If you are a UCF freshman or just moving into a new apartment, we have a list of some kitchen essentials you may want at your new UCF apartment. There are a lot of different products out there, different brands and features, and it can be overwhelming. We included some links below, but you may need to look around to find what works best for you.
Coffee Maker
Let's start with what every busy University of Central Florida student needs, CAFFEINE. If basic coffee is your thing, you can purchase a standard coffee maker for around ten dollars, or if you may prefer a Keurig single-serve coffee maker like this
coffee, latte, and cappuccino maker.
Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
If time to cook is hard for you, maybe an instant pot or slow cooker is a kitchen must-have at your apartment. There are a lot of different opinions on which is best but look at the features and see which appeal most to you. This
Instant Pot has seven products in one, including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, sauté, yogurt maker, and warmer & sterilizer. If you want to save the leftovers, make sure to purchase reusable food storage containers also.
Egg Cooker
The
Elite Cuisine Egg Cooker allows you to make eggs in various ways with little clean-up and little time. This little machine includes trays for poaching, boiling, and making omelets or scrambled eggs. It buzzes and turns off automatically when done.
Salad Spinner
A salad spinner can wash, and dry lettuce and salad mix but also other vegetables, fruit, and herbs. This versatile
salad spinner at Target comes with a collapsible handle, is dishwasher safe, and you can use the basket as a strainer or bowl as a serving dish.
Pantry and Refrigerator Organizer
Pantry and refrigerator organization is essential for any kitchen but serves a more significant purchase with roommates. Walmart offers many options for
kitchen pantry storage, and you can label to differentiate your items from your roommates.
Toaster/Toaster Oven
You may want to get a standard toaster for bread, bagels, or frozen waffles, or a toaster oven where you can have more cooking options. This
Cuisinart® Compact Air Fryer Toaster Oven has convection bake, convection broil, AirFry, toast, bagel, and warm functions.
Pots & Pans
No matter your cooking level, it is a good idea to have a cookware set in your kitchen that includes pots and pans. If your UCF apartment has a
glass stovetop, you will want to make sure your set will work and not scratch the stovetop.
Click here for glass stovetop cookware options from Target. If a full set is not in the budget, you may want to start with a skillet, pot, and sheet pan.
Utensils
Some kitchen utensils you may need are a kitchen knife with a cutting board, spatula, tongs, and a can opener. Some may prefer an electronic can opener, but if you are in your apartment near UCF during hurricane season, you will want to have a
manual can opener like this one on hand if you lose power. It also includes a bottle opener which may come in handy if there is a hurricane party.
Suppose you have a tight budget, not to worry. You can purchase many of these items at Walmart, Target, or even a second-hand store at low prices. Or, if you live with roommates, maybe you can go in together on products for everyone to use at your apartment near the University of Central Florida.