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CNET
5 days ago
- Health
- CNET
I Use This Smart Device to Find Air Leaks and Keep My Summer AC Bill From Soaring
Air conditioning is one of the biggest energy draws during summer, but there are ways to keep that electric bill from skyrocketing during warmer months. Keeping the thermostat set to a consistent temperature is one, but making sure that precious cool air isn't escaping your home is another. I've struggled to maintain comfortable temperatures during extreme weather. I implemented a DIY ventilation system that brings in cool air at night and I schedule smart blinds to block direct sunlight as much as possible. Plus, I have lots and lots of fans. Although these strategies have helped, I recently found a new tool to find efficiency opportunities: a thermal camera. I got my hands on the HSFTools Finder S2 thermal camera and conducted a DIY home energy audit to look for air leaks that might affect how I cool my home. These same leaks cause heat to escape during winter, so the strategy has year-round applications for lowering energy costs. A rundown of the HSFTools Finder S2 The Finder S2 thermal camera's USB-C connection means it doesn't need a bulky battery pack, instead relying on your phone for power. John Carlsen/CNET I'll hold off on an in-depth review of the HSFTools Finder S2, as I have limited experience with thermal cameras, but I'll mention a few features that helped with my energy audit. First, this thermal imager connects to the USB-C port on Android smartphones but doesn't support iPhones. (Apple users should consider checking out the Topdon TC002C instead.) I love the option to launch the app automatically when plugging in the camera. However, the Finder S2 requires a lot of power -- draining my phone's battery by about 4% after 10 minutes. While this won't affect short inspections of smaller homes, you'll need to recharge your phone after extended use. (For better battery life, I suggest getting a standalone handheld model if you use a thermal camera often.) I played around with the Finder S2 to get comfortable with its features, mostly taking pictures of my cat. John Carlsen/CNET Even if you turn on the Finder S2's Super Resolution mode, the overall resolution maxes out at 512x384 pixels, which is lower than standard 480p quality. It's more than enough to see temperature differences around windows during an energy audit but you may need to play around with the settings if you plan to use it for creative work. Enabling the Digital Camera setting shows a view from your phone's camera on the screen with the option to save images -- but not videos -- from both cameras simultaneously. As for videos, I couldn't get the Finder S2 to work unless I rotated the image 90 degrees in the app. You can adjust the Finder S2's colors, measurement tools and sensitivity in the HSFTools app. John Carlsen/CNET I appreciate the wide selection of color palettes in the HSFTools app. My favorite color setting is "white hot" because of the high contrast image compared to other modes. The app's outstanding measurement tools tell you the temperature of the hottest and coldest objects on the screen or of a specific point you select. I love taking the guesswork out of home improvement. You can get the Finder S2 for about $250 -- although it's often available for $170 -- which is typical among smartphone thermal camera accessories like the Flir One Gen 3 and Seek Thermal Compact. While the price is good for a midrange infrared camera, remember that you might only use it a handful of times -- it's often better to pay for a professional home energy audit. (Don't forget to check if your area has a free energy audit program.) Still, the HSFTools Finder S2 was more than adequate for my DIY home energy audit. How I used a thermal camera in my home energy audit My energy audit uncovered an uninsulated ceiling corner that might explain why my home gets so hot in the summer -- time to tell the landlord. John Carlsen/CNET After familiarizing myself with the thermal imager, I took a structured approach to finding problem areas. I followed this thermal imaging inspection guide from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Read more: Stop Installing Your Thermostat Here. It's Costing You Money I started by turning off my HVAC system before shutting my windows and front door. InterNACHI's guide recommends testing on a day where the outdoor temperature difference is 15 to 20 F warmer (or cooler) than inside so I chose a rainy spring day for my audit. I was happy to see my window seals were in good condition. However, I discovered a small, drafty gap under my front door that I filled with foam backer rod from the hardware store. Fixing the air leak under my front door probably won't save much on my energy bills but it was an effortless DIY project. John Carlsen/CNET The actionable part of my home energy audit ends at doors and windows for now but there's plenty more for homeowners to look at. The Department of Energy suggests checking wherever you suspect air leaks or poor insulation, particularly fixtures, along the edges of rooms and between different building materials. While recaulking seals and replacing weatherstripping around windows are simple DIY projects, you'll need more money and time to upgrade insulation inside walls. You can check out Energy Star's Home Improvement Savings tool to see incentives, rebates and tax credits in your area. If you're a renter, consider telling your landlord about these resources.
