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

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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.

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

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Threads: /@wirecutter

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Facebook: /thewirecutter

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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.

Camping might feel intimidating for a beginner. But car camping–-where you can simply drive to a spot and bring some creature comforts—lowers the barrier to entry. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter outdoor writer Trey French about how beginners can get into camping without overcomplicating it. 

Trey walks us through the gear that’s actually worth investing in, what you can skip (or borrow), and the mental state to adopt to help ensure everyone has a good time. 

Wirecutter staff camping veterans also share their favorite gear for making camping fun and comfortable.

This episode covers:

• Why car camping is the best entry point for beginners: You can pack everything in your car, stay near amenities like bathrooms and water, and leave anytime, making it lower-risk and less intimidating than backpacking.
• Focus on sleep, shelter, and food: You don’t need to buy everything at once, and a lot of gear (especially kitchen items) can come from home or be borrowed.
• What a “good” camping sleep setup really looks like: A thick, wide sleeping pad does most of the work. Sleeping bags matter, but more for warmth than comfort, and sizing and temperature ratings are often misunderstood.
• Small upgrades that make a big difference: Things like tablecloths, lighting, fire starters, or better organization can make a campsite feel more comfortable and functional without breaking the bank.

Products we recommend:

• The best sleeping pad for car camping: Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad
• The best car-camping sleeping pad for couples: Exped MegaMat Duo
• The best bag for car camping: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag
• The best camping tent for families: Kelty Wireless 6 Tent
• The best picnic-table camp stove: Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove
• A simple coffee solution: AeroPress Coffee Maker
• The best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon

Additional reading and watching

• The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping
• The 7 Best Sleeping Bags of 2026
• The 6 Best Camping Tents for 2026
• The 4 Best Camping Stoves of 2026 
• The Best Instant Coffee, Ranked 
• Watch Caira try different instant coffee brands on Wirecutter's new YouTube series, Taste Test.

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.

Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags. 

In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston about her extensive testing of over 100 cans. She breaks down how to choose ones you’ll like, the right ways to serve them, and her favorite tinned fish to serve. 

Also, if you want to see a tinned fish tasting, check out Marguerite in Wirecutter’s new taste test series on YouTube.

This episode covers: 

• How to choose a tinned fish you’ll like: If you're sensitive to certain textures or "fishiness," skip the mackerel, oilier fish, and mollusks, and instead start with trout, tuna, or salmon. These are typically milder with more approachable flavor and texture.
• Why oil-packed fish wins: In Wirecutter’s testing, we found that oil-packed seafood generally had better texture and flavor, whereas water-packed seafood tended to be dryer.
• How to build a delightful fish board: If you want to serve tinned fish as an appetizer, add a selection of pickles and olives, thin crackers, bread, lemon wedges, and even chopped herbs.
• Where to shop: If your local store lacks good options, specialized retailers like Rainbow Tomatoes Garden or Caputo’s offer curated selections to help you choose without the guesswork.

Products we recommend: 

• Tender trout in mayo sauce: ABC+ Trout in Curry Sauce
• Sweet and smokey: Fishwife Slow Smoked Mackerel with Chili Flakes
• Fishy foie gras: Minnow Cod Liver
• Smoky and meaty: Wildfish Cannery Smoked Salmon
• Fresh lemon flavor: Ramón Peña Mackerel in Olive Oil and Lemon

Additional reading:

• The 24 Best Tinned Fish of 2026 
• The 5 Best Sardines 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

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.

Car accidents where a vehicle is submerged in water or erupts into deadly flame are rare. But a simple tool to break your own car window could be life-saving in such an emergency. The only catch: not all car windows are created equal. 

This week, Rosie talks to Wirecutter editor and emergency preparedness expert Jen Gushue about the high-stakes world of car glass breakers. Jen enlisted a firefighter to help smash dozens of real car windows to find out which tools actually work when put to the test on different types of glass. 

This episode covers: 

• The difference between tempered and laminated glass: Traditional tempered glass is designed to shatter into small, dull pieces for safety, while modern laminated glass consists of a plastic interlayer sandwiched between two glass sheets. Laminated glass is nearly impossible to break with standard tools.
• How to identify what’s in your own vehicle: A small key in the corner of your car window should contain information about the type of glass it's made of. You can also look down at the window from above.
• The specific tools that work for each scenario: While portable spring-loaded tools are highly effective on tempered windows, only specialized tools are capable of punching through the reinforced laminated glass found in many newer vehicles.

Be sure to read Jen’s guide for more details on how to tell what kind of glass is in your vehicle.

Products we recommend:

• A spring-loaded, hand-protecting tempered-glass breaker: Lifehammer Evolution
• A handy keychain that works on tempered glass (with compromises): Resqme
• The only practical laminated-glass cutter: Lifeline Evac-Pro

Additional reading:

• The 3 Best Car Window Breakers, Tested on Real Car Windows

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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Facebook: /thewirecutter

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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.

Counterfeit beauty products are more common than many people realize, and they’re increasingly difficult to spot. You may think you’re buying an authentic foundation, lip gloss, or moisturizer on Amazon or other big marketplaces, but a recent Wirecutter investigation revealed how easy it is to buy fakes. 

In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter senior writer Rose Maura Lorre about her six-month investigation into the world of counterfeit beauty and skincare products. She worked with a cosmetic chemist to test a dozen products, and most of them proved to be questionable. 

Rose explains how counterfeit beauty products circulate online, what warning signs shoppers should watch for, and how to make sure the products you’re buying are the real thing.

This episode covers:

• Why counterfeits show up on legitimate shopping sites: Large marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Shein allow a variety of sellers to list products. T If the seller actually fulfilling your order isn’t the brand or an authorized retailer, it means the product is being sold by a “third party” seller, and it’s more likely to be a fake.
• The most important thing to check before buying: Look closely at who the product is sold by and shipped from. If the seller isn’t the brand itself or a retailer you recognize, you’re taking a risk—even if the listing looks official.
• How third-party sellers complicate things: Some products are real but diverted from authorized supply chains. They may have been stored improperly, tampered with, or sold past their intended distribution channel.
• Why packaging clues aren’t always reliable: People often look for differences in fonts, labels, or packaging quality, but counterfeiters have become excellent copycats. The seller’s legitimacy is usually a more reliable signal.
• The safest way to shop for beauty products online: Buy directly from the brand or from retailers the brand lists as authorized. If you’re shopping on a marketplace, double-check the seller information before purchasing anything.

Additional reading:

• I Hired a Lab to Counterfeit-Test a Dozen Suspicious Beauty Products I Bought Online. Every Single One Had a Problem.

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

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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.

Caregiving can be one of the most meaningful roles you’ll ever take on—but it can also be overwhelming. Between managing appointments, medications, paperwork, and communication with family members or professional aides, there’s a lot to keep track of.

In this episode, senior tech writer Rachel Cericola joins us to talk about the tools and systems that can help caregivers stay organized. From shared calendars to smart pill dispensers and even digital fax services, these gadgets and apps can lighten the mental load—whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse in person or coordinating from afar.

While this conversation focuses on supporting older adults aging in place, many of these tools can be helpful for anyone managing a busy household.

This episode covers: 

• Why organization is critical for caregivers: Managing medications, appointments, meals, hydration, and communication can become life-or-death details if overlooked.
• Tools for scheduling and coordination: Shared digital calendars and daily task hubs can help families and professional caregivers stay on the same page.
• Communication strategies that actually work: From shared documents to smart speakers and remotely controlled TVs, simple tech can reduce confusion and repeated explanations.
• Medication management solutions: Smart dispensers can ensure the right dose is taken at the right time—and alert caregivers if it’s missed.
• Paperwork, passwords, and budgeting: Digital fax services, shared checklists, and budgeting software can streamline the mountain of administrative work that comes with caregiving.

