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

Technivorm Moccamaster KGBV Select review: Still the best coffee maker
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe Technivorm Moccamaster KGBV Select has stayed mostly unchanged since the ‘60s, and for good reason. It makes deliciously rich coffee in minutes.

I tested the Apple AirPods Max 2 vs the Bose QuietComfort Ultra — and I'm so impressed
By Erin Bashford published
I compared the brand-new Apple AirPods Max 2 with the reigning champ of ANC, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen to see which premium headphones are the best.

I tested the AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max — and there's a clear winner
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the new Apple AirPods Max 2 against the original (2024 version) AirPods Max, and here's the result.

Apple AirPods Max 2 review: ‘Everything from its predecessor dialed up to 11’
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceApple AirPods Max 2 take everything from the originals and multiply it by 100. The sound quality, features, and design are now industry-leading.

Espresso machine expert says this is the number 1 mistake home baristas make — and you probably don't even realize you're doing it
By Erin Bashford published
I asked a coffee expert from Seattle Coffee Gear how home baristas can maximize the lifespan of their espresso machines.

I tested the $549 AirPods Max vs the $199 Nothing Headphone (a) — and I'm actually surprised
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the AirPods Max against the Nothing Headphone (a) to see if the scrappy, upstart new brand can go head-to-head with one of the giants.

Baratza's new $300 coffee grinder just matched a $1,500 Mazzer Philos in an espresso blind taste test — I didn't expect this at all
By Erin Bashford last updated
I'm an ex-barista with way too many coffee gadgets, so I challenged the revered Mazzer Philos and the new Baratza Encore ESP Pro to a blind taste test.

Nothing Headphone (a) review: Another sci-fi slam-dunk, but a few sound-related issues
By Erin Bashford published
The Nothing Headphone (a) are some of the coolest headphones I’ve ever seen, but the narrow soundstage might put off serious audiophiles.

I’ve been using this coffee accessory for a year and it’s the best way to get professional-level espresso at home
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista and coffee enthusiast, and the best method for making cafe-quality espresso at home is easier than you think.

I'm an ex-barista and I use these essential accessories to get cafe-quality coffee at home
By Erin Bashford last updated
I'm an ex-barista and these are the only accessories you need to make espresso like a pro.

I tested the Amazfit Active 3 Premium for a month — and these 3 features beat my Apple Watch
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the Amazfit Active 3 Premium for a month, but I'd still choose it over my Apple Watch SE 3 for 3 key reasons.

Baratza Encore ESP Pro: Another beginner-friendly espresso grinder success (but evangelists need not apply)
By Erin Bashford published
The Baratza Encore ESP Pro is a beginner-friendly, kind of stepless coffee grinder, with great versatility and very minimal static.

Dreame Miracle Pro review: And then I went back to my drugstore hair dryer
By Erin Bashford published
The Dreame Miracle Pro looks and feels like a premium hair dryer, but a bloated price tag and inefficient drying style mean I can’t recommend it.

Cuisinart Grind, Tamp and Brew review
By Erin Bashford published
Cuisinart Grind, Tamp and Brew is an interesting espresso machine. While priced like a premium lifestyle machine, it looks and performs like a budget option.

AirPods Max 2 vs AirPods Max: What's different?
By Erin Bashford published
What's the difference between the AirPods Max and AirPods Max 2? We break down all the upgrades.

'This is the key to unlocking barista-quality coffee': I'm a coffee expert and you should never use pressurized baskets
By Erin Bashford published
What's the difference between a single and dual-walled basket? It's all in the pressure. I'm an ex-barista, and here's why you should only use one type.

I ditched my AirPods Pro 2 for JLab's $29 running earbuds for two weeks — and I forgot I was using cheaper buds
By Erin Bashford published
I swapped my AirPods for JLab Go Sport+ for two weeks. How do the $29 JLabs hold up against the premium, $249 AirPods? Let's find out.

Timemore Chestnut C2s review: One of the cheapest ways to grind on the go
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedTimemore Chestnut C2s is a coffee grinder with a price low enough to make anyone glance twice. Although not as uniform as others, it’s just $79.

JLab Go Sport+ review: Unbelievably affordable running earbuds
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe JLab Go Sport+ are super-budget running earbuds that’ll set you back $29. It’s $29 well spent, too, with a secure design and impressive functionality features.

I tested the AirPods 4 ANC vs Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 — and there's a clear winner
By Erin Bashford published
Which entry-level earbuds are better: Apple AirPods 4 ANC or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4? I put them head-to-head to find out once and for all.

I spent two weeks testing the brand-new Amazfit Active 3 Premium — and I don’t know why anyone would spend $400 on an Apple Watch again
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe Amazfit Active 3 Premium is a fantastic budget fitness tracker capable of going head-to-head with industry leaders like Oura, Fitbit, and Apple.

Icebug Järv RB9X review: Takes the crown for most sustainable running shoe
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Icebug Järv RB9X are a pair of well-made, environmentally friendly trail shoes, with responsive soles that let you feel the ground underfoot.

Geimori GU38 review: Not enough to be the Varia VS3 dupe it wants to be
By Erin Bashford published
The Geimori GU38 is a $200 coffee grinder positioned as a VS3 lookalike, but its non-uniform grind and high retention mean it can’t overtake the icon.
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