The Wirecutter Show
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
Episodes
Real Dads on the Best Father’s Day Gifts They’ve Ever Received
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21, and if you're stuck for ideas, Wirecutter’s dads and gift experts are here to help. We asked the dads on our staff to share the gifts they actually loved receiving—including custom socks, a backyard fire pit, and sweet handmade crafts.
Our experts also open up about the meaningful gifts they’ve given their own fathers that sparked deeper appreciation and a closer
Your Headphone Questions, Answered
If you've ever tried shopping for headphones, you know there’s an overwhelming selection to choose from. We asked listeners to send us their most pressing headphone questions and brought in Wirecutter audio expert Lauren Dragan to answer them.
From earbuds that stay put in small ears to the best headphones for sleeping, Lauren shares practical advice from years of testing more than 2,000 pairs
What We Learned from Testing 40 Canned Cocktails
Gone are the days when canned alcoholic drinks meant only hard seltzers and tailgate beverages. Today’s ready-to-drink cocktails include everything from espresso martinis and old-fashioneds to gin- and soju-based spritzes.
Wirecutter kitchen writer, Antara Sinha, joins us to explain how she tested 40 canned cocktails, what separates a great canned drink from a mediocre one, and which ones are a
The Beginner’s Guide To Retinol Products
A retinoid is one of the best, scientifically-backed products you can use to keep your skin looking youthful. These vitamin A derivatives are among the very few skin-care products that can boost collagen, minimizing the appearance of pores and fine lines.
In this episode, we’re bringing on two experts to help you determine the type of retinol product that’s best for you. Board-certified dermato
Are Extended Warranties Ever Worth It?
If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.
In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty comp
Pro Tips for an Easier Move
Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful.
From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.
If you’re in the weeds o
How to Choose the Best Language Learning App for Your Next Trip
Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language.
This episode covers:
Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains
Why Do Stores Throw Away Perfectly Good Products?
Have you ever wondered what happens to products that aren’t sold or the items that you return to a store? It turns out, a lot of them end up in the trash. This week, Wirecutter Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte discusses her recent reporting on how and why stores throw away perfectly good products.
Annemarie takes us from the strip malls of Dallas-Fort Worth to the curbs of New York City, shadowing
Find Your Perfect Swimsuit
Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters.
Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body part
The Best Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom
If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch.
Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including wh
Tech Prices Are Skyrocketing. Nintendo's Switch 2 Might Be Next.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype?
Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us
This Wirecutter Expert Cleans (Almost) Everything with Dish Soap
Dish soap might be the most underrated cleaner in your home. It's cheap, it's safe to use with bare hands, and it’s the star of many Wirecutter cleaning tutorials — from how to clean wood floors to stainless steel appliances to laundry stains. It also makes a great alternative to “green” cleaners—cleaners that are marketed as less toxic, allergenic, or supposedly better for the environment.
In
Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse (Encore)
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.
Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what ac
The Only 3 Knives You Actually Need in Your Kitchen
Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home.
In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives.
From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks throug
11 of the Most Delightful Products We Discovered This Year
All hail the winners of Wirecutter’s inaugural Best New Picks Awards! These products are absolute gems discovered over the past year. Tune in to hear Wirecutter staffers share their delightful, surprising, and useful recommendations for everything from a micellar water beauty editors love, to a CD player you can stream to your bluetooth speaker.
To find out more about these products and over 70
The Beginner's Guide to Car Camping
Camping might feel intimidating for a beginner. But car camping–-where you can simply drive to a spot and bring some creature comforts—lowers the barrier to entry. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter outdoor writer Trey French about how beginners can get into camping without overcomplicating it.
Trey walks us through the gear that’s actually worth investing in, what you can skip (or borrow
Tinned Fish is Finally Having the Moment It Deserves
Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags.
