34. A saucepan with an ergonomic handle

2-Quart Saucepan, available at Sardel, $85

I used to work in professional kitchens, and one of the banes of my existence was trying to lift, shake, and carry heavy pots or pans that had poorly shaped handles. Sardel's five-fly stainless steel pots and pans use a rounded ergonimic handle that makes them so much more comfortable to hold and move.

They're also relatively affordable when compared to the classics like All-Clad, but I think they'll hold up just as well. At least, they have so far. —Sally Kaplan, editor