If you've ever bought a cell phone, an appliance, or any other high-value item, you've likely felt pressured to buy an extended warranty for peace of mind. However, these protection plans rarely pay off for most people.

In this episode, Wirecutter senior writer Liam McCabe explains why extended warranties are generally a “terrible investment,” how incredibly profitable they are for warranty companies, and the very few instances when paying for extra coverage might actually be worth it.

This episode covers: 

• The difference between manufacturer and extended warranties: A manufacturer's warranty is automatically included for free as a promise against defects (usually for 30 days to a year). An extended warranty, on the other hand, is an optional, extra-cost protection plan that you have to actively choose to buy.
• Why you probably won’t use an extended warranty: People tend to overestimate the failure rate of most products. And the likelihood that the product will fail during the extended warranty period is quite low.
• How extended warranties mainly benefit warranty companies: Extended warranty companies generally only pay out around 25% of what they take in, keeping 75% of the money. By comparison, health insurance companies generally pay out 80% to 90% to policy holders.
• When it’s worth getting an extended warranty anyway: Sometimes it’s worth getting one of these warranties, even if you’ll likely lose money. It could make sense if it offers you peace of mind, the product has a bad reliability reputation, or you’re buying something for an accident-prone kid.

Additional reading:

• That Extended Warranty Is Almost Never Worth the Money. This Is Why You Fall for It Anyway.
• Is That Extended Warranty Worth It? Take Our Quiz. 

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Moving can be expensive, stressful, and time-consuming, but there are ways to make it easier. In this episode, Wirecutter travel writer Kit Dillon–who moonlights as a professional mover–shares insider tips on how to make the process less painful. 

From selecting the best packing supplies to hiring the right crew, Kit’s advice will help you save time, money, and hassle.

If you’re in the weeds of an upcoming move and need even more guidance, check out Wiriecutter’s series on moving (including a moving checklist, the best supplies for moving, tips for packing a moving truck, and essentials for the first week of your move).

This episode covers:

• Why you should get uniform boxes: Professional movers can stack brand-new, uniform boxes neatly on a hand truck and more efficiently inside a van, potentially saving you hours in labor costs. In contrast, a hodgepodge of different-sized boxes is harder to move, and used grocery store boxes can harbor bugs or break easily.
• Supplies that will actually protect your stuff: A heavy-duty mattress bag with handles offers far better protection than flimsy plastic versions. Light newsprint is the professional’s choice for packing kitchen gear and delicate items, and you should choose packing tape designed specifically for your storage conditions (such as cold or high-moisture environments).
• Why you should pack a “first night” box: Pack a single, clearly marked box with your immediate essentials—a bathrobe, toothbrush, chargers, and a favorite book—to make your first night in a new home bearable.
• Strategies for hiring movers: Kit advises getting at least a few quotes from different movers.A suspiciously low bid can be a red flag for cut corners. Always ensure a company is insured and dive deep into user reviews to see if specific movers are mentioned by name for their consistency.
• Tipping etiquette: While not strictly required, tipping is highly encouraged for such physically taxing work. If the move goes well, try to give cash directly to each individual mover at the end of the day.

Products we recommend:

• Uniform medium boxes: uBoxes Medium Moving Boxes (pack of 20) or uBoxes Basic Moving Kit
• Light newsprint for packing: uBoxes Newsprint Packing Paper - 10 lbs
• Heavy-duty mattress bag: Belador Extra-Thick Queen Mattress Bag with Handles
• Great all-purpose moving tape: Scotch Tough Grip Moving Packaging Tape
• Packing tape for long-term storage: Scotch Long Lasting Storage Packaging Tape
• Packing tape for additional weather resistance: Gorilla Tough & Wide Shipping Tape (currently out of stock)
• An easy to use tape dispenser: Uline H-150 Tape Dispenser
• Kit loves: Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max

Additional reading:

• Plan Your Move With These Tips from Wirecutter
• The Best Supplies and Packing Advice for Making Moving Less Miserable
• The Ultimate Moving Checklist and Tips for a Seamless Move 
• 4 Easy Tips for Packing a Moving Truck Like a Pro
• The Fire Extinguisher, Smoke Detector, Carbon Monoxide Detector, and Other Safety Essentials You Need in Your Home

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The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Summer travel season is here, and you might be tempted to download a language-learning app before your next trip. But which ones actually help? Wirecutter writer Matthew Guay tested 15 different language apps to figure out how they can (and can’t) help you learn a foreign language. 

