For those of you who like to get a head start on your back to school shopping, here are the top products and deals for decking out your college dorm!

Microwave/Fridge Combos
EdgeStar Energy Star Microwave Fridge Combo	Avanti Microwave / Refrigerator Combo, Black	MicroFridge 2.4 Cu Ft Fridge/Microwave Combo	Avanti Microwave / Refrigerator Combo, White

Hot Plates & Burners
Avanti Induction Hotplate with Skillet	Fagor Induction Cooktop	Broil King Light Duty Double Burner Range	Summit Commercial Portable Induction Cooktop

Compact Midsize Refrigerators
EdgeStar 3.2 Cu. Ft. Energy Star Rated Fridge / Freezer - Stainless Steel	Danby Energy Star Stainless Steel All Refrigerator- 4.4 Cu. Ft.	Avanti 4.5 Cubic Foot Counterhigh Refrigerator	MicroFridge 2.9 Cu Ft Energy Star Compact Refrigerator/Freezer

Microwave Ovens
Sharp 0.8 Cu. Ft. Countertop Microwave	Avanti 0.7 Cu. Ft. Electric Microwave	Avanti 0.7 Cu. Ft. Electronic Microwave with Touch Pad	Magic Chef 0.9 Cu. Ft. Microwave Oven - Red

Fans & Air Circulators
Flippi V6 Personal Fan Midnight	Vornado 3 Speed Air Circulator	Vornado 3 Speed Air Circulator	Flippi V8 Personal Air Circulator

Ice Makers
Koldfront Ultra Compact Portable Ice Maker	EdgeStar Portable Ice Maker - Titanium	EdgeStar Portable Ice Maker - Stainless Steel	Avanti Portable Ice Maker / Dispenser

Laundry
Haier Deluxe Washer / Dryer Combo with Bonus Portability Kit	Haier Ventless Front Load Washer / Dryer Combo - 13 lb. Capacity	Laundry Alternative Wonderwash Portable Hand-Crank Mini Washing Machine	Avanti Top Load Portable Washer - 12 Lb. Capacity

Compact Dishwashers
EdgeStar Portable Countertop Dishwasher with Digital Controls	Koldfront Portable Countertop Dishwasher	EdgeStar Portable Countertop Dishwasher - Six Place Settings	Avanti Portable Countertop Dishwasher

It's not too early to make sure you have everything you need for your 4th of July celebrations. Right now, you can get an extra 4% off all of our already discounted products! Many of our top entertaining appliances are already 20% off, like kegerators and ice makers. This offer ends tomorrow, June 23 at midnight CST though, so order now to save and receive in time for Independence Day!

Shop Ice Makers >>		Shop Kegerators >>
Shop Beverage Refrigerators >>		Shop 12 Volt Travel Coolers >>
Shop Portable Air Conditioners >>		Shop Dehumidifiers >>

Now that summer is officially here, it's time to start planning cookouts, pool parties and backyard BBQs (not to mention 4th of July celebrations). If you want your summer parties to be the ones your friends don't stop talking about, then you better make sure you have everything necessary to make them something to remember. Check out these suggestions below to make your backyard bash the best.

Outdoor Patio Furniture Set

Depending on the type of party you're throwing you might be able to get by without a patio dining set, but if you plan on serving food or snacks, you'll definitely want to have seating for your guests. Make sure you have enough seating for everyone as well. It can be fairly awkward if most people are sitting in chairs and others are forced to stand or sit on the ground.

Patio furniture sets come in a variety of sizes and styles. There are some as small as two chairs and a table and some that are made up of over 7 pieces. Try to decide which size will best accommodate your family and you can always add more lawn or indoor kitchen chairs around the table when you have guests.

A nice outdoor dining table will become the go-to gathering place for family and friends during the warm summer.

