The Wirecutter Show

Out of the thousands of products Wirecutter tests, only a small fraction ever earn the title of "top pick." Some of these products continue to impress us year after year, proving to be more durable and delightful than the competition.

To celebrate these iconic products, Wirecutter introduced its first-ever Hall of Fame award, honoring 50 items that have remained top recommendations for at least six consecutive years.

In this episode we talk with four veteran Wirecutter journalists to go behind the scenes on some of the most beloved Hall of Fame inductees, including an indispensable multitool, the best ice cream scoop you’ll ever use, headphones that actually protect kids’ hearing, and more.

This episode covers:
What makes a product Hall of Fame worthy: The criteria behind selecting 50 legendary picks that have survived at least six years of rigorous, head-to-head testing against newer models.
The ultimate multi-tool: Home improvement writer Doug Mahoney explains why the lightweight Leatherman Skeletool CX offers the right balance of essential tools without unnecessary bulk.
The perfect ice cream scoop: Kitchen writer Lesley Stockton demystifies the Zeroll Original Ice Cream Scoop, patented in the 1930s, which uses heat-conductive fluid inside the handle to effortlessly roll hard ice cream into smooth, perfect spheres.
Protective headphones: Audio writer Lauren Dragan discusses her groundbreaking testing of children's headphones and why the volume-limiting Puro Sound Labs BT2200 has remained our top recommendation for nearly a decade.
A superior air purifier: Tim Heffernan, who covers air and water filtration, highlights the Coway Airmega Mighty air purifier, the most popular product Wirecutter has ever tested.

Products we recommend:
The best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX
The ultimate toilet clog buster: Korky 99-4A Beehive Max Performance Plunger
Our longtime favorite ice cream scoop: Zeroll 1020 Original Ice Cream Scoop
The best coffee grinder: Baratza Encore
The best kids headphones for music and videos: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus
A great air purifier: Coway Airmega Mighty (AP-1512HH)

Additional reading:
The Winners of Our 2026 Hall of Fame
This Air Purifier Is the Most Popular Wirecutter Product of All Time
We Tested Headphones for Schoolkids. Some Were Worryingly Loud.


We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more›

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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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You don’t need to settle for sad sandwiches and wilted salads for lunch. This episode, Wirecutter kitchen editor Gabriella Gershenson explains how the right lunch box can help you pack a midday meal that you or your kids will actually be happy to tuck into.

We discuss how to choose between bentos, insulated totes, salad containers, and thermoses for both kids and adults. Some boxes are better for upcycling leftover odds and ends, while others do a better job keeping your food at a safe temperature throughout the day.

Plus, Gabriella shares her favorite ideas and resources for adding more joy to the lunch box—from DIY tinned fish hand rolls to sweet hand-written notes.

This episode covers:
Why the vessel dictates the lunch: Compartmentalized bento boxes can help you turn bits of leftovers into an appealing meal, salad bowls will keep the greens crisp, while insulated thermoses open up a world of hot lunches–no microwave needed!
Keeping foods at safe temps: If you don’t have access to a refrigerator during the day, you may want to get an insulated tote and use freezer packs.
Fun packing ideas: Inspiration from Molly Yeh's bento hacks (like date "snickers" with nut butter and sprinkles) and Ali Slagle's DIY tinned fish hand rolls.

Products we recommend:
A sturdy, spacious plastic bento box: Bentgo Fresh Lunch Box
A chic stackable bento: Takenaka Bento Bite Dual
A great stainless-steel bento: Ecozoi Stainless Steel Leak-Proof Bento Lunch Box 3 Compartment
The best food thermos: Zojirushi Stainless Steel Food Jar
The best food thermos for kids: ThermoFlask Food Jar
A simple and stylish bag: Baggu Puffy Lunch Bag
A sturdy and roomy bag: Carhartt Insulated 12 Can Two Compartment Lunch Cooler
A sleek and stylish lunch bowl: W&P Porter Bowl
A stainless-steel salad bowl: S’well Salad Bowl Kit
Great for packing cold and hot lunches for kids: OmieBox
A book for inspiration: Love Japan: Everyday Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook, , co-authored by Gabriella Gershenson

Additional reading:
The Best Kids Lunch Boxes
The 8 Best Lunch Boxes of 2026
This Pricey Kids Lunch Box Is Worth Every Penny
The 5 Best Cottage Cheeses of 2026


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.

