The Wirecutter Show
The New York Times
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 14min
How To Be Handier
Join Doug Mahoney, a senior staff writer on Wirecutter's home improvement team and tool expert, as he shares his wisdom on becoming handier at home. He discusses the importance of developing tool skills to save money and gain control over your space. Doug reveals the essential 'trifecta' of tools for beginners: a screwdriver, hammer, and tape measure, while advising against pre-made toolkits. He explains when to transition to power tools, highlighting the indispensable cordless drill, and emphasizes safety tips for DIY newcomers.
15 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 34min
Nick Offerman's Guide to Building Things That Last
Nick Offerman, a beloved actor, author, and skilled woodworker, shares insights from his new book, Little Woodchucks. He emphasizes the joy of hands-on work and the confidence it builds, especially for beginners. Nick stresses the importance of investing in high-quality tools that last, rather than cutting corners. He also discusses the spiritual connection to woodworking, teaching patience, and problem-solving. Plus, he outlines essential tools for a starter kit and revels in the joy of crafting instruments like ukuleles.
36 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 34min
What’s Wrong With Your Computer?
Kimber Streams, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter with extensive experience in laptop testing, dives into computer care tips. She explains how to boost your old machine's performance by cleaning storage and removing unused apps. Kimber stresses the importance of keeping software updated for optimal security and efficiency. She also discusses when it’s better to repair an old laptop versus investing in a new one and offers insights on buying refurbished machines. Tune in for practical advice that can extend the life of your tech!
28 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 31min
How to Know What's In Your Drinking Water
Tim Heffernan, a senior staff writer at Wirecutter specializing in air and water filtration, shares his insights on drinking water safety. He explains how to check your water's quality through the annual consumer confidence report and details when it’s worth testing for contaminants. Tim discusses the importance of understanding municipal treatment processes, the pros and cons of various filtration options, and how proximity to pollution doesn’t necessarily impact tap water. His key takeaway? Know your water quality before investing in filtration!
39 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 20min
How To Maximize Credit Card Points for Travel
Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy and author of How to Win at Travel, shares his secrets for maximizing travel with credit card points. He emphasizes the importance of paying down debt to truly benefit from rewards. Listeners learn about the workings of rewards programs, from interchange fees to the strategies for picking the right credit cards based on spending habits. Brian also delves into the value of transferable points and reveals how to effectively use award tickets as a flexible travel backup.
96 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 35min
Secrets to Cheap Travel from NYT’s Frugal Traveler
Elaine Glusac, a seasoned travel journalist and author of The Frugal Traveler column at The New York Times, shares invaluable budget travel strategies. She reveals the best times to book flights and effective tools like Google Flights for tracking deals. Elaine emphasizes the importance of flexibility with travel dates and directly negotiating with rental hosts for better prices. Additionally, she discusses navigating Black Friday travel sales and how to leverage favorable exchange rates abroad, equipping listeners with savvy tips for frugal adventures.
Oct 3, 2025 • 1min
Send Us Your Cookie Questions!
Get ready to bake! A celebrated cookie expert joins to tackle your burning cookie queries. Curious about essential baking tools? Want a show-stopping cookie recipe? They invite you to send in your voice memos with questions. The episode promises delightful insights and expert advice from the new cookbook author. Don’t miss the chance to level up your cookie game!
25 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 32min
Samin Nosrat's Kitchen Favorites
Samin Nosrat, the beloved chef behind Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, chats about her latest cookbook, Good Things. She shares how to maximize a tiny kitchen using efficient restaurant tricks and essential tools like the Y peeler and carbon steel pan. Samin emphasizes the power of condiments—think chili crisp and preserved lemon paste—to elevate simple meals. She also discusses rethinking entertaining to reduce stress, focusing on connection with guests rather than perfection in dishes.
22 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 18min
This Travel Device Could Save Your Life
Maria Adelmann, a Wirecutter travel writer specializing in travel safety, shares vital insights on carbon monoxide risks while traveling. She explains the alarming lack of CO detectors in many temporary lodgings and emphasizes the benefits of carrying a portable CO detector for peace of mind. Maria discusses how CO poisoning symptoms can mimic common illnesses, making it easy to misdiagnose. Additionally, she provides guidance on detector placement and recommends specific models, ensuring travelers are equipped to stay safe.
24 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 39min
The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)
Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s bedding reporter and textile expert, dives deep into the world of bed sheets. She reveals the differences between percale and sateen weaves, emphasizing the importance of fabric feel over inflated thread counts. Jackie clarifies misconceptions around 'Egyptian cotton' and shares essential certifications to look for, like Oeko-Tex. She highlights why washing sheets before judging them is crucial and warns about common marketing traps. Plus, discover tips on when to snag the best deals for your next sheet purchase!
