Cookware
From Rofflehaus
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In the dorms it is very easy to make due with a mini-fridge and a microwave. Once you move off campus, you will probably need a little bit more, unless you plan on living off pre-packaged foods. If that's the case, be prepared to spend a lot of money. Eating cheap and learning to cook for yourself go hand in hand.
To save money, buy cooking supplies only when you first need them, and only if you truly need them; if you can get pretty much the same functionality out of a tool you already have, why go drop more cash for something else?
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[edit] Pots and Pans
Unless you like to cook elaborate meals, one pot and two frying pans of different sizes will suit all your needs. Because you will only need two or three pots, don't be cheap. Spending a little bit more money on a few pieces of quality cookware will get you a lot farther than buying a crappy 7-piece set.
Generally, heavy is good. A nice thick pan will heat more evenly, which will in turn cook your food more evenly. It almost goes without saying, but buy non-stick, Teflon-coated pots and pans. These days, nearly everything is non-stick, so you will probably have a harder time finding something not Teflon-coated.
[edit] Utensils
Spoons, tongs, etc. Cooking utensils generally come in three different materials. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.
[edit] Metal
Metal utensils stand up very well against heat and can go through the dishwasher. The only problem is that Teflon doesn't generally stand up against metal. Teflon is a plastic, and is easily gouged by metal utensils. After a short time of abuse, the non-stick coating will be ruined and you will need an new pot.
[edit] Plastic
Plastic is generally the best way to go. Plastic doesn't hurt Teflon, is durable and can go through the dishwasher. Be careful when exposing it to high heat, though. When buying plastic utensils make note of the safe working temperature. Unless you are boiling something, use utensils that can withstand up to 500 - 600 degrees Fahrenheit.
[edit] Wood
Wood is probably the least desireable of the three materials for college students. It is safe for Teflon, but that's about it. The dishwasher is very hard on wood, so wood utensils need to be hand washed. Wood can tolerate some heat, but it will scorch, and if you try hard enough, catch fire. Wood should generally be used for mixing and boiling.
[edit] Other Appliances
In general, avoid buying single-purpose gadgets, no matter how cool they look or how bored you are at Wal Mart. They take up too much space and do too little for you.
[edit] Slow Cookers
Also known as Crock Pots. These are great for cooking large quantities of food while you are out of the house. Turn it on when you leave for class, and when you come home six hours later, dinner will be waiting for you.
Look for a slow cooker with a capacity of four or five quarts. With this size, you can cook once and get several meals out of it. Also, get a slow cooker with a removeable crock. A removeable crock can be run through the dishwasher. Otherwise you will have to wash it by hand.
