College-Bound? Here’s the Kitchen Gear to Bring With You

What kind of foods can I cook in an air fryer?

Air Fryers are so versatile its unbelievable. You can Air Fry, broil, reheat, bake, and dehydrate foods in your Uber Appliance Air Fryer.

What foods can you prep in your air fryer?

Charcoal ovens are convenient and easy to use

Charcoal ovens are convenient and easy to use. But some people find that they produce more smoke than others, which can be a problem for those who are sensitive to it. If you’re one of those people, you may consider using a gas barbecue instead of a charcoal barbecue.

Gas grills are easier to use than charcoal grills because they don’t need to be lit before cooking. However, there are some downsides to using them as well. For instance, they tend to be more expensive than charcoal grills, which can be harder to clean.

If you want an outdoor grill with fewer drawbacks but still lets you cook delicious food, consider purchasing a pellet grill instead. Pellet grills use electricity instead of gas or charcoal briquettes to heat the grill surface to cook the food evenly throughout.

They can be used for cooking simple meals or for baking bread, cakes, and other pastries. Charcoal ovens are also very popular because they use 100% natural charcoal as fuel.

Charcoal is an excellent fuel source because it burns hot and cleanly. It also produces little ash, so there is no need to clean out the oven after each use. In addition, charcoal does not have any harmful gases or fumes like some other fuels do.

Many people choose charcoal ovens over gas because they believe that charcoal-fired cooking produces better tasting food than gas-fired cooking does. This may be true if you use high-quality ingredients and cook them correctly, but it is not necessarily true if you throw a bunch of raw ingredients into the oven and leave them there until they burn up!

What Foods Can I Cook in a Hotel?

Exactly what you can cook depends on the cooking equipment you pack. I have found that a stove and pot is the most versatile option. A little bit of creativity goes a long way in hotel cooking. You’d be surprised what you can cook with some simple tools and ingredients.

Some of my favorite hotel room meals include:

No-Cook Meals You Can Prepare in a Hotel Room

You don’t have to cook every meal. There are plenty of healthy meals that don’t require any heating. A few options include:

Sandwiches- Buy some fresh bread, lunch meat, cheese, and some greens and make yourself a nice sandwich. Tuna or peanut butter and jelly are also good options. To make your meal a bit more interesting, consider making your sandwich on a local style of bread. For example, if you’re in Grease, use pita. If you’re in France, use a baguette. If you’re in Mexico, make a wrap with a flour tortilla. Add some chips or fresh veggies as a side. This is one of my go-to hotel meals.
Salad- Buy some fresh greens, wash them off in the hotel room sink, tear them up, and drizzle some oil and vinegar or your favorite dressing on top. Add some tomatoes, olives, or avocado to make the salad a bit more exciting. Add some canned beans or tuna for protein.
Pre-prepared foods- There are plenty of pre-prepared foods that you can buy in grocery stores and delis that require no heating. Examples include cold fried or baked chicken, sushi, wraps, pasta salads, potato salad, bagel and cream cheese, sandwiches, and more. It is generally faster and cheaper to buy these pre-prepared meals in a grocery store or deli than buying the same meal in a restaurant. You can take the food to your hotel to eat.

Stop by a roadside vegetable stand to save money on ingredients.

Useful Ingredients to Carry

In your home kitchen, you probably have dozens of types of herbs, spices, sauces, oils, etc. When you’re cooking in your hotel room, options are a bit more limited. Many of the above dishes are pretty bland on their own. A bit of seasoning or sauce goes a long way. A few items I always carry in your pantry include:

Salt and pepper– These are staples. Add salt and pepper to any bland food to add some flavor.
Olive oil- Pure olive oil can double as a cooking oil and salad dressing. You can also drizzle it over pasta, bread, pizza, or any number of other foods. Alternatively, you could also use butter.
Hot sauce- Add a little kick to your food. I like to sample different hot sauces while traveling. Pretty much every country has a local hot sauce. While living in Mexico, I tasted over a dozen varieties until I found my favorite, El Yucateco.
Sugar or honey- Having a sweetener comes in handy. You can add it to your coffee or tea, oatmeal, or to sauces.
Seasoning blend- If you plan to cook one style of cuisine, consider bringing a seasoning blend. For example, if you’re traveling to Mexico, pack a Mexican seasoning blend. You can buy one pre-made or mix your own at home. The benefit of this is that you only have to bring one bottle instead of multiple types of seasoning.
Your favorite seasoning, herb, or spice- If you really like a particular flavor, bring it with you.
Your favorite condiment- If you really enjoy a particular condiment, pack a small bottle. Some condiments are extremely versatile. Examples include ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, and mayonnaise.
Rice, pasta, or instant noodles- These are incredibly versatile, affordable, and common foods. They can be eaten as a side or you can add some veggies or meat and sauce and turn them into a meal.
Bread- This is a versatile food and affordable that can be eaten as a side with almost any meal. You can also turn your bread into a sandwich. Most countries specialize in a different style of bread. Visit a local bakery and try out some local fresh-baked varieties.
Beans- These are a great source of protein. They are versatile as well. You can add beans to salads and pasta dishes. You can eat them as a side or eat them with rice as a meal. I like lentils because they cook up fast.
A can of tuna- I always carry a can of tuna with me while traveling. If I get hungry or don’t feel like cooking, I just eat tuna on bread or with crackers. It’s a simple, healthy, and filling meal.

You don’t need to bring these ingredients with you. They’re available pretty much everywhere. Simply stock up when you arrive at your destination. If one of your favorite ingredients isn’t available, buy a local alternative.

Try not to buy too much food. It’s a hassle to carry around a bunch of open packages. Buy what you need and restock frequently. This costs a bit more but you’ll end up carrying less around and you’ll waste less.

