The Wirecutter Show

This week, we’re re-airing a conversation about 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 and The 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, flights, and hotels.  This episode covers:When to book flights for the best prices: Elaine breaks down the “sweet spots” for booking both domestic and international travel, plus why holidays require a different strategy.Why flexibility matters more than loyalty: Shifting your departure by just a day or two can save you money and stress—and sometimes matters more than which airline you fly.How to spot true airfare deals: Tools like Google Flights and Kayak alerts can help you track fares and avoid misleading “fake sales.”Why you should negotiate directly with hosts: Reaching out to Airbnb or Vrbo owners can unlock discounts you won’t find through the platform.When Black Friday travel sales are worth it: Some cruise lines and hotels run genuine deep discounts—but Elaine shares how to separate the hype from the real bargains. The Frugal Traveler columns we discussed: The Secret to Finding the Best Travel BargainsHow to Avoid Paying Vacation Rental FeesDriving the Alaska HighwayCredit Card Swipe Fees Are Going Down. Are Points Going With Them? Traveling Abroad? If You’re Paying With Dollars, Your Trip Is on Sale. Cheap Flights, Half-Price Cruises: This Travel Tuesday, Deals AboundGetting the Most Bang for Your Buck While Traveling OverseasJoin the Club, Save Some Money  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It can be tough finding a great pair of rain boots that suits your style, feels good to wear for hours on end, and that will actually hold up season after rainy season. But it’s not impossible. This episode, outdoor gear writer Kyle Fitzgerald  explains what makes a well-designed rain boot.Drawing on years of real-world testing through floods, mud, and city downpours, Kyle shares top picks for city commuting, quick errands, and heading into the great outdoors. This episode includes:What construction details to look for: One-piece molded rubber boots or heavily sealed seams along the sole and upper prevent leaks.How to pick the right tread for your terrain: Flatter treads excel on city sidewalks while deeper, wider treads keep mud from clogging your grip.How to prevent clammy feet: Swap cotton for wool or moisture-wicking synthetic socks to absorb perspiration trapped inside non-breathable rubber boots.When rain boots can double as snow boots: Rain boots paired with wool socks can handle chilly 35° to 40°F weather. If it’s colder than that, you’ll probably want designated snow boots. Products we recommend: A great boot for city walking: Merry People Bobbi Ankle Rain BootA boot that doesn’t slip on pavement:  Xtratuf 6-Inch Ankle Deck Boots in Men’s or Women’s A classic rain boot for mixed terrain: L.L.Bean Bean Boots in Men’s or Women’s  The best calf-height boot: Hunter Original Short Rain Boots in Men’s or Women’s The best tall boot: Original Tall Gloss Rain BootsA fashionable tall boot our style expert loves: Ganni Country Boots A great boot for the mud: Bogs Classic Seamless Tall in Men’s and Women’s A leather shoe worth waterproofing: Blundstone Men’s Originals #500 A cowboy boot that can handle the weather: Tecovas The Earl Additional reading:The Best Rain Boots of 2026The Best Kids' Rain BootsThe Best Winter Boots of 2026I Still Wear the L.L.Bean Boots I Got 38 Years AgoHow to Clean and Care for Rubber Rain BootsI Scoured Secondhand Sites and Outlets for These Rain Boots. Extreme-Weather Reporter Judson Jones’s Packing Tips   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Out of the thousands of products Wirecutter tests, only a small fraction ever earn the title of "top pick." Some of these products continue to impress us year after year, proving to be more durable and delightful than the competition.  To celebrate these iconic products, Wirecutter introduced its first-ever Hall of Fame award, honoring 50 items that have remained top recommendations for at least six consecutive years. In this episode we talk with four veteran Wirecutter journalists to go behind the scenes on some of the most beloved Hall of Fame inductees, including an indispensable multitool, the best ice cream scoop you’ll ever use, headphones that actually protect kids’ hearing, and more.  