The Wirecutter Show

In the second part of our series, we learn more about what’s happened to Wirecutter writers Mike Cohen and Gregory Han in the year since the LA wildfires. And how they both wish they’d better understood their insurance policies before the fires.  

Mike and Gregory both found temporary housing after the fires, but they soon needed to start replacing the things they use daily. And to do that, they had to produce exhaustive lists of their belongings to their insurance companies for reimbursement. For Mike, this was particularly daunting, as everything he owned had bu...

Exactly one year ago, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades and Eaton Fires erupted, eventually burning down more than 16,000 structures and killing at least 31 people, becoming among the most destructive and deadly wildfires in California’s history. 

Two Wirecutter writers, Gregory Han and Mike Cohen, lived through the Eaton fire. Both lived in Altadena, just outside Los Angeles. Gregory’s home was damaged, while Mike’s burned to the ground. They collaborated on an article sharing their biggest lessons of recovery, which Wirecutter published last July, as part of our emergency preparation coverage. 

Now, in a...

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. 

Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative alchemy" – transforming difficult experiences into meaningful expression. She highlights the benefits of journaling on mental health, and how it has changed her life.

The discussion also explores practical aspects of journaling, from overcoming the fear of...

In case you missed our bonus episode, we are re-airing it! Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items a few always stick out as the best of the best. To close out 2025, we asked our experts to share the things they loved most–and what they think would make great holiday gifts. 

Whether you’re still finishing up your holiday shopping or you’re just here to soak up some end-of-year delight, this roundup is full of recommendations straight from the people who test stuff for a living. <...

It happens every year: the season sneaks up, the calendar fills, and suddenly it’s gift-giving time… and you’ve bought nothing. To help you avoid the panic-buy spiral (and the regrettable “kitchen TV”-style gifts that follow), we brought in Samantha Schoech, senior staff writer on Wirecutter’s gifting team. Sam spends all year researching, testing, and vetting gift ideas—so she knows exactly what still delivers when you’re short on time, short on ideas, or short on shipping days.

In this episode, Sam shares the most common last-minute pitfalls, the places she trusts for reliab...

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing the way people use the internet, gather information, shop online, and interact with products at home. If you’ve ever wondered what chatbots (like Gemini or Claude) are truly good for and how to use them smartly, this episode is essential. 

Our guest Kevin Roose, a New York Times tech columnist and co-host of the NYT podcast Hard Fork, has spent years reporting on AI and constantly uses these tools. Kevin shares strategies to make chatbots work better for you and reveals which tools he finds best for different purposes.  

 ...

The holidays are here, and that means it's time to tackle the hardest shopping challenge of all: finding the perfect gift(s) for the children in your life. In this episode, we skip the parental guessing games and go straight to the experts!

Rosie sits down with three brutally honest critics—Dior (8), Robinson (11), and Chloe (6)—to get the definitive, unfiltered word on what kids really want this year. Listen as they enthusiastically share their current wish lists and, more importantly, evaluate a handful of Wirecutter's tried-and-true, age-appropriate recommendations.

Their hilarious, insightful, and so...

When the holidays roll around, many of us romanticize the idea of a cozy game night—only to remember the part where someone has to read the rules, explain them, and keep the vibes going while everyone tries not to flip a table. If you’ve ever sighed at the sight of a board game box (or struggled through a four-hour strategy game you didn’t sign up for), this episode is for you.

James Austin, Wirecutter’s staff writer covering games and hobbies, shares how to host a game night that actually stays fun, how to pick gam...

Gift giving can be challenging when you're shopping for people who seem to already have everything they need (or who are just super hard to please). Hannah Morrill, Wirecutter’s gift editor, walks us through how to approach selecting presents for these trickiest recipients. 

Hannah also answers listener questions with dozens of specific gift recommendations.

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gift recommendations right to your inbox, subscribe to Wirecutter’s gifting newsletter, The Gift! 

Products we recommend:

For a professional sailor who loves to travel: ...