In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Pres
The Window-Smashing Tool That Could Save Your Life
Car accidents where a vehicle is submerged in water or erupts into deadly flame are rare. But a simple tool to break your own car window could be life-saving in such an emergency. The only catch: not all car windows are created equal.
This week, Rosie talks to Wirecutter editor and emergency preparedness expert Jen Gushue about the high-stakes world of car glass breakers. Jen enlisted a firefig
The Truth About Counterfeit Beauty Products Online
Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an authentic foundation, lip gloss, or moisturizer on Amazon or other big marketplaces, but a recent Wirecutter investigation revealed how easy it is to buy fakes.
In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior writer Rose Maura Lorre about her six-month
Essential Tools To Stay Organized While Caring for Aging Parents
Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications, paperwork, and communication with family members or professional aides, there’s a lot to keep track of.
In this episode, senior tech writer Rachel Cericola joins us to talk about the tools and systems that can help caregivers stay organized. From sha
Is The New $600 MacBook Neo Actually A Good Deal?
Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag?
This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs. Plus, Brenda explains why Apple is
A Room-By-Room Guide to Aging in Your Own Home
Minor home renovations can have a huge impact for how long you (or a loved one) can live independently into old age. This episode, Wirecutter’s home-improvement expert Doug Mahoney joins us to discuss the renovations to consider–-whether you’re looking ahead to your own future or supporting a loved one as they age in place.
Doug recently wrote a room-by-room tour of the best modifications to con
How to Get Rid of Every Gross Smell in Your Home
Spring cleaning season is here, and we asked listeners to send us their most stubborn, embarrassing, and downright horrifying odor problems. Staff writer and cleaning expert Caroline Mullen joins us to answer your most confounding smell questions–from how to get rid of the odor of rotting meat in a freezer to removing the persistent stink from workout clothes.
Caroline explains what actually wo
Do SAD Lamps Actually Work?
For some people, shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter can seriously disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels. A light therapy lamp can help.
In this episode, senior staff writer Nancy Redd explains what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) actually is, how light therapy works, and why not all lamps are created equal. We cover what 10,000 lux means, why timing matters, and why you should ta
A Beginner's Guide to Buying Better Coffee Beans
For the perfect cup of coffee, you need good beans. In this bonus episode, we talk with Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified Q-grader (it’s like a sommelier, but for coffee!), to demystify the art of choosing a bean you’ll love. Sum breaks down everything a novice needs to know to shop with confidence, from decoding mysterious tasting notes, to understanding why you shoul
Stop Making Bad Coffee
If you want to make great coffee at home, the right gear makes a difference. In this episode, Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston shares how to choose the right setup based on your space, budget, and desired level of effort. We discuss why you may want to rethink how you’re grinding your coffee, the reasons that good drip coffee makers tend to be expensive, and when you may want to g
The Vibrator Episode (Encore)
Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we’re reairing our episode on why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love. Bianca Alba, Wirecutter’s longtime sex toy writer, talks us through the societal double standards around sexuality and how vibrators can help with sexual health. We cover the different types of vibrators you can choose from, how
Our Favorite Boxed Chocolates Will Blow Your Mind
We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor and author of our boxed chocolates guide, explains what ingredients to look for on labels, the textures that separate the great from merely mediocre, and why good chocolates cost so much. Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic toffee or an ad
How a Good Recovery Routine Can Help You Stick With Your Workouts
Your workout shouldn’t stop after you’ve finished your cardio or weightlifting session. What you do right afterward can make the difference between feeling good for the rest of the day or dragging with soreness and fatigue. We brought in two experts to break down what recovery really means, why it matters, and how to approach it without overcomplicating things. First, Dr. Leada Malek, a licensed
The Ultimate Guide to Winter Moisturizing
Winter is brutal on skin and most moisturizer advice online is either oversimplified, wildly inconsistent, or driven by marketing. So we brought in Jenn Sullivan, senior editor of Wirecutter’s beauty team, to explain what moisturizers actually do, and how to use them in a way that makes a real difference. Jenn breaks down the ingredients that matter, the mistakes that leave skin feeling drier, and
Inside Wirecutter's Mystery Pallet Adventure
January is peak return season. Maybe you got holiday gifts that weren’t quite right, or you’re just clearing out the things you over-ordered. But where does all that stuff actually go? In this episode, Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte walks us through her investigation into the hidden world of returns. For her reporting, she bought a 450-pound, six-foot-tall pallet of returned goods to see what reall
The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 3
In the final installment of this series, we examine the longer-term costs–the time, the money, and the emotional toll–that finding your feet after a natural disaster can take. Mike and his family are still displaced. The possibility of a future natural disaster looms over them, on top of the financial predicament of being stuck in the “insurance gap”--where their insurance payout isn’t enough to
The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 2
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 h
The True Cost of Recovering from the LA Wildfires, Part 1
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 d
Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad (Encore)
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
What Our Experts Are Giving This Year (Encore)
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
Gift Guide 2025: It's Not Too Late to Get Something Great!
