The Wirecutter Show

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 ExtinguisherThe Best Fire Escape Ladder UL video of room burning test: New Comparison of Natural and Synthetic Home Furnishings Products we recommend: The best smoke alarm: First Alert SM500V Interconnected Battery-Operated Smoke Alarm with Voice AlertsThe best smart smoke alarm: Google Nest ProtectThe best fire extinguisher: First Alert Pro5The best fire ladder: X-It 2-Story Emergency Escape LadderDoug recommends: Veto Pro Pac XL Extra Large Compact Tool Bag  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 PressRough Linen RobePersonalized Gifts: Handwriting Cuff braceletPersonalized retro view finderCustomizable drinking straw Experiential Gifts: Teas to try togetherBokksu Japanese Snack BoxGreat for Dads: Yeti CoolerLL Bean Wicked Good SlippersDigital gifts that don’t clutter: MasterClass subscriptionLibro FM  audiobook subscriptionMet Opera subscriptionBritBox British movies and TV subscriptionFor a brother who buys himself what we wants: Williams Sonoma Monogrammed Steak BrandThe best growlerThe best home brewing kitHappy Tooned PrintFor people you don’t know that well: Fast Growing Trees Citrus TreesSam loves:Italian loafers Additional Reading: Most Gift Baskets Are Terrible. These Are Great.36 Gifts for People Who Have Everything 202428 Best Personalized Gifts of 2024 15 Aesthetic Gift Picks (for Those With Impeccable Taste) The 48 Best Gifts for Dads 2024  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 ReadingThe 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 $2531 Best Secret Santa Gifts of 2024 50 Wirecutter-Approved Stocking Stuffers for Adults Products We RecommendGreat value:Baggu Small Cloud Carry-On Playing with shape & size:Bonilla a La Vista Potato ChipsMaldon Sea Salt Flakes (3 pounds)World's smallest Uno  Novelty:Lazy Duck, Lying Flat LED Duck LampPuebco Empty BookKikkerland Solar-Powered Rainbow MakerEmile Henry Salt PigGurglePot Fish Pitcher Utilitarian upgrades:TravelCard PlusMoMA Self-Watering Wet Pot PlanterHeirloom Art Co. Larissa White Nightgowns Tech ideas:Epicka Universal Travel AdapterGoogle Chromecast with Google TV Cooking ideas:The New York Times Cooking Page-A-Day Calendar 2025Mosser Glass Jade 3 Piece Mixing Bowl Set Beauty/Luxe ideasDr. Singha’s Mustard Bath SaltsSenteurs d’Orient Fleurs d’Oasis L’Huile Secret Santa or White Elephant:101 Pooping Puppies Jigsaw PuzzleLEGO Cherry BlossomLonely Planet’s Where to Go WhenRetro Point & Shoot Camera Phone Converter Hannah recommends:Dorsey Kate Riviere in Silver  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 4Nathan Recommends: Turntable: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO  Additional reading links:Best Black Friday Deals 2024Daily Deals - WirecutterWirecutter Deals, Explained  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 OilTaza Mexican-Style Chocolate SamplerTony’s Chocolonely Super Milk BundleBananagramsTide PenKorky 99-4A Max Performance PlungerPodcasts that are great for familiesWow in the worldBrains OnOnce Upon a BeatRadiolab for Kids 99% Invisible The Good WhaleAudiobooks for familiesMouse and the MotorcycleMontgomery Bonbon: Murder at the MuseumWebsite recommendation for learning new card gamesPagat Additional Reading: Taking better iPhone photos The Best Fake Christmas TreeRose Lorre's article about what to bring to Thanksgiving as a guest   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 2024The Best Vegan ButterProducts We Recommend: Kerrygold Salted ButterIsigny Ste Mère Salted ButterFinlandia Imported Salted Butter BarKirkland Signature Grass-Fed Butter SaltedKirkland Signature Butter Unsalted   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 SiftonAdditional Reading: Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well by Sam SiftonThe Best Roasting PanThe Best Instant Read ThermometerThe Best Chef’s KnifeThe Best Gas GrillsThe Best Gas Grill Tools  Products We Recommend: The best chef’s knife: Mac MTH-80The best instant-read thermometer: ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 CookingWhen You Love To Cook But Also Have a Kid, Embrace the MicrowaveThe Best Sheet PansThe Best Air Fryer Best Electric Pressure CookerBest Slow Cooker  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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  Additional Reading: The 6 Best Travel Carriers for Cats and Small Dogs of 2024Flying With Your Cat or (Small) DogThe 7 Best Multi-Tools of 2024Products We Recommend: SturdiBag Pro 2.0Feliway Travel SprayPeepeego Non-Slip Dog PadMel loves: Leatherman Skeletool CX and Leatherman Signal  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 Additional Reading: The 4 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones of 2024 The Best Sleep Headphones (But We Hoped for Better)The 3 Best Earplugs for Concerts of 2024 The 5 Best Kids Headphones of 2024The 4 Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds of 2024 Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Kids Is a Growing Problem. Here’s How to Protect Little Ears. Products We Recommend: Apple Watch with sound metering: Apple Watch Series 10 and Apple Watch SE (2nd generation)An app for any phone to monitor sound levels: NIOSH Sound Level MeterEarplugs for concerts or other loud moments: Loop Experience 2 or Loop SwitchNoise cancelling earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM5Noise cancelling over-ear headphones: Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700Noise Isolating tips for most earbuds: Comply ear tipsEarmuffs for babies: Ems for Kids Baby EarmuffsEarmuffs for kids and teens: Muted EarmuffsEarplugs for kids and teens: Loop kidsHeadphones for sleeping: AcousticSheep SleepPhones Wireless and Soundcore sleep A20Noise cancelling headphones