Today is Thursday, Feb. 20, the 51st day of 2025. There are 314 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 20, 1962, astronaut John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth as he flew aboard Project Mercury’s Friendship 7 spacecraft, which circled the globe three times in a flight lasting 4 hours, 55 minutes and 23 seconds before splashing down safely in the Atlantic Ocean about 200 miles northwest of Puerto Rico.

Also on this date:

In 1792, President George Washington signed an act creating the United States Post Office Department, the predecessor of the U.S. Postal Service.

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Today in History: February 17, serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer sentenced to life in prison

In 1862, William Wallace Lincoln, the 11-year-old son of President Abraham Lincoln and first lady Mary Todd Lincoln, died at the White House from what was believed to be typhoid fever.

In 1905, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Jacobson v. Massachusetts, upheld, 7-2, compulsory vaccination laws intended to protect the public’s health.

In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an immigration act which excluded “idiots, imbeciles, feeble-minded persons, epileptics, insane persons,” among others, from being admitted to the United States.

In 1939, more than 20,000 people attended rally held by the German American Bund, a pro-Nazi organization, at New York’s Madison Square Garden.

In 1965, America’s Ranger 8 spacecraft crashed into the moon’s surface, as planned, after sending back thousands of pictures of the lunar surface.

In 1998, American Tara Lipinski became the youngest-ever Olympic figure skating gold medalist when she won the ladies’ title at the Nagano (NAH’-guh-noh) Olympic Winter Games; American Michelle Kwan won the silver.

In 2003, a fire sparked by pyrotechnics broke out during a concert by the rock group Great White at The Station nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island, killing 100 people and injuring over 200 others.

Today’s birthdays:

Racing Hall of Famer Roger Penske is 88.
Hockey Hall of Famer Phil Esposito is 83.
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is 83.
Film director Mike Leigh is 82.
Actor Brenda Blethyn is 79.
Actor Sandy Duncan is 79.
Newspaper heiress Patricia Hearst is 71.
Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is 62.
Model Cindy Crawford is 59.
Actor Andrew Shue is 58.
Actor Lili Taylor is 58.
Singer Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys) is 50.
Actor Lauren Ambrose is 47.
Actor Jay Hernandez is 47.
MLB pitcher Justin Verlander is 42.
Comedian-TV host Trevor Noah is 41.
Actor Miles Teller is 38.
Singer Rihanna is 37.
Singer-actor Olivia Rodrigo is 22.

Which Seagate external hard drive is best?

We have all heard hundreds of times how important it is to back up our data, yet the majority of us don’t do it often enough. If you have a Seagate external drive available for your computer or gaming console, the backup process is fast and easy, and you can leave your external drive plugged in for a storage boost.

Seagate external drives are available in a range of sizes to meet different needs. In addition, they are available as HDDs or SSDs, which vary significantly in their speed and cost.

To learn more about Seagate external drives, continue reading our buying guide. Our favorite model is the Seagate Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive, which delivers the best mix of value and performance levels.

HDD vs. SSD

When picking a Seagate external drive, you can choose between two popular storage technologies: HDD and SSD.

HDD

HDD technology, short for hard disk drive, appears in most Seagate external drives. It uses spinning platters and a read/write head to save and retrieve your data.

HDD technology has been around for several decades. It’s a reliable technology, but if you drop the external drive, the read/write head could break, leaving your data inaccessible.

People tend to choose an HDD when they want huge external storage drives from Seagate at a reasonable price per TB of storage.

SSD

SSD technology, short for solid-state drive, is a newer storage technology. It does not use moving parts to store bits of data, so if you drop an SSD, it has a better chance of remaining viable than an HDD storage unit.

SSD is quite a bit more expensive per terabyte than HDD in storage drives from any manufacturer, including Seagate.

Seagate sells SSD external storage drives at smaller capacities than its HDD external drives, so it may not work well for those with hundreds of huge files to store, like videos and photos. However, SSDs have faster read/write speeds than HDDs, making them popular for tasks like video editing or gaming.

Seagate external hard drive features

When comparing Seagate hard drives, you’ll want to focus on a few specific features.

