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Getting ready to pack that teenager off to college for the first time? A great investment can be a dorm refrigerator. No Mom, not for beer, but to keep the costs down by stocking sodas and energy drinks that can cost a fortune when purchased in a vending machine or in single servings. So, along with that other list of absolutely must have supplies for your first year, or returning, college student, consider investing in a dorm refrigerator. It will make your student's dorm seem a little more like home and maybe, just maybe he'll remember to call you for other reasons than just asking for more money. Design and features in dorm refrigerators has come a long way over the years. Once just simple and generic, you can now find models in stainless steel, fashionable colors and more. But before you buy anything, you need to find out what the school allows. Some colleges and universities may have limits on what appliances you can have in a dorm room. If your student hasn't met their roommate, it may be better to wait. For one thing the roommate may already have a fridge, or they may want to choose one together for space and style considerations. Depending on your budget, you can spend as little as $50 or as much as $300 for a dorm refrigerator. If you want all the bells and whistles in a mini-fridge, you can spend well over $1,000. But while that may work for your office or even your garage, you probably don't want that going to the dorm. Another consideration is how much will the refrigerator be used. If your student is going to rely mostly on the campus meal plan then a smaller unit for sodas and leftovers is all you need. But if this is a longer term investment and the student will be having meals in the dorm room, then consider an upgrade to a sturdier, more dependable model. You'll find compact refrigerators ranging in size from around 1.7 cubic feet to about 6.0 cubic feet. There's not a lot of room in most dorms, so consider that along with room for other equipment and supplies. Still, you can stack a refrigerator or stack things on top, so there are space efficient options. Your best bet is to purchase the smallest possible fridge that will accommodate the amount of food and beverages your student plans to keep. And while your student may want the larger model, keep in mind that this will have to be moved in and out of the dorm room, every year. For the most part, you're looking for something to keep things cool. But you can also find models with other features such as: larger freezers, automatic defrosters, can racks or vertical can dispensers, stainless steel or black exteriors, spill resistant shelves, vegetable crispers and other food separators. Be sure to look for models with the Energy Star label to cut down on the use of electricity. You'll also want to make sure the unit has an air tight seal on the door. Maximize the energy efficiency by keeping the door closed as much as possible and by keeping the refrigerator out of direct sunlight. You can find mini refrigerators on eBay and Amazon. But you'll also be able to find options at local discount stores or big box hardware stores. Shop around and don't just pick up the first model you find. If you go through eBay or even Craigslist to find a used model, do some research to find the seller's rating so that you can be assured you're making the right purchase. Lawrence Reaves writes for Hamilton Beach, a kitchen appliance company that offers a selection of products ranging from slow cookers to toasters and blenders. For more information about any of these proudcts and others click here.
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