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 wasn't expecting much from $99 earbuds, but these brand-new buds are honestly AirPods-level-good
By Erin Bashford last updated
I recently tested my most-anticipated earbud release of 2025, and it did not disappoint. The EarFun Air Pro 4+ are serious AirPods competition.

I just tried Stanley Cup's drip coffee maker — here's my verdict
By Erin Bashford published
I tested out Stanley's camping pour-over coffee maker (with a built-in filter!) and was weirdly impressed, but I can't quit my classic Hario V60.

The coffee world would have you believe you need loads of expensive coffee accessories, but I'm an ex-barista, and I disagree. You just need these 2 things
By Erin Bashford published
The coffee world believes you need $1k worth of coffee accessories to make real espresso, but they're all wrong. You only need two things for 10/10 coffee.

Stanley Perfect Brew Pour Over review
By Erin Bashford published
Stanley Perfect Brew Pour Over isn’t as perfect as its name might suggest, but it’s great for campers and outdoor enthusiasts who need coffee on the trail.

Casabrews Tornado review: An electric coffee grinder for under $150? I’m shocked too…
By Erin Bashford published
The Casabrews Tornado is a very unique coffee grinder. It’s just $139, which is majorly cheap for a burr grinder, but you get what you pay for.

MHW-3BOMBER Cube Coffee Scale 2.0 review: Pure functionality from this budget scale
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe MHW-3BOMBER Cube Coffee Scale 2.0 is best used as a basic coffee scale, and is delightfully affordable.

I've reviewed 30 coffee machines this year — these are my 3 favorite early Black Friday deals
By Erin Bashford published
I've reviewed loads of coffee machines this year, so of course I've rounded up my favorite early Black Friday deals. These are some awesome savings.

The Bartesian Cocktail Machine review: Keurig pods but for parties
By Erin Bashford last updated
RecommendedThe Bartesian Cocktail Machine takes the crown for convenience. This machine makes delicious cocktails in seconds and takes the guesswork out of mixology.

EarFun Air Pro 4+ review: Serious AirPods Pro alternative for just $99
By Erin Bashford published
Editor's ChoiceThe EarFun Air Pro 4+ are the best budget earbuds I’ve ever tested. With delicate, balanced treble and a rich midrange and bass, these are the buds to beat.

This $170 super-budget soundbar + subwoofer has me torn: Is it excellent value or a waste of money?
By Erin Bashford published
This week, I tested the Creative Stage Pro, which is a $169 soundbar + subwoofer combo with a budget price and a dream. Is it worth it? I'm so torn.

I tested this 'Keurig for cocktails' that will get your holiday guests talking — there's just one thing holding it back
By Erin Bashford published
I recently tested the Bartesian Premium Cocktail Machine, which is like a Keurig but for booze. I made loads of cocktails, but it's got one major flaw.

Creative Stage Pro review: Surprisingly impressive for a surprisingly low price
By Erin Bashford published
Creative Stage Pro goes where very few soundbars go: a soundbar-and-subwoofer for $170. It’s surprisingly impressive, but can’t contend with premium options.

Spotify? I don't know her — here's why I'm switching to this audiophile-approved streaming service
By Erin Bashford last updated
I want to quit Spotify, so I'm on a mission to find the next best music streaming service. In this episode, I'm trying out Apple Music.

This Ninja Crispi dupe was so close to being life-changing — but it has one fatal flaw
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the Kismile Roasti, a glass air fryer vying for Ninja's crown. Although I wanted to love it, one major flaw was holding it back.

I ditched Spotify for this niche audiophile streaming service for a month — and I might be ready to go back
By Erin Bashford published
I stopped using Spotify last month and have stuck to Qobuz for over four weeks now, and I still don't know which music streaming service I want to go with.

I thought screen-free wearables were a gimmick — but this budget fitness tracker has converted me
By Erin Bashford published
I tested the Amazfit Helio Strap for 3 weeks, and I never want to take it off. I'm obsessed with the screen-free subscription-free fitness tracker.

Amazfit Helio Strap review: No subscription, no screen, no problem
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Amazfit Helio Strap is a fantastic budget-friendly no-subscription Whoop alternative, bar a few activity-detection-related hiccups.

Denon Home Sound Bar 550 review: Premium in every way
By Erin Bashford published
RecommendedThe Denon Home Sound Bar 550 is a premium soundbar with incredible audio quality and sound system integration, but at a cost.

Kismile Roasti review: Looks like a Ninja Crispi… but it’s not
By Erin Bashford published
Kismile Roasti is a glass air fryer with 360° visibility. Yes, it’s a Ninja Crispi dupe. Yes, it’s a good air fryer. But is it better than the Crispi? Well, no.

Prime Day is over, but REI's Patagonia sale is still live — 33 hand-picked deals from just $15
By Erin Bashford last updated
I've found the best REI Patagonia deals to rival anything available through Prime Day, including the Synchilla fleece and the Torrentshell 3L jacket.

Prime Day is over but this Breville Bambino Plus deal isn't — you can still get the perfect beginner espresso machine at its lowest-ever price
By Erin Bashford last updated
The Breville Bambino Plus is the top beginner-friendly espresso machine. Right now its price is slashed to $399, an all-time low.

Prime Day is over but these deals aren't — I've found Bose, Apple, and JBL gear from just $44
By Erin Bashford published
I've found some awesome last-minute Prime Day deals on Bose QuietComfort headphones, AirPods Pro 2, and JBL.

I'm an ex-barista — I've found the best Prime Day coffee deals starting from just $8
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista and now a professional espresso machine reviewer, and these are my top Prime Day coffee deals to upgrade your home coffee station for less.
Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!



