The Wirecutter Show

Dana G. Smith, a New York Times health reporter specializing in personal health, joins Marguerite Preston, Wirecutter's senior kitchen editor, to explore the joys of non-alcoholic drinking. They discuss the health risks of alcohol consumption and advocate for a vibrant bar cart filled with tasty alternatives. The conversation highlights creative non-alcoholic cocktails and the appeal of sophisticated non-alcoholic beverages, emphasizing how they can elevate social experiences without compromising well-being.

Discover life-enhancing products that Wirecutter staff swear by! From a space heater that saved a marriage to innovative running shoes that transformed workouts, personal stories add a touch of humor. Enjoy thoughtful gift ideas like custom birthday books and practical household tools, all curated to improve daily living. Highlights include a beloved coffee maker and a stylish lamp that brightens any room. Dive into anecdotes about music, cooking, and essential comforts, making life a little easier and a lot more enjoyable!

Doug Mahoney, a Wirecutter senior staff writer with a background in construction, shares vital tips for fireproofing your home. He discusses the alarming speed at which homes can burn today and highlights the importance of modern smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. The conversation also covers the dangers of synthetic materials versus natural furnishings during fires. Additionally, Doug provides essential advice on selecting the right fire safety gear and maintaining emergency escape routes to ensure peace of mind, especially during the holiday season.

Samantha Schoech, a Wirecutter staff writer known for her expertise in gift guides, helps tackle the challenge of buying gifts for those who are hard to please. She shares clever strategies for impressing picky recipients, featuring ideas like personalized handwriting bracelets and experiential gifts like snack boxes. The conversation also highlights utilitarian gifts, such as stylish French presses and cozy slippers, while emphasizing the importance of meaningful connections over mere materialism.

Hannah Morrill, the supervising editor of Wirecutter's gift coverage, shares expert insights on finding affordable gifts that impress. She discusses tackling holiday stress while sticking to budgets and the importance of meaningful gifting. Listeners will love her tips on selecting unique and practical items under $25, from tech gadgets to cooking accessories. She highlights the joy of thoughtful surprises and emphasizes creativity in gift selection, ensuring everyone can find the perfect presents for any occasion.

Nathan Burrow, Wirecutter's senior deals editor, shares expert strategies for navigating the chaotic Black Friday landscape. He discusses how many deals are designed to mislead shoppers and offers tips for spotting genuine discounts. Burrow emphasizes the importance of understanding pricing tactics and recommends focusing on small kitchen appliances and electronics. He also touches on secure payment methods and creative gift ideas like shared subscriptions, aiming to empower listeners for savvy holiday shopping.

Get ready for Thanksgiving with last-minute tips to ease the holiday stress! Discover quick recipes like cheesy Hasselback potatoes and miso gravy green beans. Learn thoughtful gift ideas for hosts, including personal aprons and leftover containers. Traveling? Find family-friendly podcasts to keep the kids entertained and tips to prevent household mishaps. Plus, enjoy fun games for family bonding and creative ways to use those tasty leftovers. Prepare to make your gathering memorable!

Lesley Stockton, a Wirecutter staff writer with a rich background in professional kitchens, dives into the buttery world of cooking and baking. She shares insights on selecting the best butters for various culinary uses and reveals fascinating differences between grass-fed and grain-fed varieties. The conversation includes a fun taste test of 17 different butters, emphasizing how quality impacts flavor and texture, especially in beloved desserts like pie. Lesley also provides holiday baking tips and explores the rise of vegan butter alternatives.

Sam Sifton, Assistant Managing Editor at The New York Times and author of "Thanksgiving: How to Cook It Well," teams up with Lesley Stockton, Wirecutter's senior kitchen writer, to share their Thanksgiving wisdom. They dive into tips for menu planning, essential kitchen gear, and strategies for a stress-free celebration. From the significance of family traditions to must-have tools like sharp knives and thermometers, they make cooking turkey a breeze. Plus, discover great wine pairings and quirky pre-meal traditions!

Emily Weinstein, Editor-in-chief of New York Times Cooking and author of "Easy Weeknight Dinners," shares her insights on transforming the challenges of cooking into joy. She discusses practical meal planning strategies, nostalgic weeknight dishes, and the importance of quality kitchen tools. Emily offers tips for effortless weeknight dinners, emphasizing quick recipes and the benefits of using the freezer. With a wealth of cooking wisdom, she inspires busy individuals to embrace simple yet delicious meals.