The Wirecutter Show

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: A good stain remover for ink or sugary stains: Amodex Ink & Stain Remover A good stain remover for cat odors: Nature's Miracle A good way to remove odors from clothes: Downy Rinse & Refre...

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: The best liquid laundry detergent & a great product for pre-treating stains: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent The best powdered laundry detergent (with oxygen...

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:  The best Password Manager: 1Password The best free Password Manager: Bitwarden Two-Factor Authenticator Apps: Duo Mobile and Google Authenticator The best bluetoot...

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: Best upright vac: SEBO Felix Premium Budget upright vac: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 Best canister vac: SEBO Airbelt K3 Premium Another canister vac we l...

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: The best blackout curtains: IKEA Rosenmandel Black-out Curtains or Target Pillowfort Blackout Chambray Cotton Kids’ Panel The best eye mask: Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask Th...

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 Tool to find internet providers in your area: www.broadbandmap.fcc.gov Look up your internet speed (upload speeds especially!): www.speedtest.net   or www.fast.com (from Netflix) USB...

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:  Top terry cloth towels: Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel Budget terry cloth towels: Threshold Spa Plush Towel Upgrade terry cloth towels: Riley Spa Bath Towel Budget...

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:  Memory foam mattresses we like: Leesa Original Mattress and Saatva Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm) A cheaper memory foam mattress:  Novaform 14″ ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Me...

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: Sparkly Socks: Calzedonia Soft Sox Silk hair accessories: Lilysilk Perfect Silk Beauty Set For Hair A simple gold chain: Laura Lombardi Mini Omega Chain Fancy chocolates Recchiuti XOXO Box 16pc...

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 na...

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:  Best water-based lube:  Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe Best thinner water-based lube: Coconu Water Based Best silicone lube: Überlube Best hybrid lube: Sliquid Silk Best oil-based lube: C...

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:  The best soft-sided carry-on bag: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner The best hard-sided carry-on bag: Away The Carry-On The upgrade pick carry-on: Brig...

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:  Best yoga mat: JadeYoga Harmony Mat Best kettlebell: Rep Fitness Kettlebell Best adjustable dumbbell set: Core Home Fitn...

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: The best dishwasher detergent: Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs What to use to clean your dishwasher: Affresh or citric acid Rinse aids to consider: Ecover or Finish Je...

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: Basic B&W laser printer we recommend: Brother Wireless HL-L2460DW Online photo printing we recommend: Nations Photo Lab Ben’s new/used camera: Nikon F3   Additional Reading: Wh...

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:  A gin-like alternative: Pentire Adrift St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni A bitter Amaro-like favorite: The Pathfinder Rosie enjoy...

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, C...

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:  The 4 Best Basic Smoke Alarms of 2024  The 2 Best Smart Smoke Alarms of 2024  The Best Fire Extinguisher The Best Fire...

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: Brushed Stainless Steel French Press Rough Linen Robe Personalized Gifts:  Handwriting Cuff bracelet Personalized retro view finder Customizable drin...

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 The 45 Best Gifts for Teens in 2024  43 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers of 2024  25 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers of 2024  The 39 Absolute Best White Elephant Gifts Under $25 31 Best Secret Santa Gifts of 2024  50...

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    Products we recommend: The best bluetooth speaker: Bluetooth Speaker: Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Nathan Recommends: Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO    Additional reading links: Bes...

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   Products we recommend:  Graza Sizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil Taza Mexican-Style Chocolate Sampler Tony’s Chocolone...

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   Additional Reading:  The 7 Best Butters of 2024 The Best Vegan Butter Products We Recommend:  Kerrygold Salted Butter Isigny Ste Mère Salted Butter Finlandia Imported Salted Butter Bar Kirkland Signat...

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 Additional Reading:  Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well by Sam Sifton The Best Roasting Pan The Best Instant Read Thermomete...

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.   Additional Reading:  Easy Weeknight Dinners 100 Fast, Flavor-Packed Meals for Busy People Who Still Want Something Good to Eat by Emily Weinstein and New York Times Cooking When You Love To Cook But Also Have a Kid, Embrace the Microwave The Best S...