Welcome to The Coffee Lab! I'm Erin, an ex-barista and now a professional coffee gear tester (yes, it's a real job!). I was a barista for three-and-a-half years and now have two years of testing experience under my belt. Although an oat milk flat white had been my go-to order for years, I'm more often an AeroPress or Americano drinker these days.
I know the world of coffee can be, dare I say, exclusive, so I'm on a mission to take the headache out of your daily brew. If you're a beginner, forget about WDT tools and flow rates and all that nonsense. You only need to focus on what's important: taste.
I'll help you figure out which coffee gadgets are worth your money, including espresso machines, manual coffee makers, scales, grinders, and everything in between. Here at The Coffee Lab, I'm all about making coffee accessible and easy for everyone!
I release new episodes of The Coffee Lab every Friday, so be sure to check back for each new video!
Latest about The Coffee Lab
I tried the new Nespresso summer flavors — here's my favorite
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 tried Lelit's brand-new 'entry-level' espresso machine — and I wish I had $2,000 so I could buy it.
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?
Worried about microplastics in your daily coffee? I tested Simply Good Coffee's 'Plastic-Free' Brewer
For the 13th episode of The Coffee Lab, I've got in the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. How does it hold up?
Do you need a WDT tool for barista-quality coffee at home? I put the controversial coffee tool to the test
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 tried this ridiculously cheap bean-to-cup espresso machine so you don't have to — and it's a total head-scratcher
On Episode 11 of The Coffee Lab, I attempt to answer the age-old question: can you get a good bean-to-cup for under $350?
I made two identical espressos with $5 coffee beans and $20 coffee beans — and yes, the coffee snobs are right
Episode 10 of The Coffee Lab sees me pitting cheap and expensive beans against each other: Do you really need to spend $20 on coffee beans?
Non-plastic coffee makers are trending — and this low-plastic Ratio model is my favorite for coffee snobs
On the ninth episode of The Coffee Lab, I'm talking about the Ratio Four, one of my favorite low-plastic coffee makers.
I'm an ex-barista but I'm not great at latte art — and this is my cheat code to perfect art every time
For the eighth episode of The Coffee Lab, I teach you how to get perfect latte art every time, very little skill required.