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
Tips for Using AI Smarter with Hard Fork's Kevin Roose
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 yea
Gift Guide 2025: Kids Tell Us What They Want
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
A Game Night Survival Guide
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, Wirecu
Gift Guide 2025: What to Get the Hardest People On Your List
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 gi
How to Nail the Perfect Cookie with NYT Cooking’s Vaughn Vreeland
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 w
Gift Guide 2025: What Our Experts Are Giving This Year
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
Mel Robbins' Expert Advice for Surviving the Holidays With Peace and Sanity
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
Secrets to Better Pie Making
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 inve
Shop Secondhand Like a Pro
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
Will Tariffs Affect Holiday Shopping?
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
How To Be Handier
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 fi
Nick Offerman's Guide to Building Things That Last
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
What’s Wrong With Your Computer?
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 diff
How to Know What's In Your Drinking Water
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
How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel
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. Fo
Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler
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 leve
Send Us Your Cookie Questions!
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. Are you wondering whether certain baking gear is worth the investment? Are you looking for a special cookie that will impress? Is there a recipe you want advice on?
Samin Nosrat's Kitchen Favorites
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: How she organizes her tiny kitchen: Borrowing tricks
This Travel Device Could Save Your Life
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 st
The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)
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:Percale vs sateen: Percale and sateen are terms that describe how sh
Is the New iPhone Worth It?
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
Goodbye, Dead Butt Syndrome!
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,”
Wirecutter's Guide to Shopping at Trader Joe's
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 mi
Is an E-Bike the Answer to Your Commuting Woes?
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 ki
Should You Switch to an Electric Toothbrush?
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
Yes, the World Is Actually Too Loud (Encore)
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
The Bidet Episode
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
Are Your Smart Devices Really Spying on You?
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: The devices collecting your data: Any devi
How to Build an Emergency Kit (Encore)
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
Life's Too Short for Bad Olive Oil
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 i
How to Get Rid of Ants and Roaches for Good
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:Observe & Identify: Know your enemy! Find their entry points & hotspots. Sawdust + carpenter ants? Call a pro
Journaling Through Life's Plot Twists with Suleika Jaouad
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
Summer Taste Test Extravaganza!
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: The best classic ketchup:
Packable Beach and Picnic Recipes
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. R
A Day At The Beach
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:Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 PersonBest beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade ClassicBest beach umbrella: BeachBUB All-
Can You Really Disappear Online?
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:Find websites that have exposed your email in a data breach: Have I Been PwnedF
Optimize Your AC
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
A Price Check on Tariffs
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
The Death of Durable Appliances
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:Rachel's new article: The Real Reasons Your Appliances D
Are Red Light Masks Worth It?
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,
You Should Be Traveling with a VPN
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:Top pick: MullvadBest VPN for Travel: IVPNGood free VPNs: ProtonVPN doesn’t limit your data but does limit
Bug Repellents That Work
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
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