Seven Table Top Appliances Perfect For University Students

Term time is right around the corner, and that means thousands of students across the UK will be heading off to university. If you’re one of those students, it’s vital that you prepare ahead of time and make sure you have everything you need to cook and clean quickly, easily and on a tight budget.

Depending on where you’re staying, your student accommodation might not have a particularly well-equipped kitchen. Most student flats are pretty rudimentary, offering only essential appliances like an oven, a hob and a washing machine. If you’re a busy student, that won’t cut it – you need quicker, more convenient ways to cook and clean.

That’s where table top appliances come in. Affordable, portable and compact, table top appliances are an easy way to add functionality to your kitchen without blowing your budget or upsetting your landlord. Plus, if you have to switch accommodation next year, you’ll still be able to take them with you.

In this blog, we’re going to run through seven table top student kitchen essentials, from portable ovens to tumble dryers and even dishwashers.

Mini fridges

In need of extra fridge space? Perhaps your flat doesn’t come with a built-in fridge and you’d rather not shell out for a full-size one? Mini fridges are the perfect solution. They’re every bit as effective as a regular fridge, but are a fraction of the price and are small enough to fit in even the most compact of kitchens. Many of them are even lockable.

Mini fridges and drinks coolers are great for entertaining, too. If you want to invite friends over to your flat, a fully-stocked drinks cooler will certainly come in handy. Equally, if you’re sharing your flat with others and often find yourself short on fridge space, a mini fridge is an easy, cost-effective way to resolve the issue. We even offer table top freezers too!

Air fryers

They’re popular for a reason. We don’t think any students should head off to university without an air fryer, because they’re just so convenient. When you get home after a long, tiring day of lectures, you’ll appreciate the effortless nature of cooking with an air fryer. With built-in cooking timers and plenty of cooking power, it’s easy to get perfect results each and every time with an air fryer.

They’re much cheaper to run than an oven, too – if you’re looking for a way to save on your energy bills, an air fryer is a solid choice. Dual zone models make things even easier, allowing you to cook two different foods at the same time, both at different temperatures and timings.

Ovens

Yes, you read that right. You can even get table top ovens! If your flat is short on space and you find yourself having to share your oven with others, a table top oven is a great way to add functionality to your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Starting at under £100, table top mini electric ovens work just as well as their full-scale counterparts, and have enough room inside to cook a meal for one or two people. Again, just like air fryers, they’re more affordable to run than conventional ovens too.

Microwaves

Ah, the microwave. Where would we be without it? If your kitchen doesn’t come with a built-in microwave, we’d highly recommend getting a freestanding microwave of your own. 

No kitchen is complete without one, because they’re both convenient and simple to use. Whether you’re reheating yesterday’s leftovers or cooking a ready meal, microwaves make student life a whole lot easier.

Combi microwaves

Ever heard of combi microwaves? These ingenious appliances combine the functionality of both a microwave and a grill into one portable unit, allowing you to serve up delicious meals in minutes.

Whether you fancy a grilled sandwich or simply need to reheat or defrost something, a combi microwave can do it all. Much like air fryers and mini ovens, combi microwaves reduce the need to switch the oven on, helping keep your energy bills low too.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are big bulky things, aren’t they? Surely buying and installing one is outside my budget? If you opt for a regular dishwasher, yes – but there is an alternative. Table top dishwashers offer the same functionality as their regular counterparts, but in a much more compact, more affordable package.

Sure, they won’t be able to accommodate as many plates and bowls as a regular dishwasher would. But if you’re living by yourself or are sharing the flat with a few friends, they’re large enough to get the job done – and they’re a fraction of the price of a regular dishwasher. Why waste time washing your dishes by hand when you can get one of these?

Tumble dryers

Most student flats come with washing machines, but many don’t have room for tumble dryers. That’s where our table top versions come in. Small enough to sit on top of your kitchen counter, these handy appliances make day to day life as a student that much easier. 

Instead of having to wait an age for your clothes to dry, you can get the job done in no time. That means you won’t have to drape clothes over your radiators or have them sitting around on a drying rack: simply pop them in the dryer and they’re ready to wear a short while later.