Getting started with the keto diet may be overwhelming, but knowing what tools and equipment to use makes a huge difference. This article will discuss the 35 best keto tools, kitchen essentials, and staples for a keto or low-carb diet.
1. Omelet Maker
An omelet maker is a versatile appliance designed for effortlessly preparing perfect omelets. It often comes with non-stick surfaces and multiple compartments for convenient cooking.
There are pans specifically made thicker to avoid burning your omelet, but getting an omelet machine eliminates the flipping and tossing part for a hassle-free experience.
The ones from Holstein Housewares, Elite Gourmet, and Better Chef are excellent options.
2. Rapid Egg Cooker
This compact device boils eggs with minimal effort and time, ensuring consistent results. Each machine has different directions and instructions, but you often need to set the timer for 7 minutes for soft-boiled eggs and 12 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
The rapid egg cookers from DASH, Elite Gourmet, and BELLA are some of the best and most affordable options.
3. Blender
A blender is an essential appliance for smoothies, shakes, and purees. It is crucial for achieving a smooth consistency in various recipes. It is perfect for a morning keto protein shake and sauces for keto recipes.
Some of the best affordable options are the Hamilton Beach Power Elite Wave Action Blender, Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, and the Small Magic Bullet Blender.
4. Food Processor
A food processor is versatile for chopping, slicing, and dicing. It will give you uniformly cut spices and vegetables in seconds, perfect for keto lovers who have no time to chop for their favorite recipes.
The Cuisinart Mini Food Processor, KitchenAid KFC3516IC 3.5 Cup Food Chopper, and Hamilton Beach Stack & Snap Food Processor are some of the best options.
5. Instant Pot
A multi-functional electric pressure cooker that speeds up cooking times and infuses flavors into your dishes. An instant pot is ideal for cooking tough cuts of meat or preparing keto-friendly soups and stews.
Ninja FD401 Foodi Instant Pot is a more premium option, Duo Plus 9-in-1 instant pot is a medium-range option, and Zest instant pot is one of the most affordable options.
6. Slow Cooker
Slow cookers allow for hands-free, long, and slow cooking, resulting in tender and flavorful meals. Find automated ones so you can leave them, run some errands, and return to a perfectly cooked dish.
The Crock-Pot 7-Quart Slow Cooker is excellent for beginners, the Hamilton Beach Extra Large Slow Cooker is best for batch cooking, and the Elite Gourmet Electric Slow Cooker is the best affordable option.
7. Electric Food Dehydrator
The electric food dehydrator is a clever tool for crafting keto-friendly snacks. Removing moisture from foods without added sugars allows keto followers to enjoy jerky or dehydrated low-carb vegetables as alternatives to traditional high-carb snacks.
The ones from Cosori, Elite Gourmet, and Hamilton all have 5 layers, are affordable, and are easy to use.
8. Air Fryer
An air fryer gives a crispy texture without deep frying. It’s perfect for making keto-friendly versions of chicken wings or vegetable chips without using a batter for a low-carb experience.
The Ninja AF101 Air Fryer is excellent for solo cooking, while the CHEFMAN Multifunctional Digital Air Fryer is great for batch cooking.
9. Waffle Maker
A waffle maker allows you to experiment with low-carb or keto breakfast recipes without flipping the mixture every minute. It’s easy to use and clean and often occupies a minimal area on your countertop.
DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles, Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, and Oster Belgian Waffle Maker with Adjustable Temperature Control are the best options.
10. Dutch Oven
A Dutch oven is a versatile cooking device for various methods, from braising meats, soups, and stews to baking keto bread.
The ones from Crock-Pot, Lodge, and Nuovva are some of the most recommended Dutch ovens.
11. Digital Food Scale
Precision is crucial in maintaining the keto macros, and a digital food scale is the key to accurate measurements. It aids in portion control, allowing keto enthusiasts to track their macronutrients easily and avoid overconsumption.
The ones from Amazon Basics, Etekcity, and Greater Goods are the best options.
12. Meat Thermometer
Meat is a staple in most keto diets. A meat thermometer ensures you cook proteins like steaks and roasts to your expectations and preferences. A thermometer also helps you tell if the meat is cooked enough for safe consumption.
The ones from Alpha Grillers and ThermoPro are some of the most recommended digital thermometers.
13. Milk Frother
A milk frother adds a touch of luxury to keto-friendly beverages. Whether you’re enjoying a bulletproof coffee or a keto-friendly tea latte, the frother adds a creamy texture to your drink.
You can try handheld milk frothers like the ones from Zulay Kitchen and SIMPLETaste, or try multifunctioning ones like the ones from RATRSO and SIMPLETaste.
14. Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurement is crucial in following low-carb recipes. Using measuring cups and spoons ensures you stay within your daily calorie intake, making following recipes easier.
Measuring cups and spoons set from TILUCK, Spring Chef, and Yuzi are some of the affordable options.
15. Egg White Separator
An egg white separator is a tool for low-carb recipes requiring different white egg and yolk measurements. It ensures easy separation without making a mess.
