Mel Plaut recommended the Vornado AVH10 space heater because it has been a lifesaver during cold weather and even helped reduce arguments with her wife about house temperature preferences. Her wife loves it so much that she carries it around the house, making it a marriage saver.
The Sterilite Stacking Laundry Basket transformed Ingela Amundson's laundry system by allowing her to use vertical space efficiently. It replaced a messy system of IKEA plastic bags, making laundry storage tidier and more organized.
Annemarie Conte chose the Garmin Forerunner 165 watch for her husband because he is an ultra-marathoner and needed a reliable replacement for his old watch. It offers features like heart rate monitoring, speed tracking, and route mapping, making it perfect for runners.
The Donner DUC-1 Concert Ukulele reignited Jackie Reeve’s daughter’s love for music. After joining an afterschool ukulele club, her daughter became so enthusiastic that she returned to private guitar lessons, combining both instruments.
Brent Butterworth loves the JBL Go 4 Bluetooth speaker for its excellent sound quality, portability, and durability. It’s IPX7 rated, making it waterproof and dustproof, and he even uses it in the shower daily. It impressed audiophiles at a luncheon, despite its small size.
Katie Okamoto loves the HAY Matin Table Lamp for its minimalist yet warm design, featuring a folded paper lampshade and slender brass base. It transformed her small apartment, making the space feel more personal and inviting.
Zoe Vanderweide loves the Harper Wilde Bliss Triangle Bralette for its comfort, support, and design. It’s a smooth, stretchy pullover style with adjustable straps, a snug band, and a triangle cut that prevents uniboob. It’s the only bra she wears when not testing others.
Liam McCabe became a fan of the Gordon 20-in-1 Multi-Tool because it’s affordable ($40) and practical. It fits in his coin pocket and provides quick access to tools he uses daily, making it a worthwhile investment compared to more expensive options.
The Trtl Pillow allowed Elissa Sanci to sleep comfortably on flights for the first time. Despite its silly appearance, the fleece scarf with a plastic insert supports her neck, enabling her to sleep for hours during long flights.
Alex Aciman loves the Comfort Colors 1717 Adult Heavyweight Tee for its thick, garment-dyed cotton, relaxed yet flattering fit, and vintage feel. At $10, it’s an affordable and high-quality option that he now owns in multiple colors.
Kathleen Squires chose the New York Times Premium Birthday Edition book as a unique and personalized gift for a friend’s milestone birthday. It features front pages from the New York Times for every year of the recipient’s life, making it a thoughtful and memorable present.
The Adizero Adios Pro 3 super shoes shaved almost 45 seconds off Julia Bush’s mile time, making her feel faster and more excited about running. The carbon plate and stacked sole provided a bouncy, comfortable experience, even for a casual runner.
Claire Wilcox recommends the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ for its effectiveness in water and sun exposure. It’s a physical sunscreen with zinc and titanium dioxide, doesn’t leave a white cast, and is made in Australia, meeting her dermatologist’s recommendation.
Jon Chase loves the Channel Master FLATenna because it allows him to watch over-the-air TV channels in New York City without a cable subscription. It’s a simple, low-tech solution for accessing free broadcasts like the Super Bowl and World Series.
Lauren Dragan loves the WhiteBark Workwear Full Cross-Back Apron for its soft, breathable material and multiple pockets. It’s comfortable to wear during baking and reminds her of family celebrations, making it a sentimental and practical addition to her kitchen.
Dorie Chevlen recommended the Cuisinart Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker because it’s perfect for making delicious waffles, even for someone living alone. She emphasized that you don’t need to wait for a specific life stage to enjoy a waffle maker, as it’s a versatile and delightful appliance.
Christine Cyr-Clessette loves the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT coffee maker because it makes coffee as good as a pour-over but is much more convenient. It’s a family favorite, especially since her kids started drinking coffee, making mornings easier and more enjoyable.
Kyra Blackwell loves the Lilysilk 25 Momme Oxford Envelope Luxury Pillowcase for its thick, sleek silk that protects her curly hair while she sleeps. It prevents frizz and breakage, making it a must-have for her, even when traveling.
Rosie Guerin recommends the ViscoSoft 3-inch Memory Foam Mattress Topper for its ability to transform a pullout couch into a comfortable, luxurious sleeping surface. It provided her with a great night’s sleep in her parents’ new guest room.
From a space heater that saves a marriage to sunscreen that saves a surfer’s skin, Wirecutter’s staff opens up about the best things they bought in 2024.
Guests: We heard voicemails from Wirecutter staffers including Mel Plaut, Ingela Amundson, Annemarie Conte, Jackie Reeve, Brent Butterworth, Katie Okamoto, Zoe Vanderweide, Liam McCabe, Elissa Sanci, Alex Aciman, Kathleen Squires, Julia Bush, Claire Wilcox, Jon Chase, Lauren Dragan, and Dorie Chevlan.
**Products We Recommend: **
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Find edited transcripts for each episode here: The Wirecutter Show Podcast)