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If you’re in the process of moving into your first dormitory or apartment, you’re going to end up needing small appliances in addition to the usual suspects already provided. Most higher-end-dorms and apartments have stove-tops, ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators that you can use; if you want to reheat leftovers, make coffee, or blend smoothies then you’ll have to get the equipment yourself. Most apartments and dorms do not provide small-appliances; as a result, tenants are expected to provide their own tools and methods.
If you want to know what the best small-appliances for your first apartment (or university-sanctioned-housing) are–ones that provide the best value without wrecking your wallet–then look no further!
These are five small-appliances that work fast, efficient, and won’t break your bank up front! They make a great addition to anybody obtaining—or sharing—a kitchen-space that is uniquely theirs for the first time.
1. BLACK+DECKER TR1300BD Toaster, Small, Black
This one-touch toaster comes with a power-level knob, a defrost option, and a button specifically made to provide toasting for bagels. The slots are also able to hold multiple kinds of breads—I’ve been able to fit everything from thin-sliced-sandwich-bread to giant bagel-slices.
The other nice thing about it is the way the holds retract when you pull the lever down; this allows for the user to align the bread how they want. What the toaster lacks in complex options, it makes up in functional simplicity. I’ve made dozens of sandwiches with this and it’s never made a bad one!
Price: ($15) USD
2. Sunbeam SGS90701B 0.7-Cubic Feet Microwave Oven, Black
Depending on where you live, some apartments may come with a microwave already built into the kitchen-space. For those moving into space that doesn’t have one, keep reading.
If you happen to click this link and read the reviews, you will no doubt find many moaning and groaning about this microwave. A quick check with the other reviewers on recommended microwaves makes it apparent that even the $200-$300 microwaves are not without their fair share of detractors.
Remember, we’re here for economical-reheating…not kiln-art.
Ever since I bought it last year, this bad boy has provided nothing but quality heats and re-heats. It contains all the benefits you would want out of a microwave—adjustable power levels, defrost options, and six programmable cooking starts. The only downside is that it’s a little small so if you’re looking for more cubic-feet, you may want to go with something a little bit bigger. If that’s not the case, the Sunbeam will work perfect for any leftovers or frozen-dinner-meals you throw at it.
Price: $(100) USD
3. Keurig K-Classic Coffee Maker K-Cup Pod, Single Serve, Programmable, Black ( Packaging May Vary )
I will champion these pod-based-coffee-machines until I die. No, they don’t provide the user to experience coffee at their freshest and I know that using items like a french-press or $50 USD high-quality-grinds imported from South America will lead to ‘coffee-enlightenment’ or whatever you want to call it. But when we wake up in the morning (or evening) to get ready for work, we need efficiency. And this provides all of that and more right here.
There are three different buttons you can use to select the amount of coffee you want poured. Yes, you will have to buy Keurig cups for the machine but you can easily get a month’s worth of cups at your local grocery store for around $20 USD.
The amount of water it can hold is smaller compared to some of the larger models (you get about four full-size-cups before you have to add more water) but I believe this one provides the best value out of all of them hands down.
I’ve used this for years and it’s been a quality coffee-companion through-and-through. Especially since the brewing time is less than sixty seconds.
Price: $(89) USD
4. NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System, Gray (600 Watts)
I’ve used the Nutri products for years and the Bullet gets you the best value for making the fruit-smoothies and protein-shakes of your choosing. The Nutri-Bullet is fast, efficient, easy to clean, and easy to use. The package listed even comes with multiple cups for storage (although I recommend doing a better version of smoothie-storage in my smoothie-centered article) and a recipe book. Once you add the ingredients, you can have a smoothie ready in less than a minute.
The biggest downside to the Bullet is that it is loud—even a little bit louder than other blenders. This is because of how fast the motor operates in relation to what you put inside. This thing will liquify pretty much anything you put in it. It’s that powerful.
If you do decide you want a Nutri-Bullet but you have roommates, try to use it when they are awake or away at work. The last thing you want is for the blender to act as a secondary alarm clock that will give you all sorts of roommate trouble. The last thing you want is to be the roommate from hell.
5. Cuisinart CCO-50BKN Deluxe Electric Can Opener, Black
Electric can-openers are one of the more underrated inventions. You can always use manual can opener but you run the risk of the can slipping out of your hand after the last piece on the top is cut. Or even getting a piece of your hand cut on the gears if you’re not careful (don’t ask me how I did this). If you get an electric can opener, not only can it easily adjust for any size can but the wide base on the bottom prevents the machine from tipping over.
The days of cutting yourself on can openers can be permanently vanquished if you use one of these.
While technically not a small-appliance, cookware sets are necessary for anybody starting to venture out into the worlds of meal-preparation and cooking. Getting a set that not only provides big utensils in addition to non-stick pots and pans is important as well. This set not only gives you different size skillets and pots to cook in but it also gives you options for stirring and flipping whatever food you might be cooking.
All of these are made with high-quality plastic and metal so they won’t be breaking anytime soon…even after years of use!
Conclusion.
And there you have it! Moving into an apartment or dormitory and having to prepare regular food on your own is a stressful ordeal for anybody first starting out. However, If you’re able to set aside a few dollars for some of these appliances, they’ll make the transition much smoother.
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Let’s crush our dreams together,
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