1. The Trusty Blender
You don’t need a blender to be vegan, but let’s be honest—life is better with one. Smoothies, soups, nut milks, sauces... all effortless if you have a decent blender. A high-speed option like a Vitamix or Ninja will pulverise anything in its path, including that handful of kale you promised yourself you'd eat. If you’re on a budget, a standard jug blender or even an immersion blender will do the job. Just be prepared for the occasional surprise chunk.
2. Air Fryer
If you think an air fryer is just for making chips (sorry, “fries” for any Americans lurking), you’re missing out. This magical little box crisps up tofu, cauliflower wings, falafel, and even Brussels sprouts without drowning everything in oil. It’s also ideal for reheating leftovers without making them sad and soggy. Think of it as a way to be a bit healthier while still enjoying crispy goodness.
3. Tofu Press
Tofu is wonderful, but straight out of the packet, it’s wetter than a British summer. A tofu press does exactly what it says—presses tofu to remove excess water, making it firmer and much better at absorbing marinades. Yes, you can squish it under a stack of cookbooks, but a tofu press does the job properly (and with less risk of your favourite novel getting covered in soy water).
4. A Good Knife
If you’ve ever tried dicing a sweet potato with a blunt knife, you’ll know that it’s a shortcut to an existential crisis. A sharp, reliable chef’s knife is a must. It makes slicing, dicing, and mincing a joy rather than a test of patience. Bonus: you’re far less likely to end up in A&E with a nasty cut (blunt knives are actually more dangerous).
5. Spiraliser
Zoodles (courgette noodles, for the uninitiated) are one of those things that sound like a great idea—until you try making them with a standard grater and realise life is too short. A spiraliser turns courgettes, carrots, and even butternut squash into noodle-like strands with minimal effort. Is it essential? No. But it does make you feel like a professional, and that’s half the battle.
6. A Food Processor
Energy balls, hummus, homemade veggie burgers—none of these things are enjoyable if you have to mash everything with a fork. A food processor speeds up the process, making light work of nuts, dates, chickpeas, and anything else that would otherwise require superhuman patience. Just be prepared for it to take up far too much counter space.
7. Cast Iron Pan
A good cast iron pan is perfect for cooking everything from crispy tofu to caramelised onions. It heats evenly, lasts forever, and doubles as a makeshift weight if you forget to buy a tofu press. Just remember to actually look after it—yes, that means seasoning it properly and not letting it rust in the sink for three days.
8. Nut Milk Bag
Making your own almond, oat, or cashew milk is surprisingly easy—as long as you have a nut milk bag (or a very fine sieve and an unhealthy amount of patience). It lets you strain out the pulp, leaving you with fresh, creamy milk that isn’t packed with weird additives. Plus, you get to feel incredibly smug about how wholesome you are.
9. A Decent Set of Storage Containers
Batch cooking is a lifesaver, but not if you’re still using mismatched takeaway containers with lids that mysteriously vanish. Invest in some good glass or BPA-free plastic containers to store all your soups, stews, and curries. Your future self will thank you when they open the fridge and see actual meals instead of sad, half-eaten vegetables.
10. A Proper Peeler
You wouldn’t think a peeler could change your life, but try using a bad one and get back to me. A good, sharp peeler makes prepping veg a breeze, saving you time, frustration, and the risk of losing a fingernail in the process.
Do You Need All of These?
Of course not. But having even a few of them will make your plant-based kitchen experience far less of a faff. Cooking vegan meals doesn’t have to be a chore—arm yourself with the right tools, and you’ll spend less time battling tofu and more time enjoying your food. Plus, any excuse to buy new kitchen gadgets is a win in my book.
