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

Could this $249 espresso machine be one of the cheapest ways to get decent espresso? Yes, but there's a catch
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista, and now I'm on a mission to find the best home espresso machine. The Casabrews Ultra could be a worthy entry, but it's not perfect.

Samsung's best entry-level soundbar is at its lowest price in a year right now — don't wait till Prime Day
By Erin Bashford published
The Samsung HW-B650 is one of the cheapest ways to get surround sound, and now it's even cheaper thanks to this awesome Amazon Prime Day deal.

Casabrews Ultra review: A unique espresso machine
By Erin Bashford published
The Casabrews Ultra is one of the most affordable espresso machines on the market, but isn’t for everyone.

Breville espresso machines are almost never on sale, but right now this luxe touchscreen model is $200 cheaper in this early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
The Breville Barista Touch is a luxe espresso machine with a touchscreen, built-in grinder, and a PID controller. Now it's on sale ahead of Amazon Prime Day.

Sharp 3.1.2 HT-SBW53121 Soundbar review
By Erin Bashford published
The Sharp 3.1.2 HT-SBW53121 is an incredibly impressive soundbar for the price. At just £329, it’s one of the cheapest ways to get true Dolby Atmos.

The best value soundbar I recommend to everyone is just $98 in this early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford last updated
I test soundbars for a living, and the Sony HT-S100F is the best value soundbar on the market right now. This early Prime Day deal makes it even cheaper.

I use my Instant Pot every day — and this model is a massive 50% off in early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
I've reviewed almost every Instant Pot, and I love the simplicity and versatility of the Instant Pot Duo Plus. Right now, it's a massive half off on Amazon.

These are (allegedly) the world's smallest earbuds — here's what happened when I tried them
By Erin Bashford published
I tried out the brand-new JLab JBuds Mini earbuds... apparently they're the world's smallest earbuds EVER?

Rode AI-1 review
By Erin Bashford published
The Rode AI-1 is one of the easiest and simplest audio interfaces out there. What it lacks in frills, it makes up for in pure efficiency.

Wattbike Air review: Subscription-free and ideal for HIIT
By Erin Bashford published
Wattbike Air is a great exercise bike for HIIT and interval trainers, thanks to its 2500W air resistance. However, hill climbers should look elsewhere.

Soundpeats Air5 Pro review: Sound way better than $79
By Erin Bashford published
The Soundpeats Air5 Pro are budget earbuds with hi-res audio codecs, and sound surprisingly good for the $79 price. However, they're not perfect.

College students, listen up! JLab's new speakers are affordable, loud, and one can even be a portable karaoke machine
By Erin Bashford last updated
JLab has released its first Bluetooth speakers in 7 years: the Pop Party, GO Party, JBuds Party, and Epic Party. Here's my first impressions.

My favorite budget espresso machine just crashed to an even lower price — I can't believe this early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
The De'Longhi Stilosa is one of the most affordable espresso machines on the market, and this fantastic early Prime Day deal makes it even more accessible.

The pour-over coffee maker I have dreams about is a surprise 20% off in this early Prime Day deal — I'd grab it now
By Erin Bashford published
The Kalita Wave is my top pick for a pour-over coffee maker for beginners, and now it's available in an excellent early Prime Day deal.

This Bluetooth speaker is so powerful it shook my floorboards — and now it’s $40 off in early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus Bluetooth speaker has some of the best bass I've ever heard (and felt), and now it's $40 off in this early Prime Day deal.

I'd run to Amazon right now — the perfect all-in-one espresso machine is a massive $150 off in this early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
De'Longhi La Specialista Opera is one of the most versatile and easy to use espresso machines out there, and now you can save $150 in this pre-Prime Day deal.

My favorite way to keep snacks cool during summer is a massive $65 off right now — Yeti isn't messing around with this early Prime Day deal
By Erin Bashford published
I love my Yeti Hopper M Series cooler bag, and with a huge $65 saving, this cooler bag is one of the best early Prime Day deals I've seen.

I took this Yeti cool bag to the beach on the hottest day of the year — and the results are amazing
By Erin Bashford last updated
I took the Yeti Hopper M15 cool bag to the beach during a heat wave, and this is what happened. Spoiler alert: it did everything I wanted it to and more.

I'm an ex-barista and I miss cafe cold brew — here's how I make cold brew at home with just a French press
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista and I miss drinking cafe cold brew on tap, so I tried to make my own. This is how I make my barista-quality cold brew easily

I’m an ex-barista and these easy upgrades will make your cheap espresso machine brew like a pro
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista who's now on a mission to find the best espresso machine on the market. I've compiled my favorite tricks to upgrade any espresso machine.

The air fryer I use every day is 20% off right now — and it has a window!
By Erin Bashford published
I reviewed the Philips 2000 Series air fryer way back in February and still use it every day. It can make cakes, toast, fries, and even a whole roast chicken.

Espresso fans, try not to overreact — the Breville Barista Express is randomly on sale right now (and it's got a grinder)
By Erin Bashford published
I'm an ex-barista and I'm obsessed with the Breville Bambino Plus, so when I saw the Breville Barista Express on sale, I was so happy.

My summer just got cooler — the Ninja Creami is on sale and I'm not going to stop until everything is ice cream
By Erin Bashford published
The Ninja Creami is an amazing $30 off right now at Walmart, so I'd run not walk to grab one of the viral ice-cream makers before it sells out.
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