College Dorm Cooking Essentials Checklist

A vibrant collection of vintage and modern kitchen appliances in playful colors

• Appliances

  Compact and versatile appliances ideal for dorm cooking

  • Mini fridge

    Essential for storing perishables and leftovers.

  • Microwave

    For quickly heating or cooking meals and snacks.

  • Compact blender

    Ideal for smoothies or blending small batches.

  • Electric kettle

    For boiling water for tea, coffee, or noodles.

  • Toaster or toaster oven

    For toasting bread, reheating pizza, and more.

  • Portable induction cooktop

    A safe cooking option for dorms that allows more meal variety.

  • Slow cooker

    For easy, set-and-forget meals like soups and stews.

  • Air fryer

    For healthier frying options with less oil used.

• Cooking Utensils

  Essential utensils for everyday cooking needs

  • Spatula

    For flipping pancakes, burgers, or stirring sauces.

  • Cooking spoons

    Wooden or silicone spoons for mixing and serving.

  • Sharp knife

    A multipurpose chef’s knife for cutting and chopping.

  • Cutting board

    Protects surfaces and aids in food preparation.

  • Can opener

    A manual opener for canned goods.

  • Measuring cups and spoons

    For precisely measuring ingredients.

  • Mixing bowl

    Needed for mixing ingredients or tossing salads.

  • Colander

    For draining pasta or washing vegetables and fruits.

  • Peeler

    For peeling vegetables and fruits.

  • Thermometer

    Ensures meats and other dishes are cooked safely.

• Cookware

  Basic cookware for preparing a variety of dishes

  • Non-stick frying pan

    Key for frying eggs, pancakes, and other dishes.

  • Saucepan

    For sauces, boiling eggs, or small batches of soup.

  • Baking sheet

    For oven-baked dishes or reheating foods evenly.

  • Microwave-safe containers

    For cooking or reheating food in the microwave.

  • Food storage containers

    For keeping leftovers fresh and transporting meals.

• Cleaning Supplies

  Essentials to keep the cooking space clean and hygienic

  • Dish soap

    For cleaning dishes, utensils, and cookware.

  • Sponges

    For scrubbing and wiping down surfaces and dishes.

  • Disinfectant wipes

    For quick surface cleaning and sanitation.

  • Paper towels

    Versatile for drying hands, surfaces, and spills.

  • Trash bags

    To properly dispose of garbage and food scraps.