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Setting up a barracks-friendly kitchen is about efficiency, safety, and space management. You don’t need a full apartment kitchen.
While some branches may have their own kitchens built into their room, most will have to share. Depending on your unit’s structure, you could be sharing one kitchen with up to thirty or more people. So the right compact tools can make daily meals easy, realistic, and faster to clean.
This guide will show you tips to prepare yourself before you move in or if you already live the life. I will also give you my top picks that you should consider for your barracks or dorm.
The first thing is mindset. Even with an open kitchen set up, it’s far easier to focus on your own compact and multi-use appliances. Steer away from big meals and focus on self-contained meals, where you can control the portion and diet. You will likely work and live with people of all hours; the smaller the footprint, the better.
While it’s common to have personal kitchen devices like slow cookers, steamers, and blenders. It is always a good idea to check unit policies before buying devices that can produce heat, flame, or anything that would be considered hazardous.
Anything that can serve more than one purpose, even outside the kitchen is a winner. For example, Insta-pot has a multitude of functions, and when not in use, can be used as a kitchen storage container to hold your utensils, measuring cups, and anything else that could be easily lost.
Prioritize easy cleaning and low storage footprint. Items that can be stored in other items, items that can be stored under your bed, or in your closet are great. You should avoid having your cooking items that are set out on counters, cabinets, or desks when not in use. Anything left in plain sight would be subject to an inspection, and there is no reason you should put yourself into a situation where you need to explain the cleanliness of your slow cooker to your command.
When you are in a position where you may want to use a common area to plan a meal. Always think about how easy and quickly it would be to clean it up. Ovens and stoves may require more attention if they are available. Meals that can drip, spill, and splash should be avoided unless your passion is to clean. Where a meal such as tacos may only require one burner of a stove top of one of your appliances. Less to clean.
People in barracks and dorms tend to live off paper plates. But consider the long-term cost and cleanliness of having your own plate and silverware. Dirty paper plates in the trash attract flies; no, thank you.
Click on the Guide Hub for all the other Barrack living guides, and be sure to check my top picks for items that you can get for your room right now.
This 3 quart 7-in-1 model is great for the barracks and dorm experience. No need for an assortment of cooking appliances. Stew, fry, and cook your favorite meals.
Your health is important and you may not have the time to cook. Make your smoothies in the Magic bullet and with its included cups and mugs you can take your drink on the go.