Foods to Avoid Cooking in Your Hotel Room

There are a few categories of foods that you should avoid cooking in your hotel room:

Smelly foods- You don’t want to stink up your hotel room. Other guests could smell your food and complain to hotel staff. Housekeeping could report the odor to management. Worst case, the hotel could fine you or charge you a cleaning fee. If that happens, cooking in your hotel room would end up costing you more than if you had just gone out to eat. Cleaning fees can cost hundreds of dollars. Smelly foods to avoid cooking in your hotel room include fish, bacon, garlic, curry, onion, some types of cheese, burnt food, etc.
Messy foods- You don’t want to make a mess, stain fabrics, or draw ants in your hotel room. Avoid cooking messy foods. Examples of messy foods include baked goods and fried foods.
Large pieces of meat- It can take hours to cook a big piece of meat like a roast or whole chicken. It takes even longer if you’re using a small appliance. Stick to smaller cuts of meat or pre-cooked meats instead. If you buy a large chunk of meat, cut it into thin steaks or cubes so it cooks faster. The only exception is if you’re using a slow cooker. In this case, you’re expecting your meal to take hours to cook.
Hazardous foods- Some foods need to be cooked thoroughly in order to be safe to eat. Some foods also need to be kept at a particular temperature so they don’t go bad. Try to avoid foods that could give you food poisoning. Some foods that you need to be careful with include seafood, meat, and eggs. You must be particularly careful if your room doesn’t have a refrigerator.
Noisy foods- Some foods create quite a bit of noise when cooking. For example, the sound of grease sizzling while you’re frying foods can get loud. This could potentially annoy other guests. This would only be an issue if you’re staying in a cheap motel with paper thin walls .

A Water Filter

Adequate hydration is key in college, whether you’re studying for a big exam or recovering from a serious hangover (or both at the same time). Keeping a pitcher of chilled filtered water on hand makes this easy, since it promises icy-cold sips while removing any contaminants from the tap water. This one should fit nicely in your mini fridge.

Cooking Equipment

Cooking equipment is the cornerstone of any commercial kitchen. When choosing cooking equipment for your restaurant, be sure to think about what pieces of equipment you’re going to be using most often. While smaller pieces of equipment may be less expensive, they may not meet your capacity needs if you’re going to be using them regularly, costing your business more in the long run.

Here’s our list of essential cooking equipment for restaurants:

Oven: This versatile piece of equipment can be used for baking, roasting, braising, and much more. As a result, an oven (or multiple ovens, depending on your business) is essential.
Range: You can choose either electric or gas ranges, depending on your preferences and kitchen setup.
Deep Fryer: While deep fryers are ideal for making french fries, chicken tenders, and other customer favorites, you can use them for frying up a variety of foods.
Grill: Charbroilers and other grills impart a smoky and charred flavor that’s perfect for many different recipes.
Griddles: Similar to grills but with a flat metallic surface, griddles are a mainstay in diners and can be used for a variety of different cooking methods.
Holding Equipment: Holding cabinets keep your food at a specific temperature, which makes them ideal for holding food until it’s ready to serve or proofing breads before baking.
Salamander or Broiler: These products are perfect for finishing dishes, toasting bread, or melting cheese. Also, salamanders have high enough heat output to broil salmon or cook foods.
Toaster: If your restaurant is going to be open for breakfast, a commercial toaster is a must for your bread and bagels.
Coffee Brewer: Coffee is a popular beverage, and it’s a great addition to your beverage service, even if you’re not opening a cafe or bakery.
Microwave: Microwaves are a convenient way to heat up sauces, defrost frozen foods, and re-heat products.

Additionally, with cooking equipment, it’s essential that you choose the right power type for your kitchen. Also, be aware that you may need additional gas hoses and other components to install your cooking equipment successfully.

Check these cooking appliances off of your restaurant kitchen equipment list by using the link below.

Shop All Restaurant Equipment

How to Pack Your Travel Cooking Equipment

One drawback to cooking in your hotel room is the fact that you have to pack quite a bit of extra gear. This adds weight and bulk to your luggage.

You’ll want to consider this when packing to avoid going over your airline’s weight or size limit if you’re flying. If you’re taking a road trip, the weight and size of your equipment don’t matter as much. You’ll still want to be careful not to overpack.

Remember, you’ll have to pack all of your cooking equipment up and carry it around every time you move to a different hotel. If you move around frequently while you travel, this can become a hassle. If you’re staying in the same hotel for the duration of your trip, it’s less of an issue.

To keep weight down and save space in your pack, you’ll want to be as minimalistic as possible. Only pack items that are absolutely necessary. Try to choose equipment that offers multiple uses.

Instead of packing a grater, garlic press, and a vegetable peeler, just pack a knife. You can finely chop, mince, and peel just fine with a good knife. You don’t need a bunch of fancy kitchen gadgets to prepare a basic meal in your hotel room.

Also, consider the packed size of your travel kitchen. Try to choose items that can pack inside of one another to save space. For example, you can store your stove, bowl, sponge, and dish soap inside of your pot. Bundle your silverware, can opener, corkscrew, and knife together. Lay flat items like your plate and cutting board up against the walls of your backpack or suitcase.

When putting together your travel kitchen, consider using cooking equipment that is designed for ultralight backpacking. Ultralight cooking gear is much lighter and more compact than standard gear that is designed for your home kitchen. You can save a lot of space and weight this way. For example, a titanium pot weighs around 3-4oz. A comparable pot used for home cooking weighs 2-3 lbs.

Also, remember that some items are not permitted in a carry-on bag. If you pack kitchen knives or a bottle of dish soap, you’ll have to check your luggage. Some types of fuel aren’t permitted on airplanes at all. If you’re using a gas stove, you may have to wait until you arrive to buy fuel for it.

What Is an At-Home Sleep Apnea Test?