Grill

A delicious grilled burger, hot dog or even veggie kabob is the perfect complement to an outdoor shindig. Whether you're hosting a small get-together or big pool party, your guests are bound to get a little hungry (especially at a pool party, swimming always seems to make people hungry). Don't force yourself to be stuck in the kitchen slaving over a stove while your friends are enjoying the outdoors without you, instead get an outdoor grill so you can stay in the middle of the party.

There are various types of grills depending on how serious you are about your grilling; some guys can get very serious. If you prefer a hands-on approach, then you might want to go with a charcoal grill. Charcoal grills require you to light the grill yourself and keep an eye on the food so that it cooks evenly over the open flame. There will also be some clean up involved when you're finished. Those that enjoy watching the food cook to perfect, but don't want the hassle of keeping the grill lit and the food over the hot spots, should consider getting a gas grill. Gas grills have a steadier flame than charcoal grills and only have to be turned on to work, instead of lit. Just make sure the propane tank is filled before the party starts, it would be a major disappointment if you couldn't cook because you forgot to refill it.

Outdoor LCD TV

The point of being outside might be to escape the laziness of sitting on a couch and watching television, but now you don't have to choose one great thing over the other: you can enjoy your favorite shows and the outdoors together, with perfect picture quality. Yes, outdoor LCD televisions are real and they are amazing. These TV sets are made to keep sun glares from blocking the picture and to withstand all types of weather. One of these outdoor televisions can be sprayed with water and still function perfectly.

So invite over your friends to watch the baseball game or for an outdoor movie night and impress them with an LCD TV. You can make the TV the focal point of the party or just use it to provide extra entertainment and background noise, either way, it is sure to take your party to the next level.

Fire Pit

While summer days are capable of getting aggressively hot, summer nights can still be a little chilly. Don't be forced to move your party indoors, simply gather around a fire pit or bowl to warm up. Fires provide a special ambiance to any environment and the flames are enchanting, the way they can hold your attention. Fire pits easily become a gathering spot for people to chat.

Get even more use out of them by using the fire to make heat up marshmallows and make s'mores. Friends and family will enjoy the childhood treats and it's a snack that doesn't require people be sitting at a table.

Continue the party all night long with a fire pit to keep friends and family warm and entertained.

Outdoor Beverage Cooler

Spending time out in the heat can cause you and your guests to get quite thirsty. Stay hydrated with a selection of drinks readily available from an outdoor beverage fridge. There are a lot of benefits of having a beverage cooler outside. It keeps people from having to leave the excitement to go inside and fetch drinks, and it stops them from tracking dirt, mud and water from the pool.

An outdoor beverage cooler is designed specifically to withstand the harsh weather elements and endure a wide range of temperatures. Some feature glass doors so you can easily see the selection available, while others have solid doors that might stand up better to some bad weather. They can also hold more than enough cans or bottles to keep you and your guests satisfied for the duration of the party.

Margarita Maker

Now we're getting to the good stuff. Not much goes down easier than a frozen drink on a hot summer day. Whether you prefer your margaritas and daiquiris alcoholic or virgin, one of these margarita machines will know how to make it taste just right.

Simply add the drink mix to the cup and pour ice into the reservoir on top, then set the dial to the type of frozen drink you wish to make (margarita, daiquiri, pina colada, etc), turn it on and watch it work. Most margarita makers or blenders feature just one cup, but the margarita machine pictured here has 3 so every one of your guests can get the drink that they prefer. The machine will even automatically rotate to each blender jar and mix the drinks for you. Definitely the makings of a perfect party.

Outdoor Kegerator

But wait! There's more! (Note: Terrible marketing lingo just for fun, not at all serious.) Maybe you don't feel like a fruity drink and no one can argue that beer just tastes better on draft than it does out of a can or bottle, well, then it sounds like you need an outdoor kegerator.

If you plan on entertaining quite a bit outdoors and you and your friends enjoy your fair share of beer, then an outdoor kegerator might be a good investment. Like other outdoor appliances, they are made to be more durable than indoor models so they can survive harsh weather. They also offer the same benefits of having an outdoor beverage cooler, people get to stay outside and enjoy the party and no one tracks dirt or mud in the the house.

