Just when you think you want to get away from having more stuff you find yourself lusting after new kitchen equipment. I was lucky when I started this diet; I already had a blender, juicer and sprouting trays. All which have been in and out of favour in my kitchen for years.
My blender was the cheapest good domestic brand one I could find. It looks under pressure some days and I am aware that it may not last for more than a few months perhaps a year at this rate. It doesn't chop seeds or liquids into a smooth finish but I have food socking them first helps; all in all it does the job. My juicer is also a good brand but again not an expensive one; it works well but looks tired. I did waste £10 on a blend and go smoothly maker. Thinking it would be ideal for work, I used it once, put it in the dish washer, which you aren't meant to do. I tried to use it for a green juice, it fell apart and covered the kitchen and I in green juice. Use items that you already have you probably don't need something else. If you do get new equipment read the instructions.
I would recommend to anyone starting out use everything you have. Make sure if you invest it is for the long term. Good blenders are a much as £400 which to me is a huge amount. Dehydrators are also expensive if you want one that works well for breads, wraps and crackers. The cost can be anywhere from £100 to £250.
In the first couple of weeks I experimented with some ready made foods. The crackers I ordered cost nearly £5 for four not a cost effective solution. I ordered them from London as I couldn't find them in North Wales; I think I was expecting a few more for the cost. I have also been buying sprouted bread, but again I am unable to find sprouted pita or wraps. These foods are useful when you have a family or want something convenient.
I said to my Husband that I would wait until my Birthday in December before buying anything else, it is currently July. If then I still thought I could benefit from professional blender, juicer or dehydrator I would look for them then second hand. A week later I purchased a second hand dehydrator. So far it has been great; I use the pulp from my juice to make vegan, gluten free vegetable bread, crackers and wraps. Crackers of any flavour are easy to dry, great with dips, for guests and to take to work. It is hardly used, came with a set of sheets for drying wet items and a free cook book all for £40 plus the costs of the post. Next I am going to make vegetable crisps. Once you aren't buying convenient foods and are making your own snacks it pays for itself very quickly. Plus it is healthier, more nutritious and fingers crossed tastier.
I still don't recommend purchasing lots of items, but making your own food is cheaper than buying it. If my juicer or blender dies I will look to upgrade. To save money I will still look for a second hand one; there are some great, good condition items at the fraction of the price.
If you want to look for an item try searching on Google, look on the Gumtree, eBay, Loot, Preloved or any other site you come across. Put an advert on Freecycle, or ask friends and relatives if they have unused equipment at the bottom of their cupboard that you could have or buy off them.