Our expert demystifies towel shopping—from plush terry to spa-like waffle—and reveals why that soft store feel is deceptive. Plus care tips to make them last.

Guest: Staff senior writer Jackie Reeve 

Products We Recommend: 

• Top terry cloth towels: Frontgate Resort Collection Bath Towel
• Budget terry cloth towels: Threshold Spa Plush Towel
• Upgrade terry cloth towels: Riley Spa Bath Towel
• Budget waffle towels: Casaluna Waffle Bath Towel
• Upgrade waffle towels: Onsen Waffle Bath Towel
• Upgrade peshtemal towel: Coyuchi Mediterranean Organic Towel 
• Also great (cheaper) peshtemal towel: Huckberry Mediterranean Turkish Towel 
• Jackie loves: Sugoi Mart Japan KitKat Variety Pack

Additional Reading: 

• The 5 Best Bath Towels of 2025 
• The 4 Best Beach Towels of 2025
• All My Houseguests Ask Me About My Towels by Daniela Gorny
• More about Frontgate Resort Cotton Bath Towels

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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.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

An uncomfortable bed can screw up your sleep. We’re covering how to make your current mattress more comfortable–and how to shop for a new one. 

Guest: senior writer and podcast co-host Caira Blackwell 

Products we recommend: 

• Memory foam mattresses we like: Leesa Original Mattress and Saatva Loom & Leaf (Relaxed Firm)
• A cheaper memory foam mattress:  Novaform 14″ ComfortGrande Advanced Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Hybrid mattress we like: Leesa Sapira Hybrid Mattress
• A favorite innerspring mattress: Stearns & Foster Estate PT Firm Mattress
• An innerspring mattress we like (that’s kind of a hybrid): WinkBed (Luxury Firm)
• A $75,000 mattress: Hastens 2000T
• A great cheap mattress: Zinus Cooling Comfort Support Hybrid Mattress

Additional reading links:

Pillows: 

• The 5 Best Bed Pillows of 2025 

Mattress Toppers: 

• The 4 Best Mattress Toppers of 2025 

Mattresses: 

• How to Choose a Mattress for 2025
• The 24 Best Mattresses of 2025 
• The 4 Best Cheap Mattresses (Under $500) of 2025 
• The 3 Best Memory Foam Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2025
• The 5 Best Innerspring Mattresses of 2025 
• The 4 Best Hybrid Mattresses for 2025
• The 4 Best Mattress and Pillow Encasements 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.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

Skip predictable chocolates and roses this Valentine's Day. Our gift expert shares luxurious ways to delight loved ones—and pamper yourself.

Guest: Staff writer Samantha Schoech

Products we recommend:

• Sparkly Socks: Calzedonia Soft Sox
• Silk hair accessories: Lilysilk Perfect Silk Beauty Set For Hair
• A simple gold chain: Laura Lombardi Mini Omega Chain
• Fancy chocolates Recchiuti XOXO Box 16pc
• Flowers: UrbanStems
• Fancy cookies: Eugénie cookies
• Paper flower bouquet: Unwilted Single Stems

Additional Reading

• The 33 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her 2025
• 32 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him in 2025 
• 24 Best Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts of 2025
• The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2025
• 24 Best Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gifts of 2025
• 37 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids of 2025
• 15 Exclusive Valentine’s Day Deals Just for Wirecutter Readers
• 38 Best Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts (Mostly) Under $25 of 2025
• Sign up for  The Gift Newsletter

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

We are working on a new episode about laundry—specifically, those stains that never seem to come out—and we need your help!  

Record a voice memo on your phone and tell us about the most irritating stain you’ve battled. How did you get it? What was the culprit? What did it stain? And what did you use to try and get it out?

Try and keep it under two minutes and don’t forget to tell us your first name and where you’re calling from!

Email your voice memo to [email protected] and you might be featured on the show with advice from our laundry expert (aka stain doctor Andrea Barnes). 

Thanks!  

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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.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

Personal lubricants make sex more fun–but not all of them are created equal. We’re covering how to find ones you’ll love and the ingredients to avoid.

Guest: Wirecutter writer Bianca Alba 

Products we recommend: 

• Best water-based lube:  Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe
• Best thinner water-based lube: Coconu Water Based
• Best silicone lube: Überlube
• Best hybrid lube: Sliquid Silk
• Best oil-based lube: Coconu Oil Based
• Bianca recommends: Vuvla-shaped candle mold

Additional reading :

• The 6 Best Personal Lubricants of 2025
• The 5 Best Vibrators of 2025 
• The Best Anal Toys 
• How to Clean Sex Toys 

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

The right luggage can make traveling easier. We share expert tips for choosing between hard and soft shells, carry-on or checked bags, plus pro packing hacks.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer Kit Dillon

Products we recommend: 