A home sleep apnea test is a portable breathing monitor you wear overnight. It is designed to help diagnose obstructive sleep apnea at home. As you sleep, the device monitors your breathing and oxygen levels to detect and measure pauses in breathing, which are known as apneas. The test calculates an OSA severity score by calculating the average number of lapses in breathing per hour in bed.

Polysomnography, an overnight sleep study performed in a lab, provides the
most accurate diagnosis

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for obstructive sleep apnea. However, this type of test can be more expensive, and people in certain areas may face long waitlists or lack easy access to a sleep center. At-home sleep apnea tests are designed to make testing more accessible and help ensure people get the treatment they need.

At-home sleep apnea tests may be appropriate for diagnosing OSA in some people, as long as a qualified sleep specialist interprets the results. However, polysomnography is the better option for people who are suspected of having another medical condition or
sleep disorder in addition to OSA

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The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information.

Most at-home sleep apnea tests measure different bodily metrics used to determine whether or not someone has sleep apnea. Common metrics measured during an at-home test include:

Respiratory activity, breathing patterns, and chest motion
Heart rate and blood oxygen level
Actigraphy, or nocturnal movement and motor activity
Sleep position and position changes
Snoring events and intensity

It is important to note that most at-home tests do not measure sleep quality. This may be limiting if you are trying to decide whether an at-home test or onsite sleep study is better suited for your specific situation. Comparatively, polysomnography offers a more holistic overview of your sleep quality and sleep patterns in addition to the apnea-related metrics measured by at-home tests.

Who it’s best for:

People who suspect they may have obstructive sleep apnea
Those who would rather not undergo a sleep study away from home
Adults who are at least 18 years of age

Comfortable wearable design reminiscent of a lightweight wristwatch
Measures seven apnea-related metrics using the wrist, finger, and neck as contact points
Portable and travel-friendly

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Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Lofta products

While not always effective, at-home sleep apnea tests are a convenient alternative to traditional polysomnography sleep studies that require you to spend the night in a lab away from your bed. At-home tests have evolved over the years, and the wearable Lofta WatchPAT is one of the most advanced options sold today. The device consists of a band that fits around your wrist like a watch, a sensor that gently clamps your fingertip, and a thin cord connecting the other two components. No nasal tubes or body straps are required.

The device uses the wrist, finger, and neck as contact points to measure seven different metrics used to diagnose sleep apnea. The peripheral arterial tone (PAT) metric is used to monitor respiratory activity and events, while actigraphy refers to nocturnal movements and motor activity. The WatchPAT also measures heart rate, blood oxygen level, sleep position, snoring, and chest motion.

The process for using the WatchPAT is simple. After receiving your device in the mail, Lofta schedules you a virtual appointment with a board-certified physician. During this meeting, the doctor will evaluate your physical health and explain how to use the device. This clears the way for you to use the test. With proper use, you can generate results after just one night of testing. Once you have your results, the same physician will review them and provide a personalized sleep report complete with prescription and treatment recommendations.

The WatchPAT can be used in any setting, so you won’t need to leave your bed to use the device. The device has earned FDA approval, and does not require an appointment with a physician. Your insurance may cover a portion of the up-front costs. Standard shipping is free, and expedited delivery is available for a small surcharge. Unopened orders may be returned within 60 days of purchase.

Why You Should Trust Us

Why Cook in a Hotel Room?

Pretty much anyone can benefit from cooking some of their meals in their hotel room. When cooking in a hotel room, you’ll:

Eat healthy- Restaurant food isn’t healthy. To make the food taste better cooks add way more butter, oil, and salt than any home cook would. According to this interesting article, restaurant meals contain more calories as well with an average of over 1200 calories. Some countries cuisines simply aren’t healthy. You may find local foods to be too greasy or too heavy. In these cases, it’s nice to have the option to cook something healthy once in a while. When you cook your own food, you can eat more veggies and less fat and salt.
Avoid unhygenic foods- In some parts of the world, food hygiene standards are low. It’s nearly impossible to avoid getting food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea. If you travel long enough, you will get sick from eating contaminated food. When you cook your own food in your hotel, you know that it has been properly washed. You know that it isn’t undercooked. You also know that it has been stored properly. You’re far less likely to get sick.
Stick to your diet- Maybe you’re a vegan or vegetarian. Maybe you don’t eat pork. You could have a food allergy. In some countries, it’s nearly impossible to avoid certain ingredients. For example, in Vietnam, many ‘vegitarian’ soups contain beef broth. Cooking in your hotel room allows you to avoid certain foods. When you cook for yourself, you know exactly what you’re eating.
Save time- It’s often quicker to cook for yourself than to go to a restaurant. In some parts of the world, restaurants are incredibly slow. For example, I’ve waited over an hour for some eggs and toast while traveling in Africa. Why waste time waiting around a restaurant when you could cook yourself a simple meal in just a few minutes.

A canister gas stove cooking setup

Basic Utensils

Courtesy of OXO

All that’s left is to fill a sturdy, attractive cooking crock with some basic utensils. That includes a silicone spatula, a whisk, and a set of tongs.

If you’re game to try some baking, a set of measuring cups, measuring spoons, and mixing bowls will serve you well.

Serious Eats / Amanda Suarez

Drawbacks to Cooking in a Hotel

Cooking in your hotel isn’t for everyone. A few reasons you may not want to cook in your hotel room include:

You’ll miss out on trying local foods- The food you’re cooking in your hotel room will not be authentic. Chances are, you’ll cook meals you eat all the time at home. You’re missing out on the experience of eating local foods whenever you cook for yourself.
It’s a hassle- Going grocery shopping, setting up your stove, chopping veggies, cooking, and cleaning are all annoying little tasks. While you’re on a vacation, you probably want to take a break from these tasks.
It may be against the rules- Many hotels prohibit cooking in the room. You’ll see this listed in the hotel rules. If you don’t feel comfortable breaking the rules, you may not want to cook in you hotel room.
You have to pack heavy and bulky cooking gear- If you’re an ultralight traveler, you won’t want to cook in your hotel room. It simply requires too much buky equipment.

