Air fryers are not considered safe to be used in dorms as they can cause consequences.
Most technical gadgets have various risks associated with them. Different instructions are to be followed to prevent harmful impacts. Specifically, if you’re dealing with electric appliances or some kitchen gadgets, you must be very careful.
An air fryer, which is essentially a countertop convection oven and is frequently used by restaurants etc., will have the same issues as the toaster ovens while being used inside the dorms.
In a high-density residential structure, it can get rather hot and pose a fire risk. Therefore, it is not recommended to be used in dorms. For the same reason, barbecue grills are often not allowed on apartment balconies and open fires like candles are typically prohibited in dorm rooms.
Since a microwave doesn’t get hot when heating food, they are frequently permitted in dorm rooms. The same goes for an air fryer.
You can contact the housing office of the specific university, as well as any commercially operated private dormitory offices, before using air fryers or ovens inside a college dorm.
In this blog, we’ll address some of the safety measures taken to install air fryers inside dorms and if it is a good option or not. Apart from that, I’ll take a broader look at all the relative FAQs regarding the use of an air fryer.
Let’s get to it immediately!
Is Air-Fried Food Healthy?
The taste and texture of air-fried food are comparable to that of deep-fried food: The outside is crispy, and the inside is juicy. However, depending on what you’re cooking, you only need a tiny amount of oil, if any at all.
Yes, according to Good Housekeeping’s Nutrition Director Jaclyn London, MS, RD, CDN, air frying is “unquestionably a healthier alternative if you commit to using just 1-2 tablespoons of a plant-based oil with seasoning and stick to air-frying veggies more than anything else.” “Any appliance that assists you and your family in increasing your veggie game as we age is essential for weight management, a lower risk of chronic disease, and improved long-term health.”
In an Air Fryer, What Can You Cook?
Air fryers cook quickly and can be used to heat frozen foods or cook a variety of fresh foods such as chicken, steak, pork chops, salmon, and vegetables once you understand how they work.
Because most meats are naturally juicy, no additional oil is required; simply season with salt and your favorite herbs and spices.
Oil is required to brown and crisp up lean cuts of meat or foods with little or no fat. Brush boneless chicken breasts and pork chops with oil before seasoning. Because of its higher smoke point, vegetable or canola oil is usually recommended because it can withstand the high heat of an air fryer.
Why Can’t You Cook In Your Dormitory Space?
There are many reasons, including the fact that dishes that are popular in some cultures may smell to others like a dead raccoon, but the largest one is a fire hazard.
Heat is frequently needed when cooking, and what is a better source of heat than a stove? Because a stove is seen as a fire threat and dorms cannot allow their residents to bring in fire hazards, they prohibit students from cooking to keep things as simple and safe as possible.
Freshmen in college are notorious for making poor choices. Many of these recent high school grads, who are living independently for the first time, are, shall we say, negligent.
Heat sources used in cooking have the potential to spark flames.
Colleges don’t want their residence halls to catch fire because a novice cook attempted to flambé a dish with a whole bottle of vodka.
What Are Other Reasons For Not Using An Air Fryer Inside A Dorm?
Another scenario might involve a forgetful student leaving a burner on while leaving for class. That memory lapse costs money and sometimes, lives as well. Therefore, microwaves, electric kettles, refrigerators, and occasionally crock pots, are the only appliances that students are often permitted to have in their dorm rooms.
As a result, there is a lower chance of fire, which saves the college money on insurance for its buildings. There are several reasons for restricting the use of this tool inside your dorms. Of course, if your dorm room has a kitchen, you are permitted to prepare meals there. Except for my first year, all of mine did.
The typical justification given is that it would pose a fire risk. Also, as I talked earlier, it might be for social reasons as well.
What Things Are Not Allowed In College Dorm Rooms?
You should consult the list of restricted materials provided by your college.
Typically, it comprises:
- Ammo, firearms, and other weapons.
- Electrical appliances other than an iron, a mini-fridge, a hair dryer, and a curling iron
- Anything prohibited, including illegal substances, equipment used to use substances, marijuana plants, and explosives.
- Pets etc.
The guidelines for your dorm room will be sent to you by the housing office of your institution.
In general, students are not allowed to own sound bars, candles, or appliances with open heat components (hot plates). All in all, anything that could cause a commotion or cause your room to burn down.
Does Every School Have Its Own Guidelines For dorms?
The regulations for the dorms are determined by each school. Every school will have its list, which can typically be found in the housing part of the school’s website.
