Dorm Kitchen Essentials You Need to Stock Up on—Because Isn't It Time to Upgrade from Paper Plates?
There comes a moment in every college student’s journey when it’s time to stop sneaking bundles of plastic forks out of the dining halls or ordering paper plates in bulk off of Amazon. These things aren’t satisfactory kitchenware—and it’s time to stop pretending they are. It doesn’t matter if you can’t effortlessly cook a 5-course meal—or if you can’t even seem to fry an egg without setting off the smoke alarm. Kitchen supplies are an inescapable necessity. And once you move into a place where you have your own kitchen, it’s time to stock up on some basic (and semi-high-quality!) kitchen essentials.
Now, anyone who’s attempted to upgrade their kitchen essentials can tell you that shopping for kitchenware can be both intimidating and confusing—especially when you’re doing it for the very first time. The kitchenware market is absolutely loaded with products, prompting questions like, “Where do I even start?” or “What is a must-have vs. a non-essential?” The answer may vary a little, based on what you love to cook, but the truth is, the regular basics should get you through most of your meals.
What’s nice? Once you begin your journey of turning to your own kitchen (instead of the nearest dining hall), you’ll start to see how beneficial cooking for yourself can be. For starters, you’re saving all the money you would have otherwise spent on a meal plan or at retail food stores. You’re also being kind to the environment by ditching all the unnecessary plastic that made up your go-to single-use utensils and plates. And sure, there’s an immense learning curve, but once you start overcoming it, you’ll have way more freedom to choose healthy food options that actually taste great. So long, boring, greasy dining hall options! Your life will be full of delicious, healthy, budget-friendly meals before you know it.
Figuring out which kitchen essentials work for you can definitely be a learning experience, but the payoff is worth the investment. Start by covering your bases (think: plates, utensils, and generic cooking tools). And consider the kinds of meals you’d like to learn to make. If you want to replace your weekly smoothie run with a DIY option, buy a blender. If you want to cut down on Starbucks trips, get a coffee maker. And remember, if you forget something, you can always stock up on it later!
1. EXZACT 16PCS Flatware Set Colored 24.99
This silverware set with colored handles is perfect if you share a kitchen with roommates and want to be able to tell your items apart.
2. Invitations® 10-Inch Nonstick Aluminum Fry Pan with Pan Protector 12.99
A classic nonstick skillet is perfect for cooking up a quick omelet or sauteing veggies.
3. SALT™ 3.5 qt. Stainless Steel Covered Saucepan with Helper Handle 29.99Another classic, this saucepan is fit for whipping up pastas, soups, and everything in between.
4. Brita® 10-Cup Grand Pitcher 34.99
A filtered water pitcher is definitely essential.
5. KitchenSmith by BELLA 2 Slice Toaster 12.99
What’s easier than popping in a piece of toast or bagel into the toaster before running off to class?
6. Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker 89.99
A Keurig is a must-have for those who rely on coffee for early mornings and late nights. This one is single-serve and comes in cute colors to match your aesthetic (always a plus).
7. SALT™ Round Coupe 16-Piece Dinnerware Set in White 19.99
This neutral, microwave-friendly dinnerware set comes with four of each item. So if you break a plate when in a rush, rest assured knowing you’ll have plenty of back-up.
8. SALT™ Large Dish Drainer in Silver 12.99
Most dorm kitchens aren’t going to have a dishwasher, so a drying rack helps for clean dishes.
9. Farberware Classic Color 6-Piece Non-Stick Resin Knife Set 13.54
This starter knife is great for newbie chefs.
A smoothie is the ultimate quick-fix breakfast on the go. A nutribullet may seem a little bit pricey, but the convenience of it makes it so worth it.
11. Oster DuraCeramic 6 Cup Rice Cooker 19.99
This rice cooker allows you to steam veggies or fish alongside your rice, making it so easy to prepare an entire meal in one cooker.
12. Country Kitchen Set of 4 19.99
A cooking utensils set is essential for the most basic cooking tasks—and this one comes in cute pastel colors.
13. Lucky Plus Set of 13 Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons Set 23.99
These stainless steel measuring cups and spoons come with hammered-metal handles for some added grip.
14. Microwave Pasta Cooker 16.99
Thanks to this microwave pasta cooker, making pasta just got even easier.
15. 150pcs Food Date Labels and 150pcs Blank Freezer Labels 7.99
Food labels are so helpful for claiming your food if you have roommates.
16. Rubbermaid Leak-Proof Brilliance Food Storage Set 19.85
If you want to dabble in meal planning, these storage containers are a must-have.
17. Wilton Bake It Better Giant 13" x 20" Cookie Sheet 9.88
Who doesn’t love popping cookies in the oven for study nights and movie nights? A nonstick cookie sheet is an essential for these moments.
18. Flexible Plastic Cutting Board Mats set 6.94
This set of cutting board sheets comes in an array of different colors so you can avoid cross-contamination by assigning one type of produce to each.
19. Stainless Steel Colander 9.95
An essential for making one of the most universally easy meals: pasta.
20. Gorilla Grip Original Premium Manual Can Opener 12.99
We say this from experience—a can opener is something you’ll forget all about until you desperately need one. You’ll want to have one of these on deck just in case.
21.Rapid Noodle/Soup Bowl 9.99
Everyone experiences the icky college cold. Save yourself time by getting one of these rapid noodle and soup cookers that you pop in the microwave for easy comfort food.
