The Wirecutter Show

Tanya Sichynsky, an editor for New York Times Food and Cooking sections, and editor of The Veggie newsletter, shares her ideas for the best hot-weather-friendly foods to pack for the beach, a picnic, or any outdoor adventure. Plus, surprising hacks for keeping them cool. 

If you missed our prior episode on beach gear, go back and listen for tips on coolers that will keep your lunch cold all day. 

Recipes we recommend:

• Easy Chickpea Salad
• D.I.Y. Vegan Mayo
• Hot Dogs With Pico de Gallo 
• Extra Green Pasta Salad (use our top pick immersion blender to make it: Braun MultiQuick 7 Immersion Hand Blender MQ7035)
• Vegan ‘Cheesy’ Popcorn
• Ham and Jam Sandwich
• Fresh Ranch Dip
• Dill Pickle Tzatziki 

Additional reading: 

• Check out more of Tanya’s recommendations in her article covering 24 Easy-to-Pack Recipes for Summer Picnics, Beach Days and More.
• Learn more about Tanya’s gear picks: The Veggie's Editor Dishes on Her Favorite Kitchen Tools 
• The Best Coolers

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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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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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It’s officially beach season. 

Staff writer Kit Dillion shares his favorite gear to make any beach day, picnic, or pool adventure better, from shelters to chairs to coolers. It’s all about elevating your day in the sun. 

Products we recommend:

• Best versatile weather beach shelter: Sun Ninja Tent 4 Person
• Best beach shade shelter for steady wind: Shibumi Shade Classic
• Best beach umbrella: BeachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System
• Best beach umbrella with flaps: Sport-Brella Premiere XL
• Best budget beach umbrella: Coolibar 6 Foot Intego Beach Umbrella
• Best cooler: RTIC 52 QT Ultra-Light Cooler
• Best cooler upgrade (with wheels): Yeti Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
• Best soft cooler: RTIC Soft Pack Cooler 20 Can
• Best (affordable) beach chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
• Best beach chair with more height: Shibumi Beach Chair
• Kit’s favorite beach chair: Yeti Hondo Beach Chair
• Best beach cart: Mac Sports Heavy Duty Collapsible Folding All Terrain Utility Cart
• Best sand sifter: Treasure Digger Sifter

Additional reading:

• The 5 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2025 
• The Best Beach Chair Is the Tommy Bahama Backpack Chair
• The 6 Best Coolers of 2025 
• The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults
• 25(ish) Wirecutter Picks for a Summer Beach Day

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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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Is it even possible to disappear from the internet? Wirecutter writer Max Eddy explains how he tried to do it, why it’s so hard, and what steps you can take to take control of the information that’s out there. Plus, some of the surprising sentimental hurdles he had to overcome during this project.  

Things we recommend:

• Find websites that have exposed your email in a data breach: Have I Been Pwned
• Find google results with your personal information in them: Google’s Results About You tool
• The best password manager: 1Password
• The best data removal service: DeleteMe
• Create masked emails using Apple’s tool or Google’s tool
• Automatically delete X posts using Cyd
• On Facebook, retroactively limit who can see your posts, prevent search engine and image search of your content or pull up a log of your interactions on the platform, which lets you delete comments that have become problematic with age.

Additional reading:

• I Tried, and Failed, to Disappear From the Internet
• 7 Simple Ways to Protect Your Digital Privacy
• The 2 Best Password Managers of 2025
• The 2 Best Two-Factor Authentication Apps 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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe. Plus, everything you need to know about the Midea U recall.

Products we recommend: 

• The best budget window AC: Frigidaire FHWW084TE1
• Weatherizing gear: Frost King Silicone Weatherseal and Frost King Extra Wide Heavy Duty Door Sweep
• Blackout cellular shades: Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout Shade
• The best vortex fan: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator

More about the Midea U recall

• Midea Is Voluntarily Recalling Our Favorite Air Conditioner. Here’s What You Should Know.
• A diagram for checking if your Midea U air condition has mold growing inside

Additional reading: 

• The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025
• The 6 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025
• The Best Ductless Mini Split Air Conditioner
• With Air Conditioners, Bigger Could Actually Be Worse
• It’s Actually Okay to Run the AC All Day, Even If You’re Not Home
• 7 Times a Portable Air Conditioner Actually Makes Sense Over a Window AC
• A Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home—Here’s What to Know
• How to Find a Competent Heat Pump Installer
• How to Keep Your Home Cool

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. 

