
Erin Bashford
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've never liked cleaning — until this brand-new Samsung vacuum made it weirdly addictive
By Erin Bashford last updated
I hate cleaning, but the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra makes it a little easer to stomach thanks to its superpowered 148,000 RPM and self-emptying dustbin.

Tom's Guide AI Awards 2025: 17 best AI tools and gadgets right now
By Alex Hughes published
Laptops, smartphones, chatbots and more - these are our picks for the best AI devices and tools in 2025

These $59 headphones are so uncomfortable they gave me a headache
By Erin Bashford published
Belkin SoundForm Isolate headphones are cheap, and that’s pretty much all they’ve got going for them. They’re uncomfortable and sound like bass took a day off.

Samsung HW-S801D Ultra Slim soundbar review: One for the Samsung TV owners
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung HW-S801D Ultra Slim soundbar excels in a few areas: size, sound, and ease of use. But for just a 3.1.2 channel setup, it feels costly for what it's offering.

Samsung HW-S60D review: An affordable upgrade from TV speakers, but only if that TV’s a Samsung
By Erin Bashford published
Samsung HW-S60D has good sound, but I wouldn’t say it’s mind-blowing. With the Smart Things app, it’s easy to control, but most features require a Samsung TV.

I got my first KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer last month — here's 3 things I've learned
By Erin Bashford published
Every day's a school day

I’m an ex-barista and these are the best pour-over coffee makers I’ve tested
By Erin Bashford published
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’ve done the math, and the results are in — the Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra is a 5-star vacuum cleaner
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI Ultra is a perfect vacuum cleaner. Everything about it is incredible: its cleaning power, design, usability features, and more.

I just tested the perfect mic for content creators — and there's a reason why you see it in so many TikTok videos
By Erin Bashford published
The Rode Wireless Go Gen 3 is the mic for content creators: just $300 for professional-level 32-bit quality is a force to be reckoned with.

I like my coffee with milk, sugar, and… AI? I tested out De’Longhi’s new superautomatic espresso machine, and it literally has a personality
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the new De'Longhi Rivelia superautomatic coffee machine, which has a huge 18 customizable recipes, stylish aesthetics... and a personality!

I tested the YETI Roadie cooler, and the rumors are true — it’s practically perfect
By Erin Bashford published
The Yeti Roadie cooler actually keeps things cold for days and days. Not only does it look cool, it excels keeping ice, cans, and food chilled.

I swapped my AirPods Pro 2 for these $69 headphones for 7 days — here’s what happened
By Erin Bashford published
EarFun Tune Pro are super-budget headphones with an unbelievable 120 hours battery life, mediocre sound, and comfy cups.

I tested the brand-new De’Longhi Rivelia — it’s like an enthusiastic robot barista has set up shop in my kitchen
By Erin Bashford published
The De’Longhi Rivelia is a superautomatic coffee machine with over 18 drinks options, two hoppers, and stylish aesthetics, but its coffee is merely fine.

The YETI Hopper Cool Bag is so good that it’s going be my go-to accessory this summer
By Erin Bashford published
Yeti Hopper Cool Bag is a marvel. It keeps cold for over 48 hours, has a padded strap, magnetic opening, and comes in a huge range of colors. I love it.

I ditched my $170 Hoka running shoes for these $85 Skechers — and I'm blown away
By Erin Bashford published
I love my Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX running shoes, so I didn't want to switch them out for the Skechers Go Run Elevate 2.0... but I'm so glad I did

I finally tested the famous $150 Rode PodMic and its sound quality equals Shure — but there’s a catch
By Erin Bashford published
The Rode PodMic is the perfect microphone for professional-quality broadcasts or podcasts. It’s faithful to voices, recording with depth, warmth, and nuance.

The Rode Wireless Micro is so easy, I bet my cat could figure it out — it’s perfect for total newbies
By Erin Bashford published
The Rode Wireless Micro is a smartphone-first set of wireless microphones with a USB-C and Lightning receiver, ideal for content creators… beginners or not.

Best coffee grinder in 2025
By Millie Fender last updated
If you want the perfect brew, here are the best coffee grinders to suit every taste, lifestyle and budget.

I tested the latest Instant Pot Pro — this Wi-Fi-enabled multi cooker is perfect for lazy home chefs like me
By Erin Bashford published
This is it — a smart cooker with Wi-Fi connectivity that’s well worth the money. You can start dinner from the office, your commute, or even your bed.

Skechers Go Run Elevate 2.0 review: These beginner-friendly running shoes are just $85
By Erin Bashford published
Bouncy and cooling

Maono PD300X microphone review
By Erin Bashford published
The Maono PD300X microphone is a plug-and-play podcasting mic with both XLR and USB-C ports, but its audio quality isn’t as good as other similarly-priced mics.

I just tested the iconic Breville Bambino Plus — and it's the perfect espresso machine for small spaces
By Erin Bashford published
I just tested the iconic Breville Bambino Plus and loved it. While it's easy to use and perfect for small households, I wouldn't recommended for everyone.

Breville Bambino Plus review: The reigning entry-level champ
By Erin Bashford published
The Breville/Sage Bambino Plus is a fantastic first espresso machine thanks to its compact size, delicious espresso, and auto milk steam function.
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