The Wirecutter Show

• Send Us Your Cookie Questions!

  We’re planning a special episode with Vaughn Vreeland from the NYT Cooking Team all about COOKIES!  Vaughn is coming out with a new cookie cookbook in October–so he’s the perfect person to answer your toughest cookie-baking questions. Are you wondering whether certain baking gear is worth the investment? Are you looking for a special cookie that will impress? Is there a recipe you want advice on? Let us know! Record a voice memo on your phone and tell us your first name, where you’re calling from, and what your cookie question is. Then email it to us [email protected]. Your question may wind up getting answered on the show!  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: 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

  --------  

  1:04

  --------

  1:04
• Samin Nosrat's Kitchen Favorites

  Chef and cookbook author Samin Nosrat, best known for Salt Fat Acid Heat, joins us to talk about her new book Good Things—and how she keeps cooking joyful, even in a small home kitchen. She shares the tools she relies on daily, the condiments that transform simple meals, and her approach to entertaining without burning out. This episode covers: How she organizes her tiny kitchen: Borrowing tricks from restaurant kitchens, Samin makes a small space efficient and inviting.The essential knives and sharpeners she recommends: Good blades (and the right sharpener) make prep faster, safer, and more fun.Tools she swears by for everyday cooking: From an immersion blender to a carbon steel pan, her kitchen MVPs do heavy lifting.When single-use tools are worth it: A food mill or Japanese mandoline can feel niche but save time and improve results.Condiments that elevate simple meals: Chili crisp, salsa macha, and preserved lemon paste turn basics into showstoppers.Her philosophy on entertaining: It’s about connection, not perfection—and choosing dishes that don’t leave you stuck in the kitchen. Also, Samin shared more tips for hosting a stress-free dinner party with Wirecutter kitchen writer Maki Yazawatrio. Wirecutter Picks in Samin's Kitchen: The Y peeler Samin reaches for daily: Kuhn Rikon Original Swiss PeelerThe sleek knife block in Samin’s small kitchen: Benchcrafted Mag-BlokThe spatula she can’t cook without: GIR Silicone SpatulaA handy and compact kitchen workhorse: Cuisinart Core Custom 4-Cup Mini Chopper Other Products Samin Loves: How she keeps pans spotless: Field Company Chainmail ScrubberA fancy at-home knife sharpener: Tormek Knife SharpenerOlive oil that supports a good cause: Seka Hills Olive OilAnother olive oil Samin counts on: California Olive RanchA special condiment Samin loves: Kuali Salsa Macha Samin says she also keeps a carbon steel pan, fish spatula, microplane, mandoline, immersion blender, and spice grinder in her kitchen for everyday use. Plus, a food mill for perfect mashed potatoes! Like us, she recommends home cooks start out with three basic knives: a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. Here are Wirecutter’s picks for these handy kitchen staples. The Best Carbon Steel Pan Made In Carbon Steel Frying PanThe Best Fish Spatula:  Winco Fish SpatulaThe Best Microplane Grater: Microplane Premium Classic Series ZesterThe Best Mandoline: Super BenrinerThe Best Immersion Blender: Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender MQ7035The Best Food Mill: Oxo Good Grips Food MillThe Best Coffee Grinder (for grinding spices): OXO Brew Conical Burr Coffee GrinderWirecutter's advice on how to build your own knife kit (along with picks for all three knife types Samin discusses) Additional reading:Samin Nosrat's Tips for Hosting a Stress-Free Dinner PartyThe Best Olive Oil You Can Buy At the StoreLife’s Too Short for Bad Olive Oil Build Your Own Knife Set More Samin:Instagram: /ciaosaminFacebook: /samin.nosratWebsite: https://ciaosamin.com/Podcast: https://homecooking.show/Samin’s new book: Good Things  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: 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

