kitchen has been begging for. It's modern yet retro, and gorgeous.
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