We all know that your dorm room isn’t going to have a lot of room, and as part of our dorm room checklist, I try to provide every little thing that you will need from drying racks, all the way to dorm room microwaves.

A blender is great when you’re looking to mix up a smoothie, or maybe you want to mix up a protein shake before you go out and work out. Regardless, they shouldn’t cost more than $50, and many of you students will find that they will be a great value / investment.

• Cuisinart CSB-76 Smart Stick: This hand blender had one of the highest reviews on most merchant sites. Sure, it isn’t your typical blender, but many people love it solely based on it’s size, durability, and its ease of use.
• Hamilton Bach 54615 Wavestation: This blender is one of my personal favorites. Not only will it only cost you $15, or so, you’re going to find that it has a very cool wave-action system that forces mixture down into the blades for smooth results.
• Hamilton Beach 51101B Single-Serve: This blender is more likely to suit a student’s need. It’s going to serve single servings and includes a travel lid that lets you drink straight from the jar. It fits in most drink holders, and you’re going to find out that it’s great for smoothies, icy drinks, shakes, and more!
• Oster BPST02-B: The Oster brand is a very well known brand when it comes down to smoothie machines, and blenders. This particular model comes equipped with a 3 year warranty, and made of a die cast base that is meant to last for years.
• KitchenAid 5-Speed Blenders: KitchenAid seems to be a fairly popular brand among people shopping for one. This blender is made of die-cast metal, it’s safe in the dishwasher, and the coolest thing that I like is that it comes equipped with a “crush ice” button.
• KitchenAid KHB300: The last one on the list is again, a hand blender. Not only are you going to get the blender with this package, you’re going to get a 4-cup mixing beaker, as well as a snap-lock lid for storing foods. You can also exchange the blender with a wire whisk, and nut chopper attachments.

I wouldn’t say you need a blender for your dorm, but it’s nice to have, because you can always take it along with you in the future as well. It’s only going to set you back a few dollars and you can find many uses for it, rather than mixing up a smoothie!