You know which kitchen utensils are your favorites - they are the ones you automatically reach for whenever you're cooking. When your favorites are in the dishwasher, you won't cook until they're clean and back within reach! Learn a little about buying the best utensils for your money.

Your cooking style
Take a moment and really think about your cooking style. If you typically cook from mixes and convenience products, an expensive mandoline, cherry pitter or oyster shucking knife just won't be used. Some tools will be used in any kitchen: spatulas, good knives, sturdy pots and pans, and heavy kitchen towels. On the other hand, if you do enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, a fancy tool may become indispensible. As Peg Bracken says, "one girl's Mouli is another girl's mistake."

• Spatulas
• Mini Food Processor

Your current favorites
When your favorite kitchen tools wear out, it's natural to buy the same brand. Sometimes that's a good idea, if the utensils lasted a long time and worked well. But check around a bit first. Some manufacturers make different qualities of the same tool, so you may be able to 'trade up' a bit. Or you could try another brand altogether, and fall in love all over again.

The brands you love
Some brands will always justify your trust in them. I love Williams-Sonoma kitchen tools, and always replace my spatulas and rubber scrapers with the same brand. You may have your own favorites, so trust your taste and instinct.

Don't be tempted!
We all have a drawer or box filled with utensils bought in a flush of inspiration, which now are ignored. Think about the utensils you buy, how often you cook the foods they are made for, and if this is an impulse purchase. You may love shrimp, but if you hate cleaning them, a fancy new shrimp peeler you spot at the grocery store may not be the answer.