Quality kitchen gear can last a lifetime–but not every pot, pan, or knife is made to last. This week, we discuss how to invest in durable cookware and tools.

Guest: Wirecutter kitchen staff writer, Michael Sullivan

Additional Reading:

• How to Clean and Season Cast-Iron Cookware
• How to Clean and Care for Wood Cutting Boards
• The Best Flatware of 2024
• The 2 Best Toasters of 2024

Products We Recommend:

• Best Cast Iron: Lodge Chef Collection 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
• Best Dutch Oven: Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Dutch Oven upgrade pick:Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven (5.5 quarts)
• Aluminum Cake Pans: USA Pan Rectangle 9x13 Non-Stick Cake Pan
• Tri-Ply Pots & Pans: All-Clad D3 Stainless 12″ Fry Pan with Lid
• Tempered glassware: Duralex Le Picardie Tumbler, Kähler Hammershøi Tumbler and Kinto Hibi Tumbler
• Wood Cutting Board: Teakhaus Medium Professional Carving Board with Juice Canal 109
• Toasters We Like: Cuisinart CPT-122 2-Slice Compact Plastic Toasterand Breville BTA720XL Bit More Toaster

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

In the fall, rodents move indoors, seeking warmth and food. We discuss how to keep these critters out of your home and how to vanquish an infestation.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer, Doug Mahoney

Additional Reading:

• The 4 Best Mousetraps of 2024
• How a Bag of Dead Rats Proved the Terro Garbage Guard Really Works

Products We Recommend:

• Best Mousetrap: Tomcat Press ’N Set Mouse Trap
• Runner Up: Victor M393 Power-Kill Mouse Traps
• For when you need a LOT of mousetraps: Victor Easy Set Mouse Trap
• Doug recommends: Pleasant Hill MacIntosh Fruit Press 4 Gallon + Wood Basket [please note, this product is often out of stock]

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

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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

The Wirecutter Show is planning a special episode for the holidays and we need your help!

Send a voice memo to us at thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com about your hardest-to-shop-for gift recipients! Let us know:

• your name and where you're calling in from
• who your hard-to-please gift recipient is
• what makes them hard to shop for
• what they like & don't like

We'll play your stories on the show for an expert from Wirecutter's gifting team and see if we can stump them! No matter what, you'll walk away with some great gifting advice.

Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at thewirecuttershow@wirecutter.com.

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Follow us on instagram @wirecutter

Find edited transcripts for each episode here: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

Buying a vibrator can be tricky without a great recommendation. This week, we discuss why vibrators are still so taboo—and how to pick one you’ll love.

Guest: Wirecutter writer Bianca Alba

Additional Reading:

• The Best Vibrators
• The 6 Best Personal Lubricants of 2024
• How to Clean Sex Toys

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: Dame Aer
• For precise stimulation: Lelo Dot
• Bianca Recommends: Beast Blender for single serve smoothies

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: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

This week, we discuss microplastics (the small pieces of plastic that shed off many products), how they may impact your health, and how to mitigate exposure.

Guest: Wirecutter's sustainability editor, Katie Okamoto

Additional Reading:

• Microplastics Are Everywhere. Here’s How to Avoid Eating Them.
• The Best Water Filter Pitcher and Dispenser
• The Best Under-Sink Water Filter

Products We Recommend:

• Pitcher Filter: Brita Standard Everyday Pitcher
• Under Sink Filter: Aquasana AQ-5300+ Max Flow
• Glass Food Containers: Pyrex Simply Store 9-Pack Mixed Sized Glass Food Storage Set
• Katie Recommends: Yoga Tune Up Therapy Balls

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: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

A natural disaster can happen to anyone, at any time. Are you prepared? Here’s our best advice on what to have on hand.

Guest: Wirecutter senior editor Harry Sawyers

Additional Reading:

• The Best Emergency Preparedness Supplies
• How to Clean a Flooded Basement
• Everything I Did to Flood-Proof My Old House
• The Best Hurricane Preparedness Supplies and Strategies for 2024
• The Best Gear for Your Bug-Out Bag

Products We Recommend:

• Best rigid water container: Reliance Aqua-Tainer 7-Gallon
• Best flashlight: ThruNite Archer 2A V3
• Best floating solar lantern: LuminAid Titan 2-in-1 Power Lantern
• Best weather radio: Midland ER310
• Best portable solar charger: BigBlue 28W USB Solar Charger
• Best multi-tool: Leatherman Skeletool CX
• Folding saws Harry likes: Silky Pocketboy 130 mm Folding Saw Medium Teeth 340-13, Silky Professional BIGBOY Folding Saw 360mm Large Teeth (354-36), Silky Zubat Curved Hand Saw 270mm Large Teeth (270-27)
• Harry’s favorite recent purchase: Aquatabs

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: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/

We’re getting nerdy about sheets–why you might be unhappy with your current set, how to pick ones you’ll actually love, and the marketing scams to avoid.

Guest: Wirecutter senior staff writer Jackie Reeve

Additional Reading:

• The Best Sheets
• The Best Cotton Sheets
• The Joy (and Anxiety) of Sleeping on $2,000 Sheets
• Best Linen Sheets
• Best Flannel Sheets
• What Is the Best Thread Count for Sheets?
• Should You Spring For Egyptian Cotton Sheets?

Products we recommend:

• 280-Thread-Count Pima Cotton Percale Sheets
• JCPenney's Wrinkle Guard’s 400 Thread Count Sateen Sheets
• L.L.Bean Ultrasoft Comfort Flannel Sheet Set
• Jackie Recommends: Swoveralls

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: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/the-wirecutter-show-podcast/