Seasonal Allergies Are Getting Worse (Encore)

Finding a swimsuit you feel good in can be daunting. This episode, we’re sharing insider tips on choosing designs, fabrics, and brands that you’ll actually love. Wirecutter style writer Zoe Vanderweide walks us through the finer points of finding high-quality swimwear that fits and flatters.   Zoe shares the construction details to look for that will emphasize (or de-emphasize) different body parts, the brands that are making some of the best suits right now, and how to care for your suits so that they’ll last longer.    This episode covers:  Why some brands are better at size inclusivity: Many brands design for a size 6 "fit model"– the model used to try on a pattern and make adjustments. The brand generally then sizes the pattern up or down to make different sizes, which often doesn’t translate into the best fit for larger bodies. Brands who use plus-size fit models tend to make suits that are more flattering for plus-size bodies. Fabric and texture tips: Thicker, compressive fabrics will help hold you in more. Textured fabrics, such as ribbed or crinkle fabric, provide a "blurring" effect that can hide lumps and bumps you don’t want to emphasize. But both can take longer to dry. How to care for your spendy suits: Hanging a wet suit stretches the fibers. Instead, roll it in a towel to remove moisture, then lay it flat in a shady, well-ventilated spot. The suits our testers loved and why: We walk through the brands that Zoe features in her review, why they’re great, and which will work best for different body types.   Products we recommend:  A plunging cross-back one-piece swimsuit: Left on Friday Weekender Suit A waist-cinching one-piece swimsuit: Left on Friday Sunday Suit A well-priced classic one-piece swimsuit: Quince Italian Cami One-Piece Swimsuit A splurge-worthy knotted bikini top: Mikoh Kaloko 2 Top A splurge-worthy hipster bikini bottom: Mikoh Cruz Bay 2 Bottom An ultra-stretchy crinkle suit: Youswim Aplomb One-Piece A chic, compressive rash-guard one-piece: Hunza G Tyra UPF 50+ Swim A glamourous one-piece swimsuit with a keyhole neckline: L’Agence Belle Keyhole One-Piece An uplifting underwire bikini top: Monday Swimwear Sorrento Top A no-dig high-waisted bikini bottom: Monday Swimwear Sorrento Bottom   Additional reading: 15 Best Women’s Swimsuits of 2026 How to Wash Your Swimsuits to Prevent Fading and Stretching The Best Shapewear of 2026 The Best, Most Comfortable Bras   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you need fresh gift ideas for Mother’s Day this year, this is your episode. This week, Wirecutter gifting expert Samantha Schoech brings a range of ideas that go far beyond a bouquet of flowers and brunch.    Instead of generic ideas, we’re approaching gifts by personality type—from the exhausted new mom to the outdoorsy adventurer. Samantha also shares her core gifting philosophy (including what not to give), plus thoughtful, sometimes surprising picks that actually make people feel seen.   This episode covers:  Why you shouldn’t add to someone’s to-do list. One of Samantha's strongest rules is to avoid gifts that create work. That means no high-maintenance plants, complicated projects, or aspirational hobbies the person didn’t ask for. Why the best gifts are things they wouldn’t buy themselves. If someone needs socks, they can buy socks. A good gift is something slightly indulgent or unnecessary—like elevated basics or small luxuries—that feels special precisely because they wouldn’t justify spending money on it. Why “giving mom a break” is often the most meaningful gift. Instead of another object, Samantha emphasizes the value of rest—like helping them carve out uninterrupted time alone or booking them a night in a hotel. It’s a way to acknowledge the workload of motherhood, not just gesture at it. Why your time and attention still matter most. Across every category, Samantha comes back to this: a gift lands best when it’s paired with genuine effort—whether that’s a handwritten card, quality time together, or simply showing that you’ve paid attention to what they actually like.   