You can prepare and cook most Paleo recipes in a regular home kitchen with no issues, but having an assortment of specific appliances and devices can make the process easier.
You will be spending more time in your kitchen making your own meals, which might be a change in routine if take-out and processed foods were the norm for you. Some tools and equipment that you should not be without for a Paleo plan include:
Blender: Smoothies, soups, sauces, and ground nuts are all possible when eating Paleo Reboot foods, so a blender can be essential. A good quality blender is not inexpensive, so if budget is a concern at least invest in a model that crushes ice easily.
Cast-iron skillet: Your grandmother and her grandmother probably prepared everything from bacon to cakes in cast iron skillets with lids, and there is a reason for the popularity of this traditional cookware. Seasoned cast iron is non stick without unhealthy coatings, cooks with even heat, can go on the stove or in the oven, and you can add iron to your diet by cooking in these pans.
Cutting boards: You can purchase wooden, plastic, or silicone boards for all your cutting needs. Get a few dedicated boards, so that your vegetable, fish, and meat cutting does not overlap and the chances of cross contamination are slim.
Food processor: If you prepare large heaps of vegetables, and you will when eating on the Paleo Reboot plan, a food processor does the job in a snap. A processor with a 10- to 14-cup capacity is often the best choice.
Ice cream maker: This tool can be filed as a non-essential piece of equipment, but it is wonderful to have on hand when you crave something sweet and creamy. Coconut milk and fruit purées make gorgeous ice cream and sorbets for all your dessert and treat needs.
Immersion blender: Nothing is handier when you need to purée a batch of soup and a quick smoothie than popping this tool right into the pot or glass. You can even replace a standard blender with this device if you don’t plan on grinding nuts or don’t own a food processor.
Knives: An assortment of perfectly balanced professional knives makes prep work effortless. Make sure you hold the knives before buying them to ensure they suit your hand, and the weight is comfortable.
Mandoline: This is another tool that can be used to create sliced, cross-hatched, and shredded produce for your recipe. It is not a required tool but you can cut prep time considerably. Make sure you read the instructions carefully and follow the safety recommendations to the letter when using a mandoline because the blades are incredibly sharp.
Measuring cups: Recipes require exact measurements so having a good range of measuring cups including tablespoons and teaspoons can ensure the success of your final dish. Keep in mind that dry measuring and wet measuring require different sets.
Nonstick cookware: Have you ever tried to make a perfect omelet or brown a chicken breast and ended up with half the food sticking to the bottom of the pan? This can be incredibly frustrating and ruin a good meal. Non stick cookware is a good investment, and you should get several decades of use from a superior product. Look for coatings such as Thermolon and Sandflow because Teflon has some associated health risks.
Peeler and zester: Many Paleo Reboot recipes require peeled vegetables or citrus zest so these handy tools will get lots of use. Try to find an all-in-one peeler that adjusts to a Lancaster peeler with the turn of a knob. This option will be invaluable when peeling thin-skinned carrots or parsnips and thicker-skinned squash.
Slow cooker: Slow cookers can be the biggest timesaver for busy families or batch cooking. Nothing is better after a long day than walking into a home scented with the aroma of a pot roast, chicken cacciatore, or pork chops in mushroom sauce.
Spiralizer: This tool is not crucial for your kitchen, but is certainly fun to use! You can make lovely uniform noodles out of vegetables for completely vegetable-based dishes that look like pasta. This device is hand cranked and inexpensive.
Stainless steel bowls: Many plant-based recipes have several components, such as dressings and sauces, and these often need to be added at different stages. An assortment of bowls makes this process simple. Stainless steel bowls are easy to clean and rustproof, so a good set should last years.
