Essentials For Today’s College Apartment Kitchen

College students that make the transition from dorm roof to college apartment are often in for a surprise. As in a lack of amenities. Where your dorm roof may have come furnished with a microwave, a refrigerator and other appliances, your new kitchen apartment may offer little more than a stove, an area rug and some leftover wall hangings.

Expect that it will cost you several hundred dollars to outfit your apartment. You can save money by buying used with a few new items sprinkled in to get your new kitchen in move in condition.

1. Refrigerator — Most states require apartments to be furnished with a stove. Not so with a refrigerator. A new unit can cost you upwards of $1,000 and even a decent used fridge can run you about half that. Instead, opt for a compact refrigerator, one that takes up little space, but still holds enough room for drinks, perishables and other items. Choose a compact refrigerator that offers a dedicated freezer area and door shelving for your cold drinks.

2. Microwave — You say that your apartment comes with a stove. That’s nice, but will you really use it? Likely, that answer is no. Or, at least you won’t be using it as often as you would like. Instead, you may be looking for another compact appliance, this time a microwave that can do more than heat up your coffee or pop your popcorn. Still, if room is very tight, you can find a unit that is as small as 0.6 cubic feet. The beauty here is that you will still get a microwave that can warm up your meals.

3. Cleaning supplies — If you are lucky, you will never have to clean your apartment. That’s a dream not based on reality, so make sure that you stock up on the cleaning supplies that you will need. These include hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, sponges, paper towels, dishwashing detergent, a cleanser and if you have one installed, detergent for an automatic dishwasher. 

4. Pots and pans — Consider these items carefully. If you plan to microwave everything, then most pots and pans won’t be necessary. Still, if you want to make spaghetti and cook eggs, then at least one pot and one pan is necessary. If you rely on a microwave, then shopping for microwave safe containers is important. Most glass and ceramic dishes are up to the task. You can also use paper towels and napkins for a quick warm up. Yes, parchment and was paper is suitable to get the job done too.

5. Utensils — Make sure that you have the appropriate utensils for your kitchen. A rubber spatula, stirring spoons, measuring spoons, cutting knives, tongs, a can opener and wooden spoons are essential. Measuring cups, a colander, cutting boards and plastic storage containers can also come in handy.

6. Place settings — Yes, you can easily eat out of a microwave safe container and leave it at that. No, you won’t want to do this all the time especially if you plan to entertain. Place settings are important and should include plates, cups, mugs, glassware and flatware. How many settings? Why not go for at least four — that way, you can safely entertain and never be in need for dishes? You may find it more sensible for getting a setting for eight, giving you more than enough place settings to keep you stocked for days on end.

Kitchen Considerations

Other items you might consider including a toaster, a coffee maker and a blender to mix drinks or to juice your fruit and vegetables. Beyond what was mentioned, consider stocking up on the essentials first, adding in other items as your need and budget allow.

References
Real Simple: Which Food Containers Are Safe for the Microwave? — http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/tools-products/cookware-bakeware/food-containers-safe-for-microwave-00000000042232/index.html
 
Chow: Starting From Scratch: Help Me Stock My Kitchen — http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/622921

Author Information
Kurt Cerrato is a home appliance designer. His articles mainly appear on home improvement blogs.