If you have kids or feel like changing up the draft selection from time to time, kegerators can also dispense root beer.

Order Now & Receive in Time for Memorial Day Weekend!

Shop Kegerators >> Shop Ice Makers >>

Shop Beverage Refrigerators >> Shop Wine Coolers >>

Shop 12 Volt Travel Coolers >> Shop Portable Air Conditioners >>

Top Sellers EdgeStar Portable Ice Maker - Stainless Steel EdgeStar Full Size Stainless Steel Dual Tap Kegerator EdgeStar 118 Can Beverage Cooler - Stainless Steel Koldfront 14,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner

How to Keep Cool without Central Air Conditioning

Portable Air Conditioner

A portable air conditioner is an air conditioning unit that doesn't require permanent installation. With some minor set up and take down, it can be easily moved to a different room depending on where it's needed (i.e. living area during the day, bedroom at night). Residential portable air conditioners can cool rooms between 225-525 sq ft to temperatures as low as 60°F.

Portable air conditioners do require ventilation in order to run properly. The heat the unit creates and takes in must be dissipated outside of the room it is trying to cool so it can work efficiently. Most commonly, portable a/c's are vented through a window using a window vent kit. If a window isn't available, portable air conditioners can be vented through a dropped ceiling or, as a last resort, they can be vented into another room through the door. This last method will cause the other room or hallway to get very warm, and if there isn't something blocking the air from getting back into the room being cooled it might not reach the desired temperature.

Some portable air conditioners also have a heater function so they don't become useless in the winter and they can also dehumidify in the spring when humidity levels are high.

Learn more about portable air conditioners.

Window Air Conditioner

Window air conditioners are more well-known than portable air conditioners. They require more effort to install and are typically not moved once they are placed in a window. They are capable of cooling rooms up to 725 sq ft. If you don't have the floorspace for a portable air conditioner, then a window air conditioner is the best option for cooling your home.

A window air conditioner does not require additional venting like a portable air conditioner since most of the unit will be on the outside of the home. If you don't have a window available for holding the unit, then it is possible to have a window air conditioner installed through the wall. However, you should first ask a professional if it is possible to install the particular unit you are interested through a wall and hire a professional to install it for you.

Like some portable air conditioners, many window air conditioners also function as a heater so you receive additional warmth in the winter as well.

Learn more about window air conditioners.

Mini Split Air Conditioner

Mini split air conditioners are similar to central air conditioning in that they have an outdoor compressor/condenser and an indoor air-handling unit. The main advantage of having a mini split a/c is their small size and their cost effectiveness over central a/c. A mini split air conditioner must be installed by a professional and can cost more than a window or portable unit, but some have the capability of being hooked up to multiple air handling units so more than one room can be cooled at a time.

These units don't require any duct work, so the energy loss associated with air conditioning ducts are avoided and less energy is consumed than with central air. They attach to a wall, but only require about a 3 inch hole be made in the wall for it to hook up the condenser unit outside.

All mini split units also function as a heater and a dehumidifier. They are fairly low maintenance once installed and can be controlled with a remote like portable air conditioners and window units.

Learn more about mini split air conditioners.

Residential Air Cooler

Residential air coolers, or evaporative air coolers, are not air conditioners, so they are not able to cool down an entire room, but with the same amount of energy as a light bulb, an evaporative air cooler can keep you cool. An air cooler works better than a normal fan because the unit is filled with water (or ice water if you prefer), which causes the air to feel cooler. It's similar to how your breath feels cool if you blow on your arm, but it feels even cooler if your arm is wet and you blow on it.

A residential air cooler doesn't require any permanent installation. Many come with caster wheels so they can be moved to any room that you desire. They simply require an outlet and water to operate. Eventually, the air cooler will up all of the water that is in its reservoir, so you will have to refill it occasionally, but it shouldn't require any additional set up or maintenance.

As stated above, evaporative air coolers use very little energy when running. If you want to feel cooler but don't want to waste the energy running an air conditioner, a residential air cooler is the best available appliance for the job.