Size

Those who store quite a few video files or photos will need a large-capacity Seagate external drive. You may want a drive of 2TB or larger to handle big files. Some customers may want a drive of 1TB or smaller to save some money. A terabyte is equal to roughly 1,000 gigabytes.

Power source

Some Seagate external drives run from the USB cable already plugged into the computer. Others require a separate power cable, which is less convenient, particularly if you have limited available ports.

USB connection

USB 3.0 and USB 3.1 (USB-C) deliver faster transfer speeds than USB 2.0. You may want a Seagate external drive that supports USB 3.0 or 3.1, especially if you plan to transfer large photo or video files.

Portability

Some external Seagate drives have a more portable design than others. These drives can be thick and bulky, which makes it tough to slip them into a backpack or briefcase. Others are thin and lightweight, which is ideal for using an external drive with a laptop or other portable device.

Seagate external hard drive price

When considering the price of Seagate external storage drives, compare the cost per TB of storage. HDDs will cost about $25-$35 per TB of storage. SSDs may cost up to $100-$200 per TB of storage.

Seagate external hard drive FAQ

Can I daisy-chain multiple Seagate external drives to each other for extra storage space?

A. No. These drives are not made to connect to each other. They’re only made to connect to a computer — one per USB port.

Do Seagate external hard drives fail faster than internal hard drives?

A. No, unless unexpected factors occur, such as if you drop the drive. These external drives should last a few years, even with regular use.

Best Seagate external hard drives

Top Seagate external hard drive

Seagate Expansion Desktop External Hard Drive

What you need to know: This is a good value for a hard drive that delivers plenty of storage space for most users.

What you’ll love: It’s compatible with USB 3.0 ports and works with either Windows or Mac computers.

What you should consider: It needs a separate power cord to operate rather than pulling power through the USB cable.

Top Seagate external hard drive for the money

Seagate Backup Plus Portable External Hard Drive

What you need to know: You won’t find a better price on a high-capacity Seagate external drive.

What you’ll love: It ships with integrated software to simplify making backups.

What you should consider: It has odd performance quirks with some Macintosh computers.

Worth checking out

Seagate Backup Plus Desktop External Hard Drive

What you need to know: This hard drive is designed to handle huge media files with fast transfer speeds over USB 3.0.

What you’ll love: It has a desirable amount of storage for the price you’ll pay. It’s made for those with large storage requirements.

What you should consider: The bulky design makes carrying this drive in a bag or briefcase difficult.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which steak knife set is best?

Nothing ruins the chargrilled perfection of a beautifully seared steak faster than a dull knife. The blade grabs and shreds rather than slices, changing the texture of the steak and drying it out with a series of ragged cuts. Dull knives can also be dangerous, forcing you to apply more pressure to cut. The best steak knife set is beautiful, functional and seriously sharp.

If you are looking for a well-crafted, durable set of knives, the Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knife Set is a great choice.

What to know before you buy a steak knife set

Number of knives

A good steak knife set is a must if you regularly serve grilled meats. You’ll need to get enough knives for everyone when family and friends sit down to eat. Most steak knife sets come in six, but it’s possible to find sets of eight or more.

Blade and handle material

Most steak knives are made from either stainless steel or high-carbon steel (although ceramic is gaining in popularity). Stainless steel is durable and resists rust, but it can also be flimsy if it’s not of good quality. High-carbon steel is popular for its longevity and ability to keep a sharp edge but can cost more.

Handles are available in wood, plastic resin materials or metal. Wood is classic, but more modern designs can be found in plastic and metal.

Type of blade

There are three basic types of blades: serrated, straight and hollow.

Serrated: These blades stay sharper longer as there are more cutting surfaces along the entire edge. The sawing action of these is best for roasts and crusty bread. Serrated knives stay sharp longer but can be sharpened when needed.
Straight: Straight blades are best for a seamless cut. They do not tear the meat but produce a clean cut. The blade is easily sharpened.
Hollow: The finest slices are created by a hollow steak knife blade. There are slight indentations along the side of the blade that prevent slices of food from clinging to the knife. These can also be sharpened easily.

