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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5 things you need to know if you want to choose the best coffee beans
We spoke to coffee roasters, baristas, and other experts so that we could spill the beans on how to choose coffee beans like the experts
By Laura Honey Published
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Nutribullet Triple Prep System review – a one-touch wonder in the kitchen
The Nutribullet Triple Prep System is one of the best blender food processor combos. We tested it to make smoothies, dips, and more. Here's my verdict
By Laura Honey Published
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Is this coffee maker better than the iconic Chemex? The more affordable Bodum Pour-Over comes very close
The Bodum pour-over is a specialist in fuss-free filter coffee. After putting it through rigorous tests, our experts reckon it's as good as a Chemex. Here's why
By Laura Honey Published
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I've made 150,000 pizzas – the Gozney Arc helped me beat all of them
I tested the Gozney Arc on pizzas, peppers, calzone, and more. As a former pizza cook, this is one of the best pizza ovens in the world.
By Laura Honey Published
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How to use an AeroPress – advice from the experts
We asked baristas to explain how to use an AeroPress following the classic method and inverted method. We've also got some tips and tricks too
By Laura Honey Published
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Baristas are swapping French presses for AeroPresses – here's why you might want to make the switch too
We settle the AeroPress vs French press debate by speaking with baristas and breaking down the pros and cons of each. Here's everything you need to know
By Laura Honey Published
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Jura Z10 review – a sleek, Swiss, coffee expert
Our experts tested the Jura Z10 across a range of functions. This is one of the best bean-to-cup machines, but it comes with a high cost
By Laura Honey Published
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Smeg has upgraded their espresso machine and it's my favorite model yet
We tested the Smeg ECF02 espresso machine across a range of functions, including making espressos, Americanos, and cappuccinos. Here's our verdict
By Laura Honey Published
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Is your coffee 'ethical'? Experts explain how to check and what to look for
We spoke with one of the co-founders of Easy Jose Coffee to find out how to choose ethical coffee. He gave us some easy checks, tips, and a deep dive into ethical coffee details
By Laura Honey Published
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Looking for an easy-to-use affordable milk frother? I'd recommend the Instant Pot 9-in-1
The Instant Pot frother is a great price, but does it compare to the more high-end options available? I put it to the test with hot, cold, dairy and plant-based milks
By Laura Honey Published
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Want a coffee maker that doubles as a piece of decor? The illy X7.1 is all you need
The illy X7.1 is a stunning single-serve machine. Our experts tested out the coffee settings, covering espresso, Americano, and lattes. We loved them all
By Laura Honey Published
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Coffee novice? The OXO Brew Pour-Over was designed with beginners in mind
We tested the OXO Brew Pour-Over to see whether it makes coffee to rival Melitta and Hario's. After eleven cups of coffee, here's our expert verdict.
By Laura Honey Published
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The OXO 9-cup coffee maker is putting specialty coffee out of business – a barista's review
Our experts tested the OXO 9-cup coffee maker on brewing smaller servings as well as a whole carafe of coffee. Here's what we thought
By Laura Honey Published
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Want mess-free, stress-free coffee? The OXO French press is the answer
Our barista took the OXO French press to our test kitchen and used it to brew a single cup as well as a whole carafe of coffee. Here's her thoughts.
By Laura Honey Published
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How to clean a coffee percolator – the easy tips that experts swear by
Here's how to clean a coffee percolator using vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. We cover everything from daily rises to deep cleans.
By Laura Honey Published
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Milk frother vs steam wand – which is best for frothy coffee?
I asked baristas about the milk frother vs steam wand debate. We've got the pros and cons of both, so you'll know which is best for your drink
By Laura Honey Published
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Is the AeroPress as good as the hype? A barista shares their verdict
The AeroPress is compact, efficient, and versatile. I took it to our test kitchen to explore its brewing capabilities. Spoiler alert, it's incredible
By Laura Honey Published
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These barista hacks unlock alternative ways to use a steam wand – from cleaning to baking and even making breakfast
These barista hacks unlock alternative ways to use a steam wand. Alternative uses include quick oats, jewelry cleaning, and poached eggs
By Laura Honey Published
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Instant's iconic air fryer is now just $90 – thank Amazon's Big Spring Sale
The Instant Vortex Plus air fryer is $90 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Our experts have tested this model, and reckon it's one of the best air fryer deals available
By Laura Honey Published
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Want a bargain on a stand mixer? One of our favorites is $150 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale
One of the best stand mixers on the market is half-price in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. GE's Bowl Lift Stand Mixer is an expert favorite. Here's all the details
By Laura Honey Published
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Style, simplicity, sustainability, and seriously good coffee – the Grind One Pod Machine ticks all the boxes
The Grind One Pod Machine makes speedy coffee using compostable capsules. It looks the part and has incredible credentials, but are they as good in practice?
By Laura Honey Published
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Can you use a French press to make tea? We asked the experts
Tea sommeliers and baristas explain how to make French press tea using your coffee maker. We also compare French presses to tea presses and infusers
By Laura Honey Published
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How to clean a steam wand – this is how baristas unclog burnt, dried milk
Baristas explain how to clean a steam wand after use. If it's clogged, and if milk has burnt to it, these simple steps will save your machine
By Laura Honey Published
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Best retro small appliances – create a classic, characterful feel in your kitchen
Add inviting charm and color to your kitchen with these retro small appliances. From toasters to stand mixers, our experts have tested them all
By Laura Honey Published