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 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.

The best tech of 2026 (so far): 26 products we've actually tested, rated and loved
By Peter Wolinski Published
Here are our favorite products from 2026 after 6 months of non-stop testing.

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?

The Moccamaster is the perfect example of 'buy it nice or buy it twice' — I did the coffee math vs Bonavita, Breville and more so you don't have to
By Erin Bashford Published
Is the Technivorm Moccamaster worth it in the long run? I crunched the coffee numbers so you don't have to.

I walked 316,000 steps in the Merrell Moab 3 in rain, sun, and mud — and if you need one pair of hiking shoes, make it these
By Erin Bashford Published
I reviewed the trendy Merrell Moab 3 hiking shoes earlier this month, and they're the perfect all-rounder outdoor shoe.

De'Longhi's best bean-to-cup espresso machine is so cheap that it makes zero sense to get a separate grinder
By Erin Bashford Published
The De'Longhi Arte Evo is just $399 right now, making it cheaper than a separate espresso machine + grinder.

I missed out on free Kindle Unlimited with my new Colorsoft — here's how I could've gotten 3 months free (and how you can too)
By Erin Bashford Last updated
I just got the Kindle Colorsoft 2026, but I didn't realize I could get 3 months free Kindle Unlimited. Here's exactly how you can get it and save $36.

I've spent way too much money on Patagonia — and I'd buy these 9 Patagonia summer hiking essentials in a heartbeat
By Erin Bashford Published
I'm a hiking gear reviewer and a hiking fanatic, and these are some of the 9 best Patagonia summer essentials.

I've tested every pair of AirPods and these are the only 2 deals I'd buy this Prime Day — including $150 off AirPods Max 2
By Erin Bashford Published
I've tested every pair of AirPods and these are my top Prime Day deals that are actually worth your time and money.

The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro is discounted for Prime Day — but this De'Longhi espresso machine is $200 cheaper and makes cold brew too
By Erin Bashford Published
The Ninja Luxe Cafe Pro is discounted to $599 right now, but I'd recommend saving even more and getting the De'Longhi Arte Evo for $399.

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.
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