• The best soft-sided carry-on bag: Travelpro Platinum Elite 21″ Carry-On Spinner
• The best hard-sided carry-on bag: Away The Carry-On
• The upgrade pick carry-on: Briggs & Riley Baseline Essential 22″ Carry-On Expandable Spinner
• A travel backpack we love: Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack Del Dia
• The best duffel bag:  Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 70L
• The best packing cubes: Eagle Creek Pack-It Reveal Cube Set
• Kit recommends: Pat Rawson Surfoards

Additional Reading: 

• The 6 Best Carry-On Luggage of 2025
• The Best Suitcases for Checking
• The 6 Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks for 2025
• The 9 Best Duffle Bags of 2025
• The 4 Best Packing Cubes 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.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

Strength training might seem intimidating, but it’s also key for living a long, healthy life. We cover how to start and the simple at-home gear that’ll help.

Guests: Wirecutter supervising editor Ingrid Skjong and Wirecutter fitness writer Seth Berkman 

Products we recommend: 

• Best yoga mat: JadeYoga Harmony Mat
• Best kettlebell: Rep Fitness Kettlebell
• Best adjustable dumbbell set: Core Home Fitness Adjustable Dumbbell Set
• Best pull-up bar: Ultimate Body Press Elevated XL Doorway Pull-Up Bar
• Best resistance bands: Bodylastics Stackable Tube Resistance Bands (5 Bands Pro Series Set) and Serious Steel Assisted Pull-Up, Resistance, and Stretch Bands
• Seth loves: KSY Jump Rope

Additional Reading: 

• The 4 Best Resistance Bands of 2025 
• The 3 Best Yoga Mats of 2025 
• The 3 Best Pull-Up Bars of 2025 
• The 2 Best Kettlebells of 2025 
• The 3 Best Adjustable Dumbbells of 2025
• The 5 Best Jump Ropes 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.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

Dishwashers make life easier—but most people don’t use them quite right. This episode, we’re diving deep into how you can get yours to wash dishes even better. 

Guest: Wirecutter staff writer Andrea Barnes

Products we recommend:

• The best dishwasher detergent: Cascade Free & Clear ActionPacs
• What to use to clean your dishwasher: Affresh or citric acid
• Rinse aids to consider: Ecover or Finish Jet Dry
• The best dishwasher: Miele G5008
• Andrea loves: The League of Kitchens Cookbook

Additional reading:

• The 4 Best Dishwasher Detergents of 2024 
• How to Clean Your Dishwasher 
• Why You Should Clean Your Dishwasher Filter 
• How to Use Your Dishwasher Better
• We Smeared Hundreds of Dishes With Peanut Butter, Egg Yolk, Red Sauce, and Lipstick to Test Dishwashers in 2024
• Is It You, or Is Your Dishwasher Just Lousy? Here’s How to Tell.

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

Most printers suck. This week we crack the code on how to buy one you might actually like, and reveal the secrets to saving cash on ink and toner. 

Guest: Wirecutter supervising editor Ben Keough 

Products we recommend:

• Basic B&W laser printer we recommend: Brother Wireless HL-L2460DW
• Online photo printing we recommend: Nations Photo Lab
• Ben’s new/used camera: Nikon F3

Additional Reading:

• Why All Printers Suck (Even the Best Ones)
• The 4 Best Home Printers of 2024
• The 4 Best All-in-One Printers of 2024
• The 3 Best Photo Printers of 2024
• The 4 Best Mobile Scanning Apps of 2024
• The Best Online Photo Printing Service of 2024

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

It’s Dry January—but non-alcoholic cocktails needn’t be sad. We’re discussing the health risks of alcohol and how to build out a delicious buzz-free bar cart.

Guests: NYT reporter Dana G. Smith and Wirecutter editor Marguerite Preston 

Products we recommend: 

• A gin-like alternative: Pentire Adrift
• St. Agrestis Non-Alcoholic Phony Negroni
• A bitter Amaro-like favorite: The Pathfinder
• Rosie enjoys mixing this with Pathfinder: Uncle Waithley’s Vincy Brew
• Less bitter options: Curious No. 2  and Casamara Superclasico
• Great for your NA Bar Cart: Bitter Queens Essential Bitters Variety Pack and Luxardo Original Maraschino Cherries
• Marguerite loves: Onyx Coffee Lab Instant Coffee Advent Calendar

Additional Reading 

• 14 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks of 2024
• Even a Little Alcohol Can Harm Your Health by Dana G. Smith
• What, Exactly, Is ‘Moderate Drinking’? by Dana G. Smith
• What to Know About Non-Alcoholic Beverages by Dana G. Smith
• Hop Water Isn’t Trying to Be Beer. That’s Why We Like It.
• The 8 Best Nonalcoholic Wines of 2024
• The Best Instant Coffee

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