Learn more about evaporative air coolers.

Fans & Water or Ice

If the heat situation hasn't escalated to the point where you're wanting to spend money on an air conditioning unit or an air cooler, then there is an alternative. A fan, or if you want to get fancy "an air circulator," can be set up to function as an air cooler fairly easily.

Simply place the fan on a window sill and set up a table in front of the fan or something tall enough to reach the window sill and wide enough to hold a tray. Fill a tray with water (or ice water, if you prefer) and put it on the table in front of the fan. Turn on the fan.

It's really that easy! Though it could end up being messy and isn't quite as portable as an air cooler, this method should effectively work the same way. The air the fan is blowing should cool down as it skims over the water. You will probably have to be sitting fairly close to the table though to feel the cool air.

View our assortment of fans.

Other Resources:

Portable Air Conditioner BTU Chart
BTU Calculator

Having a small kitchen can be stressful at times. Cooking a meal means every countertop is being used and just a few dirty dishes can overwhelm the area. You learn to be creative with your storage solutions and understand just how precious any empty counterspace is. A compact kitchen doesn't necessarily mean you have to do without the amenities of a large one though. This list will touch on just a few of the appliances available to make small living a lot easier.

Portable Ice Makers

If your refrigerator doesn't have an automatic ice maker or you frequently purchase bags of ice, then you should look into getting a portable ice maker. These little units are pretty impressive in the amount of ice they can make in a very short amount of time. The first batch of ice (typically about 8 cubes) is ready in less than 10 minutes, and over the course of a day a portable ice maker can produce up to 28 pounds of ice - more than the standard 10 or 20 lb bags you can buy at the gas station.

Portable ice makers don't require a water line to work, which is what makes them portable; all you have to do is pour water into the reservoir and it will take care of everything else. The insulated storage compartment holds up to 2 pounds of ice at a time, but it isn't refrigerated so the ice will eventually melt. Don't worry about having to drain the unit though, the ice maker will reuse the water to make more ice continuously until it runs out of water.

These units make bullet shaped ice in your choice of 1 of 3 sizes available. They're about 15" tall, making them ideal for countertop use.

Learn more about Portable Ice Makers.

Apartment Refrigerators

Apartment refrigerators are just a slightly smaller version of their full-size counterparts. They aren't as wide as a full-size refrigerator, usually under 25" in width, so they take up less floor space and the door requires less room to swing open. Apartment refrigerators are also a little shorter than full-size ones, by about five inches, but come with adjustable legs so you can raise it to fit the space you want to place it in. They are the perfect size for two people sharing a smaller apartment or just one person.

Like full-size units, apartment refrigerators feature a vegetable crisper, additional storage in the door and an interior light. They also have a separate freezer section for frozen food storage. Unfortunately, not all apartment fridges come with an automatic ice maker in the freezer section so you might have to lose some valuable freezer space for ice cube trays if you don't have a portable ice maker.

Learn more about Apartment Refrigerators.

18" Dishwashers

Compact 18" dishwashers are great if your kitchen doesn't have the space for a full-size dishwasher. They can be built into existing cabinetry like the dishwasher pictured on the left or they can be freestanding units. These small dishwashers can be permanently installed if you have a waterline to hook up to the dishwasher. If you don't have a waterline available, you can look into purchasing a portable, compact dishwasher. These dishwashers are on wheels so they can be easily rolled closer to the kitchen sink and then hooked up to the faucet to run.

While 18" dishwashers aren't able to hold as many dishes as a full-size dishwasher, they are capable of washing up to 8 place settings at a time. They also feature multiple automatic cleaning cycles, a heated dry cycle and extra insulation for quiet operation. Depending on the height of your kitchen countertop, a compact dishwasher can be raised or lowered to fit into the space desired.

Learn more about Compact Dishwashers.

