16 Insanely Helpful Dorm Appliances You’ll Use Every Single Day
Want to know what dorm appliances you’ll actually use? Here are 17 dorm-friendly appliances that are basically life-saving.
Dorm appliances can be tricky. You’re not sure what you’re allowed to bring and whether or not something will be useful or you’ll use it once and never give it a second thought.
The last thing you want to do is spend money on items that you’ll never actually use. Not to worry, this post is going to help you figure out what dorm appliances are worth buying, and which ones are a complete waste of space.
Every school has their own rules for what appliances are allowed and which ones aren’t, so make sure to double check before buying anything!
You’re going to find out what dorm appliances every college student needs from dorm appliances list, best dorm appliances, dorm cooking appliances, and more.
If you’re struggling with which dorm appliances are worth spending your money on, and which ones will let you down, you’re in the right place! Here are the only dorm appliances you actually need, according to college students.
This post is all about the best dorm appliances that you’ll regret not getting sooner.
Best Dorm Appliances:
1. Mini Fridge
Some dorms provide mini fridges, while others don’t. So this is definitely something you want to double check on your school’s website before purchasing.
If your dorm doesn’t come with a fridge, you’re 100% going to want one for snacks and drinks. You might also want to find one that has a freezer box like this one so you can have a couple microwavable meals on hand when you don’t feel like going to the dining hall (also a great spot for ice cream ;)).
2. Microwave (700-900W)
Like the mini fridge, make sure your dorm doesn’t come with one before going out and buying your own. Ideally, you want to get one that you can use beyond your freshman year of college so it’s not going to waste.
Also make sure you’re not going above 900 W or else you could blow a fuse. You’ll also want one that is good at reheating food and cooking pre-packaged meals. As a college student, you will live on microwavable meals, so making sure you have a good microwave is SUPER important!
3. Electric Kettle
Even if you’re not a tea or hot chocolate person, a kettle will make your life so much easier when it comes to quick meals and snacks in the dorm. You can get oatmeal cups, ramen, mac and cheese, and a lot of other items that you just have to add hot water to for an easy and yummy meal (or late-night snack).
This is something that will come in handy a lot more than you think! Just make sure to get one that’s not made of plastic (it’s just putting chemicals in your body).
4. Coffee Maker
A coffee maker is every college student’s best friend! They say if you’re not a coffee drinker before college, you’ll probably become one in college, which has a lot of truth to it.
You’re probably not going to want to spend the time or money making an elaborate coffee every morning, so a simple coffee machine will do the trick.
It’s also a great way to get yourself out of bed early in the morning and not spending so much money on Starbucks or your local coffee shop.
5. Mini Blender
If you’re someone who loves a good smoothie juice, or protein shake, an individual blender is something you’re going to want to have handy in your dorm. Nothing too big and bulky, just something that can make you a quick and healthy snack that you can take with you on the go.
Also great if you’re not a big breakfast person. You can add a lot of different fruits and veggies to yours to make sure you’re getting in your vitamins and nutrients (you probably won’t get much of either from the dining hall haha).
6. Toaster
A couple pieces of toast with some peanut butter and banana makes for the best healthy snack or easy breakfast that takes literally two minutes to make!
This is one of the few appliances you will use on the daily! It takes up almost no space and it’s so convenient to have another option to make food that isn’t in the dining hall. It’s also under $25, so you don’t have to break the bank with this one.
7. Egg Sandwich Maker
If there is one dorm appliance that is 100% worth it, it’s this egg sandwich maker! It’s every college student’s dream! Just grab a small carton of eggs, some ham, cheese, and English muffins from the local store, and you can make an egg sandwich in 5 minutes!
Disclaimer: You’re roommate will definitely want one after they see how good yours looks so be prepared to share! 😉
It’s one of the few appliances that are actually easy to use in the dorm and aren’t more trouble than they’re worth.
8. Mini Round Griddle
If you’re looking for good mini appliances, Dash makes some amazing ones that are the perfect size for a dorm room.
This one is a small round griddle that you can use to make eggs, pancakes, and (everyone’s favorite) skillet cookies.
It’s super easy to use, so in no way do you have to know how to cook. But it’s great for whipping up some yummy meals and sweet treats when you want something convenient (it’s nice to have an option to eat in your dorm every once in a while).