This episode covers: 

• Why language learning apps are better for travel confidence than fluency. Matthew explains that most apps won’t make you conversational, but they can help you recognize words, order food, ask basic questions, and feel less intimidated traveling abroad. 
• How to choose the right language app for your learning style. Rather than naming one universally “best” app, Matthew breaks down which apps work best for different types of learners—whether you prefer grammar explanations, TikTok-style video lessons, addictive streaks and rewards, or long-form audio lessons you can listen to during a commute.
• Why practicing with real people matters more than endless app lessons. Matthew says the sweet spot for language apps is learning enough to start trying small real-world interactions, like ordering at a restaurant or introducing yourself. That’s the point where language learning starts to feel rewarding and where you can decide whether you want to pursue it more seriously.

Products we recommend: 

• Best for learning theory alongside vocabulary practice: Babbel
• Best for visual learners: Speak
• Best for free vocabulary lessons: Duolingo
• Best for classroom-style lessons: Pimsleur

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best Language Learning Apps
• The Best Gear for Travel in 2026

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Have you ever wondered what happens to products that aren’t sold or the items that you return to a store? It turns out, a lot of them end up in the trash. This week, Wirecutter Deputy Editor Annemarie Conte discusses her recent reporting on how and why stores throw away perfectly good products. 

Annemarie takes us from the strip malls of Dallas-Fort Worth to the curbs of New York City, shadowing social media influencers Dumpster Diving Mama, GlamourDDive, and The Trash Walker who rescue everything from kids' toys to slashed Coach bags. We dive into why retailers often find it cheaper to destroy and toss items than to donate or recycle them, the environmental life cycle of these items and what companies (and consumers) can do to move toward a more circular economy.

This episode covers:

• The economics of retail waste: Why it is often more profitable for major retailers to throw away perfectly good products—and even intentionally destroy them—than to donate or liquidate them.
• The world of dumpster diving influencers: A look at the community of people who film their "hauls" to expose corporate waste and re-sell goods that are headed for the landfill.
• The overproduction problem: How the sheer volume of goods has overwhelmed the logistics chain, creating a secondary market where items are sold by the pallet or simply discarded because they are too expensive to re-process.
• Potential solutions for a circular economy: The environmental impact of overproduction and how legislative changes, like those seen in the EU, could encourage companies to stop destroying unsold goods and find more sustainable alternatives.

Additional reading:

• Why Do Stores Throw Away So Many Perfectly Good Products? I Went Dumpster Diving to Find Out. 
• What Slashed Coach Bags Found in a Dumpster Can Teach Us About Product Waste 
• We Bought a 450-Pound Mystery Pallet Packed With Returned Goods From Amazon and Beyond. Here’s What We Found Inside.
• Inside Wirecutter’s Mystery-Pallet Adventure 

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters.

Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body parts, the brands that are making some of the best suits right now, and how to care for your suits so that they’ll last longer. 

This episode covers: 

• Why some brands are better at size inclusivity: Many brands design for a size 6 "fit model"– the model used to try on a pattern and make adjustments. The brand generally then sizes the pattern up or down to make different sizes, which often doesn’t translate into the best fit for larger bodies. Brands who use plus-size fit models tend to make suits that are more flattering for plus-size bodies.
• Fabric and texture tips: Thicker, compressive fabrics will help hold you in more. Textured fabrics, such as ribbed or crinkle fabric, provide a "blurring" effect that can hide lumps and bumps you don’t want to emphasize. But both can take longer to dry.
• How to care for your spendy suits: Hanging a wet suit stretches the fibers. Instead, roll it in a towel to remove moisture, then lay it flat in a shady, well-ventilated spot.
• The suits our testers loved and why: We walk through the brands that Zoe features in her review, why they’re great, and which will work best for different body types.

Products we recommend: 

• A plunging cross-back one-piece swimsuit: Left on Friday Weekender Suit
• A waist-cinching one-piece swimsuit: Left on Friday Sunday Suit
• A well-priced classic one-piece swimsuit: Quince Italian Cami One-Piece Swimsuit
• A splurge-worthy knotted bikini top: Mikoh Kaloko 2 Top
• A splurge-worthy hipster bikini bottom: Mikoh Cruz Bay 2 Bottom
• An ultra-stretchy crinkle suit: Youswim Aplomb One-Piece
• A chic, compressive rash-guard one-piece: Hunza G Tyra UPF 50+ Swim
• A glamourous one-piece swimsuit with a keyhole neckline: L’Agence Belle Keyhole One-Piece
• An uplifting underwire bikini top: Monday Swimwear Sorrento Top
• A no-dig high-waisted bikini bottom: Monday Swimwear Sorrento Bottom

Additional reading:

• 15 Best Women’s Swimsuits of 2026
• How to Wash Your Swimsuits to Prevent Fading and Stretching
• The Best Shapewear of 2026
• The Best, Most Comfortable Bras

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Wirecutter Social and Website

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Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch. 

Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including what not to give), plus thoughtful, sometimes surprising picks that actually make people feel seen.

