Cooking in a dorm room often requires creativity and efficiency due to limited space, regulations and equipment – especially if you want to eat healthfully. Here's a list of essential kitchen gadgets that can make healthy cooking in a dorm room both fun and practical. 

1.     Microwave: This is perhaps the most essential item for dorm room cooking. It can be used for a wide range of tasks from reheating leftovers to cooking vegetables.  It can even be used to make microwave mug recipes (like oatmeal, eggs, or even small casseroles).

2.     Mini Fridge: While not a gadget per se, having a mini fridge is crucial for storing perishable items like milk, yogurt, fresh vegetables, and leftovers.

3.     Electric Kettle: Perfect for quickly boiling water for tea, instant noodles, oatmeal, or even for a makeshift steam for vegetables. It’s versatile and energy-efficient too.

4.     Microwave Steamer:  Enables steaming of vegetables quickly and with minimal effort.  This preserves nutrients better than boiling and allows for healthier meal options without added fats.

5.     Toaster Oven: Provides a versatile alternative to a full-sized oven for toasting, baking, and even broiling small portions of food like toast, frozen snacks, or small casseroles.  If they’re allowed in the dorm, we say go for it so you can make our open faced tuna melts! 

6.     Portable Blender: Allows for quick and easy preparation of smoothies, shakes, and even soups using fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein sources like yogurt or protein powder. It's compact and easy to clean, making it convenient for dorm room use!

7.     Can Opener:  Makes it easy to open canned goods such as beans, tuna or chicken which are convenient sources of protein and nutrients for quick meals. 

8.     Microwave Safe Mug, Plate, and Bowl:  These essentials are a must for any dorm room meal!  They allow for easy cooking and reheating, plus they’re environmentally friendly too.

9.     Kitchen Shears:  Versatile for cutting herbs, opening packaging or even trimming vegetables.  They’re compact and safer to use than knives for certain tasks.

10.  Salt and Pepper Shaker: These basic seasonings can enhance the flavor of everything from popped corn to eggs!

11.  Coffee Maker or French Press: For those who love coffee, having a small coffee maker or French press can make mornings more enjoyable.

12.  Paper Towels:  Handy for quick cleanup and helpful where kitchen towels may not be practical or available.

Be sure to head over to our next article to check out our kitchen hacks for healthful dorm food!

 

Published August 1, 2024