College dorm-room essentials: Testing the best appliances
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Have you moved into your college dorm room yet? Have you got everything you need? Consumer Reports tests lots of appliances that can help stock your new digs, everything from toaster ovens to coffee makers.
Whether you're moving to a dormitory or off-campus housing, Consumer Reports has a roundup of "must-have" small appliances to recommend.
A pod coffeemaker is a convenient way to jump-start the morning. Consumer Reports top-rated the $130 DeLonghi Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio. It's quick to brew that much-needed first cup.
"Pods are convenient, but they're pricey," said Celia Lehrman, Consumer Reports. "And our expert coffee tasters found that the coffee was only so-so. So if you really like your coffee, you probably want to go for a drip coffee maker."
A good choice is the $40 Mr. Coffee. It consistently heats up to the perfect brewing temperature.
For a healthier wake up call, consider the $90 Nutri Ninja. It does a very good job blending an icy drink or smoothie.
A microwave is always convenient. The $150 Kenmore from Sears is great for heating quick meals and snacks.
As for a toaster oven, the $80 Oster is a good option. It bakes and broils just as well as much pricier models.
And to help keep your cool in warmer months, a window air-conditioner is the way to go.
"Our tests found that most window air-conditioners did an excellent job of cooling a room or two," said Lehrman.
The GE gets the job done and is a Consumer Reports "best buy" for $210.
Another appliance to consider is a compact refrigerator. Out of the 26 Consumer Reports tested, only three made the "recommended" list, all from Frigidaire. They offer excellent freezer performance and very good energy efficiency. Prices start at around $200 .
The recommended compact fridges from Frigidaire are:
- FFPH44M4L(M) for about $220
- BFPH44M4L, at Best Buy for about $210
- LFPH44M4L, at Lowe's for about $190
