What You Actually Need for a Baby

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 

Looking to limit exposure to plastic and nonstick kitchen gear? In our first roundtable episode, two of our staff experts share their best advice. Sustainability editor Katie Okamoto digs into the health risks of various materials, while kitchen editor Marilyn Ong shares swaps that are beloved by chefs—and that may last a lifetime. Products we recommend: PFAS and plastic free, non-stick pans:  OXO Obsidian Carbon Steel Frypan with Silicone Sleeve and Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron SkilletGlass food storage containers (with plastic lids): Pyrex Freshlock 10-piece Glass Storage SetCompletely plastic free food storage containers we love: Pyrex Ultimate 10-Piece Glass Storage SetA toaster over option we love (to consider replacing an air-fryer): Panasonic FlashXpress Toaster OvenA rice cooker alternative with a stainless steel bowl: Instant Pot Rio 6-quartOur favorite spatula:  Victorinox Swiss Army Slotted Fish TurnerOther plastic-free spatulas we love: GIR Mini Flip Silicone Spatula, OXO Good Grips Silicone Small Flexible Turner and GIR Ultimate SpatulaBaking sheets without non-stick coating: Nordic Ware Naturals Baker’s Half SheetCake pans without non-stick coating: USA Pan 9-inch Round Cake PanOur favorite wood cutting board: Jones Cutting Board 20 x 14 x 1.5 Inch Maple End GrainA plastic-free kettle: Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck KettleA single use plastic bag swap we like: Stasher Reusable Silicone Bag Multi-PackKatie loves: Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American DiasporaMarilyn loves: HoMedics Shiatsu Elite II Massage Cushion Additional reading: Forever Chemicals Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Limit Your Exposure.Black Plastic Kitchen Tools Might Expose You to Toxic Chemicals. Here’s What to Use Instead.12 Ways to Break Up With Single-Use PlasticsMicroplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them.The 3 Best Nonstick Pans of 2025The 4 Best Food Storage Containers of 2025The 11 Best Spatulas of 2025The 5 Best Cutting Boards of 2025The 6 Best Cake Pans for 2025The Wirecutter Show Episode 7: Can We Stop Eating Microplastics?The Best Plastic-Free Bowls, Plates, Cups, and Utensils for Babies and KidsSilicone Kitchen Gear Isn't As Sustainable As Many People Think. Try These Solutions Instead. We are conducting a listener survey to learn more about what listeners to the Wirecutter Show are looking for from this podcast. Please share your thoughts with us.  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 

Speakers don’t have to be complicated. Wirecutter senior audio writer Brent Butterworth tells us about some surprising hacks to improve the sound setup you may already have, and affordable speaker upgrades worthy of consideration. Products we recommend: Best ultra-portable bluetooth speaker: JBL Go 4Best budget bluetooth speaker: Tribit StormBox Mini  (sold out)Best bluetooth speaker with solid bass: Fender x Teufel Rockster Go 2Best computer speakers (upgrade pick): JBL Professional 305P MkIIBest passive bookshelf speakers (they’ll need an amp): Polk Signature Elite ES15Best budget bookshelf speakers: Micca MB42X G2Best amp: WiiM AmpBest stereo receiver: Sony STR-DH190Brent loves this screwdriver: Megapro 13-in-1 Ratcheting Driver 211R2C36RD Additional reading: The 5 Best Portable Bluetooth Speakers of 2025The 5 Best Computer Speakers of 2025The 5 Best Bookshelf Speakers for Stereo and Surround Sound of 2024The 3 Best Home Bluetooth Speakers of 2025The Best Stereo Amplifiers and Receivers Under $300 of 2025How to Build the Best Multiroom Wireless Speaker System for YouWhat Do You Get When You Spend More for Speakers?How to Connect Your New Turntable to Any Audio SystemHow to Get Great Sound in Your Backyard  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 

Plant expert Darryl Cheng, of the popular Instagram account @houseplantjournal, teaches us how to keep those pothos and monsteras alive. He also reveals a few tips from his most recent book, The New Plant Collector, for helping various plants thrive. Then senior staff writer and plant collector Rose Maura Lorre shares her insider secrets for scoring cheap or totally free houseplants. Things We Recommend: Rose likes: Who Gives a Crap 100% Recycled Toilet PaperHow to use your phone as a light meter More from Darryl Cheng: His first book The New Plant Parent (2019)His latest book The New Plant Collector (2024)His website: houseplantjournal.com Additional ReadingFill Your Home with Houseplants for Practically No MoneyThe 2 Best Places to Buy Plants Online of 202525 Best Gifts for Plant Lovers of 2025The 7 Best Fake Plastic Trees and Artificial Houseplants 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 

Concerned about tariffs spiking prices? Wirecutter’s senior tech editor, Caitlin McGarry, explains how new trade policies might affect the cost of Wirecutter-recommended products—at least for now. Additional Reading: Wirecutter's Expert Advice on How to Navigate the New Tariffs  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 

Skin care doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be effective. We cover the basics anyone might need in their skin-care regimen, and our favorite drugstore brands that we’ve tested.Guests: Dr. Nikhil Dhingra, board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology, and Rory Evans, Wirecutter’s senior beauty writer. Products we recommend:Facial Moisturizers: Vanicream Daily Facial MoisturizerLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Face MoisturizerCeraVe Moisturizing CreamAugustinus Bader The Rich CreamRetinols:SkinMedica Retinol Complex 1.0Trader Joe’s Retinol Night SerumVitamin C Serums: SkinCeuticals C E FerulicTimeless Skin Care 20% C + E Ferulic Acid SerumNaturium Vitamin C Complex SerumLa Roche-Posay’s 10% Pure Vitamin C SerumDr. Dhingra likes these facial cleansers: Cetaphil Gentle Skin CleanserCeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserLa Roche-Posay Toleriane Purifying Foaming Facial CleanserRory likes: East Fork Everyday Bowl Additional Reading:The 7 Best Moisturizers of 2025The 6 Best Vitamin C Serums of 2025The 5 Best Retinol Products of 2025So You’re Ready to Start Using Retinol. Here’s What You Should Know First.The 12 Best Sunscreens for Your Face 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