However, the following are normally prohibited:
- Pets (other than fish and sometimes small mammals, like hamsters)
- Hot plates and other things with exposed heating sources, lit candles, and other open flames, or incense, occasionally
- Guns, illicit substances
- In certain schools, wireless printers are prohibited
What Should I Pack for My Dorm Room?
As we’ve already discussed the stuff we shouldn’t carry to a college dorm, there are some exceptions that you can take with you without a doubt!
Wear flip-flops for the shower as foot warts are undesirable. Many dorm administrators fail to emphasize that dormitory beds are not of the typical twin, queen, or king size. That bedding won’t fit.
Dorm beds, sometimes known as “longs,” are similar to single beds but longer to accommodate young men who are at least 6 feet tall.
Don’t arrive anticipating a single or twin bed and then be compelled to pay the student bookstore’s exorbitant prices for bed linens that are the correct size.
You can carry numerous umbrellas and towels. Keep at least three pop-out umbrellas on hand: a backup smaller pop-out version, and a larger full-span umbrella for very inclement weather.
Bring several clean toothbrushes.
Apart from these things, any other basic utensils, that seem to be non-toxic and safe, could be taken to a college dorm.
Why Are Toasters Not Permitted In College Dorm Rooms?
The toaster is now another gadget that universities won’t allow you to have inside your dorm rooms. It is not recommended as you may burn your documents or any paper on your shelves! As the toaster might catch fire if you fail to switch it off.
Not all universities allow grills or toasters, for that matter. All universities strive to create a safe atmosphere for their students. You may use the microwave to cater to all your kitchen-related needs while being in a college dorm.
But you can use your toasters and air fryers in the public kitchens of your institutions. It could be possible to achieve this in some dorm configurations. Certain dorms do include a shared kitchen, and in these types of dorms, you might be allowed to bring an appliance to use in the kitchen.
The issue with this kind of arrangement is that the dorms frequently don’t want to be held accountable for theft or appliance damage. Any appliance you bring to a dorm that has a shared kitchen will probably have to be kept in the kitchen, which means you won’t be able to safeguard it.
What Can You Bring To A College Dorm And What You Cannot?
| Things Allowed | Things Not Allowed |
| Bathroom Supplies | Too many sheets and towels |
| Allergy Medicines | Coffee maker |
| Band-aids/ Bandages | Large Refrigerators |
| Mattress Pad | Air Fryers |
| Laundry Basket | Game Consoles |
Can I Bring An Electric Appliance To My College Dorm?
You can directly question your floor or dorm manager about the use of these kinds of things at orientation or at any time. If you only get a hold of the dorm policies about appliances in your dorms before you move in, you can easily find out what the rules are for these items.
In most circumstances, this document will make all the answers you require plain. You can save yourself the trouble of showing up at your dorm room with an appliance that you can’t use if you contact the administration before moving in.
You may be permitted to rent a micro chill unit and a refrigerator that has been approved by UC Berkeley. Most prohibited items, whether they be candles or hot plates, are restricted because the authorities don’t want to be held responsible if you accidentally start a fire.
Are Instant Pots Permitted In Dormitories?
You’d have to check the rules. Instant pots are typically not permitted in conventional dorms, but it would be better if you verify it with your school.
I had worked in several higher education institutions previously. There is a combination of microwave ovens and air fryers that are provided in the kitchen by many universities and colleges.
Other kitchen appliances including instant pots are usually prohibited due to a fire risk. These may be allowed in a kitchen area but not necessarily a dorm room.
They draw a medium amount of current (1 kW) and would tend to blow circuit breakers, but no more peak power than any other oven or electric kettle, and on average less.
In the late 1980s, we once even used our clothes irons to prepare grilled cheese sandwiches!
Final Thoughts
To conclude I’d add up some of the key points;
- Many devices are not allowed in college dorms, one of them is an air fryer.
- Aside from hair dryers, razors, and curling irons, the electrical supply may not be sufficient to support electric kitchen appliances.
- Fire safety is a major concern, in addition to the quality of the electrical supply. Therefore, air fryers and toasters are not allowed there.
- Most college students are carefree, they might forget to unplug an electrical appliance which would result in trouble for the college as well as the students.
- This would also apply to other electric devices like a rice cooker, coffee maker, or slow cooker. Thus any appliance that is small, space friendly, and not dangerous can be used in college dorms.
It’s preferable to use public kitchens for using an air fryer, microwave, and oven. Here is presented a video detail about things that must not be brought to college dorms;