Holiday baking season is here, and nobody knows how to bake a delicious cookie better than Vaughn Vreeland, host of NYT Cooking’s Bake Time and author of the book, Cookies. In this episode, Vaughn breaks down the gear you actually need, and shares clever fixes for common cookie problems—from his best advice to using browned butter in a recipe to reducing sugar without sacrificing flavor. He also walks us through his best tricks for better texture, picture-perfect tops, and the surprising savory ingredients that make sweet cookies even better.

This episode covers: 

  Duration: 00:31:24

Wirecutter’s staff tests thousands of products every year, and of that mountain of items a few always stick out as the best of the best. To close out 2025, we asked our experts to share the things they loved most–and what they think would make great holiday gifts. 

Whether you’re still finishing up your holiday shopping or you’re just here to soak up some end-of-year delight, this roundup is full of recommendations straight from the people who test stuff for a living. 

If you’d like to receive hand-picked gi...

At Wirecutter, we have tons of advice about the practical side of the holiday season: giving gifts, preparing meals, hosting friends and family. But the emotional side of holiday gatherings can be even tougher. So, we invited Mel Robbins, host of The Mel Robbins Podcast, and author of The Let Them Theory, to walk us through her tools for keeping your cool through heated, holiday moments. 

With the holidays approaching, we ask Mel to help us navigate the harder parts of the season: tricky family dynamics, lingering childhood patterns, fraught conversations, and the pressure that co...

Baking a show-stopping pie for Thanksgiving can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton, who has baked hundreds of pies and spent years testing kitchen gear, joins us to share her hard-won wisdom—from the best pie plates and rolling pins to foolproof tips for flaky crusts.

Lesley explains how to overcome baking anxiety, what tools are worth investing in, and her favorite nontraditional pies to bring to Thanksgiving. She also troubleshoots common baking issues (like burnt edges and tough dough), and reveals her go-to pate pâte bri...

Buying used can be a great way to save money and find  unique items—but it takes a sharp eye to find the real gems. And you need to be savvy to get a good price, as some vintage furniture and clothing can cost more than new items (and you can’t return them!).

In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior staff writer Ivy Elrod, who has spent years navigating secondhand marketplaces. Ivy walks us through her best strategies for finding high-quality used furniture, clothing, and other items–from scouring Facebook Marketplace to mastering the art...

Holiday shopping this season may look different than years past, as tariffs gradually increase prices on everything from electronics to kids’ toys. If you usually wait until Black Friday to find deep discounts, you may want to update your strategy this year. 

Wirecutter’s deputy editor Annemarie Conte joins us to discuss how tariffs are impacting the prices on a range of goods, and how to plan for your holiday shopping accordingly. You can find more of her reporting in Wirecutter’s Guide to Navigating Tariffs This Holiday Season.

This episode covers:

If you’ve ever put off a home repair because you didn’t know where to start—or felt overwhelmed by the wall of tools at the hardware store—this episode is for you.

In this Wirecutter Show bonus episode, we chat with senior staff writer and tool expert Doug Mahoney, who’s spent years testing everything from screwdrivers to power drills. Doug breaks down exactly which tools you need to build your first toolbox, what’s worth spending extra on, and how to know when you’re ready to move from hand tools to power tools. Duration: 00:13:58

Long before Nick Offerman became the mustached, straight-faced Ron Swanson of Parks and Recreation, he was a woodworker. Growing up in Minooka, Illinois, he described his childhood home as “Little House on the Prairie”—a place where everyone made their own things, carefully crafting furniture, clothing, and tools by hand.

And as a skilled woodworker and general handy person, Nick appreciates good tools. This is fortuitous, because Wirecutter’s staff are similarly obsessed. For this episode, we sat down with Nick to talk about his new book Little Woodchucks, the joy of learning to build things, a...

If your computer has been slowing down or showing its age, you might not need to replace it just yet. Wirecutter senior staff writer Kimber Streams, who covers laptops and accessories, shares practical steps for reviving an old machine—and how to tell when it’s finally time for an upgrade.

Kimber explains what causes computers to slow down over time, the simplest DIY fixes that can make a big difference, and what to look for if you do end up needing to shop for a replacement. See more of Kimber’s tips in this article...

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should filter your drinking water, this is the episode for you. Wirecutter senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who covers air and water filtration, shares practical steps for deciding whether to filter your water. 