An Induction Burner

Courtesy of Amazon.com.

If you don’t have access to a kitchen and want to develop your cooking skills, an induction burner is a great tool.* We suggest getting one with a single burner for easy storage. Induction burners tend to be more responsive than a hot plate or electric burner, and you can adjust the heat more rapidly for easier, faster cooking.

Our burner of choice, by Duxtop, is both well reviewed and reasonably priced. Do remember that an induction cooktop requires induction cookware; while traditional cooktops transfer heat to the bottom of a pot, induction burners use a magnetic coil to generate heat, which will only work with stainless steel and cast iron.

Good news for safety: Induction burners won’t get hot until you place a pot or pan on them. They can still start a fire, though, so heed our safety warning and pay close attention while cooking.

You can use charcoal ovens all year round

Cooking in an oven is usually associated with the colder months, but it’s not just for winter! Charcoal ovens are a great way to cook any time of year.

Charcoal is an excellent heat source and perfectly complements your outdoor kitchen. It’s easy to use, versatile, and convenient. And it’s easy to understand why it has been used for centuries as an energy source in the outdoors!

Charcoal is made by heating wood or other plant materials in the absence of oxygen; this process creates carbon monoxide and other gases that leave behind a residue of charcoal. The resulting material is pure carbon — essentially “burnt” wood — that looks like small pieces of coal. Charcoal burns hotter than regular firewood and produces less smoke because it contains no moisture.

Charcoal is the way to go, whether you’re looking for an investment that will last for years or a cheaper alternative to gas and electric ovens. Here are just some of the reasons why:

Charcoal ovens can be used all year round. In the summer months, you can use your charcoal oven for cooking food that would typically take longer to cook over an open fire or any other outdoor cooking appliance. It also has no problem with holding its temperature at a constant level throughout the day.

The charcoal oven is a versatile product that can be used year-round. You can bake bread in the winter or cook a large meal in the summer when you don’t want to use your oven or stovetop. The charcoal oven works well for preparing food for large groups of people because it’s less expensive than hiring a caterer or buying prepared food from a restaurant.

My Experience Cooking in a Hotel Without a Kitchen

I started cooking in hotel rooms while living in Mexico. I stayed in a hotel for around a month while searching for an apartment. The hotel room was extremely basic. It didn’t have a kitchen, fridge, or any appliances. During the first couple of weeks, I was going out to eat every meal.

While Mexican food is one of my favorite cuisines, it is pretty unhealthy. Most dishes are greasy and heavy. The cost of eating out every meal also adds up fast. Even street food gest expensive. I wanted to cook something cheap and healthy. That’s when I began experimenting with cooking in my hotel room.

I ended up making myself an alcohol stove out of a tuna can. I bought a small pot and some denatured alcohol for fuel. In the shower, I set up my kitchen and started cooking. I made spaghetti, boiled eggs, rice, beans, and a number of other simple meals.

When I ran out of fuel, I upgraded to a basic hot plate. started cooking slightly more elaborate meals. I also bought an immersion heater at a grocery store that I used to make tea and coffee.

I have continued using the methods outlined in this guide during my travels. Usually, I pack some kind of camp stove and a titanium pot. Occasionally, I will bring or buy a hot plate.

When cooking for myself in a hotel, I try to keep my food budget to about $5 per day while traveling. This is easy to do when I cook most of my own meals.

Of course, I always eat a local meal or two out at each destination I visit. This gives me the opportunity to sample the local cuisine. I’m a big fan of street food so I always enjoy a few meals at roadside stands. I also like to order the national dish at a decent restaurant. This is usually a good bet. Sometimes I like to give exotic foods a try. After all, food is one of the main reasons we travel. It’s all part of the experience.

Airtight Food Storage

The last thing you need in college—or ever, really—is a rodent problem. To keep critters at bay, you’ll need airtight containers to store chips, cereals, and other snacks. OXO Pop Containers come in a variety of sizes and stack to save space. But it’s the airtight seal that’s arguably their best quality, keeping food fresh and safe from unexpected visitors.

For a slightly less pricey option, regular old snap-top quart containers and pint containers will do the trick as well.

A Pressure Cooker

Going without a stove means nothing when you’re armed with a multi-cooker,* a simple machine that does so much, takes up very little space, and will make you look like a total badass.

A powerful pressure cooker can break down tough meats for flavorful chili, cook dried beans, or (for the committed student chef) make a gelatin-rich chicken stock. These machines can also double as rice cookers, and the sauté function will allow you to brown meat and vegetables for stews and braises to keep you nourished throughout the cold months.

We recommend a few different pressure cookers and multi-cookers, but for a student, the Instant Pot is a no-brainer. It’s compact and easy to use.

Serious Eats / Vicky Wasik

Food Prep Equipment

When it comes to food prep equipment, different restaurants will have various items on their kitchen equipment list, depending on their recipes. Rather than list all of the potential items you could order, we limited our professional kitchen equipment list to essentials that most foodservice operations would need:

Food Processors: These versatile appliances can help cut down on valuable prep time. You can use them to make sauces, combine ingredients, chop vegetables, slice cheese, and much more.
Prep Tables: Place appliances and equipment on top of these sturdy tables, or use them as a surface for prepping ingredients or assembling dishes.
Mixers: While bakeries and pizza shops might use commercial mixers most frequently, this is a useful piece of equipment that every restaurant should have.
Spice Grinders: While using pre-ground spices is economical, freshly ground spices and herbs have a unique flavor that can give your recipes more depth of flavor.
Blenders: Most commonly found in bars and cafes, blenders have a multitude of uses. You can use them to make drinks, combine sauces, or create marinades.