Countertop Dishwashers

If you don't have room for a full-size dishwasher or an 18" compact dishwasher, then you're not out of luck yet. That's right, there is such a thing as a countertop dishwasher. These units are fairly small for a dishwasher, but they are a little bigger than the typical microwave, so not tiny. If you don't have much counterspace to begin with, then you might hesitate before purchasing a countertop portable dishwasher. However, if you hate washing dishes just think about how much time and work one of these appliances will save you.

Countertop dishwashers can hold up to 4-6 place settings depending on the model. (The unit pictured on the left can hold 4 place settings.) They feature multiple wash settings and some even have a heated dry cycle. There is no need to permanently install a countertop dishwasher. In order to run a cycle, simply hook the dishwasher up to your kitchen sink.

Almost all countertop dishwashers are energy star rated because they use less energy and less water than full-size and 18" dishwashers to operate.

Learn more about Countertop Dishwashers.

Combo Kitchen Units

If you live in a space that doesn't have a kitchen or you need an extended kitchen, then a combo kitchen unit has everything you need. They can take up to as little as 30" of floor space and contain a refrigerator, sink, two cooktop burners and some storage space. These units are perfect for efficiencies, RVs and cabins.

You can even purchase a kitchen cart to place next to the combo kitchen unit that can hold a countertop dishwasher, microwave or whatever else you need it to. Some combination kitchens are twice the size of the smaller 30" models and feature additional counterspace for food preparation.

The only amenity really missing from a combo kitchen is a freezer for the storage of frozen meals and ice cube trays so you can enjoy iced beverages.

Learn more about Combo Kitchen Units.

1. Washer Dryer Combos

Perfect for Apartment & Condo Living
No laundry connections or dryer vents are needed for an all-in-one washer/dryer. All you have to do is simply hook the unit up to a sink faucet to run. Combo units are our top selling laundry solution for those without dryer venting capability. These machines are ideal for 1-2 people. You can throw in a few items in the morning before you leave for work, set the start timer and come home to clean, fresh-smelling clothes in the evening.
Prices starting at $699

Shop All Models >>

2. Manual Portable Washers

No Electricity Required for Truly Green Cleaning (and a Decent Workout!)
Manual washers are great for the environment and easy to use. They require less detergent than a normal machine and take less than 10 minutes to hand crank out clean clothes. Manual washers are compact enough that they can be taken on camping trips and easily fit on a countertop. And don't worry about your delicate items, the Wonder Wash manual washer (pictured left) can also be used to wash wool, silks, knits and cashmere.
Priced under $50.

Shop All Models >>

3. Electric Portable Washers

Store in a Closet & Roll Out When Needed
A portable washer is ideal for those who live in small quarters like a motor home or efficiency apartment. Compact electric washers can clean about half of a standard washing machine load, but they're also only half the size. Portable units come with caster wheels already attached to making moving the units from storage to the sink easier. Like combo washer dryers, these units don't require a traditional hookup, but can be used with a sink faucet.
Prices starting at $270.

Shop All Models >>

4. Stackable Washer/Dryer Sets

Why Sacrifice Floor Space?
Conserve space in a laundry room by stacking a full-size, front load washer and dryer. These units do require laundry connections and dryer ventilation to operate, but they use less water than standard models. Stackable machines are ideal for those who have a closet-sized laundry room or want to maximize the rest of their space for other storage or a folding work station. These units are specifically designed to be stacked safely.
Prices starting at $624 per unit.

Shop All Models >>

That's right, we're already doing another giveaway! This one is only for our Facebook fans though, so if you haven't already "liked" the Living Direct fan page make sure you do so now.

For this giveaway, we have teamed up with Dimplex to give away a Dimplex PowerChef convertible electric grill with stainless accents (pictured above) - a $499 value! What makes this grill unique is the fact that it runs on electricity instead of with charcoal and fire or on propane gas.  That means there is no messy clean up or worrying about running out of gas whenever you want to cook outside. Electric grills are also better for the environment since they produce significantly less carbon emissions than a typical gas grill and do not create excess waste like ash and charcoal.

