Latest articles by Erin Bashford
I've tested soundbars twice its price but the 23-driver JBL Bar 1300XMK2 would be my desert island choice
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
For the 13th episode of The Coffee Lab, I've got in the Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer. How does it hold up?
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)
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’m an ex-barista and these are the best pour-over coffee makers I’ve tested
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.
De'Longhi's cold brew espresso maker is on sale for Prime Day — but I'm an ex-barista and you should get this $31 French press instead
De'Longhi's espresso + cold brew machines are on sale for Prime Day, but if you're a cold brew fanatic, you should get a cheap French press instead.
I just tested one of the most immersive soundbars on the market — here's why the KEF XIO is one to watch (and you can save £200)
I reviewed the KEF XIO soundbar last week and felt like I was at the movies: here's why it's such a ferocious soundbar.
I tested the Ninja AutoBarista Pro — and it’s one of the most ambitious automatic coffee machines I’ve ever tested (but I’m not sure it’s in a good way)
The Ninja AutoBarista Pro is an ambitious automatic coffee machine with espresso, drip, and cold brew functions, but I’m not sure it meets all its marks.
I tested the brand-new Kindle Colorsoft 2026 — and it’s still the King of e-readers
RecommendedThe Kindle Colorsoft 2026 is a fantastic e-reader, with a frontlit screen complete with night mode, an IPX8 rating, and 8 weeks of battery life.
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 tested the most-anticipated espresso machine of 2026 — and the Fellow Espresso Series 1 hits all its marks
Editor's ChoiceFellow Espresso Series 1 is perfect for beginners and coffee nerds alike, with enough shot profile options to fill a Yellow Pages and a pro-level steam wand.
I walked 316,000 steps in the Merrell Moab 3, and they’re some of the comfiest hiking shoes I’ve ever worn
Editor's ChoiceThe Merrell Moab 3 are some of the best hiking shoes I’ve ever used, with grippy 5mm lugs, a supportive Vibram sole, and a super-cushioned interior.
I just saw Smeg's brand new Moonlight colorway in real life — and my kitchen is about to get a serious upgrade
I saw Smeg's brand-new Moonlight colorway in real life, and it's the upgrade my kitchen has been begging for. It's modern yet retro, and gorgeous.
I reviewed 'the ugliest sandals in the world' last year — and there's a reason these Keen hiking sandals (still) never leave my feet in the summer
I reviewed the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals last summer, but they're still my go-to for hikes during heatwaves.
I tested Simply Good Coffee’s (mostly) plastic-free brewer — and it’s actually a fantastic Moccamaster alternative
Simply Good Coffee Plastic-Free Brewer is a great Moccamaster alternative capable of making delicious coffee in minutes, but it’s not 100% plastic-free.