CNET
23-05-2025
- CNET
Air Leaks Allow Costly Energy to Escape. This Device Helped Me Find Them Ahead of Summer
My two-bedroom townhome struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures upstairs in extreme weather. Over the years, I've tried everything to manage the summer heat. Relocating my bed from the scorching master bedroom (now my home office) to a smaller bedroom helped me sleep better. My DIY ventilation system brings in cool air at night, while a portable air conditioner supplements the central AC system in the hottest weather. I even schedule smart blinds to block direct sunlight as much as possible. Plus fans, lots of fans. Although these strategies have made a difference, I've reached the limits of major changes I can make as a renter -- at least if I want lower energy bills. Now, I have a new tool to find efficiency opportunities: a thermal camera. I recently got my hands on a sample of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 thermal camera so I conducted a DIY home energy audit to look for air leaks that might affect how I cool my home. A rundown of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 The Finder S2 thermal camera's USB-C connection means it doesn't need a bulky battery pack, instead relying on your phone for power. John Carlsen/CNET I'll hold off on an in-depth review of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 as I have limited experience with thermal cameras but I'll mention a few features that helped with my energy audit. First, this thermal imager connects to the USB-C port on Android smartphones but doesn't support iPhones. (Apple users should consider checking out the Topdon TC002C instead.) I love the option to launch the app automatically when plugging in the camera. Unfortunately, the Finder S2 requires a lot of power -- draining my phone's battery by about 4% after 10 minutes. While this won't affect short inspections of smaller homes, you'll need to recharge your phone after extended use. (For better battery life, I suggest getting a standalone handheld model if you use a thermal camera often.) I played around with the Finder S2 to get comfortable with its features, mostly taking pictures of my cat. John Carlsen/CNET Even if you turn on the Finder S2's Super Resolution mode, the overall resolution maxes out at 512 x 384, which is lower than standard 480p quality. It's more than enough to see temperature differences around windows during an energy audit but you may need to play around with the settings if you plan to use it for creative work. Enabling the Digital Camera setting shows a view from your phone's camera on the screen with the option to save images -- but not videos -- from both cameras simultaneously. As for videos, I couldn't get the Finder S2 to work unless I rotated the image 90° in the app. You can adjust the Finder S2's colors, measurement tools and sensitivity in the HSFTOOLS app. John Carlsen/CNET I appreciate the wide selection of color palettes in the HSFTOOLS app. My favorite color setting is "white hot" because of the high contrast image compared to other modes. The app's outstanding measurement tools tell you the temperature of the hottest and coldest objects on the screen or of a specific point you select. I love taking the guesswork out of home improvement. You can get the Finder S2 for about $250 -- although it's often available for $170 -- which is typical among smartphone thermal camera accessories like the FLIR One Gen 3 and Seek Thermal Compact. While the price is good for a mid-range infrared camera, remember that you might only use it a handful of times -- it's often better to pay for a professional home energy audit. (Don't forget to check if your area has a free energy audit program.) Still, the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 was more than adequate for my DIY home energy audit. How I used a thermal camera in my home energy audit My energy audit uncovered an uninsulated ceiling corner that might explain why my home gets so hot in the summer -- time to tell the landlord. John Carlsen/CNET After familiarizing myself with the thermal imager, I took a structured approach to finding problem areas. I followed this thermal imaging inspection guide from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Read more: Stop Installing Your Thermostat Here. It's Costing You Money I started by turning off my HVAC system before shutting my windows and front door. InterNACHI's guide recommends testing on a day where the outdoor temperature difference is 15°F to 20°F warmer (or cooler) than inside so I chose a rainy spring day for my audit. I was happy to see my window seals were in good condition. However, I discovered a small, drafty gap under my front door that I filled with foam backer rod from the hardware store. Fixing the air leak under my front door probably won't save much on my energy bills but it was an effortless DIY project. John Carlsen/CNET The actionable part of my home energy audit ends at doors and windows for now but there's plenty more for homeowners to look at. The Department of Energy suggests checking wherever you suspect air leaks or poor insulation, particularly fixtures, along the edges of rooms and between different building materials. While recaulking seals and replacing weatherstripping around windows are simple DIY projects, you'll need more money and time to upgrade insulation inside walls. Fortunately, you can check out Energy Star's Home Improvement Savings tool to see incentives, rebates and tax credits in your area. If you're a renter, consider telling your landlord about these resources.
CNET
22-05-2025
- Science
- CNET
Dwarf 3 Review: A $600 Smart Telescope for Astrophotography Beginners
Photography is one of my most consistent creative practices, and I've dabbled in astrophotography, which is photography of stars, planets, moons and other celestial objects in the night sky. I've used my cameras for astrophotography with varying levels of success, but the main issue I have faced is a total lack of tools to track the motion of stars during long exposures. I've captured roughly 50,000 images in the 18 years since I bought my first digital camera, a Fujifilm FinePix S700. These days, I take most of my photos on a Google Pixel 8 Pro. Recently, I took one giant leap forward with the $599 DwarfLab Dwarf 3 Smart Telescope, a feature-packed compact telescope. I've been testing the Dwarf 3 for the past two months and, not only has it changed my perspective on astrophotography without a bulky telescope and camera adapter setup, but I found it has excellent tools for other kinds of photography. Excellent tech in a small package The Dwarf 3 smart telescope includes almost everything you need -- except a tripod John Carlsen/CNET The Dwarf 3 is chunky, gray and rectangular, similar in size to a hardback book or a Steam Deck. At just under 3 pounds, it feels solid without being too heavy. I like that it comes with a handy carrying case, but the Dwarf 3 easily fits in a small backpack when space is at a premium. Inside the Dwarf 3, you'll find a Sony IMX678 Starvis 2 sensor, which specializes in low-light imagery, though its daytime performance is also good based on my testing. Dwarf 3 has two lens options: telephoto and wide. The focal length of the telephoto lens is equivalent to 737mm, which isn't as powerful as traditional telescopes selling for the same price. Still, the built-in photography functions make up some of the difference. While I like the wide-angle lens, I mainly use it to find subjects for the telephoto lens in the DwarfLab app. The carrying case has straps on the bottom for a tripod -- though my favorite tripod is probably a little too bulky. John Carlsen/CNET As nice as the sensor and lenses are, the camera tops out at 4K resolution. In most circumstances, this would mean the camera is well-suited to creating images that look good on large displays. But it's more limiting for astrophotography, especially compared to using a powerful DSLR with a powerful telescope. Still, Dwarf 3 is a great entry point for people who are interested in the hobby but don't have the expensive equipment. Much of the weight comes from an internal battery and motors. The battery weighs in at a hefty 10,000 mAh, which lasts up to 16 hours in standby mode, though you can expect between 5 and 7 hours of runtime in most of the photography modes -- Dwarf 3 will last just over 3 hours for video. There's a USB-C port on the telescope's base so you can connect an external power supply or a computer. Putting the port on the base is also great because you don't need to worry about cords impeding the telescope's tracking features. Digging into the DwarfLab App You'll spend most of your time in the photo preview, but the app's other tabs are helpful for secondary tasks. John Carlsen/CNET Speaking of the app, it mostly works as intended. The biggest problem I encountered was getting it to connect to the telescope. In theory, you can use the smart telescope's NFC function for a quick connection, but it often takes a few tries to connect. Connecting became less of an issue as subsequent updates removed some bugs. That said, I occasionally have trouble creating a stable connection with the app crashing at times -- I hope this will be more reliable in future updates. (It works best when you disconnect from other Wi-Fi networks first.) The app's navigation is straightforward, with the Home tab hosting the photo menu, scheduling and toggles for the onboard lighting. (It's a good idea to turn off these lights when shooting at night.) From the photo preview, you can choose from seven camera modes: Photo, Video, Burst, Astro, Time Lapse, Auto-Capture and Pano -- more on these later. John Carlsen/CNET Although each mode usually works without much adjustment, you can manually tweak a lot of settings like shutter speed, white balance, filters and focus to fit your needs. I'm happy the flexibility is there, but it can be overwhelming for folks unfamiliar with the technical aspects of photography. The Altas tab shows a sky map, complete with constellations, star names and astronomical objects -- it's great for finding suitable subjects to photograph and includes a feature that automatically finds and tracks your favorite nebula. The Atlas also tells you what's visible based on the location and time of day. The catalog of objects is impressive, though you can also manually choose the coordinates of an area you'd like to track. There's not much to the Album tab, which shows all of the photos you've taken with the Dwarf 3. Lastly, you'll use the settings tab to adjust Wi-Fi preferences, update firmware, set location options and view technical information. Overall, I find the app enjoyable and easy to use. Easier astrophotography As much as I like the astrophotography functions on the Dwarf 3, it takes a bit of work to get stunning images. John Carlsen/CNET I recommend reading through DwarfLab's online user guide before starting since a good image relies on several factors, like preparing Astro Darks, setting up tracking, choosing the right filter and experimenting with different exposures. Astro Darks are essentially black images that the camera uses as references when stacking individual exposures into a finished photo. They account for noise on the sensor. But you must take the darks at a similar temperature and with the same exposure as the eventual photos. Thankfully, the camera can store up to 20 sets of darks, so you don't have to repeat the process in every photo session. While you can skip the dark frames, the resulting images won't be as good. Plus, the darks help cut down on external editing. My first few Nebula images didn't turn out as good as I'd hoped, but I cleaned up this picture of Orion using photo editing software. John Carlsen/CNET You'll use either the Astro filter or the Dual-band filter for astrophotography. The Astro filter captures more infrared light than the Dwarf 3's visible light filter, making it ideal for imaging stars and galaxies, while the Dual-band filter targets specific wavelengths of light associated with emission nebulae. After you've prepped the settings, you'll place the camera on a level surface or tripod with its back facing north or south -- depending on whether you're in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. From there, you'll start the calibration phase by choosing a target in the Atlas or selecting EQ Mode (Equatorial Mode) from the Function menu. Tracking is essential if you don't want star trails. The Dwarf 3 telescope is a great jumping-off point for anyone interested in the hobby. John Carlsen/CNET It took some trial and error, but the process felt natural after a few sessions. Once you master the basics, it's a rewarding activity, and I loved sharing the photos I took with my friends and family. Even with the Dwarf 3, astrophotography requires a fair bit of patience. It was a great time to put on an audiobook and experiment with a few shorter sessions. That said, this smart telescope can run on a schedule for longer sessions, but I couldn't use it without a yard. Taking photos of the sun and moon Sun and moon tracking are two of the Dwarf 3's best features since they're so easy to use. John Carlsen/CNET The Dwarf 3 is also capable when photographing the sun and the moon. It's a lot easier since you use the default Photo Mode. For example, you simply center the telephoto lens on the moon before activating the moon tracking function -- the telescope does the rest. This setting runs using a simple algorithm, so it begins tracking almost immediately -- there's no calibration phase. To take photos of the sun, you'll need to attach the included magnetic solar filters first. Based on my time with the Dwarf 3, the solar images look excellent and do a great job of capturing sunspots. While I don't have any experience with the Dwarf II, the previous model, I like that you don't need to buy solar filters separately on the Dwarf 3. Surprising versatility for other types of photography I spent most of my testing time capturing images of wildlife and scenery. John Carlsen/CNET Dwarf 3 has quite a few other modes beyond astrophotography, hewing close to what you'd expect from some point-and-shoot cameras. The Photo and Video Modes work as advertised -- I really enjoyed finding birds and interesting subjects to photograph. I love how you can quickly toggle between the telephoto and wide lenses in the app, and there's even a preview option that opens a small window showing what the lens sees, even when you're not currently using it. You can even use object tracking to follow subjects while capturing the still shots along the way. Once tracking is on, you drag a square around the bird, person or anything you want the camera to follow. Sometimes, the Dwarf 3 will get confused when birds cross paths -- but you can quickly reset the tracker to your intended target. Burst Mode isn't much different than Photo Mode, except that it offers a faster way to capture multiple shots in a row. I didn't spend much time in Burst Mode, but it's great for catching stunning images of a bird taking flight. I got a great shot of an eagle in the tree above me. John Carlsen/CNET When I was reviewing video footage, I initially noticed some stuttering in the video but traced the issue to my ancient laptop, which struggles to display 4K videos from this camera. Fortunately, playing the downloaded video back on my phone was much smoother. However, the object tracking can be a bit aggressive in video, so I recommend lowering the motor speed to smooth out the camera's movements. I had a lot of success with the Time Lapse Mode, which can also do sun, moon and object tracking, though I didn't use it for long. DwarfLab added Auto-Capture Mode about a week after I began testing. It's essentially a video mode that always uses tracking for birds or "UFOs" for moving light in the night sky. I like that you can quickly set up tracking without digging through menus, but it automatically finds the target instead of letting you choose one. Auto-Capture Mode is fine for split-second decisions when there's a single target in the frame, but not when it's in a group. Panorama blues DwarfLab says it will eventually add a panorama stitching feature, but I found Pano Mode mostly unusable in my tests. It could work for me if I had a little more time and patience, but I look forward to having an automatic solution in the future. John Carlsen/CNET One of Dwarf 3's most exciting features is the option to take massive gigapixel panoramas with the telephoto lens, but it wasn't ready in time for my tests. To use this mode, you center the telephoto preview in the middle of the panorama you want to take and choose how big the grid should be. Unfortunately, there's no preview of the final panorama yet, so you have to make your best guess. Another issue I had with Dwarf 3's panorama mode is that there's no stitching function available. You need to use third-party panorama software, though none of the free options I tried on my MacBook really worked. I also tested DwarfLab's recommended process for Windows but gave up after the software crashed a few times. Paid software is probably your best bet here, but I didn't try it for this review. Even without the panorama mode, I can't complain about the quality of Dwarf 3's camera. John Carlsen/CNET My last hangup with the panorama mode is that you need to connect the Dwarf 3 directly to a computer or phone using a USB cable to access the folder with the captures. Unlike the Dwarf II, there's no removable microSD card, and you can't transfer the panorama images using the mobile app. While I understand it might take a while if you have hundreds of photos, there's no restriction on doing so with photos and videos taken using other modes. For now, I suggest that beginners should steer clear of this feature. Should you buy the Dwarf 3? The Dwarf 3 is an entirely different kind of smart camera than I'm used to, an actual telescope. John Carlsen/CNET My focus on the smart home typically has me spending an inordinate amount of time around security cameras, which usually aren't as fun to test as the Dwarf 3 has been. It's understandable since security cameras aren't made for photographers, even when they come with creative features like time-lapse. Most of the features are easy for beginners, and even advanced users will find something to like. While I don't think it will replace the traditional tools that astrophotographers and nature fans use, it's an excellent way to expand your arsenal or take up a new hobby. At $500, it's probably a little too expensive for an impulse buy, but affordable for enthusiasts. Overall, I'm a fan of the Dwarf 3 smart telescope and how portable it is. It takes a lot of the stress out of photography and reminds me why I love the hobby in the first place.
CNET
22-05-2025
- CNET
I Used a Thermal Camera to Find Air Leaks and Save on AC This Summer
My two-bedroom townhome struggles to maintain comfortable temperatures upstairs in extreme weather. Over the years, I've tried everything to manage the summer heat. Relocating my bed from the scorching master bedroom (now my home office) to a smaller bedroom helped me sleep better. My DIY ventilation system brings in cool air at night, while a portable air conditioner supplements the central AC system in the hottest weather. I even schedule smart blinds to block direct sunlight as much as possible. Plus fans, lots of fans. Although these strategies have made a difference, I've reached the limits of major changes I can make as a renter -- at least if I want lower energy bills. Now, I have a new tool to find efficiency opportunities: a thermal camera. I recently got my hands on a sample of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 thermal camera so I conducted a DIY home energy audit to look for air leaks that might affect how I cool my home. A rundown of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 The Finder S2 thermal camera's USB-C connection means it doesn't need a bulky battery pack, instead relying on your phone for power. John Carlsen/CNET I'll hold off on an in-depth review of the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 as I have limited experience with thermal cameras but I'll mention a few features that helped with my energy audit. First, this thermal imager connects to the USB-C port on Android smartphones but doesn't support iPhones. (Apple users should consider checking out the Topdon TC002C instead.) I love the option to launch the app automatically when plugging in the camera. Unfortunately, the Finder S2 requires a lot of power -- draining my phone's battery by about 4% after 10 minutes. While this won't affect short inspections of smaller homes, you'll need to recharge your phone after extended use. (For better battery life, I suggest getting a standalone handheld model if you use a thermal camera often.) I played around with the Finder S2 to get comfortable with its features, mostly taking pictures of my cat. John Carlsen/CNET Even if you turn on the Finder S2's Super Resolution mode, the overall resolution maxes out at 512 x 384, which is lower than standard 480p quality. It's more than enough to see temperature differences around windows during an energy audit but you may need to play around with the settings if you plan to use it for creative work. Enabling the Digital Camera setting shows a view from your phone's camera on the screen with the option to save images -- but not videos -- from both cameras simultaneously. As for videos, I couldn't get the Finder S2 to work unless I rotated the image 90° in the app. You can adjust the Finder S2's colors, measurement tools and sensitivity in the HSFTOOLS app. John Carlsen/CNET I appreciate the wide selection of color palettes in the HSFTOOLS app. My favorite color setting is "white hot" because of the high contrast image compared to other modes. The app's outstanding measurement tools tell you the temperature of the hottest and coldest objects on the screen or of a specific point you select. I love taking the guesswork out of home improvement. You can get the Finder S2 for about $250 -- although it's often available for $170 -- which is typical among smartphone thermal camera accessories like the FLIR One Gen 3 and Seek Thermal Compact. While the price is good for a mid-range infrared camera, remember that you might only use it a handful of times -- it's often better to pay for a professional home energy audit. (Don't forget to check if your area has a free energy audit program.) Still, the HSFTOOLS Finder S2 was more than adequate for my DIY home energy audit. How I used a thermal camera in my home energy audit My energy audit uncovered an uninsulated ceiling corner that might explain why my home gets so hot in the summer -- time to tell the landlord. John Carlsen/CNET After familiarizing myself with the thermal imager, I took a structured approach to finding problem areas. I followed this thermal imaging inspection guide from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Read more: Stop Installing Your Thermostat Here. It's Costing You Money I started by turning off my HVAC system before shutting my windows and front door. InterNACHI's guide recommends testing on a day where the outdoor temperature difference is 15°F to 20°F warmer (or cooler) than inside so I chose a rainy spring day for my audit. I was happy to see my window seals were in good condition. However, I discovered a small, drafty gap under my front door that I filled with foam backer rod from the hardware store. Fixing the air leak under my front door probably won't save much on my energy bills but it was an effortless DIY project. John Carlsen/CNET The actionable part of my home energy audit ends at doors and windows for now but there's plenty more for homeowners to look at. The Department of Energy suggests checking wherever you suspect air leaks or poor insulation, particularly fixtures, along the edges of rooms and between different building materials. While recaulking seals and replacing weatherstripping around windows are simple DIY projects, you'll need more money and time to upgrade insulation inside walls. Fortunately, you can check out Energy Star's Home Improvement Savings tool to see incentives, rebates and tax credits in your area. If you're a renter, consider telling your landlord about these resources.
