Review of the Aldi Student Kitchen and Home ranges

It’s that time of year again – a new uni term about to begin and lots of trips out with mum and dad to buy everything you need for your new student place. And on 1 September Aldi launches its Student Kitchen and Student Home ranges, which offer lots of essential items such as bedding sets, saucepans and towels. But how do the products measure up? MA student Emily reviewed some of the products from the ranges. Here’s what she tried out and more importantly what she thought!

3 Piece Saucepan Set in orange from the Crofton set (£9.99), 1 x Mini Wok (£2.49) and 1 x Frying Pan (£2.99)

These pans are great for any new or returning uni student. They’re bright and cheery and also heat up super quickly which means doing a stir fry would be speedy if you’re pushed for time before work or lectures. The saucepans come in three sizes and with clear lids, which means you can simmer sauces or pasta on a low heat and keep your eye on them without even having to lift the lid. A nice set for both cooking for one or for those times when you have friends around for dinner. 10/10

Sandwich Maker in red (£7.99)

This is a luxury item for students but those of us who have them are the envy of everyone! I would personally have called it a toasty maker but irrelevant of that they are amazing for making a speedy morning snack, lunch or even dinner. Of course it’s entirely up to you what you put in your toasty but my favourite is baked beans and cheese with maybe a bit of hot chilli sauce to spice things up or Henderson’s relish. You can have loads of fun experimenting with the fillings.This is a brilliant item and only takes a couple of minutes to toast a sandwich and it heats up almost instantly. I give it 8/10.

1 x Crofton Chip Tray (£2.99) and 1 x Crofton Pizza Tray (£2.99)

The thing everyone forgets to take to uni is a baking tray, so these two trays are a must-have for the student kitchen and they’re designed to cook the pizza and chips thoroughly so you wont have any soggy fries! I give them 9/10 for practicality and necessity. From experience I’ve found putting pizza in the oven without a tray can end with a disgusting and tough cheesy burnt mess at the bottom of your oven, so you might want to learn from my mistakes and get a tray instead!

1 x Slumberdown Double Duvet Set with two pillows (£14.99) and 1 x double Slumberdown Mattress Protector (£4.99) – also available in single.

These are great for starting uni – leave your old trusty duvet with your parents and take a brand new one for your new independent life away from home. This set of bedding from Aldi is brilliant and it’s super soft! Even if you’re getting a single-bed room in halls I suggest getting a double duvet like this one as it will stop the cold in winter, and once you move out of halls you’ll likely live in a house with a double bed anyway saving you money for food and nights out in second year! Also the mattress protector is great, and again is a must when you’re sleeping on a mattress so many other students have slept on before you! You can’t wash a mattress but you can wash this mattress protector. I give the bedding 10/10 for luxury comfort and practicality.

Orange Kirkton House Pom Pom Throw (£8.99)

This throw is super soft and such a cheery bright colour to liven up your student accommodation. If you don’t like orange it comes in loads of other colours too. You can use it as a throw on your bed, or on the front room chairs or sofa, or even just use it to wrap up in when watching a good film. 9/10 as it is luxurious and cheerful.

Finally I reviewed a purple handheld Turbo Akku Vac (£29.99)

This handheld vac is great for vaccuming the crumbs off the kitchen counter or from your bedroom desk! And for those of you lucky enough to have your car at uni it is perfect for cleaning this too. It gets in all the small places and is chargable, handheld and cordless. It is also super lightweight and not bulky so you’ll have no trouble carrying it and storing it in a small flat. I give it an 8/10.

Check out the full selection of Aldi’s Student Kitchen and Student Home ranges.

*Prices correct at time of publishing.