Latest articles by Erin Bashford
Did You See the Casabrews Espresso Machine Go Viral on TikTok? Well, I Just Tested the Follow Up — and It’s a Doozy
The Casabrews 5418 Pro is a budget espresso machine with premium features like a PID controller, but a few issues make it more of a beginner-friendly machine.
With the hyped Nama M1 plant-based milk maker, I no longer have to get up at 5am to milk the almonds
The Nama M1 is a hyped plant-based milk maker, and it’s a complete game-changer. It streamlines the process of blending and straining… however, it’s expensive.
You don't need an espresso machine to get delicious fresh coffee at home — here's what I'd use instead and why
I recently tested the brand-new Breville Luxe Brewer and adored it. The drip coffee maker is much easier to use than an espresso machine, and faster too.
I just ditched my old bookshelf speakers for this affordable pair — and they blew my socks off
I tested the Edifier R1280T bookshelf speakers recently and absolutely loved them. They're now my primary speakers, and here's why I adore them so much.
I wish I'd had these headphones at college so I got them for my younger sister — now they're 25% off, just in time for back to school
Soundcore Space One Pro are ideal for students, with great sound quality, supreme comfort, and affordability. They're 25% off just in time for back to school.
I tested the new Breville Luxe Brewer — it can make 12 cups of coffee faster than my kettle boils
The Breville Luxe Brewer is one of the most impressive drip machines I’ve used. While it’s pricey, it can brew a 12-cup batch of coffee in just 3 minutes.
I test audio gear for a living — and these are now my favorite bookshelf speakers under $150
The Edifier R1280T speakers sound awesome, with deep bass and clear treble, and if you like the retro-cool (ish) appearance, they’re definitely for you.
I tested this super-niche kitchen gadget and didn’t have high expectations but it’s literally changed my life
The DoughBed by Sourhouse is a unique dough proofing basket with oven-safe glass and USB power, and I can never go back to making bread without it.
Is the Samsung Music Frame worth the hype? Here's my first impressions
The Samsung Music Frame is one of the most innovative audio products I've ever seen, so here's my first impressions. Spoiler alert: I'm not sure how to feel.
I thought this was the most boring kitchen gadget ever created, but now I can't imagine my life without it
I recently got a DoughBed to test, and I immediately fell in love with it. On paper, it's the most boring kitchen gadget, but in practice? My life has changed.
My sister is starting college in the fall and asked me which headphones she should get for studying — I had just one recommendation
Forget headphones like Bose, Sony, and Apple; the only cans college students need are Soundcore Space One Pro. I'm so confident that I got them for my sister.
Dear haters, you're wrong — the 'ugliest sandals in the world' are actually the hiking sandals I was missing all along
I reviewed the Keen Hyperport H2 hiking sandals way back in April, and I still wear them almost every day. Here's why I'm still a Hyperport H2 fanatic.
Shopping for an espresso machine? Here’s 3 things I wish I'd known sooner (and I'm an ex-barista)
I'm an ex-barista and I know my way around a commercial espresso machine. But home espresso machines have way more variations, so here's what to look for.
We've spent years testing the best massage guns — these are the 3 to buy
Review We've tested the best massage guns to boost recovery and reduce muscle soreness and picked our top three choices, plus recovery alternatives if you want to try something else.
You're probably using your Breville espresso machine wrong — I make espresso like a pro with this one simple change
Sometimes an espresso machine's default settings don't result in the best tasting coffee. Here's how I adjusted my Bambino Plus to get barista-level coffee.
I'm an ex-barista and this is why you need to stop ordering 'extra hot' coffees
I've spent 3 1/2 years of my life as a barista, and I learned a few things about coffee in that time. One of the most surprising? Extra hot coffee isn't great.
I've reviewed countless espresso machines this year — but there's only one you need to buy
As a professional espresso machine tester, I've tried a fair few options from big brands like Breville and De'Longhi. But only one reigns supreme.
Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 review
The Hyperice Hypervolt Go 2 is a premium massage gun. With a minimum speed of 2,200RPM, it’s pretty powerful, but it doesn't do enough to justify its price tag.
I’m utterly bamboozled by this ultra-cheap bean-to-cup espresso machine — and not in a bad way
The Gevi Espresso Machine with Grinder has one very specific USP: it’s almost definitely the cheapest bean-to-cup machine you can buy.
Don't buy a budget espresso machine before checking for these 3 essential features — from an ex-barista
I'm an ex-barista, so I know how overwhelming the coffee world can be when you're starting out. Here's the essentials to look for in budget espresso machines.
I asked an expert why automatic espresso machines and manual espresso machines taste different — and I'm really surprised
I'm yet to find an automatic coffee machine that makes coffee as delicious as a human, but I can't stop thinking... Why is this? So I asked a coffee expert.
I usually give budget earbuds a tough time, but not this $29 pair — here's why I won't stop until everyone owns them
I just tested the JLab Go Pods ANC and now every other pair of cheap earbuds is ruined for me. I can't believe these earbuds are only $36.
KitchenAid 1.7L Variable Temperature Kettle review
The KitchenAid Variable Temperature Kettle is a beautiful electric kettle with great pouring feel, unbeatable aesthetics, and rapid boil. However, it doesn’t come cheap.
