5 Kitchen Gadgets That Make College Life Easier

By Steven Larson

College life is difficult enough without having to worry about cramming in lunch before your next class. Granola bars and meal shakes just aren’t enough, and you can’t afford to constantly order take out, no matter how fast and easy it is. So here are a few kitchen gadgets that will ease your mind when it comes to convenient, cost-effective — and hopefully a little more nutritious — eating.Whether you have a full kitchen in a common area or only the bare basics in your dorm room, these five items will save you time and trouble.

1. Convection Oven

Toaster ovens are great for a number of things, but portable convection ovens are even more versatile. They allow for faster cooking by using convection, heating your food more evenly. Most convection ovens have a wide range of settings to cook or reheat almost anything, and include settings like toast, broil, bake and even pizza! Just be sure not to put any paper or plastic in it, like you would with a microwave.

2. Dish Drying Rack

Even if you have a dishwasher available, you’ll probably be hand-washing most of your dishes. And you won’t always have time to dry everything right away, especially if you’re racing to class across campus. Dish racks save you time that would be spent hand-drying, and many models fit neatly into your sink so the water can drip down the drain.

3. Microwave-Safe Dishes

As a college student, you’ll use the microwave for a lot of things. It’s quick and takes almost no effort. Just make sure your dishes are microwave-safe. Glass containers like Pyrex are an excellent go-to. And there are many plastic options that are BPA-free. Disposable paper containers are also fine, but you’ll save a lot more money with reusable dishware. And don’t forget to check your favorite coffee mug! Make sure it’s safe and doesn’t have a metal trim.

P.S. Never microwave Styrofoam containers. They can melt into your food, potentially releasing harmful chemicals, and are a fire hazard.

4. Electric Kettle

Are you craving a quick bowl of instant ramen but don’t have time to go to the kitchen? Look no further than the electric kettle. It boils water in a flash anywhere there’s an outlet. They are fairly inexpensive and are also great for tea and instant coffee. Keep an electric kettle on your desk for when you need a hot snack or an easy caffeinated pick-me-up.

5. Mini Refrigerator

Larger refrigerators are useful for freezing and storing larger items, but your pack of sodas may disappear if you store them with everyone else’s things. A quality mini fridge is an investment to be sure, but it will be worth it to have your own drinks and leftovers with you in your dorm. This will save you time and money, especially if you don’t have a common refrigerator near you. Keeping precious leftovers fresh is important on a college student’s budget! (One thing to note: Before any holiday break — or anytime the fridge will go unused for more than 2-3 days — make sure you defrost it. Here’s a handy guide to doing so.)

Editor’s Note: Before buying anything, check with your residence hall to confirm that the items are allowed. Most schools have a list of approved and restricted items.

About the Author:

Steven Larson is an avid food enthusiast who loves everything about cooking and especially using modern tech in cooking that can make even a novice cook look like an expert chef. He occasionally shares his opinion about the latest and craziest kitchen gadgets on the Kitchen Gadgets Wars blog.