Find all of these food prep products and much more for your kitchen by using the link below:

Shop All Food Prep Equipment

Charcoal ovens are versatile

Consider a charcoal oven if you’re looking for a new outdoor cooking appliance. They’re versatile, efficient, and easy to use. Plus, they’re every bit as fun as they are practical.

Charcoal ovens are made of fire-resistant clay that retains heat well. The bottom of the stove has holes so heat can travel up through the charcoal and cook your food. The top of the oven is domed, so smoke can escape while still cooking your food.

You can also purchase charcoal grills with a glass lid to watch your food while it cooks. They can be used to cook many foods and in many ways. The only limit is your imagination.

The most common use for charcoal ovens is baking. You can bake cakes, cookies, bread, and pizza using a charcoal oven. You can even make desserts like cakes with frosting or caramelized onions with cream cheese for breakfast. You can even cook meat or fish in your charcoal oven!

The main benefit of using a charcoal oven is that it heats up very quickly and stays hot for a long time. You don’t have to worry about waiting 20 minutes for the oven to heat up before putting your food in there; it will be ready in just a few minutes!

This makes it ideal for people who want to get dinner on the table fast but still want it cooked perfectly every time. There’s no need to wait around while things are cooking – whip them out when they’re done!

Where Should I Cook in a Hotel?

The best place in your hotel to cook depends on whether you’re using a gas or electric cooker. Every hotel is different. Some hotel rooms just aren’t safe to cook in.

Cooking with Gas

Only cook in a well-ventilated area. You don’t want to poison yourself with carbon monoxide and other contaminants that your stove emits. Also, don’t cook near anything that is potentially flammable. You don’t want to start a fire. Avoid cooking with a gas stove indoors.

The three best places to cook in your hotel room are:

In the courtyard or parking lot- Outdoors is the safest place to cook with a gas stove. Most hotels have large open common area outside or a paved parking lot. Look for a flat spot on a concrete, gravel, or dirt surface whre you can set up your stove. Before cooking outside, make sure camp stoves are okay to use. During the dry season, stoves with open flames may be prohibited in some places due to the risk of fire. You don’t want to get a fine.
In the bathtub or shower- Here, the walls and floor are usually made from tile or some other non-flammable material. Another benefit of cooking here is the fact that you can simply turn on the water if your fire gets away from you. Most bathrooms also have a vent fan or window as well.

Remember, don’t cook in your hotel room if there isn’t a safe place to do it.

Cooking with Electric

While cooking with an electric hot plate, microwave, kettle, rice cooker, slow cooker, immersion heater, you have to set up near an electrical outlet.

You don’t need to worry as much about ventilation because electric appliances don’t put off any gasses. You should still consider odor. Food smells can linger.

Set up your cooker on a solid surface that isn’t flammable or sensitive to heat. For example, you don’t want to set up your stove on the carpet which could melt or burn. Make sure no drapes, clothes, bedding, or anything else that could catch fire is clear of the stove or appliance.

You’ll also want to choose a surface where spills can be easily cleaned up. The bathroom works well. If you spill some sauce on the tile floor you can simply wipe it up.

A charcoal oven is an essential tool to have in your kitchen arsenal

They are the ideal choice for people who want to cook food traditionally. The charcoal oven is easy to use because you do not need any gas or electricity to operate it. It is also an eco-friendly option as it uses natural fuel sources to serve.

The crystals are placed inside the oven, which will heat up and bake your food according to your preferred temperature. The charcoal oven has an internal temperature gauge that helps you monitor the heat levels of the oven while cooking your food.

The best thing about using this type of cooking equipment is that it will give you better results than using electric or gas stoves because they tend to produce more smoke than cooking stoves do in most cases.

If you want to prepare delicious meals at home without having too much trouble cleaning up afterward, then getting yourself an outdoor charcoal BBQ grill would be a good idea. You can get a small one if you live in an apartment or condo complex and still want some outdoor space just for yourself or a large one if you have lots of friends coming over for dinner every weekend.

It works great as a grill, roaster, smoker, and even pizza oven! It’s portable to take with you on camping trips or tailgate parties. It’s also easy to clean up after use.

If you’re looking for a versatile cooking tool that will help you cook better food at home or on the go, then the charcoal oven is what you need!

Stay in a Hotel, Hostel, or Airbnb with a Kitchen

If you don’t feel like carrying around cooking equipment in your luggage, just book yourself into accommodation that includes a kitchen.

In the mid-range, consider booking an Airbnb instead of a hotel. Most hosts allow you to use the kitchen. Renting an Airbnb is often cheaper than booking a hotel room with a kitchen. Before you book, be sure to double-check to make sure the property has a kitchen that you can use. Some lower-end properties only come with a hot plate and kettle.

If you have a higher budget, you can book yourself into a higher-end hotel room that includes a full kitchen. You’ll usually have to book a suite to get a kitchen.

If you don’t want to or can’t cook in your hotel room, you can find another place to cook. If you pack a gas camp stove, you could cook in a park or on the beach. You should check the rules first but in most cases, it’s fine to cook in these places.

Refrigeration Equipment

There are many different styles of refrigeration equipment, and the style you choose will depend on your type of restaurant and your specific refrigeration needs. But, here are some examples that a standard restaurant might choose:

Refrigerator: Some common types of refrigerators include walk-in coolers, reach-in fridges, pass-through options, or prep fridges. It is likely that your restaurant will require a combination of different types.
Freezer: Like refrigerators, freezers come in various sizes and styles to suit your needs and food capacities.
Ice Machine: Ice machines are an essential component for beverage service at any restaurant. Additionally, cafes, bars, and grocery stores may use ice to make smoothies or blended cocktails.
Beverage Dispensers Some establishments like fast food and fast casual restaurants may have self service beverage dispensers, while others may have them at wait stations. When choosing a dispenser, think of how many soft drink options you want to serve and which brand of soda you’re going to choose.

