The Wirecutter Show

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 p...

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...

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 ket...

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. ...

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 Person Best beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade Classic Best beach umbrella: BeachBU...

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 Pwn...

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...

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 slamme...

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 Applianc...

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,...

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: Mullvad Best VPN for Travel: IVPN Good free VPNs: ProtonVPN doesn’t limit your data but does...

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...

Help us make The Wirecutter Show even better, by filling out the The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey . We promise it's short and sweet.    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›   Wirecutter Social and Website Instagram: /wirecutter Threads: /@wirecutter Twitter: /wirecutter Facebook: /thewirecutter TikTok: /wirec...

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...

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. T...

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: A really good air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mi...

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: Great baby boun...

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: Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Recchiuti Confections Black Box   Additional reading: 13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2025  The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2025  35 Best Mother’s Day Gifts of 2025    We independently rev...

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:  PFAS and plastic free, non-stick pans: ...

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:  Best ultra-portable bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4 Best budget bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Mini  (sold out) Best bluetooth speaker with sol...

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 W...

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:  Wirecutter's Expert Advice on How to Navigate the New Tariffs   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn mor...

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:  Vanicream Daily Facial Moisturizer La...

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:  Dish soap...

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: Log in to your account and select Settings. Scroll to the bottom of the page and select 23andMe data, then View. (Download a copy of your genetic information). Select Delete...