A really well made utilitarian thing -- a ladle, a drill, a car -- gives me the joy of discovering its excellence and the design behind it. If I have a really good ladle, that works noticeably better than any other ladle I have ever had, then each time I pour soup, I get to contemplate the many flashes of brilliance and care that went into designing and making this ladle. As I pour soup and contemplate the design of the ladle, I become a better engineer myself even, pondering how the makers thought to curve the side just so, etc.

And that is EASILY worth $20.00 and 15 minutes looking at reviews.