The Best 30 Tools for the Plant-Based Kitchen

Having the best tools available in the plant-based kitchen help makes this healthy lifestyle a sustainable one. After all – there is a lot more work in preparing real, whole foods than there is in opening a can or a bag of processed “food.”

When you’re cooking plant-forward meals for one or two people, it’s a commitment, and is why I highly advocate having the best tools available to make the job easier.

Trust me when I say there are times the cutting and chopping gets tedious and you remember Uber Eats is only a phone call away. This is especially true when you’re doing you’re starving and you’re doing your absolutely best to eat a healthy meal!

So, whether you are a vegan, vegetarian, or a whole food, plant-based cook, having the right kitchen tools is essential for creating delicious and nutritious meals.

From blenders to knives to food processors, here are 30 must-have tools for any plant-based kitchen.

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Best Prep Tools for the Plant-Based Kitchen

There is definitely a lot of chopping, cutting, blending and slicing going on in a typical plant-based kitchen. But as you know, it takes time to create healthy recipes that contain fresh, whole foods, so finding the right kitchen tools and appliances help make the process quicker and easier.

And as a retired, plant-based solo dweller with a small kitchen, it’s mandatory the items are size-appropriate, well-made, and budget friendly. Below are many of the items I have in my plant-based kitchen, and the products I can’t live without.

Here are some of my favorite tools to help with preparing foods for your plant-based recipes:

1. Chef’s Knife – A good-quality, sharp knife is essential for chopping vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
2. Paring Knife – For peeling and small-detail cutting.
3. Cutting Boards – Always choose wood or BPA-free plastic, and keep a few in your kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
4. Mandoline Slicer – For thinly slicing veggies and fruits quickly.
5. Vegetable Peeler – Great for carrots, potatoes, apples, etc. – make sure it’s easy to hold too!
6. Grater/Zester – Ideal for zesting citrus and grating garlic, ginger, or fresh turmeric.
7. Salad Spinner – Wash and dry greens easily for salads and sautéing.
8. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Stainless steel is nice for both dry and liquid ingredients.
9. Mixing Bowls – Look for stainless steel or glass for mixing dressings, batters, and salads; preferably nesting with lids.
10. Colander or Strainer – This one doubles for straining pastas and for rinsing grains, legumes, and produce.

Basic Plant-Based Kitchen Cooking Tools

Once you’ve prepped all of your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! Having quality cookware makes you appreciate your prep labor for your nutrient-dense recipes, and makes the job more enjoyable.

And bonus points if the item can be used for more than one task, like #19!

11. 4-6 Qt. Stockpot – A 4-quart pot is ideal for soups, stews, grains, etc. if you’re cooking for 1-2. If cooking for more, size up to the 6 quart.
12. Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottom Pot – Excellent for baking bread and slow cooking whole foods.
13. Cast Iron Skillet – For sautéing, pan-roasting, or stir-frying vegetables, can go from stove to oven.
14. Non-Toxic Nonstick Pan – For oil-free cooking or delicate foods like tofu or pancakes.
15. Sheet Pans/Baking Trays – For roasting vegetables and baking – check for non-toxic pans.
16. Steamer Basket or Insert – Steams veggies while retaining nutrients.
17. High-Speed Blender – Essential for smoothies, soups, sauces, and nut-based dressings. Opt for non-toxic glass container!
18. Food Processor – Chops, grinds, and mixes everything from veggie burgers to energy bites.
19. A Quality Multi-Cooker – The 3-quart Instapot is perfect for cooking whole grains, beans, and stews and even yogurt easily.
20. Hand-Blender – Useful for many tasks including blending soups in the pan and more.

READ MORE : Cooking With Fresh Herbs

Best Storage & More Prep Tools for the Plant-Based Kitchen

All plant-based kitchens need to be able to safely store their ingredients and leftover foods, not to mention be able to easily serve their delicious efforts. I prefer to recommend environmentally-friendly options whenever possible

21. Glass Storage Containers – For storing prepped ingredients or leftovers (better than plastic).
22. Mason Jars – For soups, smoothies, grains, dry goods, dressings, etc.
23. Reusable Silicone Bags – Great for storing snacks, soups, leftovers or freezing fruit.
24. Compost Bin or Bowl – For your food scraps and zero-waste living.
25. Oil Dispenser – For easy use of olive oil or avocado oil.
26. Spice Rack or Organizer – For keeping herbs and spices visible and accessible.
27. Salad or Mixing Tongs – For tossing salads and sautéed dishes.
28. Citrus Juicer – For fresh lemon and lime juice.
29. Nut Milk Bag – For making plant-based milks or straining sauces.
30. Digital Food Scale – For portion control, baking, or tracking macros if desired.

My Personal Bonus Recommendations

I love my Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven so much I have literally purchased it twice! My first was purchased in 2017 when they first came out, and I kept it until I accidentally broke the door. I love its compact size, and the latest one has even more features than the first one. I use this little oven every single day, whether it’s for morning toast or to reheat leftovers (I no longer own a microwave).

My next top recommendation for every plant-based kitchen is “The Vegetarian Flavor Bible.” It tells you which foods, herbs and spices pair well with other particular foods, and gives additional flavor combinations and suggestions for nearly any fruit or vegetable you can name! I use this book at least twice a week and it has enhanced my flavors and expanded my palate more than any cooking class.

Another item I recommend is “The Grip” jar opener. It fits under the counter and makes opening jars a breeze.

The last item in my plant-based kitchen that I use everyday are kitchen scissors. I use them to cut bags open, slice herbs quickly, clean peppers, remove stems from beets, carrots, radishes, and more. When preparing a meal, they’re never far away!

READ MORE : 10 Best Kitchen Gift Ideas Under $10

So, I hope you’re able to properly stock your plant-based kitchen based on these recommendations! Many of these items you probably already have, and you certainly don’t have to run out and buy the things you don’t.

Reflect on what types of foods you prepare the most and if any of the recommendations can make the food preparation or cooking easier, then consider adding it to your kitchen. timeless and perfect for herb gardeners and any gardener you know, no matter the occasion or holiday.

And if you need to find gifts for your favorite artsy person or forager, check out 20 Gifts Under $20 for Artsy People and The Best Gifts for Mushroom Lovers and Foragers.

To find out where to purchase or learn more about any of these products for your plant-based kitchen, just click on a particular photo or one of the underlined links above.