Products we recommend: For the new mom: Chic, lightweight harem sweatpants: Le Bon Shoppe Balloon Pants (women’s) Well-priced, super-soft fleece sweatpants: Gap High Rise VintageSoft Relaxed Joggers (women’s) A scrubby bar for smoother body skin: Soft Services Buffing Bar Actually, it’s a lip balm: Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream   For the first-time grandma: Handwritten necklace: Gldn Handwriting Necklace The best digital photo frame: Aura Carver The Grandmothers by Doris Lessing   For the empty nester: A luscious, affordable paint set: Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors 48-Color Set For audiobook lovers: Libro.fm Credit Bundle A delightful way to discover new titles:  Books Are Magic Book Club A hat that understands: Inside Joke Don't Ask Me What's For Dinner Hat   For the outdoorsy mom:  Best picnic blanket for roving picnickers: Rumpl Everywhere Mat Beanie baby: Mira Blackman Hand Dyed Chunky Beanie   For the mom who loves sparkles: Party-trick socks: Maria La Rosa One Ribbed Laminated (women’s) Classic hoops: Quince 14K Gold Pave Diamond Mini Huggies   For the crafty mom:  Needlepoint kits that will make you want to needlepoint: Unwind Studios Unique and gorgeous embroidery kits: Artist Kate Wyatt Simple and straightforward block printing kits: Joyn   For the foodie mom: A fruit-and-anything-else bowl for counter clutter: Emile Henry French Ceramic Fruit Storage Bowl A basket for a tinned fish lover with a cute bandana: Fishwife mother’s day gift basket   For the “don’t get me anything” mom:  Full-body glow-up: Senteurs d’Orient Fleurs d’Oasis The Oil Stylish and reliable flower deliveries: UrbanStems   Samantha loves:  Cotton undies: Evry studio underwear   Additional reading: The 42 Best Mother’s Day Gifts All that Glitters: The Best Places to Buy Jewelry Online 21 Great Gifts for Book Lovers of 2026  20 Best Gifts for People Who Love to Sleep in 2026 The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2026 13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2026   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Looking for a new pair of headphones? We want to help!  Struggling to find something comfortable and in budget? Trying to decide between in-ear and over-ear options? Need to hear traffic sounds on your run, along with workout jams? Looking for something safe for kids? Email your headphone questions, needs, and desires to: [email protected]   You might get a personalized recommendation on the podcast from Wirecutter’s expert headphones writer, Lauren Dragan, in a future episode! 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Nintendo Switch 2 was released in June 2025. In just four months, it sold over 10 million units, making it the fastest selling console of all time in the U.S. But at $450, is it really worth the hype?    Arthur Gies, supervising editor on the tech team at Wirecutter, has spent nearly a year testing the system, playing the new games, and weighing the pros and cons. In this episode, he gives us his verdict. He also talks about why if you’ve been thinking about buying one, now might be the best time.   This episode covers:  Why the Switch 2 is worth the splurge: Arthur says the new console is like getting the latest phone compared to having one that’s six or seven years old. It comes with impressive software updates and exclusive games that make for an incredible upgrade if you have the budget. Why you should consider buying sooner rather than later: With Nintendo’s fiscal year ending, AI data centers raising memory card prices, and shipping and oil prices increasing, Arthur suspects that the Switch 2 will get more expensive very soon.   Products we recommend:  A more powerful Switch experience: Nintendo Switch 2   Additional reading: The Nintendo Switch 2 Is the Best Nintendo Switch The Death of the Cheap Laptop Is Coming   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dish soap might be the most underrated cleaner in your home. It's cheap, it's safe to use with bare hands, and it’s the star of many Wirecutter cleaning tutorials — from how to clean wood floors to stainless steel appliances to laundry stains. It also makes a great alternative to “green” cleaners—cleaners that are marketed as less toxic, allergenic, or supposedly better for the environment.    In this episode, we chat with senior staff writer Andrea Barnes about why dish soap is such a powerhouse cleaner, which brands actually work best, and the surprising places you can use it around your home (and when to reach for something else).   This episode covers: Why "green" cleaners often underperform: Many eco-marketed cleaners aren’t good multitaskers, so you end up buying more products to compensate. A concept called the “Sinner’s Circle” explains why: cleaning requires some combination of time, heat, chemicals, and friction — reduce one, and you have to add more of another. How to make an all-purpose cleaner for pennies: Just two to three drops of dish soap in a large spray bottle of water works as an effective surface cleaner for kitchen backsplashes, counters, yoga mats, stainless steel, and more — for under 25 cents a bottle. Surprising uses for dish soap: It works on makeup stains, shoes, jewelry, mouth guards, retainers, outdoor security cameras, and even shower tile. If you've been exposed to poison ivy, washing the affected area with dish soap within 20 minutes may help break down the irritating oil. What to never clean with dish soap: Don't use it on your pets' fur, your own face, or — crucially — in your dishwasher, where it will cause a sudsy overflow. The truth about laundry pods and microplastics: Despite how they look and feel, pods do not shed microplastics. The film dissolves completely and is biodegradable. Experts are actually more concerned about the plastic containers detergent comes in.   Products we recommend: The best dish soap: Palmolive Ultra Pure + Clear Dish Liquid Best dish soap for household cleaning projects: Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid Best dish soap for (nearly) plastic-free packaging: Cleancult Dish Soap Lemon Verbena Biobased dishwasher detergent pods: Dropps UltraWash Plus Wirecutter’s best drugstore lipstick (and Andrea's new favorite): Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick   Additional reading: The Secret to Better Laundry  The 3 Best Dish Soaps of 2026 The $5 Cleaning Workhorse You Already Have at Home How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances Of All the “Sustainable” Dishwasher Pods We Tested, These Really Work The 6 Best Lipsticks of 2026   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s not your imagination. Climate change is making seasonal allergy season longer and more intense.    New York Times health reporter Nina Agrawal joins us to discuss what to do when the pollen count is high, how to improve your indoor air quality this spring and summer, and the differences between allergy medications.    Check out Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies   Products we recommend: A really good air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty Our favorite upright vacuum: SEBO Felix Premium Our favorite canister vacuum: SEBO Airbelt K3 Premium   Additional reading: How to Clean the Air You Breathe The 8 Best Air Purifiers of 2025 The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kitchen knives are one of the most important tools in your home.   In this episode, senior kitchen writer Lesley Stockton reveals which knives you actually need, how much to spend, and the proper way to store and sharpen your knives.   From breaking down the differences between Japanese- and Western-style blades to explaining why a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, Lesley walks through the fundamentals—plus the small habits that can keep your knives chopping for decades.   This episode covers: Why you only need three knives: A chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated (bread) knife will handle nearly everything in a home kitchen. Most knife sets just add unnecessary “filler” pieces. How to choose a chef’s knife that actually works for you: Sharpness out of the box matters most, but after that it comes down to comfort, balance, and how it feels in your hand. Why you don’t need to spend a fortune: A great chef’s knife can cost as little as $50, and cheaper knives (especially paring knives) can perform just as well for everyday tasks. Honing vs. sharpening: A honing rod doesn’t sharpen your knife—it realigns the edge. You should hone your knives every time you cook, but it doesn’t replace real sharpening. The biggest knife-care mistakes people make: Putting knives in the dishwasher, soaking them in water, or storing them loose in drawers can damage the blade and shorten their lifespan.   Products we recommend:  The best chef’s knife: Mac MTH-80 A sharp and affordable chef’s knive: Victorinox Swiss Classic Chef’s Knife (8-Inch) An affordable Japanese knife: Tojiro F-808 A classic German knife: Wüsthof Classic Ikon 8″ Chef’s Knife An inexpensive and effective paring knife: Victorinox 3.25-Inch Paring Knife A durable and inexpensive serrated paring knife: Victorinox 3¼" Swiss Classic Serrated Paring Knife The best serrated knife: Mercer Culinary Millennia Wavy Edge Wide Bread Knife M23210 The best electric knife sharpener: Chef’sChoice 1520 A honing rod we like: Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod (12 inches)   Additional reading: The Best Chef’s Knife The Best Paring Knife The 2 Best Serrated Bread Knives Build Your Own Knife Set  How to Sharpen Knives Without Damaging Their Blades   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

All hail the winners of Wirecutter’s inaugural Best New Picks Awards! These products are absolute gems discovered over the past year. Tune in to hear Wirecutter staffers share their delightful, surprising, and useful recommendations for everything from a micellar water beauty editors love, to a CD player you can stream to your bluetooth speaker.    To find out more about these products and over 70 other winners, read the full article.    Products we recommend:  Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask Spier & Mackay Medium Blue Suit Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage Set (this item is often out of stock) Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones Just One (Board Game) Yamazaki Home Magnetic Storage Organizer Stingray Instant Spot Remover Syitren R300 CD Player Gap High Rise VintageSoft Relaxed Joggers Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Lying Flat Duck Night Light   Additional reading: Our 2026 Best New Picks Award Winners   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Camping might feel intimidating for a beginner. But car camping–-where you can simply drive to a spot and bring some creature comforts—lowers the barrier to entry. In this episode, we talk with Wirecutter outdoor writer Trey French about how beginners can get into camping without overcomplicating it.    Trey walks us through the gear that’s actually worth investing in, what you can skip (or borrow), and the mental state to adopt to help ensure everyone has a good time.    Wirecutter staff camping veterans also share their favorite gear for making camping fun and comfortable.   This episode covers: Why car camping is the best entry point for beginners: You can pack everything in your car, stay near amenities like bathrooms and water, and leave anytime, making it lower-risk and less intimidating than backpacking. Focus on sleep, shelter, and food: You don’t need to buy everything at once, and a lot of gear (especially kitchen items) can come from home or be borrowed. What a “good” camping sleep setup really looks like: A thick, wide sleeping pad does most of the work. Sleeping bags matter, but more for warmth than comfort, and sizing and temperature ratings are often misunderstood. Small upgrades that make a big difference: Things like tablecloths, lighting, fire starters, or better organization can make a campsite feel more comfortable and functional without breaking the bank.   Products we recommend: The best sleeping pad for car camping: Therm-a-Rest LuxuryMap Sleeping Pad The best car-camping sleeping pad for couples: Exped MegaMat Duo The best bag for car camping: REI Co-op Siesta Hooded 20 Sleeping Bag The best camping tent for families: Kelty Wireless 6 Tent The best picnic-table camp stove: Coleman Classic Propane Camping Stove A simple coffee solution: AeroPress Coffee Maker The best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon   Additional reading and watching The Best Sleeping Pads for Backpacking and Car Camping The 7 Best Sleeping Bags of 2026 The 6 Best Camping Tents for 2026 The 4 Best Camping Stoves of 2026  The Best Instant Coffee, Ranked  Watch Caira try different instant coffee brands on Wirecutter's new YouTube series, Taste Test.   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tinned fish is having a moment. While countries like Portugal and Spain have long appreciated preserved seafood as a culinary art form, only recently has it caught on as a high-end appetizer in the United States. For the uninitiated, it can be hard to know which cans you’ll like and which are worth the steep price tags.    In this episode, we chat with Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston about her extensive testing of over 100 cans. She breaks down how to choose ones you’ll like, the right ways to serve them, and her favorite tinned fish to serve.    Also, if you want to see a tinned fish tasting, check out Marguerite in Wirecutter’s new taste test series on YouTube.   This episode covers:  How to choose a tinned fish you’ll like: If you're sensitive to certain textures or "fishiness," skip the mackerel, oilier fish, and mollusks, and instead start with trout, tuna, or salmon. These are typically milder with more approachable flavor and texture. Why oil-packed fish wins: In Wirecutter’s testing, we found that oil-packed seafood generally had better texture and flavor, whereas water-packed seafood tended to be dryer. How to build a delightful fish board: If you want to serve tinned fish as an appetizer, add a selection of pickles and olives, thin crackers, bread, lemon wedges, and even chopped herbs. Where to shop: If your local store lacks good options, specialized retailers like Rainbow Tomatoes Garden or Caputo’s offer curated selections to help you choose without the guesswork.   Products we recommend:  Tender trout in mayo sauce: ABC+ Trout in Curry Sauce Sweet and smokey: Fishwife Slow Smoked Mackerel with Chili Flakes Fishy foie gras: Minnow Cod Liver Smoky and meaty: Wildfish Cannery Smoked Salmon Fresh lemon flavor: Ramón Peña Mackerel in Olive Oil and Lemon   Additional reading: The 24 Best Tinned Fish of 2026  The 5 Best Sardines of 2026   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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.