The Wirecutter Show

For the perfect cup of coffee, you need good beans. In this bonus episode, we talk with Sum Ngai, co-founder of Coffee Project New York and certified Q-grader (it’s like a sommelier, but for coffee!), to demystify the art of choosing a bean you’ll love. 
 
Sum breaks down everything a novice needs to know to shop with confidence, from decoding mysterious tasting notes, to understanding why you should avoid brewing coffee that was roasted too recently.
 
Plus, learn what to expect from coffee grown in different regions and why buying whole beans is the move for a better morning cup.
 
Additional reading and listening: 
Stop Making Bad Coffee
Our Favorite Coffee Subscriptions
The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2026 
5 Cheap(ish) Things to Upgrade Your Coffee Experience
The 4 Best Coffee Grinders of 2026
 

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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

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If you want to make great coffee at home, the right gear makes a difference. In this episode, Wirecutter editorial director Marguerite Preston shares how to choose the right setup based on your space, budget, and desired level of effort. 
 
We discuss why you may want to rethink how you’re grinding your coffee, the reasons that good drip coffee makers tend to be expensive, and when you may want to go for a pour-over setup or French Press. 
 
Marguerite also shares why she’s not above drinking instant coffee—if it’s the right kind.
 
This episode covers:
Why a good coffee grinder matters: If you’ve only ever used a cheap blade grinder, you may want to consider a burr grinder as your first upgrade. This style of grinder crushes the beans into a more uniform grind that helps you make a tastier brew.
Why weighing grounds is worth the effort: Weighing your coffee might seem fussy to the uninitiated, but it’s the best way to ensure a consistent flavor profile. A simple kitchen scale that measures to the gram is all you need.
How to choose between a thermal and glass carafe: Most of Wirecutter’s recommended drip coffee makers come with a thermal carafe that keeps coffee hot for hours. But these are harder to clean. Glass carafes, on the other hand, are easier to clean, but if they sit on a hot plate for hours can result in scorched coffee.
Why you’d want a gooseneck kettle: The long, skinny neck of a gooseneck kettle allows you more precision for pour-over coffee. The kettles Wirecutter recommends heat to specific temperatures for optimal brewing.
Better pour-over drippers and French presses: These are not all created equal. We walk through the various types and why you might want one over the other.
 
Products we recommend:
The best coffee maker: OXO Brew 9-Cup Coffee Maker
Great coffee, no programming: Technivorm Moccamaster KBT
The best burr grinder: Baratza Encore
The best kitchen scale: Escali Primo Digital Scale
The best pour-over dripper: Kalita Wave 185 Dripper
Pour-over dripper for those with advanced technique: Hario V-60 Coffee Dripper (Size 02)
A basic pour-over dripper for beginners: Kalita 102 Ceramic Dripper
Big-batch pour-over: Chemex Six Cup Classic Series
The best gooseneck kettle: Cuisinart GK-1 Digital Gooseneck Kettle
The best French press: Espro P3 French Press
Another solid French press: Bodum Chambord
A classic moka pot: Bialetti Moka Express
An instant coffee we love: Swift Coffee Mainstay
 
Additional reading:
The 4 Best Coffee Grinders of 2026
The 9 Best Coffee Makers of 2026
The 4 Best Kitchen Scales of 2026
The 4 Best Pour-Over Coffee Makers of 2026 
The 4 Best Electric Kettles of 2026 
The 4 Best French Presses of 2026 
Why We Love the Bialetti Moka Pot for 2026
The 3 Best Cold-Brew Coffee Makers of 2026
The Best Instant Coffee, Ranked
How Often Do I Really Need to Clean My Coffee Maker?
How to Clean a Coffee Grinder
 

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Wirecutter Social and Website
Instagram: /wirecutter
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Facebook: /thewirecutter
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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

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Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we’re reairing our episode on why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love.
 
Bianca Alba, Wirecutter’s longtime sex toy writer, talks us through the societal double standards around sexuality and how vibrators can help with sexual health. We cover the different types of vibrators you can choose from, how to decide between the options, and why you shouldn’t give up on one if you don’t love it at first. 
 
We also get to the bottom of whether size really matters, the best lube to use, and whether it’s ever a good idea to buy a vibe for your partner.
 
This episode covers: 
Vibrators as essential tools for inclusive pleasure: Vibrators are highly effective at closing the "orgasm gap," as roughly 75% of people with vulvas require clitoral stimulation—which vibrators provide efficiently—to reach orgasm.
Why investing in quality materials matters: Look for toys made of medical-grade silicone from reputable brands. Cheap "knock-offs" from mass-market retailers often use porous materials that can harbor bacteria or off-gas harmful chemicals.
How the Hitachi Magic Wand became the “Gold Standard”: This vibrator comes highly recommended for its power and versatility, despite originally being marketed as a back massager.
Practicing patience and exploration: Don’t dismiss a new device after one try; the body often needs time to acclimate to different sensations. Factors like stress and hormonal cycles can also impact how effective a toy feels on a given day.
How Wirecutter tests sex toys: Our recommendations are based on diverse testing groups—spanning different ages (20s to 70s) and physical abilities—to ensure the toys work for various sensitivities and life stages.
 
