Most cookware lines lack a small, convenient pot for minor tasks: This half-quart saucepan from Küchenprofi fills that gap. Use this small pot for quick stovetop tasks, like melting butter; it comes with one spout on each side, ideal for pouring heated sauce or broth, as well as an ergonomic, heat-proof handle that’ll keep your hand safe from burns. Clad-bottom pots are ideal saucepans: They have a layered base, usually comprised of a heat-conductive copper or aluminum center sandwiched inside an external stainless steel layer, which concentrates heat at the bottom of the pot for faster cooking. This one has high quality 18/8 stainless steel sides (complete with metric gradation marks through 500 millimeters) and a magnetic steel encapsulated base that’s compatible with induction, gas and electric stoves.

• Net Weight: 25.8 grams
• Length: 12.2 inches
• Material: 18/10 stainless steel
• Care: Dishwasher-safe

Field's cast-iron skillets work just as well as other brands but are so much more lightweight—the 10-inch model weighs just 4 pounds, at least 20% less than other models. The inside of the pans are also well burnished so they're smooth, not rough, for low-stick cooking, especially if you've seasoned your skillet properly. The Field skillets come pre-seasoned and are available in a range of sizes to suit the needs of any home cook. Choose between the No. 4, a compact 6-inch pan that's perfect for morning eggs and personal grilled cheese; the medium-sized 10-inch No. 8 or 12-inch No. 10; or the No. 12, a generous 14-inch skillet that is our favorite for big batches and campfire cooking. You can purchase the custom Field Company cast iron lids here.

Get better control over your cooking with these ergonomic tongs. Their small, angular shape, paired with a laser-cut ridged interior, make easy work of picking up everything from a hot piece of toast to slippery green beans. They’re super springy, which means the tongs always pop back into shape after use. With their sleek finish, the Tsukam tongs transition beautifully from kitchen to table—try putting them out with a bread basket so guests can snag bread slices or rolls.

We like this durable 4-inch double mesh strainer from HIC because it will stay put. The two handles, a long hooked one and a short notch on the other side, are long enough to allow it to rest securely on the edge of pots, pans, mixing bowls and containers so our hands are free to measure and pour. The hooked end for is also good for hanging. This must-have kitchen tool is ideal for sifting, draining, straining and sieving foods and beverages. Use it to remove lumps, seeds, skins and other fibrous items for velvety smooth sauces and soups. It also can be used to rinse legumes, rice and grains before cooking and can catch seeds and pulp when juicing fresh citrus. And it doubles nicely as a sifter.

Our very own Matthew Card (our creative director of recipes and products) loves this stylish and functional mini spatula: “This the best tool I've ever used for getting the last little bits out of a jar. It's really perfectly designed to get into every nook and cranny. With its wood core, it's solid enough to use some force, too; many other brands bend, so they aren't really that useful.” It helps cut down on food waste by squeezing into the corners of jars and packages, and its slender shape is great for swiping the sides of blenders and food processors.

Small but mighty, this dishwasher-friendly tool is our choice for mashing jobs of all sizes. The compact 2.5-inch head easily mashes avocados, berries, bananas, boiled eggs and cooked vegetables like carrots and parsnips. This convenient tool is also compact enough to take on the road—mash avocados or berries on site at picnics or the beach. The masher’s hand-finished head fits neatly into cups and bowls for easier cleanup and more efficient food prep. Made of durable stainless steel, it will stand up to heat, corrosion and daily wear and tear for years.

Made in Japan, this unique tool doubles as a measuring tool and a whisk, giving you the perfect dollop of miso every time for consistent cooking. Simply dip the rounded wire end into your tub of miso, turn it and gently lift it out to get a consistently portioned blob of miso every time. Then, just stir the whisk-like tool in your pot to dissolve the miso. Bonus: No need to clean more than one utensil. Available in both small (1 tablespoon) and large (2 tablespoon) options.

This 6-inch mini whisk from Mrs. Anderson’s Baking is perfectly sized for mixing and blending small quantities, like beating a single egg to glaze pastry dough or mixing a spice blend. Made from high quality 18/8 stainless steel, this little whisk is strong enough to incorporate powders, like hot chocolate or whey protein, into liquid or to produce light and fluffy eggs. After use, the dishwasher-safe mini whisk hangs by a hook on its handle for convenient storage.