Products we recommend:

• A smarter calendar: Skylight 15-inch Calendar
• An aid for people living with memory loss: Relish Day Hub
• For reminders and video chat: Amazon Echo Show 11
• A TV-based messaging system: JubileeTV
• For managing medications: Hero Smart Pill Dispenser
• For faxing sensitive documents: Documo
• Useful list management: Todoist
• For creating and keeping a budget: Moneydance
• The best smart light bulb: WiZ 60W A19 Color LED Smart Bulb
• The best smart plug: TP-Link Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Plug Slim (EP25)
• Rachel loves: Ninja Air Fryer Pro

Additional reading:

• Caregivers Juggle Meds, Meals, and Money. Here’s How They Stay Organized
• 18 Best Smart Home Devices to Help Aging in Place in 2026
• The 4 Best Smart LED Light Bulbs of 2026
• The 5 Best Smart Plugs 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

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.

Apple recently expanded its lineup with two new budget-friendly entries: the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. Both start at $600—hundreds of dollars less than their standard counterparts—but what exactly are you giving up for that lower price tag?

This week, host Rosie Guerin talks with Wirecutter senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar to break down the trade-offs. Plus, Brenda explains why Apple is leaning into "affordable" tech right now.

Products we recommend:

• Powerful battery, worst cameras in a slightly cheaper package: Apple iPhone 17e
• The new, starter Mac: Apple MacBook Neo

Additional reading:

• Apple Is in Its Affordable Era. Sort Of.
• Which MacBook Should I Buy?
• Which iPhone Should I Get?
• The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming

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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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.

Minor home renovations can have a huge impact for how long you (or a loved one) can live independently into old age. This episode, Wirecutter’s home-improvement expert Doug Mahoney joins us to discuss the renovations to consider–-whether you’re looking ahead to your own future or supporting a loved one as they age in place.

Doug recently wrote a room-by-room tour of the best modifications to consider. He spoke with occupational therapists and other experts for their best tips on the most important changes to make to any home. And many of these modifications would be helpful for anyone, at any age.

This episode covers:

• Fall prevention should be your first priority: The most critical step in aging in place is addressing potential trip hazards. Small, inexpensive changes like securing rugs, adding extra handrails, and installing high-visibility, motion-activated night lights can drastically reduce the risk of injury.
• Don't rely on standard placement: When installing safety features like grab bars, avoid generic, one-size-fits-all measurements. It’s more effective to have an assessment where someone actually observes you moving through your home to determine exactly where you need support for your specific range of motion.
• Focus on high-impact trouble zones: Start by modifying areas that present the highest risk, such as bathrooms and entryways. Simple additions like a bench in the entryway for changing shoes, or a shower transfer seat and handheld shower sprayer, can maintain independence without requiring a full renovation.
• Incorporate smart tech for convenience: Modern technology can solve many mobility frustrations. Smart curtains, voice-activated or remote-controlled lights, and smart thermostats allow you to manage your environment from anywhere, which is particularly helpful if your mobility or dexterity is limited.
• Be proactive: You don't have to overhaul your home overnight. By identifying and implementing these modifications gradually over time, you can manage the costs more effectively and avoid the stress of trying to retroactively "fix" a home during a sudden health crisis.

Products we recommend: 

• An inconspicuous grab bar: Moen Brushed Nickel 8″ Grab Bar With Toilet Paper Holder LR2352DBN
• Doug loves the U-Turn Orbit Basic for playing his dad’s record collection

Additional reading:

• Aging in Place Home Modifications: Room-by-Room Tour
• The 4 Best Grab Bars of 2026
• The 2 Best Toilet Seat Risers of 2026 
• The 6 Best Shower Chairs of 2026
• The 6 Best Bidet Toilet Seats or Washlets of 2026
• The 7 Best Bathroom Rugs and Bath Mats of 2026
• The 4 Best Smart Window Shades, Blinds, and Curtains 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

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.

Spring cleaning season is here, and we asked listeners to send us their most stubborn, embarrassing, and downright horrifying odor problems. Staff writer and cleaning expert Caroline Mullen joins us to answer your most confounding smell questions–from how to get rid of the odor of rotting meat in a freezer to  removing the persistent stink from workout clothes.

Caroline explains what actually works when it comes to removing odors—and what’s just masking the problem.