Products we recommend:
The Classic Wand style: Magic Wand Rechargeable
The Classic Wand style, but corded: Magic Wand Plus
Affordable and Versatile: Satisfyer Purple Pleasure
For suction and vibration: As of recording, it was the Dame Aer. But we’ve since decided the Satisfyer Pro 2 Generation 3 is a better pick in the same category.
For precise stimulation: As of recording, it was the Lelo Dot. But we’ve since decided the Nu Sensuelle XLR8 Vibe Baelii is a better pick in the same category.
Bianca loves the Beast Blender for single serve smoothies
 
Additional reading:
The Best Vibrators
The 6 Best Personal Lubricants of 2024 
How to Clean Sex Toys
The Lube Episode 
 

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

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We’re demystifying what separates luxury boxed chocolates from standard supermarket candy. Gabriella Gershenson, Wirecutter’s taste test editor and author of our boxed chocolates guide, explains what ingredients to look for on labels, the textures that separate the great from merely mediocre, and why good chocolates cost so much. 
 
Whether you’re a traditionalist who loves a classic toffee or an adventurous eater seeking mind-bending flavors, this episode serves as a masterclass in how to choose the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day and beyond.
 
This episode covers:
Ingredients to look for: High-quality chocolate should consist of cocoa butter and/or cocoa mass, and sugar. Avoid boxes containing vegetable oils or artificial flavorings, which compromise both texture and taste.
What makes a great boxed chocolate: The coating should be uniform with a visual sheen and the texture should have a pleasing “snap” (a sign of proper tempering). The filling should accurately match the description in the box's key—if it says "hazelnut," it should taste like an actual hazelnut, not synthetic.
Why premium boxed chocolates are expensive: Luxury chocolates are expensive ($50–$90+) due to fluctuating global cacao prices, small-batch production, and the use of skilled manual labor rather than factory automation.
What to get if gifting to people with food restrictions: There are now far more options than ever for vegans and people with nut allergies. Our testers even preferred many vegan chocolates (often nut-based) over traditional dairy versions.
Gourmet bars make a great budget gift: If you don’t want to spend $50 to $90 on boxed chocolates, high-end artisanal bar chocolates make a great, affordable alternative.
 
Products we recommend:
Recchiuti Confections Black Box 16: With perfectly executed flavors and an eye-popping array of shapes and textures, the Recchiuti Black Box chocolates were our tasters’ all-around top choice.
Valerie Confections Baby Grand Assortment: The toffees, caramels, and truffles from Valerie Confections are deceptively simple, combining classic fillings with beautiful technique—and some unexpected flavor combinations.
Stick With Me Sweets 12 pc Bonbon Box: This New York–based chocolatier harnesses flavors in full force within delicate hand-painted shells. A vegan box and a nut-free box are also available.
Ragged Coast Milk & Dark Chocolate Truffles: The Maine-based chocolatier woos with sophisticated fillings, single-origin chocolate, and a focus on local and organic ingredients.
Melissa Coppel Bonbons: Melissa Coppel’s marbled bonbons and hand-dipped chocolates are impressively well crafted, with layered fillings that reminded us of a plated dessert.
Melissa Coppel Vegan Bonbons 12 Piece: Melissa Coppel’s vegan chocolates are as impressively crafted as the originals, with memorable and dynamic flavor combinations.
Richart Initiation: The two-tiered Richart Initiation box offers a chocolate experience that’s as aesthetically pleasing as it is palate-teasing.
Dandelion Chocolate Single-Origin Truffle Collection: Dandelion Chocolate’s truffles, crafted by the San Francisco bean-to-bar chocolate maker, demonstrate the subtlety and distinct terroir of excellent single-origin chocolate.
Chocolat Moderne Vegan Victory: The selection of filled chocolates from Chocolat Moderne features cordials, marzipans, jellies, caramels, and other festive fillings in dark and vegan milk chocolate shells.
La Maison du Chocolat Fruit Naturally Gift Box: The French chocolatier La Maison du Chocolat infuses smooth vegan ganache with vivid fruit flavors in this elegant selection.
Amore di Mona Assorted Mignardise Red Gift Box: The Amori di Mona chocolates are elegantly executed, with subtle flavors and complex texture. Vegan and free of common allergens, these are a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
 
Additional reading:
13 Best Boxed Chocolates of 2026
The 36 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Him
41 Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her of 2026 
39 Best Cheap Valentine’s Day Gifts (Mostly) Under $25 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.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.

We’re working on an episode about the worst household smells and we want to hear from you! What smells are you plagued by? What odors have you tried and failed to remove? Tell us about them and our experts will offer their best advice. 
 
Record a voice memo on your smart phone telling us about your smell scenario and email it to us at [email protected]. Don’t forget to tell us your name and where you’re calling from. We may answer your question on the show!

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.