9. Mini Vacuum
One thing people always forget to bring to college is a vacuum! Now, in the dorms, you don’t want to bring a full-sized vacuum. There’s just not enough space to store it, and quite frankly, it’s just not worth the hassle.
But, a mini or handheld vacuum is a good in between for keeping your dorm as clean as possible! Vacuuming might not be on your college bucket list, but you’re going to be glad you have one because the dorms get messy super fast (especially with everyone coming in and out of your room so much).
10. Air Purifier
If you’re someone who has allergies, an air purifier will save you! Just a head’s up, the dorms can get super stuffy. Which is annoying enough as it is, but during cold and allergies season, it will feel like you can’t breathe.
So do yourself a favor and get an air purifier. It doesn’t have to be anything big and expensive, just something that will bring some fresh and clean air into your dorm, because you’ll need it (especially if the windows in your room don’t open).
11. Small Fan
A fan is a non-negotiable for college students! Without a fan, you’ll have almost no air circulation. Even if you’re one of the lucky ones that lives in a dorm with AC, it’s still super nice to have because they won’t turn the AC on as much as you think.
A fan also makes for good white noise when you’re trying to go to sleep.
The first fan option is super affordable and gets the job done. The nice part about the second one is that it rotates, so it circulates the air a lot better and it’s more powerful (there are different speed options too). But it’s really just a matter of preference!
12. Humidifier
When you get sick, which will unfortunately happen a lot more than you think (especially your first year), a humidifier will be your saving grace! And if you’re going to school somewhere that is super dry, this is a must have!
It will do wonders for your stuffy nose and dry throat.
13. Clip-On-Desk Lamp
A clip-on light is super convenient and will give you a ton more space on your nightstand for other items. It’s also nice because you can use it as a book light, so when your roommate wants to go to bed but you want to stay up, you can just keep this small light on.
It’s not too bright, but it will give you just enough light to do homework or read a book in bed.
14. Power Strip with Surge Protector
There are never enough outlets in the dorms! Especially with all of the chargers and lights you’ll need to have plugged in at the same time.
This one also doubles as an extension cord so your chargers will be able to reach a lot further.
And make sure to get one that’s also a surge protector! This is super important when you’re in the dorms.
15. Handheld Steamer
If your clothes don’t get wrinkled from the journey to college, then they will at some point. You obviously don’t want to go through the hassle of using an iron every time you need to get wrinkles out of your clothes.
So a handheld steamer is the next best option. It’s super easy to use and takes almost no time to heat up. It’s not something that’s worth spending a ton of money on, but you do want something that does a good job. This is one of those products where the reviews speak for themselves.
16. Noise Machine
There are going to be times where you’re exhausted and want to go to sleep, but the people in the rooms around you don’t have the same idea. There’s not a whole lot you can do about that since you’re living in a shared space.
But a white noise machine will definitely make it easier to drown out the noise and have an easier time falling asleep.
Dorm Appliances You Should NOT Bring:
Toaster Oven – These are a big no-no and aren’t even worth how much space they take up. Don’t bother trying to bring bigger appliances because you’ll just get written up when it comes to room checks.
Air Fryer – I know, we all love air fryers, and they’re so darn convenient! But resist the urge, because air fryers are almost always prohibited in the dorms. It can’t hurt to ask, but just be prepared to be told you can’t bring one. Save this for the apartment!
Hot Plate – Not a lot of people use hot plates any more, so this isn’t too much of a problem, just something to keep in mind. These are big hazards!
Full-Sized Blender – There is no need to give up a ton of space for a full-sized blender when you can just get a mini or individually sized one. You’ll probably only be making smoothies for yourself anyways.
Mini Fridge With Separate Freezer – These are usually way too big for the dorms. But if you can find a mini fridge with a built in freezer box, it’s the best of both worlds and it usually fits well under your bed or tucked in a small corner.
This post was all about the best dorm appliances that you’ll regret not getting sooner.
Other Posts You May Like:
The Ultimate College Move In Checklist You’ll Wish You Had Sooner
15 Unusual Dorm Room Essentials That Will Make College Life So Much Easier