This episode covers: 

• Why ventilation is non-negotiable: Whether it’s fish in a small apartment or smoke drifting in from neighbors, airflow is often your first and most important defense.
• Why cleaning beats masking: Candles and air fresheners don’t solve the root problem. Removing grease, bacteria, residue, and trapped detergent does.
• How to fix stinky laundry: Cold water, less detergent (about two tablespoons), no fabric softener—and turning clothes inside out can make a major difference.
• Why your washing machine might be the problem: If your laundry smells off, the appliance itself may need cleaning.
• How to tackle pet odors: Wash beds and rugs regularly, vacuum frequently, and scoop litter often—especially in small spaces.
• Sometimes you need professional help: For car interiors, deep upholstery contamination, or truly embedded odors, a professional detailing service may be worth it.

Don't forget to sign up for the Clean Everything newsletter for even more cleaning tips from Wirecutter experts. 

Products we recommend:

• An exceptional, efficient, affordable air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty
• The best cleaner that kills just about everything: Clorox Clean-Up Cleaner + Bleach
• The best cat litter: Dr. Elsey’s Ultra Unscented
• A rug you can throw into the washing machine: Ruggable Justina Blakeney Sonia Terra & Sage Rug - Flatwoven Cushioned
• A smart, quick robot that empties itself: Roborock Q7 M5+
• The best liquid laundry detergent: Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry Detergent
• The best powder detergent: Tide Ultra Oxi Powder Laundry Detergent
• Our go-to towel de-stinker: Borax 20 Mule Team Natural Laundry Booster
• An affordable vodka we love: Smirnoff No. 21 Vodka
• A hair cream Caroline loves for different textures: Miss Jessie’s Pillow Soft Curls Cream

Additional reading:

• So, Your House Is Stinky. Here’s How to Fix It. 
• How to Clean a Trash Can or Compost Bin
• Ruggable’s Washable Rugs: Why We Love Them (but Also Hate Them Sometimes)
• Workout Clothes Stink. Here’s How to Clean Them. 
• This Tiny Laundry Tweak Helps Keep Towels Mildew-Free 
• How to Deep-Clean Your Front-Loading Washing Machine
• How to Wash Your Down Jacket
• The Best Ways to Remove Smoke Smells From Delicate and Hard-to-Wash Fabrics
• I’ve Used This Hair Cream on My Kids’ Curly Hair for Almost 6 Years. It Works.

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

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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

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For some people, shorter days and reduced sunlight in the winter can seriously disrupt sleep, mood, and energy levels. A light therapy lamp can help.

In this episode, senior staff writer Nancy Redd explains what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) actually is, how light therapy works, and why not all lamps are created equal. We cover what 10,000 lux means, why timing matters, and why you should talk to a medical professional before trying any.

We also break down the four lamps Wirecutter recommends, and how to choose the right one for your space, budget, and tolerance for clunky design.

This episode covers: 

• What Seasonal Affective Disorder really is: SAD is a seasonal pattern of major depressive episodes. It’s more than the “winter blues,” and it’s officially classified as a depressive disorder with a seasonal pattern.
• How light therapy works: Morning exposure to 10,000 lux of bright, UV-free light for about 30 minutes can help realign your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal 24-hour clock that regulates sleep and hormone cycles.
• Why medical guidance matters: Light therapy affects mood and sleep. You should always consult with a medical professional before using a light therapy lamp. People with bipolar disorder, retinal conditions, or who take photosensitizing medications might even be at risk of worsening their conditions with a light therapy lamp.
• Why regular lamps won’t cut it: A typical household bulb doesn’t deliver the intensity or the controlled light output required for therapeutic use.
• How to choose the right lamp: Size, brightness distance, UV filtering, heat output, and positioning all matter more than you might think.

Products we recommend:

• The best light-therapy lamp: Carex Day-Light Elite
• Compact design and lower price, but less powerful: Verilux HappyLight Luxe
• Best for warmer light: Northern Light Technologies Boxelite
• Best for simulating sunlight: Beurer TL95

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best Light Therapy Lamps of 2026

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

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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.