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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Nespresso vs espresso – tested for taste, cost, and technical differences
A barista offers some perspective on the Nespresso vs espresso debate. She's tested them for taste, and accounted for cost differences too
By Laura Honey Published
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Best blender deals December 2024 – Ninja, Vitamix, Nutribullet, and more
Our experts have curated the best blender deals, across portable models, bullet blenders, multifunctional food processor combinations, and more.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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A barista's advice on how to make an Americano at home
Our qualified barista explains how to make an Americano in an espresso machine. She also covers some alternative brewing options
By Laura Honey Published
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How to make espresso at home – with and without a machine
A barista explains how to make espresso at home with everything from espresso machines to moka pots and French presses.
By Laura Honey Published
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Bodum Brazil French press – could a $30 French press really be among the best?
I tested the Bodum Brazil French press to see whether it's up to the standards of models three and four times the price
By Laura Honey Published
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Espresso vs drip coffee – which is best, according to the experts?
Experts settle the espresso vs drip coffee debate, telling you all you need to know about the different methods, flavors, and machines
By Laura Honey Published
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Bodum Chambord French Press – classic, quick, chic coffee
I tested the iconic Bodum Chambord French press on single-serve and a full carafe of coffee. As a former barista, here are my findings
By Laura Honey Published
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Nespresso VertuoPlus review – the biggest Nespresso I've ever seen
I tested the Nespresso VertuoPlus on espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos. I was impressed with the flavor, but it's far from perfect
By Laura Honey Published
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Smeg Professional Blender review – simplicity, luxury, and quality
I tested the latest Smeg Professional Blender on fruit smoothies, delicious dips, and more. I found a great – but expensive – blender
By Laura Honey Published
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I just tested the best small drip coffee maker – and it's surprisingly stylish too
I've tested a range of filter coffee options and it turns out that the best small drip coffee maker is beautiful, sleek, and smart too
By Laura Honey Published
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Best coffee mugs 2024 – for barista-approved brews
From Le Creuset to Zwilling and more, our collection of the best coffee mugs, selected by our in-house barista, cater to a range of coffee drinkers – enjoy a cup of joe in style
By Laura Honey Published
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The only camping accessory that suits your kitchen – the Stanley Stay Hot French press
As a former barista, I just had to test the Stanley Stay Hot French press to see whether or not the trending brand stands up to scrutiny
By Laura Honey Published
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Zwilling Sorrento Plus French press review – beautiful but not the best
I tested the Zwilling Sorrento Plus French press on its double-walled insulation, filtration, and, of course, flavor extraction.
By Laura Honey Published
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The Fellow Clara French press is $100 – is it really worth that much?
I took the Fellow Clara French press to our test kitchen and found an exceptional – if overpriced – coffee maker
By Laura Honey Published
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KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder – reliable, ready-made barista-quality results
Our expert barista tested the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder across 70 different grinds and found the grounds brew delicious coffee
By Laura Honey Published
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The KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker is among the best – I'm a barista and I love it
We tested the KitchenAid Drip Coffee Maker and it's secured a spot in our competitive best filter coffee makers buying guide. Here's why.
By Laura Honey Published
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This is the best portable espresso maker - in fact, it's the only one worth buying
The Wacaco Picopresso is the best portable espresso maker on the market. I've tested over forty coffee makers, but there's only a few you need to know about.
By Laura Honey Published
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Best nut milk makers 2024: tested by an expert vegan
These are the best nut milk makers for almond, oat, coconut milk and more. Our expert vegan barista tested them to see which is best
By Laura Honey Published
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I tested the Smeg 4 Slice Toaster TSF02, and it exceeded my expectations – here's why
Smeg's 4 Slice Toaster is one of the most beautiful around. I tested it on bagels, sourdough, pop tarts and more to see if it's worth it
By Laura Honey Published
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Pour-over vs drip coffee –which is the best way to brew?
Baristas and coffee experts take on the pour-over vs drip coffee question. They explain the taste, process, and clean-up differences.
By Laura Honey Published
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KitchenAid Pro Line 2-Slice Toaster – the best toaster I've tested
I trialled the KitchenAid Pro Line 2-Slice Toaster on white bread, bagels, sourdough, gluten-free bread, fruit bread, pop-tarts, and more
By Laura Honey Published
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Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster - sleek but not smart
The Breville Die Cast 4-Slice Smart Toaster claims capacity and versatility. I tested on bread, bagels, and more to see if that's true
By Laura Honey Published
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Almond Cow Milk Maker review – a plant-based wonder
The Almond Cow Milk Maker is one of the most talked about nut milk makers on the market. Our plant-based expert Laura put this iconic appliance to the test.
By Laura Honey Published
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How we test juicers: inside H&G's test kitchen
Our experts give all the juicy details of how we test juicers at Homes & Gardens. We make green juice, orange juice, almond milk, and more.
By Laura Honey Published