Author: With all of the kitchen gadgets out there, it can be overwhelming to decide which ones are actually handy, and which ones will just take up space and gather dust. As you start making more vegan recipes you might notice that a lot of recipes require tools you might not have considered before. Everything from dehydrators to spiralizers, high-powered blenders to juicers, and air-fryers to slow cookers. Do we really need all of these things?
As a 7 year vegan, bestselling cookbook author, and full-time food blogger, I've tested them all. To make it easy for you, I've gathered my 25 must-have cooking tools for a vegan kitchen! This is the list of tools that I use all the time- if not daily, then at least weekly.
All the gadgets that gathered dust or just weren't as useful as they claimed to be didn't make it to the list. This is my list of vegan cooking kitchen essentials.
The Basics
These are the tools that even the most minimal kitchen should absolutely have. Make sure you collect all of these kitchen essentials first, before investing in fancier items, or tools you might not use as often.
Chef's knife
My number one most important tool in the kitchen is a good knife. Skip getting the knife set, you really don't need all the extra sizes. Instead invest in one quality chef's knife about 8 inches long. Don't be intimidated by its size, the length will make cutting large fruit and veg such as melons and squash a breeze. The weight of it will aid in chopping, and the width will allow you to scoop up chopped veg and herbs to add to your pan.
Knife Sharpener
Buy a knife sharpener and be sure to use it! A dull knife is not only difficult to work with, but it's also much more dangerous as it can unpredictably roll-off of food instead of cutting straight through it.
Extra-Large Cutting Board
An extra-large cutting board will give you lots of room for all your prep work or to chop larger items such as watermelon. I especially love this one as it has the little moat to catch water from juicy veg or fruit and save it from spilling on your counter.
Parchment Paper
I use parchment paper all the time. It provides a non-stick surface when baking and unlike aluminum foil, it's completely compostable. It's also one of my most common photography backgrounds!
Lemon & Lime Squeezer
This squeezer makes juicing lemons and limes a sinch. I use lemon juice in many of my baked goods and also add it to my drinking water.
Can Opener
If you don't have a quality can opener, now is the time to get one! If you're vegan you're likely going to need to open a lot of cans of beans, tomatoes, jackfruit, and all sorts of other goodies.
Kitchen Scissors
Not only are a quality pair of scissors handy for random snipping jobs, but you can use scissors to quickly cut herbs such as cilantro, chives, or parsley.
Measuring Cups & Spoons Sets
The number one reason why baked goods don't turn out correctly is due to poorly measured ingredients. I'm very careful about measuring all my ingredients using a simple set of cups and spoons and my baked goods (and all my other recipes) turn out perfectly every time!
Mixing Bowls
A decent set of mixing bowls are a must for baking. I love these ones as they have a silicon bottom which will grip to your counter to stop them from sliding.
Baking Pan Set
A simple set of baking pans will allow you to do everything from roasting veggies, to making muffins or cupcakes, baking layer cakes, or preparing sweet or savoury loaves.
Spatulas
I actually prefer spatulas over other types of stirring spoons. Not only can they stir, but they are great at scraping all the bits from the sides of the bowl and are handy for more delicate tasks, such as tossing tofu in marinades, or folding aquafaba into batter.
Whisk
For whipping up sauces, combining marinades, and making baked goods a whisk is a must-have tool. I particularly like this flat whisk as it makes it easier to get into corners of pans, or deglaze pans.
Pots and Pans Set
You don't need the largest set, but a decent selection of pots and pans will last you for years. I'm a big fan of stainless steel for its durability and ease of use. They last much longer than most non-stick pans, and because the handles are also stainless steel (instead of wood or plastic handles) it allows you to use these pans in the oven as well.
Cast Iron Skillet
When it comes to pan-frying I always, always reach for my cast iron skillet. Its natural non-stick surface gets even better with age. The pan cooks evenly and can even be popped directly in the oven.
Big Bowls
Not so much a tool but a staple for any vegan kitchen is to have very large bowls for serving. A large bowl is perfect for assembling Buddha bowls, large salads, plates of pasta, or burrito bowls. Vegan food tends to be less calorie-dense than the standard American diet, so that means your serving size will likely be large. Trust me when I say that if you don't have one yet, a super large bowl will be your new favourite dish!