  --------  

  31:38

  --------

  31:38
• This Travel Device Could Save Your Life

  Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can seep from any fuel-burning appliance. If undetected, it can also be a silent killer–which is why most experts consider it crucial to have a CO detector in your home. Yet, many hotels, motels, and vacation houses aren’t required to have CO detectors.While the risk of CO poisoning on a trip is low compared to something like a car crash, it can still happen. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter travel writer Maria Adelmann about why you may want to consider traveling with a portable CO detector. Maria explains what to look for in a detector and how it can help mitigate your risk. This episode covers:The risk of CO poisoning while traveling: Even though carbon monoxide poisoning is a leading cause of poison-related deaths in the US, only 14 US states have statues mandating CO detectors in temporary lodging, and these laws are not always comprehensive.A simple solution for avoiding CO poisoning: A portable, battery-operated carbon monoxide detector is a small, inexpensive, and easy way to get peace of mind and protect yourself and your family.Why you may mistake the symptoms of CO poisoning for other illnesses: CO poisoning can cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea and many people may think they have the flu, food poisoning, or even a hangover. Sick individuals may opt to recover by shutting themselves in their room–which would be the worst thing to do in the case of CO poisoning. Instead, they should get to fresh air as quickly as possible.Where to place a portable CO detector: Experts recommend placing CO detectors in sleeping areas, because that's where you'll be most affected. For an entire house, the EPA recommends  putting one on every floor. Products we recommend:A travel-size CO detector: First Alert CO710 Carbon Monoxide Detector Additional reading:This Portable Travel CO Detector Could Save Your LifeWorried About Your Gas Stove? Here’s What to Do. The 3 Best Basic Smoke Alarms of 2025Correction: In the version of this episode that was originally published, we stated that when a carbon monoxide detector starts to beep at the end of its life, it’s because the battery is about to die. That is incorrect. The end-of-life alert we refer to, typically a series of chirps, indicates that the sensor is dying, not the battery. We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: 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

  --------  

  18:06

  --------

  18:06
• The Insider's Guide to Better Bed Sheets (Encore)

  This week, we get nerdy about sheets—why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid.  Jackie Reeve, Wirecutter’s in-house sheets expert, enlightens us on everything you need to know to invest in a great set you’ll be happy with for years. This episode covers:Percale vs sateen: Percale and sateen are terms that describe how sheets are woven, and the weave determines the feel of the fabric. Percale tends to be lighter and crisp (think nice hotel bedding), while sateen is woven to be drapier with a smooth, soft feel that hugs the body.Quality over thread count: Don’t let high thread counts fool you. While thread count describes the number of threads that fit into a square inch of fabric, retailers use hyper-inflated numbers as a marketing ploy. Instead, seek out high-quality cotton. Look for terms like “100% cotton,” “long-staple cotton,” and “extra-long staple cotton” on packaging. Good quality percale generally has 250 to 300 thread count, while sateen ranges between 400 and 600 (higher numbers are likely a gimmick).Judge sheets only after washing them: New sheets are treated with conditioners and finishes that make them feel soft out of the package. To get to the real feel of the fabric, you need to wash them a few times.Certifications and return policies: Certifications like Oeko-Tex guarantee that the fabric has been tested for certain harmful substances. Since you need to wash sheets to determine their true true feel, a good return policy allows you to return them if you don’t end up liking the texture. Products we recommend:The best percale sheets: 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale SheetsThe best sateen sheets: JCPenney's Wrinkle Guard’s 400 Thread Count Sateen SheetsThe best linen sheets: Cultiver Linen Sheet SetThe best flannel sheets: L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet SetJackie loves: Swoveralls  Additional reading:The Best SheetsThe Best Cotton SheetsBest Linen SheetsBest Flannel SheetsWhat Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: 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

  --------  

  39:27

  --------

  39:27
• Is the New iPhone Worth It?

  Apple’s September iPhone event usually comes and goes with only minor tweaks to the lineup. This year feels a little different. Alongside the iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, Apple unveiled its first-ever iPhone Air—a super-thin model that promises Pro-level features without the massive price tag. In this bonus episode, Christine talks with senior staff writer Brenda Stolyar, who’s been testing the new phones all week. They dig into what’s exciting, what’s lacking, and why upgrading may not be the best move for everyone. Plus, we cover the iOS 26 update, which brings fresh design touches, handy new tools, and real improvements to everyday use. This episode covers:Why the iPhone Air feels different from past models: It’s Apple’s thinnest phone yet, but that slim design means trade-offs in durability and battery life.What the camera upgrades really offer: The Pro models now have a zoom that lets you look 5 times closer without the blur, but most people won’t notice big differences in everyday shots.What to expect from battery life: Brenda tested the lineup for a week and found the Air drains faster than Apple’s flagship phones.Why the Pro Max isn’t the best buy for most people: It’s powerful, but bulkier and more expensive than what most users actually need.How iOS 26 changes the feel of your phone: The new “liquid glass” design, upgraded Messages, and live translations make old phones feel refreshed.Why updating your software is worth it: Security patches and performance improvements mean you don’t need to buy new hardware to get a faster phone. Additional reading: iOS 26 Is Here. These Are the Best New Features Which iPhone Should I Get?Stop Charging Your Phone to 100% — And More Tips to Make Your Phone Last LongerApple’s iPhone 17 Event Recap: New iPhones, Apple Watches, and AirPods  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Wirecutter Social and WebsiteInstagram: /wirecutterThreads: /@wirecutterTwitter: /wirecutterFacebook: /thewirecutterTikTok: /wirecutterLinkedIn: /nyt-wirecutterWebsite: 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

  --------  

  16:43

  --------

  16:43

More Education podcasts

Trending Education podcasts

About The Wirecutter Show

The Wirecutter Show: Podcasts in Family