Whether your college student is headed back to school as a freshman or moving into their first apartment, they’ll need essential small appliances. Check out our top picks that will help them feel more at home in their dorm room or new apartment. In an apartment, they might not have to worry about what does home warranties cover but having standart practical home appliances will help them on a daily basis.
A rice cooker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can do much more than just cook rice. However, be sure to double-check your college’s approved list of appliances before purchasing.
Microwave
The microwave is a college student’s best friend. It’s easy to use and helps students avoid running down the hall for dining hall food.
Microwaves are a staple appliance for any home and are a must-have for dorm rooms. They come in a wide variety of sizes and budgets to suit any student’s needs. Some feature extra cooking functions such as grilling, steaming and convection. However, these features do increase the cost of the unit.
For the tech-savvy, look for a microwave that works with Alexa. Once plugged in, this smart microwave will be at your command, and you can operate it by simply speaking out a voice command. For those whose dorms have strict guidelines about appliances, this compact microwave from Danby is a perfect choice with a maximum of 750 watts that is guaranteed to fit within the rules. It’s also super-quiet and offers a convenient pop out filter. Also included is a built in air purifier that reduces odors, smoke, dust and allergens.
Toaster Oven
A toaster oven is a smaller, less expensive appliance that cooks a variety of foods in the same way as a conventional oven. It typically features a set of settings to control how much browning a slice or meal will receive and is compact enough to save counter space.
These small appliances make great additions to college kitchens and can help cut down on waste, too. You can find them in all sorts of colors and styles, from simple models to sophisticated ones with multiple functions like bake, air fry, pizza and reheat.
Unlike a traditional oven, a toaster oven can heat up a whole chicken or fries and will also come in handy for reheating leftovers. This one from cult-favorite kitchen brand Joseph Joseph is easy to use and comes with a set of racks that can be mounted on the inside of a cabinet door for extra storage space. It also has a handy dandy timer that lets you know when your food is ready!
Air Fryer
The microwave isn’t the only appliance college students need in their dorm rooms.
An air fryer is a versatile and healthy addition to their kitchens that makes it easy to heat up crispy chicken nuggets, fries, or reheated leftovers. It also helps them level up their cooking skills and avoid relying on pizza delivery for all of their meals.
Unlike deep fat fryers, which use a lot of hot oil and can cause a fire, this compact air fryer uses hot air to cook food and is safe to keep in a dorm room. It’s an essential small appliance for those nights when pizza delivery simply won’t cut it.
A dishwasher-safe dish set is a must for dorm rooms and comes in fun colors that can add some personality to any dining space. The best dish sets are easily portable, have only the essential pieces needed for college cooking, and are sturdy enough to withstand the inevitable drops and spills of daily life.
Coffee Maker
A coffee maker is a must for anyone who needs caffeine in their life. It’s especially helpful for college students who have to wake up early and take morning classes because they can brew up a cup right in their own dorm room.
Another essential kitchen appliance for college students is a blender. It’s great for making smoothies or making your own Frappuccino at home. Plus, it’s a good way to save money on those pricey Starbucks drinks when you’re on a budget.
Having a kettle is also a must for college students since they can make hot chocolate, tea, instant noodles and more at their dorms or off campus apartments. This electric kettle is a smart pick for dorms as it has 5 different temperature settings, a keep warm function and automatically shuts off if the water runs dry. It’s also compact and has a lid that snaps on the base to prevent spills.
