New to the whole-food, plant-based diet lifestyle or just looking for some new kitchen gadgets? This post might be for you! Here, I will just share some of the tools and appliances that we use daily to make plant-based cooking easier and more enjoyable. The list isn’t exhaustive :D—just a peek into what works for us.
Appliances
Instant Pot
An absolute must-have for hassle-free, time-saving pressure cooking, especially for beans and steaming vegetables. If you have an instant pot, you likely won’t need a separate rice or grain cooker. Bonus: most electric pressure cookers come with a stainless steel insert, avoiding the non-stick coatings (like Teflon) that many rice cookers still use. Teflon scratches easily over time and isn’t considered food-safe.
Air Fryer
Super convenient for air frying, baking, reheating, and roasting. Some examples:
Air-fry tofu, mushrooms, and potatoes
Roast peppers and eggplants
Some air fryers come with a dehydrating function, but they may be too small for batch dehydration. In that case, a regular oven is more suitable.
Oven
Great for baking and dehydrating. At the time of writing, I’m not currently using an oven—ours broke, and I plan to replace it with a multifunctional one, especially for dehydrating.
High-Speed Blenders
A must-have for smoothies and blended soups. For soups, I use a blender with glass container.
Food-processor
For sauces, nice creams, pastes, hummus, chopping veggies for dumpling fillings and patties.
Juicer
Not a daily-use item for me—I go through stretches of using only blenders. If fruits and veggies are in season and taste good blended (with all the fiber), I’ll usually stick with the high-speed blender.
Cookware
Cast Iron Wok
Versatile for quick sautéing, stir-frying, simmering, and even making stews. Durable and non-toxic when seasoned properly.
Non-stick or ceramic skillet
Ideal for pancakes, and in general low-oil or oil-free sautéing.
Clay (Earthenware) Pots
Great for cooking soups and stews.
Utensils
Chinese cleaver or sharp chef’s knife: Whatever feels comfortable. Great for chopping fruits, veggies, and herbs.
Small knife or vegetable peeler
Wooden cutting board
Grater – For zesting citrus or shredding vegetables.
Garlic press
Silicone spatulas – Great for scraping down containers and minimizing food waste.
Measuring cups and spoons – Even if you usually cook by feel, these are essential for trying or developing new recipes with consistent results.
Tongs – Essential for flipping tofu or veggies in the air fryer and for tossing salads.
Spiralizer – For veggie noodles like zucchini “zoodles.”
Bonus: On My Wishlist
Ninja Creami – I haven’t tried one yet, but it could be one of the healthiest ways to satisfy sweet cravings with whole ingredients.
Plant-based milk maker – Something hassle-free that delivers dry pulp and eliminates the need for nut milk bags.
What’s on your kitchen wishlist? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what tools or appliances you swear by or dream of adding!