The ones from NileHome and OXO are some of the different styles of egg white separators you can try.
16. Avocado Slicer
Avocados are a staple in the keto diet, and an avocado slicer facilitates quick and mess-free slicing. This slicer has a built-in opener, and you won’t need a separate knife.
The ones from OXO and Cuisinart are the best affordable options.
17. Vegetable Peeler
Salads are one of the easiest ways to incorporate low-carb vegetables into your diet, and peelers simplify the peeling process. This is perfect for cucumbers, zucchini, and other fruits and vegetables that need peeling.
The ones from Spring Chef, OXO, and Linden Sweden are some of the safest.
18. Vegetable Cutter
A vegetable cutter expedites the process of slicing or dicing. There are several vegetable cutters: mandolines, dicers, wedges, and all-purpose cutters. Newer products are also specially made for salads.
The ones from Fullstar and Bartnelli are multifunctional and easy to use and clean.
19. Vegetable Spiralizer
A vegetable spiralizer is a game-changer for those seeking pasta alternatives on a low-carb diet. It transforms low-carb vegetables like zucchini into noodle-like shapes within seconds.
The ones from Brieftons, Hamilton Beach, and Mueller are heavy-duty and easy to use.
20. Wide-Mouth Mason Jars
Wide-mouth Mason jars are perfect for storing keto-friendly sauces, dressings, side dishes, or snacks, making meal prepping easier. To monitor spoilage, ensure you keep a label when using mason jars.
You can buy the 5-pack 16 oz or 4-pack 32 oz from SEWANTA or the 12-pack 32 oz from Bedoo.
21. Fruit and Vegetable Kepeers
These keepers are specially designed to fit a specific fruit or vegetable, saving as much space in the fridge as possible. They also come in handy for leftover produce, preventing easy spoilage or loss of moisture.
You can buy ones for avocados or buy a set for different produce.
22. Cheese Slicer
A cheese slicer ensures easy and no-mess cheese cutting for your salads or low-carb sandwiches. There are a few types of cheese slicers, including plane and wire ones.
You can get both or either, depending on your preferences.
23. Cheese Grater
Whether you prefer shredded cheese for melting over baked goods, vegetable salads, or making keto-friendly cheese crisps, a cheese grater provides ease and convenience.
The ones from Gorilla Grip and OXO are excellent options.
24. Colander or Salad Spinner
A colander and a salad spinner make it easy to clean and drain vegetables, especially leafy greens. This is a no-mess, quick, and easy way to prepare salads.
The ones from OXO and Cuisinart are the most convenient.
25. Oil Sprayer
An oil sprayer allows for precise distribution of oil and is an excellent alternative to traditional cooking oils, perfect for easy frying, baking, or reheating food without using excess calories.
Try the ones from Willow And Eva and Showvigor.
26. Cast Iron Skillet
A cast iron skillet is a durable and reliable tool for keto cooking. Its even heat distribution makes it perfect for searing meats, resulting in flavorful dishes with an even texture.
The ones from Lodge and Utopia are the top picks.
27. Cast Iron Grill Press
A grill press is an excellent tool for burger lovers. This tool helps flatten the ground beef or alternative patties for proper heat distribution and even cooking.
The ones from Lodge and Cuisinart are the best options.
28. Silicone Baking Mat
A silicone baking mat provides a non-stick surface, making it easy to bake keto-friendly treats without excess oils or parchment paper. It also promotes even baking and prevents sticking, ensuring low-carb recipes turn out just right.
29. Muffin Pans
Low-carb muffins are excellent for breakfast, making muffin pans an essential. You can also use them for low-carb baked egg recipes, ensuring they maintain shape without adding excess oil.
30. Parchment Paper
If you don’t have a silicone baking mat, parchment paper is your next option. This still ensures a non-stick surface for your baked goods but is disposable.
31. Healthy Oils
Prioritize using avocado, olive, and coconut oil in cooking and baking. You can use MCT oil for bulletproof coffee, but it has a low smoking point, making it incompatible with cooking.
32. Almond Flour
Instead of using all-purpose, white, or cake flour, use almond flour for your baking needs. White flour has 76 grams of carbs per 100 grams, while almond flour has 7.1 grams of net carbs per 100 grams.
33. Coconut Flour
Coconut flour is another low-carb alternative. Every 100 grams of coconut flour contains 7.35 grams of net carbs.
34. Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is an excellent thickener for gluten-free baking. Every tablespoon only contains 0.2 grams of net carbs.
35. Keto Sweeteners
Stevia, monk fruit, and erythritol are the best sweetener alternatives for low-carb cooking and baking. However, they may still affect insulin secretion, so using them only occasionally is best.
Mag. Stephan Lederer, MSc. is an author and blogger from Austria who writes in-depth content about health and nutrition. His book series on Interval Fasting landed #1 on the bestseller list in the German Amazon marketplace in 15 categories.
Stephan is a true man of science, having earned multiple diplomas and master's degrees in various fields. He has made it his mission to bridge the gap between conventional wisdom and scientific knowledge. He precisely reviews the content and sources of this blog for currency and accuracy.
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