Do you have something that you always fight about with your spouse, partner, or housemate? Maybe you’re convinced you know the right way to load the dishwasher… or brighten laundry… but your partner disagrees? The Wirecutter Show wants to hear about your household skirmishes. Cleaning… cooking… laundry… bathroom habits… lighting and decor! All of it. Tell us what your household disagrees on and our team of experts will help settle the score, once and for all.

Send us an email – or a voice memo – to thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com. Tell us your name, who you bicker with, and what keeps you two at odds. If you can manage it, you might even record a note together.

We can’t wait to wade into the battle! Thanks.

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.

The right pillow can make the difference between waking up refreshed and waking up with a sore neck. But given you usually can’t try before you buy, it can be surprisingly difficult to figure out which pillow will actually work for you.

Wirecutter sleep writer Shaena Montanari explains how to choose a pillow based on your sleep position, what makes a pillow supportive, and how to tell when yours has reached the end of its life. She also breaks down the major pillow materials, what to look for before you buy, and why it’s probably time to wash your current pillows.

This episode covers:
Your sleep position should guide your pillow choice. Side-, back-, and stomach-sleepers need different amounts of height and support, so start by figuring out how you actually sleep before shopping.
The goal is spinal alignment. The right pillow should keep your head and neck aligned with the rest of your body while you sleep.
A pillow that’s too soft may not stay supportive. Pillows compress over the course of the night, and many people end up needing more firmness or height than they initially expect.
Pillows don’t last forever. Synthetic fills such as memory foam and down alternative generally start breaking down after a few years, while materials like down and latex can last longer with proper care. Shaena recommends replacing your pillows every three years.

Products we recommend:
Cloud-like down for all sleep positions: Garnet Hill Signature White Down Pillow (firm)
Best single-piece memory-foam pillow: Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProHi Pillow
An inexpensive single-piece foam pillow, with ample support: Weekender Gel Memory Foam Pillow
Fluffy-yet-supportive down alternative: Boll and Branch Down Alternative Pillow
Best adjustable memory-foam pillow: Coop Original Adjustable Pillow
Structured down alternative perfect for side sleepers: Hotel Collection Luxe Down Alternative Firm Density Pillow
Firmer adjustable shredded memory foam, but pricier: Brooklyn Bedding Premium Shredded Foam Pillow
Shaena loves: Her Baggu Bag

Additional reading:
The Best Bed Pillows
The Best Memory Foam Pillows
The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers
How to Wash Bed Pillows


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.

While "digital detoxing" is a trending topic online, actually cutting back on screen time can be surprisingly difficult. If you feel constantly distracted by notifications popping up on your phone, or you can’t stop mindlessly scrolling, some simple strategies can help.

This episode, Wirecutter tech writer Brenda Stolyar discusses how to reset your relationship with your phone and reclaim your attention. Brenda walks us through how to perform a screen time audit, how to better manage notifications, and how built-in iOS and Android features can make your device less addictive without forcing you to switch to an impractical dumb phone.

Plus, Brenda shares how gamified focus apps and physical blocking devices like the Brick create friction and build healthier digital habits.

This episode covers:
Auditing your screen time: How to check your daily device usage, app breakdowns, pick-up counts, and notification totals using Apple’s Screen Time or Android's Digital Wellbeing settings.
Reducing notification overload: Switch lock screen notifications to "count" view or set up scheduled notification summaries to prevent constant interruptions.
Why a dumb phone isn’t always the answer: It may sound nice to switch to a basic phone, but you won’t be able to access things like QR codes or digital tickets. Optimizing your current smartphone's built-in tools is often a better approach.
How to make your phone less appealing: Switch to grayscale mode (black-and-white display) or use iOS assistive access to strip your homescreen down to essential apps.
Creating physical friction: Physical app-blocking tools like The Brick force a mindful pause before opening distracting apps like Instagram, TikTok, or mobile browsers.


Products we recommend:
A device that blocks your most distracting apps: Brick
Apps that Brenda recommends: Focus Friend, Forest, Focus Keeper

Additional reading:
Your Screen Time Is Horrifyingly High. It’s Time to Make Your Smartphone Dumb.
Your Phone’s Notifications Are Out of Control. Here Are 6 Tips to Fix Them for Good.
So Your Phone Storage Is Full. Here’s How to Free Up Space.
Brick Phone Lock Review: My Brain Feels Much Better
The Gadget That Fixed My Screen-Time Habit


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.