What to look for in a quality steak knife set

Knife block

An included knife block makes for easier storage. Knife blocks also protect your knives from damage they might incur when banging around in a silverware drawer.

Full-tang knives

The tang of a knife is the part that extends into the handle. A full-tang knife reaches to the end of the handle and also spans its width. This type of steak knife feels weightier and is more durable than a knife with a tang that narrows to insert into the handle.

Easy to sharpen

Every knife will dull with use. The best steak knife set will be easy to sharpen and hold its edge longer.

Triple-riveted handles

Triple-riveted handles with no visible gaps or evidence of joinery are going to be stronger and more durable. Generally, these also feel better in the hand, as the whole construction feels more substantial.

Comfortable and balanced

A good knife feels comfortable and balanced in the hand. That means that the handle fits nicely whether you use it in your right or left hand, and the blade feels substantial in relation to the knife. The handle and blade should feel about the same weight.

How much you can expect to spend on a steak knife set

Steak knives can be a good investment if you regularly indulge in delicious cuts of steak, chicken and other meats. Expect to spend $50-$200 on a set of six or more.

Steak knife set FAQ

How do you care for steak knives?

A. Your steak knives should not be washed in the dishwasher. The high heat of the drying cycle causes the handles to warp, and other silverware can ding the blade.

Instead, hand-wash each knife in mild detergent and warm water. Dry them completely before storing.

How do you sharpen steak knives?

A. All steak knives, even serrated ones, need to be sharpened eventually. There are a few different methods  — which one works best depends on the type of blade and blade material you’re dealing with.

Straight or hollow steel blades can be honed after each use with a honing steel. This straightens the blade but does not remove any material.  To sharpen this type of blade, use a damp whetstone and run the blade across it from handle to tip at a 15-degree angle. Do this multiple times on each side, testing the blade for sharpness after a dozen or so strokes.

Serrated steak knives can be sharpened with a ceramic sharpening rod or a triangle sharpener. Each of these is designed to get into each toothed area.

Of course, the easiest way to sharpen your steak knives is to send them out to a professional. Many grocery and hardware stores provide this service.

What’s the best steak knife set to buy?

Top steak knife set

Wusthof Gourmet Steak Knife Set

What you need to know: Professional chefs rely on this brand, and their steak knives are of similar professional quality.

What you’ll love: They are well-balanced in the hand and easy to use. The high-carbon stainless steel blades are strong and hold an edge and the handles are triple-riveted and resist warping or discoloration.

What you should consider: It’s an expensive set if you only need steak knives occasionally.

Top steak knife set for the money

Dalstrong Steak Knife Set with Modular Storage Block

What you need to know: These knives are sharp, durable and come with a beautiful storage block.

What you’ll love: German steel makes these knives strong and sharp. The handles are hefty and balanced. Triple rivets keep handles secured to the tang of each knife. The storage block can be stored both vertically and horizontally in a drawer.

What you should consider: If you have limited space, the storage block is not a good option.

Worth checking out

Imarku 6-Piece Steak Knives

What you need to know: This is a solid set of knives at a reasonable price.

What you’ll love: The high-carbon stainless steel blade resists rust and corrosion. It has a one-piece full-tang blade secured by two rivets in the handle. The handle itself is made of wood and feels good in the hand, and this set comes in a gift box.

What you should consider: Some users found them too light.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

Which paella pan is best?

Originally from Valencia, a rice-growing region in Spain, paella is a slow-cooked dish of meat, seafood and vegetables that are all simmered with saffron. This deeply flavored culinary masterpiece uses a pan that is wide and fairly shallow. This exposes as much of the rice as possible to the bottom, allowing it to form the crispy crust — the socarrat — that paella is famous for.

The Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan is the pan professionals choose when cooking at home. It’s durable, well-made and nonstick with proper seasoning and care.

What to know before you buy a paella pan

Material

This dish’s high cooking temperature and long duration of cooking require that a paella pan be durable and able to heat evenly.

There are several materials to choose from.

