The Wirecutter Show

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 MatBest kettlebell: Rep Fitness KettlebellBest adjustable dumbbell set: Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell SetBest pull-up bar: Ultimate Body Press Elevated XL Doorway Pull-Up BarBest resistance bands: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands (5 Bands Pro Series Set) and Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch BandsSeth loves: KSY Jump Rope Additional Reading: The 4 Best Resistance Bands of 2025 The 3 Best Yoga Mats of 2025 The 3 Best Pull-Up Bars of 2025 The 2 Best Kettlebells of 2025 The 3 Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2025The 5 Best Jump Ropes of 2025   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 

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 ActionPacsWhat to use to clean your dishwasher: Affresh or citric acidRinse aids to consider: Ecover or Finish Jet DryThe best dishwasher: Miele G5008Andrea loves: The League of Kitchens Cookbook Additional reading:The 4 Best Dishwasher Detergents of 2024 How to Clean Your Dishwasher Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter How to Use Your Dishwasher BetterWe Smeared Hundreds of Dishes With Peanut Butter, Egg Yolk, Red Sauce, and Lipstick to Test Dishwashers in 2024Is It You, or Is Your Dishwasher Just Lousy? Here’s How to Tell.  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 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-L2460DWOnline photo printing we recommend: Nations Photo LabBen’s new/used camera: Nikon F3 Additional Reading:Why All Printers Suck (Even the Best Ones)The 4 Best Home Printers of 2024The 4 Best All-in-One Printers of 2024The 3 Best Photo Printers of 2024The 4 Best Mobile Scanning Apps of 2024The Best Online Photo Printing Service of 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 

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 AdriftSt. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony NegroniA bitter Amaro-like favorite: The PathfinderRosie enjoys mixing this with Pathfinder: Uncle Waithley’s Vincy BrewLess bitter options: Curious No. 2  and Casamara SuperclasicoGreat for your NA Bar Cart: Bitter Queens Essential Bitters Variety Pack and Luxardo Original Maraschino CherriesMarguerite loves: Onyx Coffee Lab Instant Coffee Advent Calendar Additional Reading 14 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2024Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health by Dana G. SmithWhat, Exactly, Is ‘Moderate Drinking’? by Dana G. SmithWhat to Know About Non-Alcoholic Beverages by Dana G. SmithHop Water Isn’t Trying to Be Beer. That’s Why We Like It.The 8 Best Nonalcoholic Wines of 2024The Best Instant Coffee  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 

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, Claire Wilcox,  Jon Chase,  Lauren Dragan, and Dorie Chevlan.  Products We Recommend: Mel Plaut likes: Vornado AVH10 space heaterIngela Amundson likes: Sterilite Stacking Laundry BasketAnnemarie Conte likes: Garmin Forerunner 165 watchJackie Reeve likes: Donner DUC-1 Concert UkuleleBrent Butterworth likes: JBL Go 4 Bluetooth SpeakerKatie Okamoto likes: HAY Matin Table Lamp Zoe Vanderweide likes: Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle BraletteLiam McCabe likes: Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-ToolElissa Sanci likes: Trtl PillowAlex Aciman likes: Comfort Colors 1717 Adult Heavyweight TeeKathleen Squires likes: The New York Times Premium Birthday Edition bookJulia Bush likes: Adizero Adios Pro 3 super shoesClaire Wilcox likes: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+Jon Chase likes: Channel Master FLATennaLauren Dragon likes: WhiteBark Workwear Full Cross-Back ApronDorie Chevlen likes: Cuisinart Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker WAF-F30Christine Cyr Clisset likes: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT coffee makerCaira Blackwell likes: Lilysilk 25 Momme Oxford Envelope Luxury PillowcaseRosie Guerin likes: ViscoSoft 3 inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper Additional Reading: The Best T-Shirt I Ever Bought Came From a Midwest Strip Mall. I Tracked It Down on Amazon.I Test Bras for a Living. The Harper Wilde Triangle Bralette Is the Only One I Actually Wear. Super Shoes Aren’t Just for Olympians. But Do Casual Runners Really Need Them?The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights   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 

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