Upgrades
These are the tools that will take your kitchen skill up a level. Once you have completed the basics list, start adding in these upgrades.
Blender
When you're ready to invest in upgraded kitchen equipment I would recommend the first piece you get is a quality blender. Not only can you make smoothies, but I use mine to make everything from all sorts of sauces, pumpkin cheesecake, vegan cheeses, coffee cream, pasta sauces, salad dressings, soups, dips, and more. In my kitchen, I have both a Blendtec and a Breville Blender both are very high-end blenders. Between the two I prefer the Breville. They are both amazing, but the Breville just works a little better, especially with smaller portions.
Air-Fryer
I'll let you in on a little secret: I love my air fryer. Like, really love it. I think I use it at least once a day, whether it's to make a full meal or just blast something back to life. I say this with confidence: you will never forget the first time you take that special snack out of your air fryer for the first time. So CRISPY! So GOOD. All with little to no oil needed! It even revives foods like cold pizza, stale nacho chips, or that take-out order of (insert fried food name here) that showed up a little soggy or cold. This is a magic machine. You'll love it.
Instant Pot
Who doesn't love an Instant Pot? Going by the number of emails I get a week asking if my recipes are compatible with Instant Pot, I can safely say that this guy has become one of the most popular kitchen gadgets around. And for good reason! According to their site, this "multi-cooker combines 7 kitchen appliances in 1: Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer, prepares dishes up to 70% faster to support your busy lifestyle." Sold!
Zester
The zest from lemons and limes can instantly brighten a meal and add a ton of flavour.
Grill Pan
This one is just for fun, but a grill pan is a great addition to a kitchen. You can use it instead of a BBQ and it makes drool-worthy grill marks on veggies, tofu, seitan or whatever you choose to toss in there.
Garlic Press
Almost every savoury dish I cook starts with a couple of cloves of garlic. Using a press can save you the hassle of finely mincing the garlic and you can avoid the smelly fingers too!
Steamer Basket
If you have an interest in making your own seitan (vegan meat alternative), a nice large steamer pot is recommended. It's not expensive and it will allow you to make vegan steaks, vegan chicken, vegan pepperoni, and all sorts of fun seitan creations.
Tofu Press
While you can press a block of tofu by wrapping it in a tea towel, and placing some heavy objects on top, if tofu pressing is something you think you might do often, I recommend grabbing yourself a tofu press. I love this one as I can toss my tofu in there, pop it in the fridge, and it can press for up to a few days.
Food processor
After a blender, the next investment piece I recommend is a food processor. This will allow you to make all sorts of vegan cheeses, seitan, crusts, pates, dips, veggie burgers, hummus and more. I use (and love) my Breville Food Processor.
Kitchen Scale
As mentioned with the measuring cups and spoons, getting your recipes to turn out perfectly every single time is all about measuring correctly. Using a scale can help you get the correct amount of veggies in a dish, or help you easily calculate accurate nutrition information.
Salad Spinner
Not just for cleaning lettuce, I toss all sorts of veggies in my salad spinner. I love this one as you don't even have to remove the top to fill it with water or to drain it. I also like to pop the entire spinner directly in the fridge with the washed veggies in it as I find doing this helps keep my salad fresher than it would if I stored it in another container.
Electric Mixer
I mixed all my baked goods by hand for years so this is something that isn't a priority but if you're big into baking you might want to consider getting an electric mixer. Electric mixers really come in handy for making coconut whipped cream, whipping aquafaba, or creaming vegan butter and sugar.
I hope you found this list helpful! If you think I missed any kitchen tools that every vegan needs, let me know down below in the comments!
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Fiona says
It is amazing list. I have a question. Ceramic knife is effective and durable? thnak you for the post.