Carbon steel: Carbon steel is the traditional material for paella pans designed to last for generations. They heat evenly and hold that heat for a long time, but they need special care to prevent rust and remain nonstick.
Cast iron: Cast iron is great for use over an open flame, but it is very heavy. It also requires specific seasoning and care. You can get enameled cast iron, which is easier to care for.
Nonstick steel: These pans are not traditional, but they do provide a nonstick surface. Make sure you select a pan that is PFOA-free.
Stainless steel: These pans work well and look great, but they don’t release food as easily and can be expensive.

Capacity

Paella pans are traditionally large, up to 32 inches in diameter, but they can be as small as 8 inches. Regardless of the size, the pan should have straight sides that are no more than 3 inches deep. This shallow surface helps achieve the perfect texture of rice, meat, seafood and vegetables.

Nonstick vs. raw materials

While nonstick pans make food release more easily, some cooks prefer to limit the number of potential chemicals leaching into their food. Look for raw materials, such as steel or cast iron.

What to look for in a quality paella pan

Stay-cool handles

It is hard to find stay-cool handles on a paella pan. These are usually coated with something that minimizes heat transfer from the pan. If you don’t want to fuss with pot holders, this is a useful feature. However, keep in mind that even stay-cool handles can get warm, and proceed with caution.

Dimples

The dimples on the bottom of a paella pan look like the dimples on a golf ball. These shallow indentations promote even heating.

Lid

Lids are optional because they are not traditionally used to prepare paella. However, if you plan to use your pan for other dishes where a lid would come in handy, this is a nice addition to have.

Free from harmful chemicals

Many people avoid nonstick cookware due to the potential for chemicals to leach into food. The newest generation of these slippery pans uses coatings that are PFOA-free and nontoxic, with no chance of food contamination.

How much you can expect to spend on a paella pan

When it comes to these pans, the lower the price, the lower your expectations should be. Expect to spend $25-$250.

Paella pan FAQ

What else can you prepare in a paella pan?

A. If you don’t have the space — or patience — for a unitasking kitchen tool, don’t worry. Use your paella pan to prepare:

Stir-fries.
Shallow-fried chicken.
Egg dishes.
Gratin.
Pancakes.
Sautéed vegetables.
Jambalaya.
Curries.
Pork chops.
Steaks.
One-skillet meals (on the stovetop or in the oven).

Can paella pans be used on induction burners or backyard grills?

A. Some paella pans are safe for use on all surfaces, including induction burners and backyard grills. If you want a versatile pan that can be used on every cooking surface, cast iron is your best bet. It is heavy, but its durable construction and ability to be nonstick with proper care make it a good choice.

Do paella pans require special care?

A. Some paella pans do require special care to retain or develop a nonstick surface. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care that are included with your pan.

What’s the best paella pan to buy?

Top paella pan

Matfer Bourgeat Black Steel Paella Pan

What you need to know: Once this pan is seasoned, it releases every morsel easily.

What you’ll love: The deep sides of this pan accommodate large batches of paella. It weighs 7.6 pounds and feels substantial. The handles are oven-safe at high temperatures. This pan works on all surfaces, including induction burners.

What you should consider: It is the most expensive option, so if you don’t make paella often, you might want to choose a different pan.

Top paella pan for the money

Ecolution Sol Paella Pan

What you need to know: This slightly smaller pan is good for people with less storage space who still want a well-constructed pan.

What you’ll love: It’s a 15-inch nonstick pan that uses Hydrolon, a water-based, nontoxic coating, on durable carbon steel. Dimples on the bottom distribute heat evenly. The handles are chrome-plated to stay cool, and the pan is dishwasher-safe. The packaging is made from 70% recycled material.

What you should consider: It feels less substantial than more expensive models.

Worth checking out

Garcima Carbon Steel Paella Pan

What you need to know: It’s a pan that makes paella for a group of six to 10 people.

What you’ll love: The carbon steel distributes heat evenly through dimples hammered into the bottom of the pan. It heats quickly and is great for cooking eggs too. It comes with recipes and is made in Spain.

What you should consider: Because it is raw steel, it requires additional care.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.