After graduating college in Durango, Colorado, Liz Nelson stepped into her first coffee job, unknowing it would change the rest of her life. During her first barista training, it became clear that coffee is a universal language encompassing landscapes and crossing cultures. With her Batchelor's Degree in Sociology and Human Services, Liz instantly knew coffee was the path to becoming an advocate of social change. She is well-versed in everything from cafe equipment to commercial roasting equipment and has worked in cafes and roasteries for over ten years, with her passion being roasting and traveling to origin. She brings a keen eye and acute attention to detail when it comes to equipment and the user experience, making her an asset to the GearLab testing process. Ask her what she enjoys outside the coffee, and she thanks her family, friends, dog, favorite mountains and deserts, along with her trusty Volkswagen Van, for the richness they bring to her life. Liz and her partner are currently roasting coffee they import directly from a small group of indigenous farmers in Cauca, Colombia.
Showing 1-15 of 25 by Liz Nelson

Best Dog Bed of 2023
Tracking down the perfect dog bed can be a challenge. So we researched dozens of options before buying the best 13 to...
Best Electric Kettle of 2023
Want to heat up or boil water conveniently? We researched, purchased, and tested the leading products on the market so...
Best Milk Frother of 2023
Our team bought and tested the 14 best milk frothers available today after tediously researching multitudes of top...
Best Coffee Grinder of 2023
Looking to enhance your morning coffee routine? We bought and tested 17 of the best coffee grinders so that you can...
Best Coffee Makers of 2023
Love coffee in the morning? We bought and tested top-of-the-line home brewers to help you find the perfect one. No...
Best Pour Over Coffee Makers of 2023
We researched dozens of the best pour over coffee brewers before buying the 14 leading brands to evaluate...
Best Espresso Machine of 2023
Are you on a first-name basis with the local barista? Cut an extra step out of your morning routine by making espresso...
Top Pick
Baratza Sette 270 Review
Are you looking for a machine that excels grinding for the pour-over to espresso ranges? Look no further; this grinder...
Finding the Perfect Coffee Maker for Your Morning Routine
If mornings are rough, having a quality brewer to help you start the day with a delicious cup of coffee can make all...
Editors' Choice
Breville Precision Brewer Review
While we love the quality of coffee this machine produces, its endless adjustability may not be necessary for the...
Best Buy
Black+Decker 12-Cup Programmable Review
This little machine is our favorite budget brewer. It makes a good brew, is relatively easy to clean, and has a simple...
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Hamilton Beach 2-Way Review
A generally well-designed and affordable brewer that offers the convenience of a pod brewer.
Top Pick
Nespresso VertuoPlus Review
This sleek pod-style brewer takes all the guesswork out of making coffee. With a single button, you can brew the...
Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Switch Review
The Mr. Coffee Simple Brew 12-Cup Switch is an inexpensive machine that offers decent all-around performance. However...
Keurig K-Slim Review
A compact coffee maker that focuses on the convenience of brewing over anything else. This pod-style brewer is...
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