Moving into a new dorm comes with challenges, especially when eating on a budget in a small space. Limited cooking options and restrictions on appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens can make it challenging. But with thoughtful planning, you can enjoy home-cooked meals without relying on fast food. We’ve compiled a list of essential dorm room cookware and kitchen appliances to help you save money, space, and time so that you can focus on your studies and social life with a full stomach.
Microwave Rice Steamer Cooker
Rice is one of the most essential food staples, with countless ways to enjoy it, from bowls and stir-fries to onigiri and more. However, it’s also easy to mess up. Fortunately, you can skip the guesswork with this portable Microwave Rice Steamer. Add rice and water, pop it in the microwave, and voilà—perfectly steamed rice in minutes.
Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker
Like rice, pasta is another versatile essential. Quick, easy, and filling meals are a lifesaver in college, and nothing beats spaghetti. The Fasta Pasta Microwave Cooker is portable, faster than a pot, and uses less water; in just 13 minutes, you can cook up to 4 servings, leaving plenty of time for the more enjoyable parts of college life.
Hamburger Chopper
You’ll likely be cooking lots of ground meat to flavor your pasta and rice dishes, and while spatulas do a perfectly fine job, this Meat Chopper was made specially for it. It does quick work as a hamburger chopper, potato masher, and general mixer. It’s super easy to clean and comes at an affordable price point.
DASH Rapid Egg Cooker
You’ll need plenty of energy to power through busy college days, and what’s better than eggs for a quick boost? With the DASH Rapid Egg Cooker, you can save on pots, water, and time. This handy gadget cooks up to 6 eggs at once—whether you prefer them hard-boiled, scrambled, poached, or even as omelets—in just minutes. Plus, it comes in 7 color options to match your dorm decor.
Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator
Having a quality dorm life is all about using space wisely. With the Galanz Retro Compact Refrigerator, you will not only get your feng shui right, but you’ll do it in style. This mini-fridge is a beauty and has everything you need for everyday foods. There are five color options and several size options as well.
Hamilton Beach Duel Breakfast Sandwich Maker
Nothing beats starting the day with a delicious breakfast. The Hamilton Beach Duel Breakfast Sandwich Maker is explicitly equipped to deliver crave-worthy breakfast sandwiches. With it, you can simultaneously handle the bread, egg, and other toppings in just five minutes.
Layron Microwave Ramen Cooker
Ramen noodles have saved the lives of many college students, and with the Layron Microwave Ramen Cooker, you can elevate your ramen game to new heights. It’s easy to use and whips up a steaming bowl of ramen noodles in minutes.
5-in-1 Dorm Room Utensils
Kitchen tools should be at the top of your list of things to get for college. The problem is that most sets include more pieces than a single student needs. This 5-in-1 Dorm Room Utensil set trims the fat down to the essentials: a cutting board, knife, peeler, scissors, and tray that turns into a compact, portable carry case.
Aero Press
If there’s one thing you need to survive a typical college day, it’s coffee. A coffee maker will save you money and energize you for demanding workloads. The AeroPress coffee maker is the perfect choice—affordable, easy to clean, compact, and with no electronics involved, it brews a quality cup of Joe every time.
5-in-1 Ceramic Nonstick Perfect Power Pot
Like kitchen utensils, cookware sets must often be more balanced with necessary pieces. College students only need the essentials, and Our Place makes a 5-in-1 Ceramic Nonstick Pot that handles all the jobs in a complete set can. It’s a portable beauty that can sear, sautee, fry, boil, and steam.
Wonder Oven
Our Place also makes a compact oven perfect for college dorms. It’s a 6-in-1 beast that can air fry, bake, roast, toast, reheat, and broil. It’s extremely affordable and comes in five color options. Just make sure that your dorm allows convection ovens.
Microwave Omelet Pan
Omelets can be tricky to perfect. We’ve all been there—flipping too soon and watching it tear in half. But with this Microwave Omelet Pan, you can skip the struggle. It cooks two to four eggs at a time in just minutes. Crack a few eggs, pop them inside, and Begin your day with a well-cooked omelet; you don’t need to flip it.
Wheat Straw 28 Piece Dinner Set
I think spending a lot of money on dinner sets for college is unnecessary. You only need the basics with a touch of style. Thankfully, this 28-piece Dinner Set made of wheat straw has you covered. It’s affordable, attractive, and durable—plus, you won’t be too upset if something accidentally chips. With enough pieces for you and a small group of friends, it’s the perfect blend of practicality and flair.
Microwave Popcorn Popper
When you get the munchies during a late-night study session, nothing beats popcorn. The Salbree Microwave Popcorn Popper makes popcorn, which is already easy to make, even easier. It requires no oil, takes minutes, and has over 20 color options.
Nostalgia Compact Microwave
A microwave is a college student’s best friend. With limited time for cooking, different parties popping off, and the general craziness of college life, you’ll be microwaving your most of the time. Fortunately, you can warm up food in style with Nostalgia’s Compact Microwave. It has a retro look, comes in 13 colors, and only costs around $100.
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