Many recipes call for food to be beaten, blended, whipped, processed, or crushed. If your budget is limited, hand tools can perform many of these functions. For example, an egg beater (also called a hand mixer) is fine for beating eggs and whipping cream. And nothing beats a mortar and pestle for grinding and crushing nuts, herbs, spices, crackers, soft fruit, and almost any food that will fit into the bowl-shaped mortar.

However, if your budget permits, you may want to explore some higher-tech options for blending and mixing. The ultimate timesaving device, a blender is perfect for harried but health-conscious students. Compact, inexpensive, and easy to clean, a blender will do everything from liquefying smoothie ingredients to puréeing vegetables. Even if your cooking requirements don't extend beyond hastily throwing together breakfast on busy weekdays, a blender will help you put together a tasty and nutritious meal in mere minutes. (You may have to drink it while walking to class, but that's okay!)

Blender or Food Processor?

Besides the basic blender, another option for mixing food is a food processor. A food processor performs all of the functions of a blender and more. Besides grating cheese and making pastry dough, higher-end models can even be used to make bread dough.

However, for most students, these extra options don't justify the food processor's higher-end price tag. Furthermore, the blender's tall shape means it can hold more liquid, which makes it a better choice for preparing smoothies and other drinks. If you have the space and can afford it, a food processor is a useful addition to your kitchen, but not essential.

Electrical Extras

Some college residences allow students to keep small electrical appliances in the dorm or the residence kitchen. A coffeemaker allows you to have a cup of java ready as soon as you wake up in the morning. Tea drinkers will want a kettle for boiling water. Along with a toaster or toaster oven, these items will help make your living quarters seem more like home.

When it comes to larger appliances, definitely consider a microwave oven or a hot plate if your budget and college regulations permit it. Basically, a hot plate performs all the functions of a stovetop heating element, while taking up considerably less space than a conventional stove. A hot plate can be used for everything from cooking soup to frying pork chops. Although it can't completely replace a standard electric oven, a microwave oven can be used for everything from making popcorn and reheating leftovers to preparing an entire meal. Today, compact microwave and refrigerator combinations, designed specifically for dormitories, are available. Some even come with a small freezer attached.

Equipment for the Stovetop

A few good pots are essential for stovetop cooking. Ideally, you should have three different sizes: a smaller pot for sauces, a medium-sized pot for soups and single-serving meals, and a large pot for boiling noodles, potatoes, and cooking for a group. However, if money is an issue, it's better to purchase one pot made of quality material rather than several inexpensive pots that may not heat properly or may be hard to clean. In that case, a medium-sized pot is the most practical choice.

Make sure the saucepan is made of a heavy material that conducts heat evenly. While cast-iron and copper pots are heavier than you need (and probably beyond your budget), stainless steel wrapped in aluminum or copper is a good choice. While you can always wear oven mitts, cooking will be easier if the handles are made of a material that won't heat up during cooking, such as wood, plastic, or rubber. Finally, test the lid to make sure it fits tightly.

Not surprisingly, quality frying pans are made of the same type of material as saucepans because both are designed for stovetop cooking. A medium-sized, 12-inch frying pan will meet all your needs for sautéing, braising meat, and cooking eggs. As with a saucepan, it's important to make sure the frying pan comes with a tight-fitting lid.

Oven Cooking

Oven cooking requires its own special equipment that can take the high heats needed for baking, broiling, and roasting. A large, rectangular-shaped metal baking sheet is used for making cookies, while a square, deep-sided metal baking pan is used for baking bars and desserts such as Classic Brown Betty Dessert and Easy Apple Crisp. When it comes to muffins, there is no substitute for a standard muffin pan — consider getting more than one to prevent having to cook in batches. A glass baking dish is used for main dishes such as fish fillets and marinated chicken breasts that don't need a rack to let the fat drip off. Finally, a deep-sided casserole dish is used for one-pot meals such as rice and noodle-based casseroles.