Slices, spatulas and tongs

Something of a misnomer, because a fish slice will come in useful when frying all kinds of things. Its flat blade should have plenty of flexibility in it – the rigid ones simply can't slide under delicate things such as fried eggs without damaging them.

The brilliantly designed, flexible, spoon-shaped spatula (Rubbermaid) is far and away the most efficient means of scraping every last drop of sauce out of the pan. It also clears a bowl of dough or other mixture in seconds and much more effectively than scraping with a spoon. It comes in various sizes and I would recommend you invest in a small, medium and large one. You won't be sorry.

These will permit you to turn steaks, chops or sausages without piercing them and losing their juices. My husband insists on a pair for his barbecue.