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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OXO Brew Compact review: petite perfection, sip after sip
Single-serve cold brew seekers with compact kitchens will love the OXO Brew Compact. It's a premium model with cold brew that packs a punch.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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How to make Vietnamese coffee – for a rich and delicious drink
What is Vietnamese coffee and why is it trending? I'm a former barista and I tried making this coffee sensation. It's delicious, sweet, and creamy. The perfect treat.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Nespresso Vertuo Creatista review – is David Beckham's coffee maker a game changer?
All stainless steel and style the Nespresso Vertuo Creatista is an incredible single-serve machine. It makes excellent single-serve coffee in minutes
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Is the Moccamaster KM5 coffee grinder the most sustainable grinder on the market? We put it to the test
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 Last updated
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The best cold brew coffee maker for homes is definitely the OXO Good Grips – here's why
I guarantee the OXO Good Grips Cold Brew coffee maker will give you the best cup of cold brew you've ever had and it will look smart doing it too
By Laura Honey Last updated
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This coffee snob finally tried dalgona coffee – a barista’s thoughts on the viral TikTok trend
I tried the viral whipped coffee trend, so that I could tell you everything you need to know about dalgona coffee, from whipping to sipping.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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This stylish, space-age coffee maker is perfect for modern kitchens: Smeg BCC02 Coffee Machine review
The Smeg BCC02 is a small but stylish bean-to-cup model. It delivers fuss-free freshly-ground brews at the touch of a button.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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If you want café-quality frothy coffee in style, you need the Smeg Milk Frother. Here's why.
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 Last updated
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How to make coffee smoothies: my new favorite health trend
Smoothies invigorate and coffees caffeinate, and blending the two together somehow works. Here's how to make coffee smoothies like the experts.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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How to sweeten coffee without sugar – nutritionist and barista advice
I asked nutritionists and baristas how to sweeten coffee without sugar. The correct grind size, brewing method, and extra flavors can make all the difference
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Breville Barista Express review: prepare for impressive espressos
Prepare to be impressed with the Breville Barista Express. It has premium features without the price tag, so make room on your countertops.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Breville Bambino Plus coffee maker review: slim, stainless steel style
Mini and mighty, our barista explains why small kitchens need to say bambi-yes to the Breville Bambino Plus. It has premium features without the pricetag.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Breville Barista Pro review: our barista's favorite espresso maker
Our barista couldn’t fault the Breville Barista Pro. It made aromatic espressos, glossy milk, and is packed with well-considered features.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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The Smeg Drip Coffee Maker is big and beautiful: I love it
The Smeg Drip Coffee Maker revives 50s style with modern, automatic drip coffee, but we've got a few quibbles with the rest of the design.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Everything you need to know about decaf coffee, explained by baristas
I asked baristas and coffee roasters about decaf coffee to find out everything you need to know, from health benefits to best brewing techniques
By Laura Honey Last updated
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How to make cold brew coffee like your favorite coffee shop (according to baristas who work there)
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 Last updated
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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 Last updated
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Should you put olive oil in your coffee? I tried the trend and have the notes
Starbucks are the first chain to try olive oil coffee - this new take on bulletproof coffee claims lots of health benefits, but it’s not for everyone
By Laura Honey Last updated
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For $200 the Espresso Works All-In-One is a decent coffee maker
Our barista tested the Espresso Works All-In-One Coffee Machine. It's a brilliant option for beginners, but lacks finesse. We go into all the details below.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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What is bulletproof coffee? And how can you make it at home
Bulletproof coffee, also known as 'butter coffee' is a caffeinated, high-energy drink to help focus and fullness. I asked baristas for the very best recipes.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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The diamond of coffee makers – De'Longhi Dinamica Plus
The De'Longhi Dinamica Plus is one of the most premium superautomatic espresso machines out there. Is it as good as the press says?
By Laura Honey Last updated
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I've tested over 70 coffee makers – the De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is the best
The De'Longhi La Specialista Maestro is the best espresso machine I've ever tested. It's so good that I, a barista, bought one for my home
By Laura Honey Last updated
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If you like life's luxuries, you'll love the De'Longhi Eletta Explore
The De'Longhi Eletta Explore offers over 50 different types of coffee, so there's something for everyone with this premium machine. I'm a barista and I love it.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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How to make coffee at home – become your own barista
Knowing how to make coffee will make your home brews infinitely more enjoyable and it's easy to do. Here are barista tips for making coffee at home
By Laura Honey Last updated