Kerry Brown says
I am a former chef by trade, having worked in the kitchens for about 40 years. I do not use ceramic knives. I have found they chip very easily (granted, they're mostly microscopic chips) and you can't really sharpen them effectively at home. When you first get them they are very sharp but the chip begins and then they don't really slice, they start to "saw". Most home cooks won't notice the difference until it gets bad they they notice it, usually it involves stitches... Knives I stay away from: Ceramic for the reasons above. Cutco brand knives because they "saw" as opposed to slice, and you have to send them away to be sharpened. What a hassle. It doesn't take but two or three times of correct sharpening of your or knives to become good at it.The Cutco brand is good quality but that's the only good thing I can say about it. Also any knife I can't handle before I buy. It has to fit comfortably in your hand. Any brand, be it heckles, Wustof, Wisen,etc. is a good knife it it doesn't feel comfortable in your hand. I use Forschner/Victornox, but I have custom fitted handles.
Lizzie says
I've been using ceramic knives for years and love them. It's true you have to telescope them more often but to me its worth it. You can google some good comparison articles.
Joy Johnson says
I always enjoy your posts and this was no exception. I'd like to add a couple of things. Measuring spoons: The magnetic sets are an absolute must-have for me. You can use them individually yet the set stays together. They have one end for wet and another for dry so you really have two of each size you can get dirty before having to grab another set. I have also learned through the years that the glove shown in the knife sharpening picture is at least as important as the knife sharpener. I've sustained three very serious injuries to my hands through the years and tons of small cuts and slices. Since I've started wearing gloves, not a one. They are so worth the money. I use Cutco knives which I send back to Cutco for sharpening - a free service for life with Cutco knives. You mentioned waffle makers. I do LOVE my Breville 4-up with the display panel. I discovered last Sunday that I can put a vegan breakfast sausage in the center of each pane, closed the lid for a minute, then opened it and put the pumpkin waffle batter (to which I add walnuts or pecans and sometimes chocolate chips) right over the top. When the waffles were done, they had breakfast sausages baked right in their center. Delish.
Sam Turnbull says
Great tips! Thanks, Joy 🙂
Ali says
Joy, what brand are those magnetic measuring spoons? I’ve never heard of them and would love to buy some!
Joy Johnson says
I get them from Amazon. Maybe Sam can post a link.
Sam Turnbull says
No problem, here are some magnetic measuring spoons that I found that look pretty cool!
M says
What size cast iron skillet do you recommend?
Sam Turnbull says
At least a 12 inch or bigger! The more room, the more room you have to fry large batches of things 🙂
Christina says
A mandolin that does a variety of functions (like slicing, spiralizing, grating, or quickly julienning vegetables for a Buddha bowl) can be handy, too. I recently got this one: Fullstar Vegetable Chopper Dicer...
Sam Turnbull says
Awesome! Depending on the food processor you get it might come with these types of attachments as well.
Debbie C Cancino says
Are you still using the Vegetable chopper? How has it worked out? I had a different brand and it never worked. Does this one slice like a mandolin?
Kathy Meloche says
I don’t think you mentioned an immersion blender. Mine has saved me! I didn’t even know about them until I was making the creamy broccoli soup from your book. Yuuummm, by the way!
Christina says
I agree! It’s great for making (nut butter) sauces, too, especially for small batches so I don’t have to wash out a whole blender.
Sam Turnbull says
Haha awesome!!
VeggieTater says
Gonna have to chime in on the Instant Pot, it has changed my world! I'm in a wheelchair after a knee injury and standing over the stove is bad enough, but from a chair it's near impossible. My IP is on a more accessible level and does everything a stove can and more!
Parchment paper is great but silicon mats are reusable and double as non-stick rolling surfaces too. I love my air fryer and Griddler and use them regularly, so pretty much retired the old toaster oven, my former fave appliance. (Heating up the big oven for small meals here in S. Fl is not a good thing.) My son says I need a kitchen for my kitchen, with all my big jars of beans and grains, bulk spices, and other goodies, besides all the tools! LOL
Sam Turnbull says
I clearly have to get my hands on an Instant Pot!
Mary verkuilen says
I agree! An Instant pot is great for cooking rice, beans, grains, your morning oatmeal or oat groats, and potatoes and squash in a fraction of the time. Most have sauté and slow cooker features. You might even want to have two of them as you’ll find yourself needing to use it for everything.
