Say goodbye to meal prep stress—these must-have kitchen gadgets for vegetarians are perfect for beginners who are ready to get cooking!
Cooking as a new vegetarian doesn’t have to be a chore—in fact, with the right gadgets, it can be fun and easy. These kitchen tools are designed to make meal prep faster, smoother, and more enjoyable, so you can spend less time chopping and more time savoring your delicious, meat-free creations.
From air frying crispy veggies to whipping up creamy soups in minutes, these gadgets take the guesswork out of cooking and let you focus on the flavors you love.
Let’s get to the list!
Just so you know, this post contains affiliate links, which means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you, of course!)—thanks for helping keep the veggie fun going!
1. Air Fryer
An air fryer is a compact, countertop appliance that uses hot air circulation to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to frying but without the need for much oil. For vegetarian cooking, it’s an absolute game-changer!
It’s one of the best kitchen gadgets for vegetarians because it can make perfectly roasted veggies, crispy tofu, and even veggie-based snacks like falafel or sweet potato fries with ease.
It’s fast, healthier than deep-frying, and super versatile, making it a must-have for whipping up tasty, plant-based meals with minimal fuss. Plus, cleanup is usually a breeze!
Add this Cosori air fryer to your vegetarian kitchen.
2. Instant Pot
An Instant Pot is a multi-functional kitchen gadget that combines several appliances—like a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and steamer—into one.
For vegetarian cooking, it’s a lifesaver because it makes cooking grains like rice and quinoa perfectly, every single time. Beyond that, it’s fantastic for soups, stews, beans, lentils, and even yogurt!
The best part? It dramatically reduces cooking time, especially for those tougher ingredients like dried beans, making it perfect for whipping up delicious meat-free meals in no time.
This Instant Pot is a fan favorite!
3. Glass Storage Bowls
Not quite a gadget, but glass storage bowls are a must-have in a vegetarian kitchen because they make meal prep and leftovers a breeze without the worry of unsafe plastics.
You can store your prepped veggies, grains, or cooked meals knowing they’re safe from chemical leaching, and when you’re ready to eat, you can pop them straight into the microwave or oven without transferring to another dish.
They’re durable, easy to clean, and perfect for keeping all your plant-based goodies fresh!
These are my favorite glass storage bowls from Pyrex!
4. Electric Food Chopper
An electric food chopper is such a game-changer! This handy vegetarian gadget quickly and efficiently chops, dices, and minces your favorite fruits and veggies, making meal prep a breeze.
It’s especially magical when it comes to onions and garlic—those aromatic powerhouses that serve as the base for so many delicious dishes. No more tears from chopping onions or lingering garlic smells on your hands!
I regularly use mine for whipping up quick guacamole and hummus as well. Yum!
An electric food chopper will save you time and effort, allowing you to focus on enjoying your cooking adventures.
Check out this highly-rated KitchenAid chopper!
5. Cheese Grater with Container
There’s a cheese grater and then there’s a cheese grater WITH A CONTAINER.
And this isn’t just for cheese! Grate veggies like carrots or zucchini, and the removable container catches everything without the mess.
It’s great for topping pasta or adding grated veggies to salads, and it saves you the hassle of cleanup.
This cheese grater with a container is so inexpensive and an absolute must-have in your vegetarian kitchen.
6. Good Veggie Peeler
A good veggie peeler is an essential tool in any vegetarian kitchen.
It makes peeling fruits and vegetables a total breeze, saving you time and effort. Whether you’re tackling carrots, potatoes, or cucumbers, a sharp, comfortable peeler helps you quickly remove those skins without wasting precious produce.
It also minimizes the risk of cuts or slips, keeping your fingers safe while you prep your ingredients.
A quality peeler ensures that you get the job done efficiently, allowing you to whip up your favorite dishes with minimal hassle.
This basic but durable peeler will be a welcomed vegetarian kitchen tool in your home!
7. Microplane
A microplane is a kitchen tool that looks like a fine grater but works magic in a variety of ways, making it a must-have for any vegetarian kitchen!
Its razor-sharp edges make quick work of even the toughest ingredients, while its compact design saves space in your kitchen.
Plus, the microplane makes it super easy to incorporate fresh herbs, citrus zest, and spices into your meals, allowing you to elevate your meat-free dishes without any fuss.
With a microplane in your toolkit, you’ll take your cooking to the next level!
Here’s a great microplane that will do the trick.
8. Silicone Veggie Covers
These handy little covers are designed to fit snugly over cut fruits and veggies, keeping them fresh and preventing them from drying out or getting that sad, wilted look in your fridge.
Unlike plastic wrap, silicone covers are reusable, eco-friendly, and easy to clean, making them a sustainable choice for food storage.