CNET
13-05-2025
- General
- CNET
4 Specialty Kitchen Knives I Can't Stop Using
Getting better at cooking has been an ongoing quest since I was a child. Each new recipe I negotiate expands my knowledge of spices and flavors and challenges me to hone my skills or learn new ones. Speaking of skills, the right kitchen knife can mean the difference between a hard recipe and an easy one -- it saves time and makes the food look and taste more appetizing. I've come a long way since prepping my first recipes with small blades that fit comfortably in a child's hands, like a paring knife or a utility knife. These days, I rely on my trusty chef knife for almost everything, from fresh pico de gallo salsa to ham fried rice. Almost. Believe it or not, sometimes it's too small or the wrong shape for a task. Beyond those three essential blades that every cook should have, here are my four favorite specialty kitchen knives and how I use them. Chinese cleaver The size and weight of the blade are key to the cleaver's design—it's heavy enough to receive a gravity assist when prepping meat and vegetables. John Carlsen/CNET I discovered Chinese cleavers, also called vegetable cleavers, in 2021 when I came across Made With Lau's YouTube video on How to Use a Chinese Chef Knife. Knowing that I should probably resist spending $50 on the Dexter Chinese Chefs Knife in the video, at least until I was sure I'd use it, I eventually picked up a Select Master Chinese Slicing Knife for less during a sale. At first glance, the Chinese cleaver resembles the bulky meat cleaver commonly seen in butcher shops, but its blade is typically thinner, lighter and sharper -- making it more of a general-use kitchen knife. While I rarely prepare meals for more than a handful of people, this knife makes short work of an entire head of cabbage. John Carlsen/CNET I get out the Chinese cleaver whenever I chop a lot of vegetables or slice ultrathin cuts of meat for Japanese BBQ. I love how wide the blade is, making it easy to achieve thin, uniform slices with pretty much any ingredient. However, I'll admit that it's too overpowered for mushrooms. I have two complaints about the Select Master Chinese Slicing Knife. First, it doesn't fit in the cleaver slot of my knife block, so I can't store it with my other knives for easy access. (I plan to add magnets to the side of the block, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.) If the size bothers you, consider a Japanese Nakiri's narrower blade—this one's on my wish list too. Second, the traditional round wooden handle isn't as comfortable as the ergonomic handles I'm used to on Western cutlery. Fortunately, you can find versions with ergonomic handles, like this one from Victorinox. Ulu knife An ulu packs a lot of utility into a relatively small design. John Carlsen/CNET My ulu knife is a souvenir from a trip to Alaska that quickly became my go-to for mincing herbs and chopping pecans. This was 15 years ago, so I can't tell you what brand I bought, but The Ulu Factory sells a similar knife and chopping board combo for around $70. This traditional Eskimo knife is similar to a one-handed Italian mezzaluna -- but not the two-handed ones you'll see in pizzerias. The ulu's curved blade is suitable for a rocking motion, which is easier to control than a bulky chef knife, but it's also great for slicing and chopping. I love that the handle's placement above the blade means you can put more power into your cuts. I recommend practicing your ulu skills with small ingredients until you get the hang of it instead of jumping headlong into slicing cheese or chopping root vegetables. John Carlsen/CNET You can use an ulu on any cutting board, but consider buying one with an accompanying wooden bowl. This pushes ingredients down into the cutting path and prevents stray nuts. Like the Chinese cleaver, an Alaskan ulu won't fit in a knife block. Fortunately, many ulus come with display stands or blade guards. I use a small hook on the back of my knife block. Slicing knife I'm still relatively new to large slicing and carving knives, but it's been a game-changer for homemade deli-style roast beef I make using sous-vide immersion cooking. John Carlsen/CNET If you've ever tried to slice a ham, large roast or turkey breast with a small knife, you know how elusive that perfect slice of meat can be. This is one reason I recently bought a 10-inch slicing knife with a Granton Edge from a local restaurant supply store. While this is on the smaller side for carving knives—I've seen models as long as 14 inches -- it's long enough to make clean, continuous cuts. My slicing knife also has a Granton edge -- a series of cutouts along the blade that allow the meat to peel away from the blade. This reduces friction and keeps your knife from tearing thinner slices apart while cutting. Don't forget to pair this knife with a carving fork for more control while slicing. Soft cheese knife The first time I used a cheese knife at a relative's, I knew it was a must-have tool for my cheese-loving household. John Carlsen/CNET A soft cheese knife takes the concept of blade cutouts to a new level by removing as much of the blade as possible. As the name implies, this knife is ideal for soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, which tend to stick to traditional knives. It can also slice fruits and vegetables well, though I still prefer a larger knife. It even works for slightly firmer cheeses like Colby Jack or Cheddar -- provided your cheese knife isn't as flimsy as the one I got at a secondhand store for a dollar. (It was a good deal, but I plan to upgrade soon.) You may find other unique kitchen knives that fit your cooking style better -- my experiences aren't universal. For example, the Chinese cleaver and ulu work as general-use kitchen knives, but I don't recommend getting a slicing knife or a cheese knife unless you constantly make meals that fit their skill sets. Still, it never hurts to explore new options for your cooking arsenal. Whether you experiment with a new knife or stick to your workhorse chef knife, practicing good knife maintenance and avoiding common kitchen knife pitfalls are always wins.