Deputy editor Annemarie Conte explains why prices haven’t risen dramatically so far, why the cost of goods will likely start rising around Black Friday, and how you should navigate your purchases going forward. 

We also discuss how to avoid getting slammed with big customs bills when ordering goods online. 

Additional reading:

• We Tracked Prices on 40 Wirecutter Picks for 60 Days. Here’s What We Learned.
• How to Avoid a Huge Customs Bill on a Cheap Online Order
• Wirecutter Deals Page: The Best Online Deals Today on Wirecutter Picks

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Appliances don't last as long as they used to—but not for the reasons you probably think. Senior staff writer Rachel Wharton explains why modern fridges, ovens, and other large appliances often won’t last more than a decade. 

She also reveals the strategies you can use to invest in new appliances that will last you longer. 

Additional Reading:

• Rachel's new article: The Real Reasons Your Appliances Die Young
• 14 Best Refrigerators of 2025
• The 6 Best Electric Stoves and Ranges of 2025
• 7 Tips From Our Microwave Expert

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Red light devices promise a lot—but do they deliver? Wirecutter supervising editor Rory Evans demystifies the science behind them, shares her top picks, and explains who might want to think twice before trying one.

Correction: In this episode, we misstated that the irradiance, or power over an area, of red light devices is measured in megawatts per square centimeters. It is measured in milliwatts, not megawatts.

Products we recommend:

• Best red light wand: LightStim for Wrinkles
• Best flexible red light mask: Omnilux Men
• Best rigid red light mask: Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask

Additional reading:

• The Solawave Wand Costs Half the Price of Other Red-Light Tools. But We Didn’t Love It. 
• The Best Red-Light Device

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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’re planning on traveling abroad this summer, it might be a good idea to use a VPN when browsing the web. In this bonus episode, staff writer Max Eddy explains what they are, and why they’re beneficial when you’re far from home (and sometimes when you’re not far, too).
 

What we recommend:

• Top pick: Mullvad
• Best VPN for Travel: IVPN
• Good free VPNs: ProtonVPN doesn’t limit your data but does limit your locations. TunnelBear limits your data but not your locations.
• Best password managers: 1Password and Bitwarden.

Additional reading:

• The 3 Best VPN Services of 2025
• What Is a VPN and What Can It Do?
• The Best Free VPN of 2025
• Back Up and Secure Your Digital Life

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Mosquito and tick bites aren’t just annoying–they spread dangerous diseases. In this episode, senior staff writer Doug Mahoney shares proven prevention tips and breaks down the differences between various effective repellents. 

He also explains why you should avoid certain “natural” repellents, like essential oils and citronella candles, and why bug zappers are bad for the environment. 

Products we recommend:

• Best DEET-based repellent: Cutter Backwoods Dry Insect Repellent
• Best picaridin-based repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent
• Best insecticide to spray on clothes and shoes: Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric Treatment
• A service to mail in clothing to be treated with permethrin: Insect Shield
• Best spacial repellent: Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito Repellent
• A good repellent coil: Pic Mosquito Repelling Coils
• Festive spatial repellent lights: Tiki BiteFighter LED String Lights
• An old-school way to keep mosquitoes at bay: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator fan
  The best gadget for removing ticks: Tweezerman Point Tweezer
• Places to send a tick for testing: Ticknology, TickCheck, TickReport, and Eco Laboratory
• Doug loves: this Leatherman multitool and this tea steeper

Additional Reading:

• The 4 Best Bug Repellents and Sprays of 2025
• Why Essential Oils Make Terrible Bug Repellents
• The Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or Yard
• We Hate Ticks, Too. Here’s How to Protect Yourself, Prevent Bites, and Treat Disease.
• In the War Against Ticks, This Spray Is My Secret Weapon

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.

Help us make The Wirecutter Show even better, by filling out the The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. We promise it's short and sweet. 

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. Studio support from Maddy Masiello, Nick Pitman, Kyle Grandillo, and Samantha Winter. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Daniel Ramirez, and Sophia Lanman. 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.