Every cook should have one of these spatulas in his or her kitchen tool kit. You’ll-find dozens of uses for it, but the spatula’s angled edge and slightly cradled blade make it especially good at maneuvering under and handling delicate items like fish fillets. The slots come into action when you’re poaching fish because they allow the cooking liquid to drain away when you retrieve the fish. Southpaws beware: The angle and curvature of the spatula is usually oriented for right-handers, but left-handed versions are available.

Chefgadget.com carries stainless-steel slotted fish spatulas with wooden handles  for $14.50.  If you are left-handed, Lamson Sharp sells a 3×6-inch fish spatula for lefties for $30.