Tim discusses the most common contaminants you should watch out for, how municipalities filter your drinking water, and when it might be worth ponying up for a water test. 

This episode covers:

This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less, and in this episode we discuss how to smartly augment a travel budget with credit card points. 

Brian Kelly—founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel–pulls back the curtain on exactly how these programs work, the crucial pitfalls to avoid, and the little-known strategies for scoring the best deals on flights and hotel rooms. 

For more affordable travel advice, don’t miss our earlier episode with Elaine Glusac (aka the Frugal Traveler). And find our recommen...

This week, we’re exploring how to travel for less. We dive into the best tried-and-true strategies for stretching your travel budget.

Elaine Glusac, a longtime travel journalist andThe Frugal Traveler columnist at The New York Times, joins us to share her best money-saving hacks, from timing your flight purchases just right, to negotiating directly with Airbnb hosts. 

She also explains how to leverage under-the-radar resources like Going.com for finding cheap flights and Costco Travel for car rentals.  Plus she shares how to navigate Black Friday travel deals for cruises, flight...

We’re planning a special episode with Vaughn Vreeland from the NYT Cooking Team all about COOKIES!  Vaughn is coming out with a new cookie cookbook in October–so he’s the perfect person to answer your toughest cookie-baking questions. 

Let us know! Record a voice memo on your phone and tell us your first name, where you’re calling from, and what your cookie question is. Then email it to u...

Chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat, best known for Salt Fat Acid Heat, joins us to talk about her new book Good Things—and how she keeps cooking joyful, even in a small home kitchen.

She shares the tools she relies on daily, the condiments that transform simple meals, and her approach to entertaining without burning out.

This episode covers: 

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep from any fuel-burning appliance. If undetected, it can also be a silent killer–which is why most experts consider it crucial to have a CO detector in your home. Yet, many hotels, motels, and vacation houses aren’t required to have CO detectors.

While the risk of CO poisoning on a trip is low compared to something like a car crash, it can still happen. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter travel writer Maria Adelmann about why you may want to consider traveling with a portable CO d...

This week, we get nerdy about sheets—why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid. 

Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s in-house sheets expert, enlightens us on everything you need to know to invest in a great set you’ll be happy with for years.

This episode covers:

Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag.

In this bonus episode, Christine talks with senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar, who’s been testing the new phones all week. They dig into what’s exciting, what’s lacking, and why upgrading may not be the best move for everyone. Plus, we cover the iOS 26 update, which brings fres...

You’ve likely heard the adage that "sitting is the new smoking." Basically, that sitting all day at work or elsewhere is one of the most harmful things you can do for your health. 

But is it really all that bad? 

In this episode, we talk with Molly Mirhashem, an editor from the New York Times Well Desk, about the health risks of being too sedentary, what you should know about “dead butt syndrome,” and what you should be doing if you have a desk job.

Then we talk wit...

Trader Joe’s is more than a grocery store; it’s a cultural phenomenon with a fiercely loyal fan base. But with shelves full of ever-changing products, which ones are actually worth the hype?

In this episode, associate staff writer Antara Sinha on the kitchen team shares Wirecutter’s picks for the 18 best Trader Joe’s items, explains how TJ’s keeps prices low, and reveals why your favorite snack might disappear forever. She also gives insider tips on navigating seasonal drops and finding alternatives at local markets.

This episode covers:

Fall can be bittersweet—you may be coming home from vacation and settling back into your routines, but you also want to soak up the last of the warm weather before the winter comes. An e-bike might seem like a tempting compromise for an affordable, but adventurous and outdoorsy commute. 

In this bonus episode, Wirecutter Senior Editor and bike expert Chris Ryan tells us what an e-bike is, which kind you probably want to look for, and what common safety and repairability issues you’ll want to be aware of before you buy. 

Thi...

Oral health is about more than just a pretty smile; it's also connected to your overall health and well-being.

In this episode, senior staff writer and toothbrush fanatic Nancy Redd explains how to brush properly, whether a manual or electric toothbrush is right for you, and how to find the best toothbrush for your family, no matter the budget. She shares surprising tips about oral hygiene and how to get kids excited about taking care of their teeth.

