Summers are getting hotter. First, staff writer Thom Dunn shares expert strategies to keep your home cool, including the features you’ll want to look for in a window AC unit and a simple hack for your ceiling fan that will help beat the heat. Then, we learn all about what heat pumps have to do with keeping cool from senior staff writer Liam McCabe. Plus, everything you need to know about the Midea U recall. Products we recommend: The best budget window AC: Frigidaire FHWW084TE1Weatherizing gear: Frost King Silicone Weatherseal and Frost King Extra Wide Heavy Duty Door SweepBlackout cellular shades: Select Blinds Classic Cordless Blackout ShadeThe best vortex fan: Vornado 630 Medium Air CirculatorMore about the Midea U recallMidea Is Voluntarily Recalling Our Favorite Air Conditioner. Here’s What You Should Know.A diagram for checking if your Midea U air condition has mold growing insideAdditional reading: The 6 Best Air Conditioners of 2025The 6 Best Portable Air Conditioners of 2025The Best Ductless Mini Split Air ConditionerWith Air Conditioners, Bigger Could Actually Be WorseIt’s Actually Okay to Run the AC All Day, Even If You’re Not Home7 Times a Portable Air Conditioner Actually Makes Sense Over a Window ACA Heat Pump Might Be Right for Your Home—Here’s What to KnowHow to Find a Competent Heat Pump InstallerHow to Keep Your Home Cool
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
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37:18
A Price Check on Tariffs
We tracked the prices of 40 Wirecutter picks for 60 days to gauge the impact of tariffs. Most prices didn’t increase—but they likely will soon. Deputy editor Annemarie Conte explains why prices haven’t risen dramatically so far, why the cost of goods will likely start rising around Black Friday, and how you should navigate your purchases going forward. We also discuss how to avoid getting slammed with big customs bills when ordering goods online. Additional reading:We Tracked Prices on 40 Wirecutter Picks for 60 Days. Here’s What We Learned.How to Avoid a Huge Customs Bill on a Cheap Online OrderWirecutter Deals Page: The Best Online Deals Today on Wirecutter Picks
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
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18:02
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
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32:09
Are Red Light Masks Worth It?
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
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31:37
You Should Be Traveling with a VPN
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
The Wirecutter Show is a podcast offering expert advice on everyday products that will make your life better. Each week, co-hosts Christine Cyr Clisset and Caira Blackwell, alongside producer Rosie Guerin, speak with Wirecutter’s best-in-class journalists and other expert guests for actionable advice, surprising life hacks, and delightful product discoveries. From which stand-mixer will last you a lifetime, to the best way to travel with pets, to figuring out if your smart lock is spying on you, The Wirecutter Show gives you straightforward solutions based on years of rigorous and independent product testing by more than 140 Wirecutter journalists.
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