This episode covers: 

• Why you shouldn’t add to someone’s to-do list. One of Samantha's strongest rules is to avoid gifts that create work. That means no high-maintenance plants, complicated projects, or aspirational hobbies the person didn’t ask for.
• Why the best gifts are things they wouldn’t buy themselves. If someone needs socks, they can buy socks. A good gift is something slightly indulgent or unnecessary—like elevated basics or small luxuries—that feels special precisely because they wouldn’t justify spending money on it.
• Why “giving mom a break” is often the most meaningful gift. Instead of another object, Samantha emphasizes the value of rest—like helping them carve out uninterrupted time alone or booking them a night in a hotel. It’s a way to acknowledge the workload of motherhood, not just gesture at it.
• Why your time and attention still matter most. Across every category, Samantha comes back to this: a gift lands best when it’s paired with genuine effort—whether that’s a handwritten card, quality time together, or simply showing that you’ve paid attention to what they actually like.

Products we recommend:

For the new mom:

• Chic, lightweight harem sweatpants: Le Bon Shoppe Balloon Pants (women’s)
• Well-priced, super-soft fleece sweatpants: Gap High Rise VintageSoft Relaxed Joggers (women’s)
• A scrubby bar for smoother body skin: Soft Services Buffing Bar
• Actually, it’s a lip balm: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream

For the first-time grandma:

• Handwritten necklace: Gldn Handwriting Necklace
• The best digital photo frame: Aura Carver
• The Grandmothers by Doris Lessing

For the empty nester:

• A luscious, affordable paint set: Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors 48-Color Set
• For audiobook lovers: Libro.fm Credit Bundle
• A delightful way to discover new titles:  Books Are Magic Book Club
• A hat that understands: Inside Joke Don't Ask Me What's For Dinner Hat

For the outdoorsy mom: 

• Best picnic blanket for roving picnickers: Rumpl Everywhere Mat
• Beanie baby: Mira Blackman Hand Dyed Chunky Beanie

For the mom who loves sparkles:

• Party-trick socks: Maria La Rosa One Ribbed Laminated (women’s)
• Classic hoops: Quince 14K Gold Pave Diamond Mini Huggies

For the crafty mom: 

• Needlepoint kits that will make you want to needlepoint: Unwind Studios
• Unique and gorgeous embroidery kits: Artist Kate Wyatt
• Simple and straightforward block printing kits: Joyn

For the foodie mom:

• A fruit-and-anything-else bowl for counter clutter: Emile Henry French Ceramic Fruit Storage Bowl
• A basket for a tinned fish lover with a cute bandana: Fishwife mother’s day gift basket

For the “don’t get me anything” mom: 

• Full-body glow-up: Senteurs d’Orient Fleurs d’Oasis The Oil
• Stylish and reliable flower deliveries: UrbanStems

Samantha loves: 

• Cotton undies: Evry studio underwear

Additional reading:

• The 42 Best Mother’s Day Gifts
• All that Glitters: The Best Places to Buy Jewelry Online
• 21 Great Gifts for Book Lovers of 2026 
• 20 Best Gifts for People Who Love to Sleep in 2026
• The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2026
• 13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2026

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

Wirecutter Social and Website

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Threads: /@wirecutter

Twitter: /wirecutter

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Newsletter: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/newsletters/

The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype? 

Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us his verdict. He also talks about why if you’ve been thinking about buying one, now might be the best time.

This episode covers: 

• Why the Switch 2 is worth the splurge: Arthur says the new console is like getting the latest phone compared to having one that’s six or seven years old. It comes with impressive software updates and exclusive games that make for an incredible upgrade if you have the budget.
• Why you should consider buying sooner rather than later: With Nintendo’s fiscal year ending, AI data centers raising memory card prices, and shipping and oil prices increasing, Arthur suspects that the Switch 2 will get more expensive very soon.
   

Products we recommend: 

• A more powerful Switch experience: Nintendo Switch 2

Additional reading:

• The Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Best Nintendo Switch
• The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming

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Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Dish soap might be the most underrated cleaner in your home. It's cheap, it's safe to use with bare hands, and it’s the star of many Wirecutter cleaning tutorials — from how to clean wood floors to stainless steel appliances to laundry stains. It also makes a great alternative to “green” cleaners—cleaners that are marketed as less toxic, allergenic, or supposedly better for the environment. 

In this episode, we chat with senior staff writer Andrea Barnes about why dish soap is such a powerhouse cleaner, which brands actually work best, and the surprising places you can use it around your home (and when to reach for something else).