for kids: Puro Sound Labs PuroQuiet-PlusLauren loves: Bearaby Cotton Napper  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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  Additional Reading: How to Clean and Season Cast-Iron CookwareHow to Clean and Care for Wood Cutting BoardsThe Best Flatware of 2024 The 2 Best Toasters of 2024 Products We Recommend: Best Cast Iron: Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron SkilletBest Dutch Oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch OvenDutch Oven upgrade pick:Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven (5.5 quarts) Aluminum Cake Pans: USA Pan Rectangle 9x13 Non-Stick Cake PanTri-Ply Pots & Pans: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with LidTempered glassware: Duralex Le Picardie Tumbler, Kähler Hammershøi Tumbler and Kinto Hibi TumblerWood Cutting Board: Teakhaus Medium Professional Carving Board with Juice Canal 109Toasters We Like: Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toasterand Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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  Additional Reading: The 4 Best Mousetraps of 2024How a Bag of Dead Rats Proved the Terro Garbage Guard Really Works  Products We Recommend: Best Mousetrap: Tomcat Press ’N Set Mouse TrapRunner Up: Victor M393 Power-Kill Mouse Traps For when you need a LOT of mousetraps: Victor Easy Set Mouse TrapDoug recommends: Pleasant Hill MacIntosh Fruit Press 4 Gallon + Wood Basket [please note, this product is often out of stock]  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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: your name and where you're calling in from who your hard-to-please gift recipient is what makes them hard to shop forwhat they like & don't likeWe'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. Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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  Additional Reading: The Best VibratorsThe 6 Best Personal Lubricants of 2024 How to Clean Sex Toys Products We Recommend: The Classic Wand style: Magic Wand RechargeableThe Classic Wand style, but corded: Magic Wand PlusAffordable and versatile: Satisfyer Purple PleasureFor suction and vibration: Dame AerFor precise stimulation: Lelo DotBianca Recommends: Beast Blender for single serve smoothies  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 Additional Reading:Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them.The Best Water Filter Pitcher and DispenserThe Best Under-Sink Water Filter Products We Recommend: Pitcher Filter: Brita Standard Everyday PitcherUnder Sink Filter: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max FlowGlass Food Containers: Pyrex Simply Store 9-Pack Mixed Sized Glass Food Storage SetKatie Recommends: Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 Additional Reading:The Best Emergency Preparedness SuppliesHow to Clean a Flooded BasementEverything I Did to Flood-Proof My Old House The Best Hurricane Preparedness Supplies and Strategies for 2024The Best Gear for Your Bug-Out Bag Products We Recommend: Best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-GallonBest flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3Best floating solar lantern: LuminAid Titan 2-in-1 Power LanternBest weather radio: Midland ER310Best portable solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB Solar ChargerBest multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CXFolding saws Harry likes: Silky Pocketboy 130 mm Folding Saw Medium Teeth 340-13, Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth (354-36), Silky Zubat Curved Hand Saw 270mm Large Teeth (270-27) Harry’s favorite recent purchase: Aquatabs   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 Additional Reading:The Best SheetsThe Best Cotton SheetsThe Joy (and Anxiety) of Sleeping on $2,000 SheetsBest Linen SheetsBest Flannel SheetsWhat Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?Should You Spring For Egyptian Cotton Sheets? Products we recommend: 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale SheetsJCPenney's Wrinkle Guard’s 400 Thread Count Sateen SheetsL.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet SetJackie Recommends: Swoveralls   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 Additional Reading:The Best First Phones for KidsThe Best Smartwatches for KidsThe Best Parental Control Apps to Manage Screen Time (and Keep Your Kid Safer Online)Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World  by Dr. Devorah HeitnerGrowing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner Products we recommend:Apple AirTagTile MateBark PhonePinwheelApple iPhone SE (3rd generation, 128 GB)Verizon Gizmo Watch 3Apple Watch SE GPS + Cellular Check out more NYT podcast coverage about the recent push to ban phones in schools from The Daily and Hard Fork.    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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.  Additional Reading Best Food Storage ContainersBest Dry Food Storage ContainersThe Best Vacuum SealerKitchen Compost Bins We Love Products We RecommendRubbermaid Brilliance Pantry Food Storage ContainersAnova Precision Vacuum Sealer ProCuisinart Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls with Lids  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Our best-in-class advice to breathing a little easier.  Guest: Wirecutter Senior staff writer Tim Heffernan Additional ReadingThe Best Air Purifier The $650 LifeStraw Max Water Filter Can Save You From Contaminated WaterHow Can I Clear My Air of Wildfire Smoke?How to DIY An Air Purifier Products We RecommendCoway Airmega AP-1512HH MightyLifeStraw MaxKnipex Carpenters’ End Cut Pliers  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast