The Death of Durable Appliances

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 Young14 Best Refrigerators of 2025The 6 Best Electric Stoves and Ranges of 20257 Tips From Our Microwave Expert  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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. Products we recommend:Best red light wand: LightStim for WrinklesBest flexible red light mask: Omnilux MenBest 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› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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: MullvadBest VPN for Travel: IVPNGood 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 2025What Is a VPN and What Can It Do?The Best Free VPN of 2025Back 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› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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 RepellentBest picaridin-based repellent: Sawyer Products 20% Picaridin Insect RepellentBest insecticide to spray on clothes and shoes: Sawyer Products Permethrin Fabric TreatmentA service to mail in clothing to be treated with permethrin: Insect ShieldBest spacial repellent: Thermacell E90 Rechargeable Mosquito RepellentA good repellent coil: Pic Mosquito Repelling CoilsFestive spatial repellent lights: Tiki BiteFighter LED String LightsAn old-school way to keep mosquitoes at bay: Vornado 630 Medium Air Circulator fanThe best gadget for removing ticks: Tweezerman Point TweezerPlaces to send a tick for testing: Ticknology, TickCheck, TickReport, and Eco LaboratoryDoug loves: this Leatherman multitool and this tea steeper Additional Reading:The 4 Best Bug Repellents and Sprays of 2025Why Essential Oils Make Terrible Bug RepellentsThe Best Mosquito Control Gear for Your Patio or YardWe 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› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Our experts share their time-tested strategies for better grilling. Senior staff writer Lesley Stockton reveals the proper way to clean and oil grates, why it’s probably time to clean your entire grill, and the unexpected tools (like restaurant tongs and a grill basket) that will immediately uplevel your next cookout.Then Sam Sifton, assistant managing editor at The New York Times and co-founder of NYT Cooking, walks us through heat zones, why you should limit food flipping, and his favorite recipes to try this summer. Products we recommend:A superior grill brush: Grill Rescue Grill BrushThe best grill tongs: Winco Heavyweight 16″ Stainless Steel Utility TongsThe best all-purpose grill spatula: Mercer Culinary Hell’s Handle Fish TurnerThe best basting brush: ​​OXO Good Grips Large Silicone Basting BrushThe best grill basket: Grillaholics Grill BasketOur favorite charcoal grill: Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill 22″Our favorite gas grill: Weber Spirit E-425A griddle for larger Weber Spirit grills: Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert for Spirit GrillA griddle for the three-burner Genesis grill: Weber Rust-Resistant Griddle Insert for Genesis GrillSam recommends: Momofuku’s Bo Ssam recipeSam’s go-to portable smoker: A-MAZE-N Stainless Steel Tube Smoker 2.5 in. W Additional reading:How to Clean a Gas or Charcoal GrillThe 3 Best Gas Grills of 2025The Best Charcoal Grill of 202510 Best Grill Tools and Accessories of 2025Smoking a Turkey on a Gas Grill Sounds Hard. Here’s the $40 Hack Sam Sifton Swears by That Makes It Easy (and Delicious).  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Most people misuse sunscreen. In this episode, senior staff health writer Nancy Redd joins us to explain the differences between mineral and chemical types, how you should properly apply any sunscreen, and why many 'reef-safe' sunscreens still harm marine life. Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks!  Products we recommend:Our favorite inexpensive chemical sunscreen: Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50A reef-safe physical sunscreen that rubs in easily: Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50A pleasing, fragrance-free physical sunscreen: Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 50A superlative chemical sunscreen: Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+A sweet-smelling reef-friendly sunscreen: Thinksport Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50Nancy loves: Tobiq Free People 60L Additional reading:The 4 Best Sunscreens of 2025The 12 Best Sunscreens for Your Face of 2025Lots of People Apply Sunscreen Wrong. Here’s How to Do It Right.The 3 Best Reef-Safe Sunscreens of 2025There’s No Difference Between Baby and Adult Sunscreen Sun-Protective Clothing Is a Reliable UV-Blocker. Here Are Some Options We Love.  We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

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.  Products we recommend:A really good air purifier: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH MightyOur favorite upright vacuum: SEBO Felix PremiumOur favorite canister vacuum: SEBO Airbelt K3 Premium Additional Reading: The Wirecutter Show Episode 2: How to Clean the Air You BreatheThe 8 Best Air Purifiers of 2025The 15 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025Nina’s reporting on how to tell if you have allergies and what actually works for combatting seasonal allergies    We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Baby gear editor Kalee Thompson shares her tried-and-true tips for what new parents really need for a newborn (and what to skip), the most helpful gifts for expecting parents, and the gear you can safely buy used. Please take a few minutes to fill out The Wirecutter Show Audience Survey. It'll help us make decisions about the future of the show. Thanks!  Products we recommend:Great baby bouncer:  BabyBjörn Bouncer Balance SoftGood laundry detergent for baby clothes:  Tide Free & Gentle Liquid Laundry DetergentCar seats we recommend: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX; Chicco KeyFit 35; Uppababy Aria.A good lightweight stroller: Uppababy Minu V2A polarizing bassinet: Snoo Smart SleeperKalee loves: Zojirushi Stainless Steel MugUse this site to check for recalls on products you may be buying used: CPSC.gov Additional reading:Gifts For New MomsIs the $1,700 Snoo Smart Sleeper Bassinet Worth It? What to Know Before You Buy.The 4 Best Infant Car Seats of 2025The 6 Best Bassinets and Bedside Sleepers of 2025The 5 Best Full-Size Strollers of 2025The 2 Best Travel Strollers of 2025The Best Baby CarriersThe 5 Best Baby Monitors of 2025The 2 Best Diaper Pails of 2025   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast 

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter staffers share the classic and unexpected gifts that have delighted the mothers in their lives. Products we recommend:Dyson Supersonic Hair DryerRecchiuti Confections Black Box Additional reading:13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2025 The Best Online Flower Delivery Service of 2025 35 Best Mother’s Day Gifts of 2025   We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› Follow us on instagram @wirecutter Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast