Vegetable peeler

For such a humble tool, there's a bewildering range of peelers on the market. No matter what the design, a good-quality peeler must have a comfortable handle and a sharp blade that glides over the surface without much effort from you. If you're left-handed, make sure the blade works in both directions, or choose one specially designed for 'lefties'.

Many people swear by the vertical swivel-bladed peeler. The swivel action allows the blade to closely follow the shape of the item you're peeling, so there's very little wastage. It has a pointed tip for gouging out blemishes, and a central slot which should be wide and long enough not to trap peelings.

Others are happiest with a Y-shaped peeler. This has a horizontal swivel blade spanning the tips of the Y. It makes swift work of potatoes, but doesn't have a pointed tip for removing blemishes.

The Lancashire peeler is a traditional model with a string-wrapped handle and a V-shaped fixed blade. It has a narrow slot that gets clogged easily, but it does have a pointed tip.

As well as peeling vegetables, peelers are handy for shaving delectable slices of Parmesan cheese, and slivers of zest from citrus fruit.