Air fryers are one of the most useful appliances for cooking. They’re fast, versatile, portable, and easy to learn and use. That’s why many students wonder whether they can have an air fryer in their dorm to cook to their liking.
Colleges usually do not permit the use of air fryers in dorm rooms due to potential fire hazards, smoke issues, and accidental burns. However, some universities do allow the use of air fryers, so always check the rule book.
Why air fryers are not allowed in dorms
Mentioned below are some of the reasons why universities in the US do not allow air fryers in dorms:
Potential fire hazard
Air fryers or any other portable heating appliance can be fire hazards. Air fryers are particularly dangerous because they have an exposed heating element and use a pressure mechanism, which can be hazardous in small spaces such as a dorm.
Food smells and noise
Another reason some colleges do not allow air fryers in dorms is the noise and smell as a result of an air fryer, which can travel through the hallways and disturb other students.
Power wattage
Dorms usually allow electronics that use up to 1000 watts, an air fryer, however, consumes more power than that. This is why air fryers are not usually allowed in dorms.
Some dorms allow up to 1500 watts, so it is better to check with your supervisor to see if it is permitted.
Smoke
Cooking fatty foods in an air fryer can give rise to smoke. Since dorms have smoke detectors, the smoke coming out of the air fryer may trigger the fire alarm causing chaos in the dorms.
So when are air fryers allowed in dorms?
Air fryers are permitted in some college dorms, though. However, these dorms have some restrictions, such as keeping the air fryer on a separate table or not using them at a specific time due to wattage issues. Some other colleges allow air fryers, but only in the communal kitchen, not in the dorms.
College dorms fire safety regulations
Colleges have very strict fire alarm and drill systems. You can risk a huge fine if you secretly end up bringing prohibited appliances to your dorm. Considering that colleges take fire drills very seriously if your air fryer causes the fire alarm to go off, it’ll be a huge nuisance for both the students and the college itself.
Safety instructions for using air fryer in the dorm
Here are a couple of safety instructions for using an air fryer in your dorm if the college permits it:
- Always read the instruction manual that comes with the air fryer.
- Never leave the air fryer plugged in when it’s not in use.
- Ensure that your dorm room has a proper ventilation system to get rid of the smell of cooking and food.
- The placement of your air fry matters a lot. Ensure that there’s enough space between the appliance and the wall. Moreover, place the air fryer over a rubber mat so that it doesn’t damage the table beneath it from the heat.
- Only use an oil with a relatively high smoke point so that it doesn’t burn inside the air fryer.
- Always clean the air fryer basket after you’re done cooking.
Appliances that are allowed in the college dorm
Every university has its own list of appliances that it allows, here are the appliances the following universities allow:
The University of North Texas allows the following:
- Rice cooker
- Sandwich makers
- Microwave oven
- Cup warmer
- Basic indoor grill
- Crockpot
- Quesadilla maker
Southern Arkansas University allows:
- Microwave oven (maximum 700 watts or 1 cubic foot)
- Refrigerator (maximum 5 cubic feet and 220 watts)
Final thoughts
Air fryers, unfortunately, are usually not allowed in college dorms. This is because they can be a fire hazard and can sometimes even cause explosions in small places. Some dorms do allow air fryers, but they have some specific requirements. So, make sure to check with the supervisor in your dorm in advance to avoid a fine!