You can purchase this refrigeration equipment and everything else your new business needs by clicking the link below:

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Charcoal ovens impart a unique smoky flavor to your food

The charcoal oven is an ancient technique that has been used for cooking food since ancient times. It is a simple device that uses charcoal as fuel, and it can be used for many different cooking applications. The flavor imparted by the charcoal is unique and delicious, but there are also some other benefits to using charcoal ovens as part of your cooking process.

The charcoal oven is a particular type of oven that can be used to produce food with a unique smoky flavor. The charcoal pit is typically brick and features a chimney that allows smoke to escape.

The pit can be used for cooking many types of foods, including red meats, poultry, and seafood. Many people like to use the smoke from the charcoal pit to flavor marinades for chicken or beef.

It is important to note that some people may experience health issues if they overeat charcoal-flavored meat regularly. Individuals who are sensitive to sulfites should avoid eating charcoal-flavored meat because it can trigger an allergic reaction in these individuals.

One of the most significant advantages of using a charcoal oven is that they are portable and easy to use anywhere. You don’t need to be near any power source or electricity to use a charcoal oven, so you can take it wherever you want. If you’re going to go camping but don’t want to carry around bulky equipment like an electric grill or stovetop burner, then a charcoal oven is perfect.

Another advantage of using a charcoal oven instead of gas or electrical supplies is saving you money on your electricity bills over time. Gas grills require gas tanks that need refilling every so often, which costs money and time, and electricity consumption from running the burner itself.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE BEST AIR FRYER?

Uber Appliance offers one of the best air fryers on the market today, our Uber Air Fryer XL is perfect for any family with its roomy 5 quart basket you can air fry a whole chicken. The dishwasher safe basket and grease separator with non stick coating make cleaning a breeze just wipe it down with a damp soapy microfiber towel and toss it in the dish washer.

The Uber Air Fryer XL features an easy to use touch display for temperature and time setting with temperatures ranging from 150F to 400F, the digital display also has several pre-set cooking temperature and time to perfectly cook chicken, steak, fries, wings and so much more with a single press of a button. Every Uber Air Fryer XL with a free recipe book so that you can explore tasty meals as soon as you get it with plenty more recipe’s on our site.

Last but not least buy from Uber Appliance with confidence, we guarantee the quality of our air fryers with our “love it or leave it” 30 day free returns and free exchanges warranty. Our Uber Air Fryer comes standard with a 1 year warranty against any manufacturers defects and we offer extended warranties for up to 2 years. We have been in business for the last 5 years and we have a reputation to protect which is why we place our customers first, our friendly Customer Service Rep Jennifer is available via email 24/7 to answer any questions you might have!

A Corkscrew

Opening a bottle of wine with a flip-flop may be crafty, but it’s also dangerous, and utterly unnecessary when you can get a perfectly good and cheap corkscrew online. We explored several options for our wine-opener review, but for ease of use and storage, you can’t beat a simple waiter’s corkscrew. This version has a double-hinged lever system, which makes pulling out tough corks a lot easier. And, of course, it includes a bottle opener, for all your many bottle needs.

A Plastic Cutting Board

No matter how many gadgets you lug into your dorm room, you won’t get very far with food prep if you don’t have a surface for cutting. In our review of the best plastic cutting boards, the simple boards made by OXO came out on top. They come in a bunch of different sizes, are dishwasher-safe (not that you’re likely to have the luxury of a dishwasher in a college kitchen!), and will be gentle on your knives. You can also use them as a makeshift cheese board if you’re feeling fancy.

Rice Cooker

The drawback to a rice cooker is that it’s a fairly large appliance. You wouldn’t want to fly with one. A rice cooker is a good option for road tripping. You could also buy one when you reach your destination.

This Dash Mini Rice Cooker would be perfect for travel. It’s portable and compact and can be used to cook a number of simple and healthy foods including rice, pasta, soups, sauces, veggies, and even cake.

Electric Skillet

This handy appliance basically combines an electric hot plate and a pan. you plug it in and cook directly to the attached cooking surface. You can cook, fry, or even bake in an electric skillet.

An electric skillet is a bulky appliance. You would only want to use one of these if you’re taking a road trip. If you’re flying, you could buy one once you reach your destination. Entry-level models start around $25.

Microwave

These days, many mid-range and higher-end hotel rooms come with a microwave. You can use a microwave to cook a wide range of meals if you’re creative.

For example, you can heat up pre-cooked foods such as rice and pasta pouches, canned soups, TV dinners, sauces, and much more. You cook eggs, couscous, and vegetables. You can also boil water for preparing dehydrated foods such as instant mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and ramen.

Slow Cooker/Pressure Cooker

A slow cooker allows you to easily cook a whole meal while you’re out and about sightseeing. Prepare your food in the morning and let it simmer all day. You’ll have a beautiful meal waiting for you when you return.

Pressure cookers produce similar results faster. Slow cookers and pressure cookers are ideal for cooking meats, soups, stews, and casseroles. You can easily cook for multiple hungry travelers.

Slow cookers work well for road trips. With the right adapter, you can run a small one while you drive. They are too bulky to fly with. If you’re flying to your destination, you could buy a cheap one when you arrive.

You can buy a basic slow cooker for $20-$30 then give it away at the end of your trip. If you plan to move around frequently, you wouldn’t want to use one of these. They’re too bulky.

Canister Gas Stove

If you’re traveling in the developed world or a region where you can easily buy gas canisters, a simple gas stove is a great option. These stoves are cheap, efficient, and easy to use.

They are also incredibly lightweight and compact. An ultralight canister stove weighs just 25 grams and packs down small enough to fit in your pocket.

