Illustration: Dana Davis / Photo: Michael Hession

We’re serious about our pens. We’ve had 70 professionally picky employees and four pen experts (yes, that’s a thing) test more than two dozen contenders over the years. And one pen has been a Wirecutter pick through it all.

It writes smoothly with minimal pressure and doesn’t bleed through or smudge. Its rounded barrel is comfortable to hold. Simply put, it’s a workhorse: reliable, versatile, and pleasant to use. It’s not the most exciting pen, but it doesn’t need to be. It just works well.

Below, we’ll walk you through a few more items we’ve loved for years. Take notes.

The best everyday ballpoint pen→

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

The only drinking glass you’ll ever need We’ve loved these since 2014 for their elegance and durability→

A headlamp that outshines the competition It’s been our top pick since 2012→

11 years is a long time to love a screwdriver But hey, it’s the most well-rounded, capable tool of its kind→

Illustration: Alberto Miranda

Our goal is to help you understand the trade-offs between product performance, price, accessibility, and environmental and health impact—all through rigorous reporting and real-world testing. In short: We’ve done our job if you buy an item we recommend and keep it until it dies—without replacing it with something else that you wish you’d bought first.

Everything we test, review, and recommend has an environmental impact→

Photo: Kaitlyn Wells

For our newly updated guide to the best dog and cat cones, our testing included taking wide-lens shots from behind each cone to simulate what a pet might see while wearing it. So this is what it looks like to wear one of our recommendations: a squishable cone that’s comfortable to wear in a crate or while sleeping. Now you know.

The best dog and cat cones→

Thanks for reading.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can’t always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

Was this email kindly forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter in your inbox.

Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for The Recommendation from The New York Times. To stop receiving The Recommendation, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request.

Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app

Connect with us on:

Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices

The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018