I review kitchen gadgets — and these are the 7 compact appliances every student should pack for college

Insignia Mini Fridge, Keurig K-Mini and Dash Compact Air Fryer

(Image credit: Insignia, Dash, Keurig)

Student housing is typically cramped, and there’s a lot to pack into a compact dorm. Apart from sleeping, gathering with friends, and, of course, studying, college students also need space to eat.

While it’s tempting to shop for smart home devices to take to your dorm, it’s also important to think about how you will eat and keep your brain nourished to ensure you can stay on top of your studies and social life.

We’ve gathered together 7 devices that are easy to use and are portable and compact enough to be packed away and used once more, when you do it all again next year!

7 compact appliances to pack for college

GE JES1072SHSS Microwave: was $119 now $107 @ Amazon
This is one of the best microwaves with a space-saving footprint, but with a turntable just as large as bigger models. With 700 watts it's ideal for heating water, frozen meals and warming leftovers. Plus it has plenty of pre-programmed settings allowing you to share some popcorn with your new roommates. There are also 6 quick start settings by pressing keys 1 to 6. We love the sleek stainless finish, but it's also available in Black and White.

Toshiba Small 3-Cup Rice Cooker: was $89 now $79 at Amazon
With 8 cooking functions, this rice cooker is small and mighty. The settings include: white rice, quick cook, brown rice, mixed grain, slow cook, porridge, cake and egg. This smart rice cooker senses the moisture in the rice and adjusts the temperature and cooking time for perfect rice. It features a large LED display for easy programming and a Keep Warm, Reheat and Timer Delay button. Accessories include a measuring cup, spatula and soup ladle.

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Camilla Sharman has worked in publishing and marketing for over 30 years and has covered a wide range of sectors within the business and consumer industries both as a feature, content, and freelance writer.

As a business journalist, Camilla has researched articles for many different sectors from the jewellery industry to finance and tech, charities, and the arts. Whatever she’s covered, she enjoys delving deep and learning the ins and out of different topics, then conveying her research within engaging content that informs the reader. In her spare time, when she’s not in her kitchen experimenting with a new recipe, you’ll find her keeping fit at the gym. In the pool, stretching at a yoga class, or on a spin bike, exercise is her escape time. She also loves the great outdoors and if she’s not pottering about in her garden, she’ll be jumping on her bike for a gentle cycle ride.