Most canister stoves use either propane or butane. Both of these can be used indoors if the area is properly ventilated. Open a window in your hotel room and turn on a fan. If you can’t ventilate your room, don’t use your stove. Also, only use the stove in an area where there is nothing flammable nearby.

I like the AOTU Portable Camping Stoves Backpacking Stove. It’s durable, compact, and affordable. It also comes with a case.

Alcohol Stove

These simple stoves burn alcohol. The best fuel is denatured alcohol but you can use any type of alcohol that is high enough proof to burn. That means you can buy fuel almost anywhere. Even the liquor store.

Alcohol stoves are also incredibly compact and lightweight. If you only plan to cook occasionally, an alcohol stove is a great option. As an added benefit, they, never require maintenance.

The biggest benefit to alcohol stoves is the fact that you can make your own for free. All you need is a tuna can or soda can and something to punch holes with. Multiple variations exist. For a step-by-step guide to making 5 different types of alcohol stoves, check out this great article from bikepacking.com.

The drawback to alcohol stoves is that they can be dangerous. There are two reasons for this. First spilling is possible. The alcohol just sits in the stove. The flame could spread quickly if the stove got kicked or tipped and the alcohol spilled out. The flame is also almost invisible while it’s lit. It would be easy to burn yourself.

If possible, it’s better to use your alcohol stove outside. You can use an alcohol stove indoors if you’re extremely careful and ventilate the room well. Set the stove on a solid surface far away from anything flammable. If there is a risk of your stove spilling, don’t use it.

Toaster Oven

A toaster oven is an incredibly versatile appliance. You can use a toaster oven to bake meats such as chicken, fish, sausage, burgers, or a small roast. You can bake breads, pastries, and cookies. A toaster oven can also heat up pre-prepared foods such as frozen TV dinners and pizza. Of course, you can toast bread, bagels, and tortillas as well.

This is another large appliance. You wouldn’t want to fly with a toaster oven. You could buy one at your destination or take one with you on a road trip.

Immersion Heater

These heaters use electricity running through a coil to boil water. They are incredibly cheap and easy to use. You can buy one of these at most grocery stores or hardware stores for just a few dollars.

The drawback is that you can only cook meals that require boiling water. This limits you to dehydrated foods and drinks. For example, you could prepare ramen, instant mashed potatoes, instant oatmeal, dehydrated camp meals, etc.

I like this Diximus 300W Travel Immersion Water Heater. It features dual voltage (120/240V) compatibility so you can use it internationally. It also comes with an adapter for EU-style outlets. A travel case is included.

Safety tip: It is possible to shock yourself with these heaters. Never touch the heating element or the water you’re heating when the immersion heater is plugged in.

Electric Kettle

In many parts of the world, mid-range hotel rooms come with an electric kettle. These allow you to cook a number of simple meals.

For example, you can use boiling water to prepare dehydrated foods such as camp meals, mac and cheese, ramen, etc. Electric kettles also allow you to boil foods inside such as eggs or veggies.

For some more ideas, check out this list of meals you can cook in an electric kettle.

Coffee Maker

Many hotel rooms come with a coffee maker. If you’re creative, you can cook a surprising number of meals with a basic coffee maker.

For example, you can use the coffee maker to heat water for rehydrating foods such as instant mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, or ramen. You could also cook hard-boiled eggs in the hot water in the pot.

The filter basket where the coffee is supposed to go works well for steaming veggies. Just fill the water reservoir to the top and run the coffee maker and you’ll have a nice serving of steamed vegetables. The hot plate can also act as a small griddle.

If you decide to use your coffee maker for cooking, don’t run any liquid but water through it or you could destroy it. You don’t want to get charged for a new coffee maker.

Clothes Iron

This is kind of a last resort option if you don’t have any other heat source. It is possible to use an iron to cook food. Find a way to mount the iron with the hot side up. You can cook a meal in your own pot or pan. You can even use a piece of aluminum foil to cook in.

How to Choose a Stove or Heat Source for Hotel Cooking

The ideal stove or heat source for hotel cooking depends on a number of factors including:

How often you plan to cook- If you’re only going to cook a few times, it doesn’t make sense to bring a bulky cooking appliance. You can get away with a small camp stove and pot. If you’re planning to cook every day, you might want to bring a more elaborate cooking setup.
What you plan to cook- If you only plan to cook instant or dehydrated foods, all you need is the ability to boil water. You could use your hotel room’s microwave, coffee maker, or electric kettle. If you plan to cook full meals, you’ll need some kind of stove or cooking appliance. A good stove and pot is the most versatile setup.
The type of energy source you’ll have access to- Not all fuels are available everywhere. For example, if you plan to use a gas stove, you’ll want to make sure you can buy fuel at your destination or choose a universal gas stove. Most types of fuel are not permitted on airplanes for safety reasons so you’ll have to buy fuel when you arrive. If you plan to use an electric stove, you’ll want make sure that electricity is available everywhere you plan to cook. For example, if you plan to camp during your trip, you may not be able to use your stove.
Your mode of travel- You must consider the size and weight of the stove or heat source. This is particularly important if you’re flying. Airline luggage allowances are pretty small. You won’t want to carry a bulky appliance like a toaster oven or crock pot through an airport. If you’re driving to your destination, the size and weight don’t matter as much. You can find space for any small cooking appliance in your car.
Where you plan to cook- Will you cook indoors or outdoors? You should never cook with an open flame indoors or in a confined space. Will you cook at sea level or at altitude? Some fuels don’t burn as well in the mountains.
The type of hotel you’re staying in- If you’re staying in a fancy high rise hotel, you probably won’t want to cook with gas. The windows may not open for ventilation and you won’t want to intorduce odors into the room. If you’re staying in a cheap motel, you could cook outside in the courtyard on a camp stove.

