Moving out and starting college means the end of home-cooked meals and the beginning of searching for that one clean plate your roommate is hoarding. Whether you’re moving into a kitchen-less dorm or your first-ever apartment decked out with a proper stove and dishwasher, everyone needs the same college kitchen essentials.
Cooking is both skill-based and tool-dependent, and it can be intimidating to know what kitchen essentials you need to get started. But don’t worry! Spoon University has curated the ultimate college kitchen packing list so that you can focus more on trying awesome new recipes instead of panicking about forgetting something.
Spoon Tip: Be sure to check with your dorm or apartment building’s rules regarding small appliances!
The Kitchen Criticals
Whether your cooking space is more like a makeshift kitchen, or you have access to every appliance you could ever dream of, there are certain things that every kitchen needs. So, while you’re shopping for back to school, be sure to check off these critical kitchen essentials to ensure that your big, small, (or non-existent!) college kitchen is complete.
Cleaning Supplies
Dish Soap/Dish Pods
Sponge
Dish Scrubber Brush
Dish Towel + Microfiber Cloth
Disinfecting Wipes
All-Purpose Cleaner
Broom + Dust Pan
Trash Bags
Mop
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Basic Utensils
Ice Pack
Reusable Silverware (Knives, Forks, Spoons)
Plates and Bowls
Coasters
Reusable Water Bottle
Mugs
Water Glasses
Travel Tumbler
2-Piece Knife Set (with Covers or Storage)
Reusable Straws
Tea Pot or Electric Kettle
Can Opener
Measuring Cups/Measuring Spoons
Oven Mitt
Trivet
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Must-Have, Microwavable Meals
Microwavable Entrees:
Tasty Bite Organic Indian Madras Lentils
Tasty Bite Organic Indian Channa Masala
Tasty Bite Indian Bombay Potatoes
Tasty Bite Indian Vegetable Tikka Masala
Microwavable Rice:
Tasty Bite Organic Basmati Rice
Tasty Bite Organic Jasmine Rice
Tasty Bite Organic Turmeric Rice
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Paper, Plastic, and Storage Goods
Tupperware
Napkins
Paper Plates
Plastic Cups
Plastic Bags
Paper Towels
Aluminum Foil
Plastic Wrap
Wax Paper
The Makeshift Kitchen
As excited as you might be to move into your dorm with your new roomie (aka your future bestie and fellow foodie), it’s a bummer when you realize you won’t have access to a kitchen like the one you’re used to. You can still get creative with your cooking – as long as you get everything you need on the list for your no-kitchen kitchen.
Mini Fridge
Rolling Cart
Microwave
Big Bowl
Storage Jars
Removable Labels
Ice Trays
Microwavable Utensils (Bowls, Plates, Cups, Mugs)
Coffee Maker
Small Cutlery Organizer
Resealable Containers
Bag Clips
Reusable Food Wraps
Sink Caddy
Blender
The Kitchenette
Do you have a kitchenette or a shared common kitchen with your floormates? Either way, you’ll have a lot more room for the appliances you love to cook with – especially compared to dorm rooms without any sort of cooking space or fridge. So, start to think about what dinners you want to make for your college buddies now that you can buy, pack up, and have the space to store the extra equipment for your compact kitchen.Strainer/Colander
Nonstick Pan(s)
Pot(s)
Metal Tongs
Wooden Spoon
Baking Sheet
Toaster
Peeler
Pizza Cutter
Whisk
Cutting Board
Spatula
Garlic Press
Spice Rack
Kitchen Shears
Muffin Tin
Meat Thermometer
The Classic Kitchen
If you’re completely moved out of the dorms, away from mini kitchens, and into a kitchen that has counter space, storage, and a dishwasher, you’re going to have so much fun cooking new recipes and gourmet meals after adding these additional culinary tools to your collection.
Baking Dishes
Mixing Bowls
Grater
Air Fryer
Slowcooker
Instant Pot
Dutch Oven
Cast Iron Skillet
Sauté Pan (Small, Medium, Large)
Wine Glasses
Rice Cooker
Steamer
Food Processor
Hand Mixer
Griddle
Knife Set
Potato Masher
Saucepans (Small, Medium, Large)
Pots (Small, Large)
Ladle
Splatter Guard
Packed Up Pantry
Regardless if you like to cook savory spreads, or prefer to bake drool-worthy desserts, you’re going to need to have some key pantry staples on hand. So, before you get halfway through your recipe and realize that you don’t have a major ingredient, make sure you shop for these items now to ensure that your pantry is packed up and ready for all of your culinary creations later.
Olive Oil
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Spice Set (Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon, etc.)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Vegetable Oil
Honey
Flour
Sugar
Vanilla Extract
Salt and Pepper
Tomato Paste
Tea
Condiments (Sriracha, Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard, Relish, etc.)
Dried Herbs (Basil, Chives, Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, Dill, etc.)
Vinegar