And don’t forget to check out our video guide on how to prop...

More than 100 million Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise daily. To help you protect yourself and those you love, we’re re-airing this episode on how  to determine if you’re at risk of hearing loss and what you can do about it.

Lauren Dragan, Wirecutter’s longtime senior writer covering headphones and audio equipment, walks us through the health issues linked to noise pollution, how to find out if you’re exposed to too much noise, and specific ways to reduce sounds at home, while commuting, or in noisier situations (like concerts or parties...

Using a bidet may seem a little intimidating to some, but to others it's a way of life. 

In this episode, senior staff writer and bidet-convert Doug Mahoney explains why these modern fixtures that wash your bum are a game-changer for hygiene. He shares how they work, what to look for when buying one, and his top recommendations for every budget. 

This episode covers:

How to choose between cold and  warm-water bidets: They each have their pros and cons. Cold ones are the cheapest and easiest to instal...

If you’ve ever suspected your smart devices are spying on you, you’re right. In this episode, Jon Chase, Wirecutter's supervising editor for smart home coverage, reveals how even everyday devices you may not consider "smart" are monitoring you. They’re collecting data to build a profile that can then be sold to the highest bidder.

The conversation covers:

Natural disasters are becoming more intense and unpredictable. To help you prepare, we’re re-airing this episode on how to build a disaster kit. Wirecutter also just published a handy tool to help you customize an emergency kit specific to your needs, an article on preparing a disaster pantry, and guidance on choosing a generator.  

In this episode, Harry Sawyers, who edits Wirecutter’s extensive emergency-preparedness coverage, walks us through the supplies everyone should have on hand to stay comfortable and safe—regardless of the emergency. We break down a basic supply kit that won’t break the...

This episode, senior kitchen writer Michael Sullivan demystifies all things olive oil. He shares how to navigate the overwhelming olive oil aisle, what “extra virgin” really means, and the best way to store this kitchen staple so it will stay fresh (and won’t go rancid).

Whether you're an olive oil aficionado or just looking to improve your everyday cooking, this episode is packed with essential information to help you select and savor better olive oil. The conversation covers:

Tired of creepy crawlies? Wirecutter's pest expert Doug Mahoney reveals the right way to tackle ant and roach infestations. He offers practical advice and debunks common myths (for example, cockroaches aren’t actually the most radiation-resistant insects!).

Doug's 4-Step Pest Control Plan:

In this episode, our guest is Suleika Jaouad, author of The Book of Alchemy and creator of The Isolation Journals Substack. We delve into how journaling can help you unlock creative potential and navigate life’s challenges. 

Suleika shares her personal journey with journaling as a lifeline during her battle with leukemia and a pathway to "creative alchemy" – transforming difficult experiences into meaningful expression. She highlights the benefits of journaling on mental health, and how it has changed her life.

The discussion also explores practical aspects of journaling, from overcoming the fear of a blank page...

Nothing says summer like ketchup, chips, and ice cream. In this taste test special, we take a field trip to the Wirecutter test kitchen to sample these items alongside staff experts Antara Sinha, Rachel Wharton and Marguerite Preston—sharing top picks and behind-the-scenes testing moments.

Check out a video version of this episode on YouTube! 

Products we tasted:

Ketchups: 

Chips: 

Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weather-friendly foods to pack for the beach, a picnic, or any outdoor adventure. Plus, surprising hacks for keeping them cool. 

If you missed our prior episode on beach gear, go back and listen for tips on coolers that will keep your lunch cold all day. 

Recipes we recommend:

It’s officially beach season. 

Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun. 

Products we recommend:

Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you can take to take control of the information that’s out there. Plus, some of the surprising sentimental hurdles he had to overcome during this project.  

Things we recommend:

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe. Plus, everything you need to know about the Midea U recall.

Products we recommend: 

We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. 

Deputy editor Annemarie Conte explains why prices haven’t risen dramatically so far, why the cost of goods will likely start rising around Black Friday, and how you should navigate your purchases going forward. 

We also discuss how to avoid getting slammed with big customs bills when ordering goods online. 

