Upgrade Your Dorm-Room Kitchenette With These Smart Buys

Sure, you love smoothies. Who doesn't? But buying them at the juice shop adds up — fast. A better option? Make them yourself with this Magic Bullet 4-Piece Essential Blender Set ($20). This compact blender mixes creamy smoothies in a flash, takes up next to no space, and pays for itself with two or three uses.

If your dorm allows toaster ovens, you'll have so many cooking options. This Black & Decker 4-Slice Toaster Oven ($25) doesn't just let you toast the best bagels ever — it also can handle more substantial foods like pizza. And if you have your heart set on bagel pizza — well, all we can say is that dorm-cooking dreams can come true.

You shouldn't have to get a part-time job just to pay for your coffee habit. (And yes, you will develop a coffee habit in college.) This Black + Decker 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker ($25) is reasonably priced for a full-sized programmable machine. Set it at night and wake up to your first cup of the day — even if you only have five minutes to make it to class.

You're an adult now — you can do better than plastic cutlery. "Sadly, I can't afford proper silverware," you might be thinking. Oh, but you can! This Simply Essential Stainless Steel Mirror 20-Piece Flatware Set ($20) is inexpensive and versatile, with full service for you and three of your friends. It's a way more satisfying option than stealing sporks from the cafeteria.

Snacks are a part of dorm life, but you can't just leave food out in the open. (Not unless you want to be known as the person whose dorm room is crawling with ants.) Seal up dried fruit, chips, nuts, and other nibbly things with the help of this Rubbermaid Flex & Seal 26-Piece Food Storage Set ($25). The containers keep food fresh and, thanks to their stackability, your mini-fridge organized.

Oh, and on that note: This Whirlpool Stainless Steel Dual Door Refrigerator ($180) is currently on sale, and it has just the right amount of space for healthy essentials you'll want to have on hand — plus a freezer compartment for stress-busting essentials like ice cream.

A microwave makes dorm life so much easier, whether you're using it to make Monday-morning oats or Friday-night popcorn. This Farberware Classic 0.7 Cubic Foot Microwave Oven ($50) is compact, but it's large enough to handle your needs. Split the cost with your roomie, and you'll have enough money left to stock up on groceries.

A hydrated student is a happy student, and this SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker ($70) makes drinking water a pleasure. You can add flavors if you like, but a glass of fizz-enhanced H2O is just as delightful on its own.

If you live in a dorm, you need a can opener. Skip the supercheap versions: they are hard to use and will fall apart before long. Instead, invest in a quality OXO Good Grips Can Opener ($17). You'll have it forever.