Essential Home Appliances For College Students
When students head back to college, they will need more than just clothes and school supplies. A few small appliances will help them feel comfortable in their new home away from home. When they become first time homeowners, then a complete home warranty may be necessary. Meanwhile, they still need essential appliances to get them through college.
Microwaves are a necessity for students to heat up leftovers, cook pizza rolls and make mug cakes. Check your school’s rules about bringing microwaves, as many dorms prohibit appliances with exposed coils.
1. Microwave
For many students heading back to college or an apartment for the first time, cooking appliances are a must-have. Whether they’re living in a compact college dorm room or an apartment with a sorry excuse of a kitchen, these small appliances will make dorm-room cooking more enjoyable and help students save money.
While a microwave is the most common appliance that residence halls allow, there are more options than just your basic ‘burb model. Try a countertop smart one that can heat and cook with voice commands.
Or pick up a microwave pasta cooker, which is perfect for those that need to reheat their ramen or microwave mac and cheese. These newer gadgets also let you make a quick batch of homemade pizza, boil water for tea or make a breakfast smoothie.
2. Toaster Oven
The toaster oven is an essential home appliance for college students because it can be used in small spaces and does not emit as much heat as a full-sized conventional oven. It is also compact and uses standard electricity, which saves money on utility bills.
This toaster oven bakes, toasts and broils with ease. Its controls are located on the bottom, which takes up less horizontal space than other models and gives it a unique look. It is ideal for dorm rooms and common (shared) kitchens.
This toaster oven has many settings, including pizza, air fry and reheat. It is easy to clean and a great value for the price. Nicole (she/her) directs Good Housekeeping Institute’s kitchen appliances and cooking tools, gadgets and gear testing programs.
3. Kettle
A good kettle is a must-have appliance for college students, especially in compact apartments or dorm rooms. These modern stove top gadgets heat water faster and more efficiently than a traditional pot, with convenient features like stay-cool handles and whistles that let you know when your water has reached boiling.
Many college students recommend this sleek electric kettle for dorm rooms because it’s stylish, fast heating, and easy to use. Its simple interface includes a dial for setting the desired temperature, and it also comes in six cute colors.
This model from Swan Nordic heats water quickly, with a spout that flips open when it’s time to pour. It’s available in a variety of colors and promises to be quiet so your roommate won’t be disturbed while you’re making breakfast.
4. Blender
We’ve all seen a NutriBullet on infomercials or on the shelf at Walmart, but a personal blender isn’t one of the appliances college students often think to bring with them to school. The good news is that a great-looking, functional blender can make a big difference in dorm life, helping save money on expensive juices and smoothies from the cafeteria and even processing foods like coffee beans and nuts.
While many small blenders are geared towards making smoothies, the best option for college students is the Magic Bullet, which can also mix soups, hummus, and dressings. Plus, it takes up less space than a regular blender. That means it can fit in your dorm room with ease and won’t be an eyesore in your new apartment kitchen.
5. Coffee Maker
Whether you’re packing up for your freshman dorm or buying your first apartment after college, there’s a lot to think about. From a mattress topper to a mini fridge, there’s no shortage of appliances that you might need for your new home away from home.
A microwave is a must-have for any dorm room. This compact Whirlpool countertop appliance packs full cooking power into a unit narrower than most traditional models and still fits a full size dinner plate. Plus, it comes with a handy pop out filter that makes filling your water bottle quick and easy.