Additional reading:

Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fridges, ovens, and other large appliances often won’t last more than a decade. 

She also reveals the strategies you can use to invest in new appliances that will last you longer. 

Additional Reading:

We independently review everything we recom...

Red light devices promise a lot—but do they deliver? Wirecutter supervising editor Rory Evans demystifies the science behind them, shares her top picks, and explains who might want to think twice before trying one.

Correction: In this episode, we misstated that the irradiance, or power over an area, of red light devices is measured in megawatts per square centimeters. It is measured in milliwatts, not megawatts.

Products we recommend:

 <...

If you’re planning on traveling abroad this summer, it might be a good idea to use a VPN when browsing the web. In this bonus episode, staff writer Max Eddy explains what they are, and why they’re beneficial when you’re far from home (and sometimes when you’re not far, too).
 

What we recommend:

Additional reading:

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents. 

He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment. 

Products we recommend:

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We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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Our experts share their time-tested strategies for better grilling. Senior staff writer Lesley Stockton reveals the proper way to clean and oil grates, why it’s probably time to clean your entire grill, and the unexpected tools (like restaurant tongs and a grill basket) that will immediately uplevel your next cookout.

Then Sam Sifton, assistant managing editor at The New York Times and co-founder of NYT Cooking, walks us through heat zones, why you should limit food flipping, and his favorite recipes to try this summer.

Products we recommend:

Most people misuse sunscreen. In this episode, senior staff health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain the differences between mineral and chemical types, how you should properly apply any sunscreen, and why many 'reef-safe' sunscreens still harm marine life.

Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks! 

Products we recommend:

It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense. 

New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications. 

Products we recommend:

Additional Reading: 

Baby gear editor Kalee Thompson shares her tried-and-true tips for what new parents really need for a newborn (and what to skip), the most helpful gifts for expecting parents, and the gear you can safely buy used.

Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks! 

Products we recommend:

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their lives.

Products we recommend:

Additional reading:

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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Looking to limit exposure to plastic and nonstick kitchen gear? In our first roundtable episode, two of our staff experts share their best advice. 

Sustainability editor Katie Okamoto digs into the health risks of various materials, while kitchen editor Marilyn Ong shares swaps that are beloved by chefs—and that may last a lifetime.

Products we recommend: 

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound setup you may already have, and affordable speaker upgrades worthy of consideration.

Products we recommend: 

Plant expert Darryl Cheng, of the popular Instagram account @houseplantjournal, teaches us how to keep those pothos and monsteras alive. He also reveals a few tips from his most recent book, The New Plant Collector, for helping various plants thrive. 

Then senior staff writer and plant collector Rose Maura Lorre shares her insider secrets for scoring cheap or totally free houseplants.

Things We Recommend: 

More from Darryl Cheng: 

Concerned about tariffs spiking prices? Wirecutter’s senior tech editor, Caitlin McGarry, explains how new trade policies might affect the cost of Wirecutter-recommended products—at least for now.

Additional Reading: 

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Skin care doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. We cover the basics anyone might need in their skin-care regimen, and our favorite drugstore brands that we’ve tested.

Guests: Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology, and Rory Evans, Wirecutter’s senior beauty writer.

Products we recommend:

Facial Moisturizers: 

Retinols:

Vitamin C Serums: 

Our staff experts reveal time-tested methods for cleaning the most neglected (and grimy) areas of your home–from greasy ovens to stained patio furniture. 

Guests: special projects director Christine Cyr Clisset, editorial director Marguerite Preston, senior writer Doug Mahoney, senior writer Rachel Wharton, staff writer Thom Dunn and senior editor Harry Sawyers

Products We Recommend: 

23andMe, maker of popular DNA test kits, has filed for bankruptcy and is looking for a buyer. Here’s why customers should delete their info before it’s sold.

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Max Eddy

To delete your 23andMe data:

In the final part of our stain series, we tackle trickier listener questions–from eliminating fishy odors to whether you can truly remove paint stains. 

Guest: Senior writer Andrea Barnes

Products we recommend:

In part one of our stain series, we tackle your toughest questions–from reviving dingy whites to rescuing clothes from stubborn oils and baked-on gummy bears.

