I thought I'd set out and break down what kind of tools I started with as a college student and items I've added as I've grown as a home chef. Keep in mind that everyone is comfortable with different things and everyone needs different tools to run an efficient kitchen.
Today, I'd like to start with...
The College Cook
Essentials for dorm life:
- Microwave
- Mini-fridge
- A medium-sized bowl (ceramic
or plastic
- A large plate (ceramic
- A few tupperware containers (Rubbermaid
- A mug or tumbler
- At least two spoons, forks, knives (metal for durability)
- A kitchen towel
- An electric hot water kettle (I use this Proctor Silex one
)
- A small bottle of dish detergent and a sponge
- Coffee maker
- A kitchen utility/santoku knife
Extras
With this list, dorm life is much better than living without and only having campus food or takeout. Many dorms limit the types of cooking accessories that you're allowed (no hot plates, slow-cookers, etc) for safety reasons.
Microfridges are a good investment (renting or buying) since it would cost just as much to buy a microwave and fridge separately. Also, some campuses will not allow a microwave of your choice due to power usage, so you'd be left with only a microfridge option anyway. Microwaves are truly, incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking in a dorm. You can heat up water, ramen, popcorn, leftover takeout, etc. Fridges are great to keep a cool drink on hand or to save up leftovers and fruits.
In terms of utensils, I also had wooden chopsticks to eat my ramen with. I kept two sets of utensils so that if I used one, I could still be lazy and not wash it until I used the other. It was also good for sharing a meal with friends. I collected plastic utensils from the campus center in case I ever needed more. It's also great to stock up on napkins from the campus center or dining halls as well. Having buttery popcorn in your room will always warrant paper towels and napkins. Also, if your takeout doesn't have enough, you'll be stocked.
I'm not a coffee person so I only had an electric kettle. I used it to boil water for my ramen and to make hot chocolate or tea when I got sick. Electric kettles are quick to heat so you can have hot water ready in less than ten minutes.
Having a decent kitchen knife is good for cutting up fruits or other things. Mostly for fruits. Sometimes, you can get away with just having a good steak knife or a paring knife.
- Another set of bowl, plate, and mug for friends/visitors
- A slow-cooker
- A rice cooker
- Wooden spatula
With this list, dorm life is much better than living without and only having campus food or takeout. Many dorms limit the types of cooking accessories that you're allowed (no hot plates, slow-cookers, etc) for safety reasons.
Microfridges are a good investment (renting or buying) since it would cost just as much to buy a microwave and fridge separately. Also, some campuses will not allow a microwave of your choice due to power usage, so you'd be left with only a microfridge option anyway. Microwaves are truly, incredibly versatile when it comes to cooking in a dorm. You can heat up water, ramen, popcorn, leftover takeout, etc. Fridges are great to keep a cool drink on hand or to save up leftovers and fruits.
In terms of utensils, I also had wooden chopsticks to eat my ramen with. I kept two sets of utensils so that if I used one, I could still be lazy and not wash it until I used the other. It was also good for sharing a meal with friends. I collected plastic utensils from the campus center in case I ever needed more. It's also great to stock up on napkins from the campus center or dining halls as well. Having buttery popcorn in your room will always warrant paper towels and napkins. Also, if your takeout doesn't have enough, you'll be stocked.
I'm not a coffee person so I only had an electric kettle. I used it to boil water for my ramen and to make hot chocolate or tea when I got sick. Electric kettles are quick to heat so you can have hot water ready in less than ten minutes.
Having a decent kitchen knife is good for cutting up fruits or other things. Mostly for fruits. Sometimes, you can get away with just having a good steak knife or a paring knife.
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