How to Decide if an At-Home Sleep Apnea Test Is Right for You

At-home sleep apnea tests are currently prescribed to healthy adults with symptoms that suggest moderate or severe OSA, and not another sleep disorder. If that describes you, and you would prefer to take your test at home instead of in a sleep center, an at-home sleep apnea test may be the right choice for you.

If, on the other hand, you have an underlying health condition or sleep disorder, the increased accuracy and comprehensiveness offered by an overnight sleep study may be the better choice.

It is best to talk to your doctor about your options. They can help you make this decision based on your symptoms and personal medical history.

To Sum it all up

We believe Air Fryers are a must have kitchen appliance for anyone that loves to cook delicious healthy meals at home. They do a great job of doing more with less, frying foods with air reduces calories compared to deep frying with oil, being able to concentrate the heat in a small basket versus a large oven enclosure will definitely help keep your electric bill in check as well.

College Students, Bachelors and Bachelorettes love it making home cooked meals for a single person in a small dorm or apartment. Campers, RV owners and on the Road Truckers love it also making their favorite meals on the road with limited space in a vehicle.

The sheer number of different foods you can cook in an air fryer is mind boggling, from you can literally cook breakfast, lunch, dinner and pastries in your air fryer. If you like to dehydrate foods the air fryer does that also, homemade beef jerky and apple chips? Yes please

With a large 5Qt capacity it has enough basket capacity to cook for a family of 4 with ease. Easy to use, Easy to clean and they don’t take up a whole lot of counter space either. We think Air Fryers are the best thing since sliced bread and highly recommend it. This is one Kitchen appliance that is truly a game changer for single people and families a like. Really so much you can do with one appliance it’s great.

If you liked this article and are looking for how to choose the right air fryer for you we put together a fantastic Air Fryer buyer guide here that you can check out.

Using a charcoal oven is fun

If you’re a barbecue fan, you’re probably familiar with the charcoal grill. But if you haven’t tried cooking in a charcoal oven, you’re missing out on one of the most delicious ways to cook food.

Grilling is a great way to enjoy your food. The taste and smell of grilled food are unmatched. The only problem with grilling is that you need a grill. If you don’t have a grill or it’s too hot outside, you’ll need to find another option.

A charcoal oven is simply an enclosed space where charcoal burns and heats the air inside. This hot air cooks your food, just like a convection oven would do in your kitchen. The difference is that instead of using electricity or gas, you’ll use charcoal briquettes and wood chips to fuel the fire.

One of the best things about cooking with a charcoal oven is that it’s smokeless — so no harmful fumes or odors are coming from your kitchen! This makes it perfect for people who want to get rid of their smoker or grill without having to give up their love of barbecue and grilling altogether.

Using a charcoal oven is fun because it gives you complete control over how much heat gets released into your food — unlike using an outdoor grill where half the heat goes straight up into the air when it’s not being used for cooking anything. With a charcoal oven, all of this heat stays within the unit to be used for cooking at any time during your meal prep time.

A Can Opener

Canned goods have seen generations of college students through many a meal, and we rely on them pretty heavily for a number of our recipes. Don’t even think about using that knife of yours to pop the top—you’ll destroy the blade. Get a proper can opener instead, like any of the winners from our can opener review. It’s worth it.

A Few Hotel Room Cooking Tips

Use local staple ingredients- Local staples are always cheaper than imported foods. If you’re traveling in Mexico, integrate tortillas and refried beans into your cooking. If you’re traveling to Italy, cook pasta. Staples foods are always cheap.
Don’t cook all of your own meals- Trying different foods is one of the best parts of travel. Be sure to sample the local cuisine during your trip. Every region of every country has a unique and interesting dish to try. Don’t miss out just to save a few bucks. I like to eat at least one decent meal out in every destination I visit. I also eat lots of street food when it’s available.
Use locally produced ingredients- Local ingredients will often be fresher and tastier because they don’t have to travel. Eating locally-produced foods is also a great way to sample the region’s cuisine. It’s what the locals eat. To get the freshest ingredients, shop in local markets and farmer’s markets. When travelingin the tropics, take advantage of the abundance of fresh fruits and veggies.
Don’t try to get too elaborate with your cooking- Your goal is to cook an affordable, quick, or healthy meal. If you try to cook full home-cooked meals, you’ll end up spending more time and money than you would have if you had just gone out to eat in a local restaurant. Make simple soups, sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, etc. instead of multi-course meals.
Eat meals that don’t require cooking- You don’t need hot food for every meal. Make cold sandwiches, salads, cold-soaked oats, or pre-prepared foods. Eating no-cook foods saves time and energy. Check out this list of no-cook recipes for some inspiration.
Avoid cooking smelly foods- Some foods leave a lasting odor. You don’t want the next guest to have to smell your cooking. You also don’t want the hotel to charge you a cleaning fee. This could cost hundreds of dollars. Avoid cooking smelly foods like fish, bacon, burnt food, onion, broccoli, etc. Also, open a window while you cook. Spray some room deodorizer to get rid of any remaining odor. Cooking in the bathroom with the vent fan on can also help to prevent odors. If you’re staying in a fancy hotel or if the owners are picky, don’t cook.
Substitute- If an ingredient isn’t available or is too expensive in the country you’re visiting, substitute it for something similar. For some common substitutions, check out this guide.
Avoid buying any ingredients that you’ll only use once– You don’t want to waste a bunch of food. For example, if a recipe calls for some kind of exotic cheese, consider substituting for a more common variety such as cheddar or swiss. You can use these varieties for sandwiches, on salads, on crackers, in soups, and on pasta. They won’t go to waste.
Don’t bother cooking dessert- Baking a cake or making cookies in your hotel room is a hassle. Instead, stop by a local bakery and buy some pastries or visit a local ice cream shop and enjoy a scoop of your favorite flavor. If you don’t feel like going out for dessert, eat some fresh fruit.