Carol says
I agree! I didn't know what life was like before I bought my Instant Pot. I also bought a top (separate) attachment that dehydrates, air fries, etc. I use mine all the time. It slow cooks, makes yogurt, and has a sous vide setting, too. Well, well worth the money.
Kim says
Hi, would you be able to tell me what air fryer you use? I'm looking to purchase one but not sure what to get. Thank you.
VeggieTater says
My son bought one for himself and loved it so much he bought one for me too! I originally had a generic oval type which worked fine, but was so small. My gift was an Emeril Power AirFryer 360 and I love it more...so much more room and lots of functions! It's a airfryer, toaster oven, dehydrator, broiler, and so on, and has 3 levels for cooking! It comes with one crisper tray but he also got me two more! We rehomed the 3 appliances it replaced to someone who was thrilled to have them and I was so glad... I was feeling a bit extravagant! lol
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Kim, I use and LOVE the Cosori Air Fryer! I will add it to this list 🙂
Alexandra Abraham says
I have all of those already (bar the Tofu press) so I must have been a vegan for years without even knowing it....! 😀
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, love it!
Alexandra Abraham says
I have a Japanese Tamagoyaki pan, which is rectangular and quite heavy, and I confess it fits over a block of tofu really well. I also have an antique set of kitchen scales, complete with metal weights up to 2kg, so they're handy to put into the pan, on top of the tofu. Does the job pretty well, so don't think I need to invest in a tofu press for now....
H says
I’ve been a vegan foe 42 years and have not ever felt that I needed a “tofu press”. I love tofu and it is easily pressed with a strainer and heavy pot - both of which have many uses, are not an ‘extra’ expense and don’t take up extra space. However, if you have an unlimited budget and unlimited space, I imagine they are great.
Sam Turnbull says
I like mine because I can unwrap the tofu when I get it home from the store, toss it in the press and pop that in the fridge. It will press for a few days even so it's good to go when I want it. 🙂
LaTrice Mays says
Hi Sam what do you put inside your green tofu press as a weight. I bought another kind.But considered this one and didnt get it
Sam Turnbull says
You don't need to put anything in it. The press is designed to compress the tofu without any added materials. It works great!
LaTrice Mays says
Sam thanks to much! its on the way to my doorstep!
Sam Turnbull says
I hope you love it!
Toni says
YES! I have this exact tofu press and it was the kitchen gadget I never knew I needed til I got one. Nothing, and I do mean NOTHING, will press the liquid from tofu better than this. And I love that you can pop it in the fridge until you need it. No need for unlimited space nor unlimited budget, as this little baby is small and inexpensive.
Sam Turnbull says
Right!? It's the best for sure 🙂
AN says
Sam, You have some great waffle recipes (especially the one using pumpkin!) Enjoyed many recipes we've tried from your cookbook. 1st printing 🙂 and some from your blog. I have a pushing 50 year old waffle iron that has been slowing down and I hate to give it up but think it's about had it.
DO YOU HAVE A RECOMMENDATION FOR A WAFFLE IRON--OR ANY THOUGHTS ON A DECENT ONE?
THANKS
Sam Turnbull says
Hmmmm I don't. I do have a waffle iron but I don't love it. This one seems to get pretty good reviews tho.
Erik B says
As mentioned:
-Air Fryer (Love my Cosori and Modernkitchen Aria air fryer oven)
-Instant Pot
In addition to 11 or 14 cup food processor:
-Cuisinart Mini Prep Food Processor
Also recommended:
High quality Fuzzy Logic Rice Cooker (Love my Panasonic, but know Zojirushi is top rated) to cook up the best rice and quinoa (does much better than an Instant Pot!).
Sam Turnbull says
Great!
Michael says
Thank you for the list.
I would add bottles with the kind of nozzle in the glass bottles below. For oil, which I use a lot, you easily can pour in just a little oil, but without oil dripping down the neck of the bottle which has to be cleaned up.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/tablecraft-reg-puzzle-shaped-oil-and-vinegar-bottle-set/1012369743?keyword=oil-bottle
Also, if you eat a lot of rice, a rice cooker is useful.
Sam Turnbull says
Great tips, thanks 🙂
Elisa says
One of my clients has a different Hamilton Beach food processor, and I think it's better than my cuisinart (which are annoying because parts crack and they're too expensive to replace!). found it on amazon for the same price.
