When it comes to these kitchen tools, accept no substitutes.

Wooden Spoons

Wood is attractive, durable, and a poor conductor of heat, so you won't burn your fingers stirring soup.
Look for: Closely grained hardwood and a grip-friendly round handle.
Good buy: 14-inch olive-wood spoon, $11, Williams Sonoma, www.williams-sonoma.com for store locations.

Spring-Action Tongs

They do everything — from turning chops, steaks, or fried chicken to grabbing hot ears of corn from a stockpot.
Look for: Stainless-steel construction and locking handles.
Good buy: 12-inch Edlund commercial-quality scalloped locking tongs, $9, www.surlatable.com.

Slotted Spatula

The angled ones are easy to maneuver and great for turning fish.
Look for: A rugged angled blade that's securely attached to the handle.
Good buy: Lamson-Sharp stainless-steel Chef's Turner with a 3-by-6-inch blade, $30, www.lamsonsharp.com.

Sauce Whisk

It makes short work of salad dressings, pastry cream, egg whites, and whipped cream.
Look for: Wires securely connected to the handle.
Good buy: Best Manufacturers 12-inch wood-handle French whip, $9, www.biggestlittlekitchenstore.com.

Swivel-Action Peeler

It glides effortlessly over the bumpiest terrain, creating ribbons of apple or zucchini.
Look for: A rubber grip.
Good buy: Oxo Stainless Steel Peeler, $8, www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

Flexible Spatula

A well-scraped bowl is a thing of beauty: no waste and easy to clean.
Look for:Heat-resistant heads for stovetop stirring.
Good buy: Le Creuset silicone spatulas, $4.50 to $13 each, www.surlatable.com.

Strainer

It works overtime and wears many hats. from makeshift sifter to pasta drainer, steamer, and bean rinser.
Look for:A big bowl, sturdy mesh, and a ring on the rim that allows it to rest over bowls.
Good buy: Oxo Good Grips 8-inch Double Rod strainer, $20, www.bedbathandbeyond.com.