This episode covers:

• Why "green" cleaners often underperform: Many eco-marketed cleaners aren’t good multitaskers, so you end up buying more products to compensate. A concept called the “Sinner’s Circle” explains why: cleaning requires some combination of time, heat, chemicals, and friction — reduce one, and you have to add more of another.
• How to make an all-purpose cleaner for pennies: Just two to three drops of dish soap in a large spray bottle of water works as an effective surface cleaner for kitchen backsplashes, counters, yoga mats, stainless steel, and more — for under 25 cents a bottle.
• Surprising uses for dish soap: It works on makeup stains, shoes, jewelry, mouth guards, retainers, outdoor security cameras, and even shower tile. If you've been exposed to poison ivy, washing the affected area with dish soap within 20 minutes may help break down the irritating oil.
• What to never clean with dish soap: Don't use it on your pets' fur, your own face, or — crucially — in your dishwasher, where it will cause a sudsy overflow.
• The truth about laundry pods and microplastics: Despite how they look and feel, pods do not shed microplastics. The film dissolves completely and is biodegradable. Experts are actually more concerned about the plastic containers detergent comes in.

Products we recommend:

• The best dish soap: Palmolive Ultra Pure + Clear Dish Liquid
• Best dish soap for household cleaning projects: Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid
• Best dish soap for (nearly) plastic-free packaging: Cleancult Dish Soap Lemon Verbena
• Biobased dishwasher detergent pods: Dropps UltraWash Plus
• Wirecutter’s best drugstore lipstick (and Andrea's new favorite): Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

Additional reading:

• The Secret to Better Laundry 
• The 3 Best Dish Soaps of 2026
• The $5 Cleaning Workhorse You Already Have at Home
• How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances
• Of All the “Sustainable” Dishwasher Pods We Tested, These Really Work
• The 6 Best Lipsticks of 2026

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

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Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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’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. 

Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies

Products we recommend:

• A really good air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
• Our favorite upright vacuum: SEBO Felix Premium
• Our favorite canister vacuum: SEBO Airbelt K3 Premium

Additional reading:

• How to Clean the Air You Breathe
• The 8 Best Air Purifiers of 2025
• The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

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: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home.

In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives.

From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks through the fundamentals—plus the small habits that can keep your knives chopping for decades.

This episode covers:

• Why you only need three knives: A chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated (bread) knife will handle nearly everything in a home kitchen. Most knife sets just add unnecessary “filler” pieces.
• How to choose a chef’s knife that actually works for you: Sharpness out of the box matters most, but after that it comes down to comfort, balance, and how it feels in your hand.
• Why you don’t need to spend a fortune: A great chef’s knife can cost as little as $50, and cheaper knives (especially paring knives) can perform just as well for everyday tasks.
• Honing vs. sharpening: A honing rod doesn’t sharpen your knife—it realigns the edge. You should hone your knives every time you cook, but it doesn’t replace real sharpening.
• The biggest knife-care mistakes people make: Putting knives in the dishwasher, soaking them in water, or storing them loose in drawers can damage the blade and shorten their lifespan.

Products we recommend: 

• The best chef’s knife: Mac MTH-80
• A sharp and affordable chef’s knive: Victorinox Swiss Classic Chef’s Knife (8-Inch)
• An affordable Japanese knife: Tojiro F-808
• A classic German knife: Wüsthof Classic Ikon 8″ Chef’s Knife
• An inexpensive and effective paring knife: Victorinox 3.25-Inch Paring Knife
• A durable and inexpensive serrated paring knife: Victorinox 3¼" Swiss Classic Serrated Paring Knife
• The best serrated knife: Mercer Culinary Millennia Wavy Edge Wide Bread Knife M23210
• The best electric knife sharpener: Chef’sChoice 1520
• A honing rod we like: Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod (12 inches)

Additional reading:

• The Best Chef’s Knife
• The Best Paring Knife
• The 2 Best Serrated Bread Knives
• Build Your Own Knife Set 
• How to Sharpen Knives Without Damaging Their Blades

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: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.

All hail the winners of Wirecutter’s inaugural Best New Picks Awards! These products are absolute gems discovered over the past year. Tune in to hear Wirecutter staffers share their delightful, surprising, and useful recommendations for everything from a micellar water beauty editors love, to a CD player you can stream to your bluetooth speaker. 

To find out more about these products and over 70 other winners, read the full article. 

Products we recommend: 

• Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask
• Spier & Mackay Medium Blue Suit
• Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set (this item is often out of stock)
• Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones
• Just One (Board Game)
• Yamazaki Home Magnetic Storage Organizer
• Stingray Instant Spot Remover
• Syitren R300 CD Player
• Gap High Rise VintageSoft Relaxed Joggers
• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
• Lying Flat Duck Night Light

Additional reading:

• Our 2026 Best New Picks Award Winners

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: /wirecutter

LinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutter

Website: 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.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. 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.