This specific Dimplex electric grill features an electronic display that allows you to program cook times and functions for your favorite meals. Simply program the type of food and desired results, and the grill takes care of the rest, automatically setting the cooking time and temperature. If you prefer a more hands on approach, there is also a manual function.

The entire grill top and lid are heated evenly, so there aren't any cold spots like on grills that use a flame. Also, its compact size means that it can be easily transported from one place to another, so you can use it in your backyard, at a friend's house or even on a boat. All you need is a standard 120-volt power outlet to plug the grill into and you're ready to cook!

So head on over to our Facebook page now and upload a picture of your old grill to be entered to win this brand new Dimplex PowerChef! The winner will be chosen at 12 pm CST on August 2, so you have plenty of time to enter.

My freshman year roommate and I tried to split this down the middle based on what we already had and what needed to be purchased. I brought the TV and DVD player, she brought a stereo. Luckily for us though, a mini fridge and microwave were already provided by the dormitory. If I could have brought my own mini fridge I would have though.The compact refrigerator they supplied wasn't bad, it kept our food cold, but it wasn't right for what I wanted.

Which is why I have put together this guide to finding the perfect mini fridge for you. Below are examples of the most common mini fridges on the market and their pros and cons.

The Cube Mini Fridge

A cube mini fridge is the smallest unit you can buy; they are usually no bigger than 2.7 cubit feet. Most cube mini fridges have a full-range thermometer which means they can be used as a refrigerator or as a freezer. This is good if you plan on using it for only one or the other.

Another great feature of many cube fridges is that they come with a lock and key. If you don't plan on sharing your drinks and snacks or fridge space with your roommate, then you might want to keep your small fridge locked so they can't steal anything while you're not in the room.

There are also cube mini fridges that come in a variety of colors and models that have a dry erase board door so you can write notes on it.

Compact All Refrigerators

This might be the most common midsize fridge available. It is called an all refrigerator, because the entire unit is a fridge, unlike regular-sized kitchen fridges which feature a refrigerator and a freezer. Some of the compact all refrigerator units do have a small freezer box inside the refrigerator, but they are usually too small to hold more than a couple of frozen dinners. The freezer box is also not very reliable since it is inside a refrigerator.

There are some compact all fridge models that come with a lock and key, like the cube mini fridge, so you can keep others out of your food and drinks. Many of these units also have extra storage space in the door for soda cans and condiments. Compact all refrigerators have about twice the space of cube fridges and are great for those who only want to store drinks and refrigerated snacks, like yogurt, vegetables or sandwich fixings.

Midsize Refrigerators

This is the mini fridge I would have wanted in college. It's around the same size as a compact all refrigerator, but it features a separate freezer. You won't always want to eat the "food" being served in the cafeteria, and as a college student your budget can be tight at times, which is why frozen meals will be your friend. You can store plenty of drinks and snacks in the refrigerator portion and the freezer will hold frozen meals and ice cream.

Unfortunately, midsize refrigerators do not have a lock on them to keep other people out, but there's enough room to share the storage space with your roommate. They also have a vegetable crisper and additional storage space in the door for holding soda cans, 2 liter bottles, milk and/or orange juice. The amount of refrigerator space might be slightly less than that of an all refrigerator, but midsize fridges still have 2 shelves in addition to the crisper and door storage space.

Combination Microwave Refrigerators

These refrigerators are exactly like the midsize or all refrigerators, depending on which you choose, but they come with a mounting rack and microwave. If your dorm room doesn't come with a mini fridge, then it probably doesn't have a microwave either. Microwaves are the quintessential dorm room cooking appliances. Many dormitories won't allow toasters or toaster ovens or even small grills, so if you want hot food, you need a microwave. By mounting the microwave to the top of the mini fridge, you are able to save precious counter space. It is also required in many dorms that if a microwave is on top of a compact refrigerator that it be mounted for safety.

A combination microwave mini fridge is the perfect duo for those that will find themselves wanting study snacks or avoiding the cafeteria.