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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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
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Feeling lost in the world of coffee? Here's an uncomplicated explanation of everything
It's great to keep track of your coffee, but if it's stressing you out, you're probably doing too much. A good grinder, coffee maker, and good beans are all you need.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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A chocolatier's advice on how to make the perfect mocha
Making the perfect mocha requires perfect coffee and quality chocolate. I spoke to experts in both fields to find out the best ways to blend them.
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Is French press coffee bad for you? Expert advice TikTok's hot topic
Coffee has plenty of health benefits, but is French press coffee bad for you? I spoke with dieticians and medical directors to find out whether you need to get your caffeine boost elsewhere
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Why are espresso machines so expensive? And how to tell if yours is worth the splurge
When you're coffee maker shopping, you'll have asked yourself 'why are espresso machines so expensive?'. I asked specialists and manufacturers the same thing
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Do coffee makers really save you money in the long run? The math says yes
Do coffee makers save money? I spoke with experts to find out whether these luxuries can be a treat for your tastebuds and your bank balance
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Should you buy a vintage coffee grinder? Tips from antique dealers
You've probably wondered whether it's worth buying an antique coffee grinder for sustainability or style reasons. I asked the experts whether it's worth investing in one
By Laura Honey Last updated
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Yes, you can make juice with a blender – here's how
If you want to know how to make juice in a blender, you're in the perfect place. I asked experts for their tips, tricks, and industry secrets.
By Laura Honey Published