This episode covers:What makes a product Hall of Fame worthy: The criteria behind selecting 50 legendary picks that have survived at least six years of rigorous, head-to-head testing against newer models.The ultimate  multi-tool: Home improvement writer Doug Mahoney explains why the lightweight Leatherman Skeletool CX offers the right balance of essential tools without unnecessary bulk.The perfect ice cream scoop: Kitchen writer Lesley Stockton demystifies the Zeroll Original Ice Cream Scoop, patented in the 1930s, which uses heat-conductive fluid inside the handle to effortlessly roll hard ice cream into smooth, perfect spheres. Protective headphones: Audio writer Lauren Dragan discusses her groundbreaking testing of children's headphones and why the volume-limiting Puro Sound Labs BT2200 has remained our top recommendation for nearly a decade.A superior air purifier: Tim Heffernan, who covers air and water filtration, highlights the Coway Airmega Mighty air purifier, the most popular product Wirecutter has ever tested. Products we recommend:The best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CXThe ultimate toilet clog buster: Korky 99-4A Beehive Max Performance PlungerOur longtime favorite ice cream scoop: Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream ScoopThe best coffee grinder: Baratza EncoreThe best kids headphones for music and videos: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-PlusA great air purifier: Coway Airmega Mighty (AP-1512HH) Additional reading:The Winners of Our 2026 Hall of Fame This Air Purifier Is the Most Popular Wirecutter Product of All Time We Tested Headphones for Schoolkids. Some Were Worryingly Loud.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

You don’t need to settle for sad sandwiches and wilted salads for lunch. This episode,  Wirecutter kitchen editor Gabriella Gershenson explains how the right lunch box can help you pack a midday meal that you or your kids will actually be happy to tuck into. We discuss how to choose between bentos, insulated totes, salad containers, and thermoses for both kids and adults. Some boxes are better for upcycling leftover odds and ends, while others do a better job keeping your food at a safe temperature throughout the day. Plus, Gabriella shares her favorite ideas and resources for adding more joy to the lunch box—from DIY tinned fish hand rolls to sweet hand-written notes. This episode covers:Why the vessel dictates the lunch: Compartmentalized bento boxes can help you turn bits of leftovers into an appealing meal, salad bowls will keep the greens crisp, while insulated thermoses open up a world of hot lunches–no microwave needed! Keeping foods at safe temps: If you don’t have access to a refrigerator during the day, you may want to get an insulated tote and use freezer packs. Fun packing ideas: Inspiration from Molly Yeh's bento hacks (like date "snickers" with nut butter and sprinkles) and Ali Slagle's DIY tinned fish hand rolls. Products we recommend: A sturdy, spacious plastic bento box: Bentgo Fresh Lunch BoxA chic stackable bento: Takenaka Bento Bite DualA great stainless-steel bento:  Ecozoi Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box 3 CompartmentThe best food thermos: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food JarThe best food thermos for kids: ThermoFlask Food JarA simple and stylish bag: Baggu Puffy Lunch BagA sturdy and roomy bag: Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Two Compartment Lunch CoolerA sleek and stylish lunch bowl: W&P Porter BowlA stainless-steel salad bowl: S’well Salad Bowl KitGreat for packing cold and hot lunches for kids: OmieBoxA book for inspiration: Love Japan: Everyday Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook, , co-authored by Gabriella GershensonAdditional reading:The Best Kids Lunch BoxesThe 8 Best Lunch Boxes of 2026 This Pricey Kids Lunch Box Is Worth Every Penny The 5 Best Cottage Cheeses of 2026  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Do you have something that you always fight about with your spouse, partner, or housemate? Maybe you’re convinced you know the right way to load the dishwasher… or brighten laundry… but your partner disagrees? The Wirecutter Show wants to hear about your household skirmishes. Cleaning… cooking… laundry… bathroom habits… lighting and decor! All of it. Tell us what your household disagrees on and our team of experts will help settle the score, once and for all.   Send us an email – or a voice memo – to [email protected]. Tell us your name, who you bicker with, and what keeps you two at odds. If you can manage it, you might even record a note together. We can’t wait to wade into the battle! Thanks. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/ The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.