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Cookware for college students is a tricky gamble as many dormitories have strict policies regarding what can and cannot be used in dorm rooms. But, as your college student will soon grow tired of grilled cheese and whatever casseroles the college cafeteria is serving up, you'll definitely want to invest in some cookware items for the dorm room. Obviously, you'll have to check with the policies of the building first, but usually some of these things are allowed.

THE GRILL...INDOOR AND OUT
Mini grills, in the states the George Foreman grill is a mega-hit, are a great dorm cookware item. Their lids close and they can cook chicken breasts, sandwiches, burgers and more. They provide a healthy alternative to a lot of dorm food, and certainly to fast food, as most of the fat drains off while the food cooks. Clean up is a breeze for your dorm dweller as they can take the grease trap down the hall to the sink or to their in-room sink if they've got one and rinse it out. The interchangeable grill plates can also make waffles or other simple dishes and they wipe clean with a cloth, or a quick rinse.
Some dorms even allow a simple propane or charcoal grill on balcony or patio rooms. If not, there is sometimes availability made for students to have a similar grill in a common yard. These are obviously useful for chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers and even veggie kabobs. All of these options sound a lot yummier than tuna surprise from the cafeteria.

A CROCK POT
If your dorm dweller has the patience to cut up some meat and veggies in the morning, he can have a home cooked meal by the time he gets home from class. Of course, the whole floor will want to know what he's having because the smell will waft all the way down to the far reaches and corners of his neighbors' rooms. He'll either be deliriously popular or horribly annoying with this little thing. It will depend on how stinky his concoctions are and whether or not he shares.

A MICROWAVE
The easiest and most versatile appliance is a small microwave. Frozen meals, popcorn, even reheats of Mom's frozen pot roast sent on dry ice from home will go well in here. Whether or not your dorm dweller has one will depend n how big his room is and of course regulations.
PREP TOOLSAND, OF COURSE, THE BUILDING KITCHEN
Spatulas, pots and pans and other things like that will all be needed if your college student is going to do much cooking in his room. But, you should probably realize that most dorms have a basic kitchen on the premises with a standard refrigerator, a large microwave, a full-sized oven and range and usually most basic pots and pans. You will usually only need to send your student some basic foods, like Mac and Cheese, to prepare and your student can use the dorm's kitchen to prep them.

THINGS YOU PROBABLY SHOULDN'T BUY
A hot plate is almost universally a no-no with most schools. And a popcorn popper is usually not allowed as well, plus it's pretty loud and annoying to those who are trying to study. Tell your college student to stick to the two-minute microwave bags either in the dorm kitchen or in his own room, if he's got a microwave. Usually steam cookers, like rice steamers are banned as well, as they can often lead to fires or relatively easy burns.

Nothing compares to home cooking and it's no wonder that college students yearn to replicate it in their years of dorm dwelling. Be it snack attacks while studying, or that simple need for comfort food, cooking tools and portable cooking gadgets are certainly a nifty idea for college students. But, be weary before purchasing one and make sure your student both knows how to use it safely and that it's okay with the dorm policies.

Learn more about this author, Rachel Mcclain.
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