Hamilton Beach 12-Cup Stack & Snap Food Processor & Vegetable Chopper, Black (70725A)
Also, I have an inexpensive Oster blender and it works great - you don't have to spend $200 on a blender. Mine even has a glass jar and only cost about $30 at Target.
Sam Turnbull says
Great tips!
Shay Leon says
I'll add InstantPot cause it can be used as a steamer, pressure cooker (with timer!) and even making tempeh. (and other usages which I didn't discover yet)
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, alright, alright, I'll get an Instant Pot! Haha
Shay says
yay! go instant pot 🙂
Jay says
... and now there is even an AirFrier lid. It can also bake, roast, steam and more. I love my IP with AirFrier lid
Jezzer says
Sam - where is the spiralizer in this list?
Sam Turnbull says
I had a spiralizer and really only used it a handful of times, I don't think it's a must-have item, it's more of a novelty item. This is the one I recommend if you're looking for one.
Jay says
I have electrical spiralizer and it is much better than hand-cranked one.
Katy says
I have that tofu press and I find it impossible! If anyone has tips of using it that doesn't require 4 arms let me know. This is my favorite tofu press, the Tofu Xpress https://amzn.to/34AuzCH
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, really? I love it! I also have the Tofu Xpress but I still prefer Tofuture 🙂
Katy says
Any tips for use? I can't do it. I end up dumping liquid on myself trying to pull the bands onto it. I also always hurt my fingers.
Kathy says
I love my tofu press. Easy and more uniform. Really did not like using pots or other heavy dishes. I also like that I can refrigerate while in use. Just put the upper portion on and then just attach one side at a time. Start with putting the rubber/elastic on the loosest prong. Then later when you dump excess water( no need to open ) you can tighten it to lower bar. Repeat.
Sheila says
A very handy list - thank you!
I would also recommend an instant pot. About the food processor, I have the Cuisinart (older model with all the disks and mini prep bowl) but it is starting to make a funny squealing noise and may be on its last legs. I agree that Cuisinart is a good value for the money but I have my eye on that Breville Sous Chef processor. Just wondering if you have the 12c or 16c model? I was told to go with the largest capacity I could afford... thoughts?
Sam Turnbull says
I have the 16 cup model, but I think it's actually a bit big so I think I would have preferred the slightly smaller one. I hope that helps!
Sheila says
Thanks Sam, I have been thinking the 16c may be too big.
Hannah says
Your list is awesome! I second the Instant Pot - I've made quite a few soups, rice & pasta in mine. It cleared a lot of space out in my cabinet when I replaced my crock pot with an Instant Pot! I also love my air fryer because I eat a lot of Sweet Potato fries, and it makes them really crispy.
Sam Turnbull says
I have an airfryer which is ok, but I generally feel you can get pretty much the same results by turning on your fan in the oven. I will have to try an Instant pot tho!
Kim says
Hi, would you be able to tell me what air fryer you use as I am looking to purchase one but don't know what brand to get. Thank you.
Josee says
I just found out that parchment paper is compostable. Mind blown! Also... that tofu press in your list is amazing. My hubby got it for me last Christmas when you recommended it on your list last year. 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Yes! It's definitely my fave tofu press!
Vincent says
I would add a good pressure cooker.
Sam Turnbull says
Noted!
Paul says
An instant pot "is" a pressure cooker. My wife has one, ok not that brand but works exactly the same. Cooks in very short period of time and no panicking that the pressure cooker is going to blow. We have a Fagar brand but really, instant pots work a heck of a lot faster and you don't need to worry about it turning into a missile. Which is what happened to my sister and mum way back when... before 1982. Personally I want to tip the pressure cooker to the Salvation Army Store, but wifey won't hear of it.
Bev says
Great list! I would add an Instant Pot--which my husband calls a "Happy Pot." I use it all the time to make vegan yogurt, multigrain pilafs, rice, soups, stews, and more. It is so versatile, eliminating the need for several other appliances.
Sam Turnbull says
I can see here that you're not the only one who voted for an Instant Pot! I clearly have to get my hands on one!