Handy Kitchen Equipment for Plant-Based Cooking

These are just suggestions of course, and not all are necessities. You can start with just a good sharp paring knife, a cutting board, a cheap steamer basket, a large soup pot, and a basic inexpensive blender to get started on your plant-based journey.

Sharp Knives - My number one tool! I love knives by Global and Wusthof

Cutting boards - I like to have several on hand in different sizes because in all honesty, when you are on a plant-based diet, you tend to chop a ton of fresh veggies, fruit, tofu, tempeh, etc.

High-Speed Blender by Vitamix - Yes, I spent $400 on a kitchen blender and it was the been thing I ever did. I use it every day. Sometimes multiple times a day. Amazing for smoothies, sauces, dressings, hummus, ice creams, soups, seriously everything.

Juicer - Although you can make fresh vegetable and fruit juices in a high-speed blender, I prefer an actual juicer. I have two types of juicers ( definitely not necessary ). One for quick juices ( a centrifugal juicer ) that I plan on drinking immediately ( my juicer is by Breville ) and cold-pressed ( masticating juicer ) for when I’m making a large batch of juice and plan on drinking them over the course or 2 or 3 days ( my juicer is by Omega )

Salad Spinner - For obvious reasons.

Food processor - I love this for chopping large quantities of nuts, making hummus, falafels, bean burgers, salsa, raw granola, cookies, so many things! My food processor is by Cuisinart

Dutch Oven - My stepmother gifted me a large Le Creuset Signature Cast-Iron Round Dutch Oven. It is gorgeous and I use it for so many things.

Rice Cooker - Yes, I consider a rice cooker to be a must-have. So much so, I even had one in my college dorm room. I finally invested in a really nice one and it was worth every penny!

Stainless Steel Cookware - My mother gifted me a beautiful set about 10 years ago and it’s still going strong.

Veggie peelers - I use these all the time for peeling potatoes or to slice cucumbers into thin strips. I also use a julienne peeler for carrots, cucumbers, green papayas, etc.

Veggie Spiralizer/ Veggie noodle maker - definitely not necessary but I love this gadget.

Cookie Sheets and Parchment paper - I try not to use a lot of oil, so baking is my preferred way of cooking if applicable. Parchment paper works perfectly as an oil replacer.

Steamer baskets - Metal and/or Bamboo - these tools are so essential for low-fat cooking. I especially love these for Chinese steam buns and heating potstickers.

Bamboo sushi roller - This makes veggie sushi assembly so easy! 

Coffee grinder - This is great for grinding flax seeds and herbs. 

Aerolatte - Perfect for mixing adaptogenic herbs and mushrooms into tonics or frothy nut milk lattes. I’ve even used this lil’ gadget to emulsify a single serving of homemade salad dressing. Not sure if that’s right use for this kitchen tool but it works great!

Popsicle Molds - These are fun to play with. So many recipes out there for healthy pops! Perfect for kids.

French Press coffee maker - I love loose tea ( especially hibiscus ). So the French Press is perfect for this. I also like to slice up fresh ginger, add some honey, boiling water, and then let this steep for hours. Pour in a large Mason jar and transfer to the fridge. This makes such a refreshing ice tea!

Mason Jars in multiple sizes and glass juice bottles - I try to steer clear of plastic as much as possible and store everything from salad dressings to dried rice in glass Mason jars. I’ve also ordered some pretty 16 oz and 18 oz juice bottles over the years from Amazon that come with stainless steel tops. I love these for juice prepping a few days in advance.

Muffin tins, loaf pans, pie dishes and large ceramic baking dishes - I bought some at Target recently ( by the Hearth and Hand brand ) and they are beautiful.

Lots of wood mixing spoons and spatulas. My husband is a bit obsessed with these and always tends to pick up something new on our travels. They always come in handy though!