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We were not allowed anything with a heating element. Small-size fridges could be rented, and some models were a combo dorm-sized fridge with small microwave on top. I always rented the little fridge, but bought my own microwave. I used that microwave for a full ten years after I graduated, too.
Kids don't do this anymore. The big box stores carry a ton of dorm fridges and the price is often cheaper than a yearly rental, almost always cheaper than two year's rental. The rental units are usually old and nasty too. Plus, you have to pay a deposit and they often withhold amounts if the unit isn't perfectly clean and dry.
When I went to college, dorm sized fridges were difficult to find and very expensive. It isn't the case anymore. On craigslist, you'll see tons of people trying to sell these refrigerators too.
Also, in my dorm there was a common room lounge that had a full sized refrigerator, microwave, and sink. I still preferred my own mini-fridge because of theft.
We bought some of those used little fridges however it is important to find out what the roomamates will bring or you may end up with the stuff sitting in your garage. One daughter keep a little fridge in her bedroom depsite having a larger one in tehir suite. Her roommates woudl eat all her food is she left any of it in the common suite fridge.
Usually they work out "you provide this and I will provide that." Many of the kids have fridges, microwaves, and the like from family member gifts. Sometimes a better appliance to have is a large screen TV, a nice little couch or a great stereo system. Then everyone will want to be theri roommate and they can pick people who cna supply a nice microwave, fridge or other items.
I am not sure how much use a microwave will get until the senior year.
They don't teach it until then?
We have something similar to a hot pot: a Sunbeam Hot Shot. No open coils. It heats the water and shuts off automatically. Unlike a hot pot, you can't put anything but water in it. Sunbeam Hot Shot Hot Water Dispenser - 6131 : Target
I'll echo everyone and say find out what is allowed in the dorm room. Some schools allow stuff that has an automatic shut off, some have very strict rules, yada, yada.
Saw an infomercial for an induction coil hot plate. Induction coils only heat a magnetic cookware. The surface stays cool to the touch. If heating elements are allowed, I'd say in addition to the refrigerator and microwave, I'd include an electric skillet, toaster oven, and coffe pot. I cooked some great meals with an electric skillet. Toaster oven can cook plenty of food. If the toaster oven is big enough, it can cook a small frozen pizza.
The dorms at my school came with a mini fridge/microwave combo unit.
I snuck a toaster oven into my dorm sophomore year. Of course it was against the rules, but it was the best idea ever. I just put it away when I wasn't using it, and nobody ever found out about it. Your food options open up tremendously when going from a microwave to a toaster oven.
I highly suggest bringing in a toaster oven, no mater what the rules are. Just don't pack it in its own box, and don't set it up on move in day. As long as he's smart, he won't get caught. If we were caught with something that wasn't allowed in the dorms (and it was a long list), the worst case scenario was it would get confiscated and you'd have to pay a $25 fine to get it back at the end of the year.
The dorms at my school came with a mini fridge/microwave combo unit.
I snuck a toaster oven into my dorm sophomore year. Of course it was against the rules, but it was the best idea ever. I just put it away when I wasn't using it, and nobody ever found out about it. Your food options open up tremendously when going from a microwave to a toaster oven.
I highly suggest bringing in a toaster oven, no mater what the rules are. Just don't pack it in its own box, and don't set it up on move in day. As long as he's smart, he won't get caught. If we were caught with something that wasn't allowed in the dorms (and it was a long list), the worst case scenario was it would get confiscated and you'd have to pay a $25 fine to get it back at the end of the year.
Unless, of course, you actually did start a fire with it. I think a toaster oven would be one of the worst things to have in a dorm room. Not only could you start a fire and burn the whole dorm down, you could also injure yourself, especially if you're not careful.
Unless, of course, you actually did start a fire with it. I think a toaster oven would be one of the worst things to have in a dorm room. Not only could you start a fire and burn the whole dorm down, you could also injure yourself, especially if you're not careful.
That's why you have to be smart with them. Clean it out and empty the crumb tray after every use. Use a pot holder/oven mitt when removing anything. Let it cool down completely and then put it away when you're done with it. Don't leave it unattended when cooking. Don't try to use it at 2am when you come back to your dorm drunk after a night of partying.
I know plenty of people had them in their dorms and nobody ever had a problem. All of our fire alarms were caused by people burning popcorn in the microwave.
The dorms at my school came with a mini fridge/microwave combo unit.
I snuck a toaster oven into my dorm sophomore year. Of course it was against the rules, but it was the best idea ever. I just put it away when I wasn't using it, and nobody ever found out about it. Your food options open up tremendously when going from a microwave to a toaster oven.
I highly suggest bringing in a toaster oven, no mater what the rules are. Just don't pack it in its own box, and don't set it up on move in day. As long as he's smart, he won't get caught. If we were caught with something that wasn't allowed in the dorms (and it was a long list), the worst case scenario was it would get confiscated and you'd have to pay a $25 fine to get it back at the end of the year.
Actually worst case would be getting kicked out of that college--is it really worth chancing that to have some ramen noodles?
Every college we visited has a full kitchen in each dorm, usually one on each floor. There really is no need to have toaster ovens, etc. in your dorm room.
That's why you have to be smart with them. Clean it out and empty the crumb tray after every use. Use a pot holder/oven mitt when removing anything. Let it cool down completely and then put it away when you're done with it. Don't leave it unattended when cooking. Don't try to use it at 2am when you come back to your dorm drunk after a night of partying.
I know plenty of people had them in their dorms and nobody ever had a problem. All of our fire alarms were caused by people burning popcorn in the microwave.
If it's against the dorm rules, save it for the frat house or apartment. However, another safety tip is to use the built in timer. Many toaster ovens with built in timers will turn off the toaster oven when the time runs out. Beware of the spring wound timers. If not used properly, they can break. Even used properly, they can sometimes stop working. We use the microwave oven's built in kitchen timer (not microwave timer) as a back-up reminder just in case.
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