They come in various sizes to accommodate everything from half an avocado to a bowl of salad, ensuring you can seal in freshness without any fuss.
With silicone veggie covers, you’ll not only reduce food waste but also make meal prep a breeze, as you can quickly grab and store leftovers or prepped ingredients without the worry of using single-use plastics.
These reusable veggie covers are fantastic!
9. Big Wok Pan
A big wok pan is essential for stir-fries, veggie sautés, and even pasta dishes.
Its generous size allows you to cook up a storm and the high, sloping sides of a wok help prevent spills while tossing ingredients, so you can get that perfect sauté without making a mess.
The unique shape of the wok distributes heat evenly, allowing you to achieve that delicious, slightly charred flavor that we all crave in stir-fries.
This Cooks Standard stainless steel wok is the perfect cooking tool!
10. Knife Set
A good knife set is an absolute must-have.
Cutting veggies is way easier (and safer) when you have sharp, reliable knives.
Invest in a quality set, and you’ll notice the difference right away when you’re slicing through tough squash or dicing tomatoes. Remember that you’ll be using them basically every day so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth!
We loooove our Global knife set that we’ve been using for years.
11. Immersion Blender
An immersion blender, often referred to as a stick blender, is a kitchen gadget for vegetarians that takes the hassle out of blending soups, sauces, and even smoothies.
Unlike traditional blenders that require you to transfer hot liquids into a bulky container, an immersion blender lets you blend right in the pot or bowl! This means fewer dishes to clean, which is always a win in my book.
This easy-to-clean immersion blender from Kitchen Aid is ready to join your other vegetarian cooking gadgets!
12. Salad Spinner
So you’ve just washed a bunch of leafy greens and now you’re salad is soggy and gross. Who hasn’t experienced this before?
Obviously instead of wet and soggy, you want your cleaned greens to be perfectly dry and crisp. Enter the salad spinner!
This handy gadget uses centrifugal force to quickly remove excess water from your greens, making sure every bite is crisp and delicious.
Not only does it save you from the dreaded soggy salad, but it also keeps your veggies fresher for longer. And it’s super versatile—you can use it for rinsing and drying herbs, berries, and other delicate fruits and veggies, too!
Cleaning it is a breeze, and many models are even dishwasher safe.
OXO Good Grips nails it with this salad spinner.
13. Nesting Bowls
Nesting bowls are great for mixing, serving, or even storing leftovers. You never think you need very many bowls, but then you throw one dinner party and realize how much you do!
They stack neatly to save space, and having a variety of sizes means you’re always prepared, whether you’re mixing up a big salad or just need a small bowl for dressing.
Be sure to get ones with lids for easy food storage, too.
These nesting bowls with lids in a variety of colors are pretty and practical!
14. Smoothie Blender
If you’re a smoothie fan (and I recommend that you try to be as a new vegetarian!), this is a must-have.
A good smoothie blender will whip up your favorite fruit and veggie blends in no time without the bulk of a full blender. The smaller size also makes it easier to clean!
If you drink a smoothie daily, it may be a good idea to get extra blades and containers so you always have one at the ready.
This highly-rated Ninja smoothie blender comes with extra cups and lids – YES!
15. Small Silicone Spatulas
These little spatulas are perfect for scraping out every last bit of sauce or smoothie from the blender or hummus from your electric food chopper.
They’re heat-resistant and gentle on nonstick pans, so you can use them for sautéing, too.
Bonus, they always seem to come in fun colors!
Like these multi-colored mini spatulas from Cuisinart!
16. Rectangular Measuring Spoons
Standard round measuring spoons are great, but rectangular ones? Even better!
They fit into narrow spice jars without spilling so you don’t have to dump your spices all over the counter trying to catch them in a round measuring spoon.
If you’re working with a lot of spices and seasonings (as we vegetarians do), these are a super handy upgrade.
This stainless steel measuring spoon set needs a home in your vegetarian kitchen.
17. Stainless Steel Pans
A good set of stainless steel pans is essential. They’re perfect for sautéing veggies, frying up veggie burgers, and making sauces.
They heat evenly, don’t react with acidic foods like tomatoes, and last forever if taken care of.
I’ve loved me a good nonstick pan in my days, but they always seem to get the nonstick scratched. And when you know those chemicals are coming off in your food. . . no thanks.
It’s stainless steel for me!
This Caphalon 10-piece stainless steel pots and pans set is a vegetarian cook’s dream.
It’s Time to Get Cooking!
These 17 gadgets will make your vegetarian cooking journey smoother, faster, and way more enjoyable!
And if you’re looking for easy and delicious vegetarian recipes to cook with your fancy new kitchen gear, be sure to join us in The Club!
XO – Bailee
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