Laura Honey
Laura is our eCommerce editor. Before Homes & Gardens she studied English at Oxford University. Alongside her studies, she qualified as a barista and trained as a master perfumer. This makes her our certified expert for all things coffee, candles, and fragrance. Laura has worked for luxury retail brands, reinforcing the importance of quality and style over quantity and fads. She looks for products which have been designed with thoughtful finishes. The secret to her heart is simplicity in products, in style and, of course, in your homes and gardens.
Latest articles by Laura Honey
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Best coffee maker for Americano: expert tests and advice
We spoke with baristas to establish the best coffee maker for the perfect at-home Americano and gleaned a few tips of the trade too
By Laura Honey • Published
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Moccamaster KM5 Burr Grinder: consistent, mindful grinding
This feels like a premium grinder: the quality stainless steel appliance is quick and quiet, with consistent grind size. It’s relatively simple for the price, but is a lovely luxury
By Laura Honey • Published
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Best non-toxic coffee makers: plastic-free alternatives
Our barista wanted to find the best non-toxic coffee makers. She spoke with medical experts to find out which are the best plastic-free options.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Are coffee makers toxic? Medical and manufacturer advice
Our barista asked medical experts 'are coffee makers toxic?'. Their answers were reassuring, but there are some things that we need to know.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Smeg Milk Frother Review: café-quality frothy coffee
The Smeg milk frother makes barista-quality coffee with next to no need for supervision. This is perfect for coffee, hot chocolate, and colder alternatives
By Laura Honey • Published
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Why are espresso machines so expensive? A barista’s expert insight
I asked baristas, coffee specialists, and manufacturers 'why are espresso machines so expensive?' Thankfully, they have good reasons.
By Laura Honey • Published
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How to use a French press for more than just coffee
A barista's advice on everything you need to know about how to use a French press for more than coffee: sangria, oil infusions, and fresh juice
By Laura Honey • Published
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Smeg coffee grinder review: for $300, are they out of their grind?
Smeg’s lovable retro design could be mistaken for all style without any substance. It isn’t. With over 30 settings, automatic controls, and excellent performance, it’s close to burr-fect.
By Laura Honey • Published
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De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Coffee Maker: Brad Pitt's choice
There's a lot to love about the De’Longhi Dinamica Plus Coffee Maker, also known as the ‘Brad Pitt Coffee Machine’. It can make 16 different coffees perfectly.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Best coffee makers 2023: tested by the experts
Find the best coffee makers which can master effotless espressos to gourmet pours. These are our barista and expert testers' top picks.
By Laura Honey • Last updated
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Best drip coffee makers 2023: tested by our experts
If you love coffee as much as I do, the best drip coffee makers will become a fixture in your kitchen. Here are my top picks
By Laura Honey • Last updated
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Best ice cream makers 2023: expert advice for quick, quality results
Our expert team took the best ice cream makers on the market and put them through their paces. We found the best for all your frozen favorites.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Smeg Drip Coffee Maker: 50s style with modern technology
This gorgeous coffee maker looks great on a countertop and makes coffee quietly, but we've found a few issues.
By Laura Honey • Published
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I trawled Instagram for the best of Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Summer Home Collection
Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Summer home collection is full of great pieces. She's blended outdoor and indoor living for effortlessly elegant al fresco styles, and after scouring her insta, these are her favorites
By Laura Honey • Published
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Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker: Pure Indulgence by name and nature
The Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker is a simple, stainless steel cube. I was apprehensive at first, but this is brilliant. It’s easy to use and the ice cream is a delight
By Laura Honey • Published
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KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment: churning perfection
The KitchenAid Ice Cream Maker Attachment is mesmerizing. It churns the perfect soft scoop in under twenty-five minutes and I could hardly take my eyes off it
By Laura Honey • Published
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How we test coffee makers
How we test coffee makers is a skill. So how do we know what makes a good cup of Joe?
By Laura Honey • Published
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Ninja Creami Review: is the TikTok trend up to the fanfare?
Ninja makes excellent blenders, so it makes sense that Ninja Creami is a fantastic ice cream maker. Lots of influencers love their Creamis, but I’m not sure
By Laura Honey • Published
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How to make cold brew coffee like Starbucks and Cordon Bleu chefs
Step-up your steeping with our tips on how to make cold brew coffee. With a sweeter, smoother flavor profile, it's the next best coffee trend.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Zoku Ice Cream Maker review
The Zoku ice cream maker is a miniature marvel. The process is very hands-on: rather than churning you do the work with a small spoon. It’s fun, fast, and easy. I’d give it as a gift to almost everyone I know.
By Laura Honey • Published
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How we test vacuums: Homes & Gardens' expert process
We've thoroughly researched, tested, and reviewed the best vacuums on the market. Here's how we do it.
By Laura Honey • Published
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Best non-toxic air fryers 2023: our safest tested options
After speaking to medical experts, our team selected the best non-toxic air fryers on the market that don't use potentially harmful plastics.
By Laura Honey • Published
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SEBO Automatic X4 Boost review: can this old-fashioned vacuum compete with modern models?
I wouldn't have looked twice at the SEBO Automatic X4 Boost Upright Vacuum cleaner, but the carpet professionals highly recommended it. Is it worth the hype?
By Laura Honey • Published
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Considering a Dyson? Hoover ONEPWR Pet Max might be better
The Hoover ONEPWR Pet Max delivers high performance, whole home cleaning for a reasonable price. We loved this versatile vacuum across a range of floor surfaces.
By Laura Honey • Published