This silicone spoon/spatula from Chef’n is my new go-to tool. It has a steel core, so it’s sturdy enough for mixing thick batters and soups, and the silicone means it’s heat-resistant, so there are no worries when scraping rice from the bottom of a nonstick pan.

It’s part of Chef’n’s Switchit line of utensils, which means both ends are angled for optimum use. The narrow end works for scraping tomato paste out of the can, while the shallow spoon delivers a quick taste. And because it’s silicone, it doesn’t stain, is dishwasher safe, and comes in five vibrant colors. Cost is $11, and you can buy it atChefTools.com.