Guest: Wirecutter senior writer Andrea Barnes

Products we recommend:

Digital hygiene rarely tops spring cleaning lists—but it should. Our tech editor shares how to declutter your phone, and why you need a password manager.

Guest: Wirecutter Senior Tech Editor, Caitlin McGarry

Products we recommend: 

Additional Reading: 

You don’t need to settle for a bad vacuum. Our expert reveals how to pick one that’ll actually make your life easier—and your home a lot cleaner.

Guest: Deputy Director, Editorial Operations & Testing Courtney Schley

Products we recommend:

It’s time to turn the clocks forward – but don’t let Daylight Saving Time mess with your health. Here’s our best advice to overcome the time shift ahead.

Guest: podcast co-host Caira Blackwell

Products we recommend:

Additional Reading: 

Our networking pro reveals three dead-simple fixes most people miss for faster internet, plus insider secrets to choosing a better internet plan.

Guest: Senior staff writer Joel Santo Domingo

Products We Recommend

Our expert demystifies towel shopping—from plush terry to spa-like waffle—and reveals why that soft store feel is deceptive. Plus care tips to make them last.

Guest: Staff senior writer Jackie Reeve 

Products We Recommend: 

An uncomfortable bed can screw up your sleep. We’re covering how to make your current mattress more comfortable–and how to shop for a new one. 

Guest: senior writer and podcast co-host Caira Blackwell 

Products we recommend: 

Skip predictable chocolates and roses this Valentine's Day. Our gift expert shares luxurious ways to delight loved ones—and pamper yourself.

Guest: Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

Additional Reading

We are working on a new episode about laundry—specifically, those stains that never seem to come out—and we need your help!  

Record a voice memo on your phone and tell us about the most irritating stain you’ve battled. How did you get it? What was the culprit? What did it stain? And what did you use to try and get it out?

Try and keep it under two minutes and don’t forget to tell us your first name and where you’re calling from!

Email your voice memo to thewirecutt...

Personal lubricants make sex more fun–but not all of them are created equal. We’re covering how to find ones you’ll love and the ingredients to avoid.

Guest: Wirecutter writer Bianca Alba 

Products we recommend: 

Additional reading :

W...

The right luggage can make traveling easier. We share expert tips for choosing between hard and soft shells, carry-on or checked bags, plus pro packing hacks.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer Kit Dillon

Products we recommend: 

Strength training might seem intimidating, but it’s also key for living a long, healthy life. We cover how to start and the simple at-home gear that’ll help.

Guests: Wirecutter supervising editor Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter fitness writer Seth Berkman 

Products we recommend: 

Dishwashers make life easier—but most people don’t use them quite right. This episode, we’re diving deep into how you can get yours to wash dishes even better. 

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Andrea Barnes

Products we recommend:

Additional reading:

Most printers suck. This week we crack the code on how to buy one you might actually like, and reveal the secrets to saving cash on ink and toner. 

Guest: Wirecutter supervising editor Ben Keough 

Products we recommend:

Additional Reading:

It’s Dry January—but non-alcoholic cocktails needn’t be sad. We’re discussing the health risks of alcohol and how to build out a delicious buzz-free bar cart.

Guests: NYT reporter Dana G. Smith and Wirecutter editor Marguerite Preston 

Products we recommend: 

From a space heater that saves a marriage to sunscreen that saves a surfer’s skin, Wirecutter’s staff opens up about the best things they bought in 2024.

Guests: We heard voicemails from Wirecutter staffers including Mel Plaut, Ingela Amundson, Annemarie Conte, Jackie Reeve, Brent Butterworth, Katie Okamoto, Zoe Vanderweide, Liam McCabe, Elissa Sanci, Alex Aciman, Kathleen Squires, Julia Bush, Claire Wilcox,  Jon Chase,  Lauren Dragan, and Dorie Chevlan. 

Products We Recommend: 

Homes burn crazy fast these days. Are you prepared? We’re covering everything you need, from the newest smoke alarms to the right fire extinguishers. 

