Must-have small appliances for college dorms and beyond
ABC News, amazon
August 13, 2025, 9:29 PM
Whether you're setting up your first college dorm or upgrading your home kitchen, the right small appliances can make all the difference.
From cutting down on prep time to providing perfectly cooked meals, these gadgets are designed to enhance your cooking experience, save space and add convenience to your everyday life.
Small appliances can tackle specialized tasks, so you can whip up your favorite dishes faster, keep your food fresher longer and make the most out of your kitchen, no matter the size.
Below, we've rounded up some great small appliances for your home.
These include modern essentials like air fryers and microwaves, as well as multi-functional gadgets that help streamline your kitchen workflow. Take a look!
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Small kitchen appliances for college dorms
22% off
Shark
Shark NeverChange Air Purifier Compact Pro
With coverage for spaces up to 250 square feet, the Shark NeverChange air purifier is a compact way to remove irritating particles from the atmosphere so students can breathe easy while living in the dorms. CleanSense IQ lets you watch the air quality change in real time on an LCD screen, and the HEPA filter captures 99.98% of large, small and micro-sized particles including dust, pollen, dander, and smoke. With no pricey filters to buy, you can save up to $150 over the course of the NeverChange's life as well, which is expected to be around five years -- they'll still have it by graduation!
- $139.99
- $179.99
- Shark
Amazon
Upstreman 3.1 Cu.Ft Mini Fridge with Freezer
The Upstreman 3.1 Cu. Ft Mini Fridge is a reliable option. Its compact design fits perfectly in tight spaces while still offering ample storage for drinks, snacks and perishables. The separate freezer section is perfect for ice and frozen treats, while the adjustable temperature settings allow for customized cooling. This practical mini fridge offers the perfect solution for maximizing your kitchen's storage.
- $229.99
- Amazon
Wayfair
Newair 3.3 Cu. Ft. Compact Mini Refrigerator With Freezer, Can Dispenser
The 4.8-star Newair compact mini refrigerator features a reversible door, so you can choose which way the door opens, making it ideal for various dorm room setups. There's also a can dispenser section and a quiet compressor, so your roomie won't be bothered by noise.
- $199.99
- Wayfair
Wayfair
Dash Deluxe Egg Cooker
Opt for this DASH egg cooker for a quick on-the-go breakfast or snack before class.
- $24.99
- Wayfair
18% off
Amazon
Keurig K-Express Single Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker
When a long study session calls for coffee, having a Keurig single-serve coffee maker is key. With over 38,000 reviews, this Keurig brews three cup sizes. It also fits a 7.4-inch travel mug, so you can make your coffee and head to the library.
- $89.99
- $109.99
- Amazon
Walmart
The Beast Mini Blender Plus
When space is tight, this Beast mini blender will become your new BFF. It can help blend up morning smoothies and shakes, food prep, and it comes with a drinking lid so you can take your concoction on the go. Not into cleaning? Just add soap and water, and run a blending cycle!
- $117.49
- Walmart
Amazon
Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave Oven
The Nostalgia Retro Compact Countertop Microwave brings style and functionality to any dorm room. Its vintage design adds a unique touch to your countertop, but it’s more than just a pretty face. This microwave has all the essential features for reheating, defrosting and cooking small meals. Compact yet powerful, it’s ideal for those looking to save space without sacrificing utility.
- $117.99
- Amazon
Amazon
Elite Gourmet EG808 8” x 8" Non-stick Electric Skillet
The Elite Gourmet Electric Griddle Hot Plate is a versatile and compact cooking solution perfect for dorm rooms or small kitchens. Its non-stick surface makes cooking a breeze, allowing you to quickly prepare pancakes, eggs, grilled sandwiches and more without the hassle of sticking or uneven cooking. With adjustable temperature control, you can customize the heat for different foods. The griddle's slim design makes it ideal for limited spaces, allowing you to store it easily when not in use.
- $26.99
- Amazon
Amazon
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is a fun and versatile dorm-friendly appliance. Small enough to fit in a drawer, it allows students to whip up a quick breakfast, snack, or even a creative dessert in minutes. Its non-stick surfaces make it easy to clean and perfect for limited counter space.
- $9.99
- Amazon
15% off
Amazon
Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Hot Water Kettle
The Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Electric Hot Water Kettle is a reliable and efficient tool for quickly boiling water for tea, coffee, instant noodles and more. With a 1.7-liter capacity, this kettle is perfect for dorm rooms or small kitchens where space is limited. The kettle features an easy-to-use one-touch operation and automatic shutoff for safety once the water reaches a boil. It also has a convenient cord-free serving option, making it easy to pour and use.
- $23.46
- $27.86
- Amazon
Small kitchen appliances for your home
13% off
Ninja
Ninja CREAMi 7-in-1 Ice Cream Maker
Craft your own ice cream with the Ninja CREAMi ice cream maker, now on sale. It has a 4.6-star rating and comes in five colors to suit your kitchen.
- $199.99
- $229.99
- Ninja
Amazon
Smeg 50's Retro Style Aesthetic Drip Coffee Machine
Bring a touch of vintage charm to your kitchen with the Smeg 50's Retro Style Drip Coffee Machine. The 10-cup glass carafe ensures you can brew enough coffee for family or friends, while the auto start feature allows you to wake up to freshly brewed coffee every morning. Equipped with a keep-warm plate and two coffee strength settings, this drip coffee machine offers both convenience and customization for your perfect cup every time.
- $259.95
- Amazon
Amazon
COSORI Air Fryer
The COSORI Air Fryer is a kitchen must-have for anyone looking to enjoy healthier meals without sacrificing taste or texture. With rapid air circulation, this device cooks food with minimal oil, producing that perfect golden crisp you crave. The pre-set options make it easy to prepare a variety of meals, from wings to veggies, and cleanup is a breeze thanks to the non-stick basket. It’s the perfect tool for quick weeknight dinners or guilt-free snacks.
- $59.99
- Amazon
Amazon
Aroma Housewares Rice Cooker
This small but mighty appliance does more than just cook rice—it can also steam vegetables, cook grains and even make soups. Its multi-functional design allows for easy meal prep, while the non-stick pot and user-friendly controls make cooking and cleanup a breeze. It's an essential addition for those who regularly incorporate grains into their meals.
- $16.31
- Amazon
Amazon
KitchenAid Artisan Mini 3.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer
This KitchenAid Stand Mixer is a smaller version of the classic staple. This powerful mixer is perfect for kneading dough, mixing batter, whipping cream and more. With various attachments available, including pasta rollers and meat grinders, it becomes a true multi-functional appliance. Its sturdy design and multiple speed settings allow you to tackle everything from delicate tasks like mixing meringues to heavy-duty dough kneading.
- $449.95
- Amazon
18% off
Amazon
Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker
For coffee lovers, the Keurig K-Express Coffee Maker offers a convenient way to brew the perfect cup every time. This single-serve coffee maker has customizable settings for cup size and brew strength. Whether brewing a quick cup in the morning or entertaining guests, the Keurig K-Express delivers consistent quality with minimal effort.
- $89.99
- $109.99
- Amazon
Amazon
Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster
A reliable toaster is essential in every kitchen, and the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Toaster is a great choice. With extra-wide slots to accommodate bagels and thick slices of bread, this toaster also features adjustable browning settings and an automatic shutoff for safety. Its compact size means it doesn’t take up much counter space, making it an excellent addition to any kitchen, big or small.
- $46.99
- Amazon
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