Guests: Wirecutter senior staff writer Doug Mahoney and senior editor for smart home coverage Jon Chase 

Additional reading: 

Products we recommend: 

We’re fielding listener questions with pro tips for delighting picky friends, impossible relatives, and other challenging recipients on your holiday list.

Guest:  Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

Beautiful Utilitarian Upgrades:

Personalized Gifts: 

Experiential Gifts: 

Great for Dads: 

Digital gifts that don’t clutter: 

This week, we dive into our gift team’s best-in-class tips for finding awesome affordable gifts for everyone on your list.

Guest: Wirecutter editor Hannah Morrill

Additional Reading

Products We Recommend

Great value:

Playing with shape & size:

Most of the deals you’ll see for Black Friday and Cyber Week aren’t worth your time. This week, we reveal how to actually get a deal that’s worth your money.

Guest: Wirecutter senior deals editor Nathan Burrow 

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Thanksgiving is (almost) here, and this week Wirecutter experts share their best last-minute tips to make your holiday a success.

Guests: Wirecutter staffers Hannah Morrill, Rose Lorre, Lee Neikirk, Lauren Dragan, Ellen Airhart, James Austin, Phil Ryan, Michael Sullivan, Ben Frumin

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Few ingredients are as loved (and villainized) as butter. We discuss how to pick a great butter, and the best ones for eating, cooking, and baking. 

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Lesley Stockton

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NYT’s Sam Sifton and Wirecutter's Lesley Stockton reveal their pro tips for Thanksgiving success—from menu planning and hosting to the essential kitchen gear.

Guests: Wirecutter senior staff writer Lesley Stockton and assistant managing editor of The New York Times Sam Sifton

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Making dinner every night can be a challenge. This week, we talk with Emily Weinstein, of New York Times Cooking, about how to overcome the monotony.

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Many people unknowingly put their pet in danger while driving or flying. This week, we talk about how to keep your furry friends safe and calm when traveling.

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Mel Plaut 

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Millions of Americans are exposed to unhealthy levels of noise every day. This episode we discuss how to tell if you’re at risk of hearing loss and what to do about it. 

Guest: Wirecutter senior writer Lauren Dragan

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Quality kitchen gear can last a lifetime–but not every pot, pan, or knife is made to last. This week, we discuss how to invest in durable cookware and tools.

Guest: Wirecutter kitchen staff writer, Michael Sullivan 

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In the fall, rodents move indoors, seeking warmth and food. We discuss how to keep these critters out of your home and how to vanquish an infestation. 

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer, Doug Mahoney 

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The Wirecutter Show is planning a special episode for the holidays and we need your help! 

Send  a voice memo to us at thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com about your hardest-to-shop-for gift recipients! Let us know: 

We'll play your stories on the show for an expert from Wirecutter's gifting team and see if we can stump them! No matter what, you'll walk away with some great gifting advice. 

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Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we discuss why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love.

Guest: Wirecutter writer Bianca Alba 

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This week, we discuss microplastics (the small pieces of plastic that shed off many products), how they may impact your health, and how to mitigate exposure. 

Guest: Wirecutter's sustainability editor, Katie Okamoto

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A natural disaster can happen to anyone, at any time. Are you prepared? Here’s our best advice on what to have on hand.

Guest: Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers

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We’re getting nerdy about sheets–why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer Jackie Reeve

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What you need to know before giving your kid a phone, plus the Wirecutter-tested trackers, smartwatches, and phones to consider.

Guests: Wirecutter senior staff writer Ellen Lee &  Dr. Devorah Heitner

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Expert tips to waste less food — and save on your grocery bill — from Wirecutter kitchen editor Marilyn Ong and New York Times Cooking deputy editor Genevieve Ko. 

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Our best-in-class advice to breathing a little easier. 

Guest: Wirecutter Senior staff writer Tim Heffernan

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We’re going deep on laundry—what you’re probably doing wrong, how to actually pretreat stains, and the tips and tricks to make it all easier. 

Guest: Wirecutter Staff Writer, Andrea Barnes 

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Our new podcast aims to solve your everyday problems, with life-changing tips, tricks and product recommendations from Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists. Find out more at nytimes.com/wirecutter.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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