Lots of people care about getting a fully equipped kitchen, even if they’ll get take-out for most of their stay. But some guests love to cook (I’m one of them) and get everyone together for dinner. As a host, your kitchen can make or break a guest’s experience. A well-stocked kitchen equals stellar reviews! Here’s what your guests expect to find when they open those kitchen cabinets.

Essential cooking and bakeware for your Airbnb kitchen

After managing two Airbnb properties in different countries, I’ve learned that quality cookware makes all the difference. My wake-up call came when a guest left a negative review about scratched-up non-stick pans that made cooking breakfast impossible. 

Here’s the thing about pots and pans – you don’t need to break the bank, but you absolutely need durability. Start with three sizes: an 8-inch for eggs and small portions, a 10-inch for most meals, and a 12-inch for families or group cooking. Look for pans with metal handles – they’ll survive the inevitable accidental trip into a hot oven.

For pots, I go for stainless steel. I used to stock my Airbnb kitchen with cheaper aluminum pots until I noticed they would warp after a few months of guest use. Stainless steel costs more upfront but you won’t be replacing them every season. Get a small pot for heating soup or sauce, a medium one for pasta, and a large one for cooking family-sized meals.

Bakeware is often overlooked in vacation rental kitchen equipment, but it’s essential for longer stays. A basic set should include a rimmed baking sheet (perfect for everything from cookies to roasted vegetables), a 9×13 casserole dish (guests love making lasagna), and a standard 9-inch baking pan. One of my most appreciated additions was a pizza pan – turns out lots of families enjoy making pizza during their vacation!

Also, don’t forget mixing bowls – they’re missing in too many Airbnb kitchens. After some trial and error with plastic bowls that stained easily, I switched to stainless steel. They’re practically indestructible and look clean even after hundreds of uses. Consider adding one or two plastic bowls for guests who like to microwave stuff. 

I’ve found myself searching for a colander at many Airbnbs I’ve stayed at. Get both a large colander for pasta and a smaller strainer for washing fruits and vegetables. The mesh ones work better than plastic because they’re more versatile and don’t melt if someone accidentally places them on a hot surface (yes, this has happened in my rentals).

Smart storage is super important for short term rentals. I installed some simple hooks inside cabinet doors to hang measuring cups and mixing bowls. This organization hack has saved space and prevented guests from rummaging through drawers looking for basics. Plus, it helps them return items to their proper place.

Remember to regularly check your cookware for wear and tear. Just last month, I replaced a set of pans that had started to lose their non-stick coating. It’s better to replace items before they become an issue rather than risk negative reviews. Your guests will notice and appreciate the attention to detail in your Airbnb cooking essentials.

Must-have kitchen tools and utensils

I once had a guest try to open a wine bottle with a screwdriver because I forgot to include a corkscrew. That taught me to never underestimate the importance of basic kitchen tools in your vacation rental kitchen equipment.

Okay: cutlery first. My golden rule is to stock enough for your maximum guest capacity plus half of that. Why the extras? Because otherwise I’d expect my guests to wash their dishes after each meal in order to have one clean spoon, fork or knife. So impractical from a guest perspective. I buy mid-range stainless steel sets – anything cheaper tends to bend or rust after a few dishwasher cycles.

Cooking utensils are another critical category in your Airbnb kitchen supplies. After replacing melted plastic spatulas monthly, I switched to silicone-coated tools. They’re heat-resistant up to 500 degrees and outlast plastic versions by years. Your basic set should include two spatulas (one large, one small), a set of wooden spoons, tongs (crucial for grilling), and a whisk for breakfast pancakes.

Can openers are surprisingly controversial in my rentals. Manual ones break often, but electric ones confuse some guests. My solution? I have both. The manual one is a high-quality OXO brand that’s lasted two years, and the electric one has simple instructions posted nearby. For wine openers, skip the fancy ones – they break easily. A basic waiter’s corkscrew is reliable and inexpensive.

When it comes to knives, I include one decent chef’s knife, a paring knife, and a serrated bread knife. Those will cover most guest needs. I invested in a knife sharpener and sharpen them monthly – it’s made a huge difference in guest satisfaction. Remember to include a knife block or magnetic strip for safe storage.

Measuring tools are essential for longer-stay guests who actually cook. I use metal measuring cups for dry ingredients (they don’t break like plastic) and clear plastic measuring cups for liquids. Don’t forget measuring spoons – get two sets so guests can measure wet and dry ingredients simultaneously.

Also: kitchen scissors are must-haves. Get two pairs – one for food only and another for package opening. Label them clearly to avoid cross-contamination. You don’t want your food scissors being used to open Amazon packages.

Finally, don’t forget about kitchen towels and oven mitts. I provide six kitchen towels per rental – enough for a week-long stay. For oven mitts, silicone-coated ones have worked best in my experience. They’re more expensive but can be sanitized between guests, unlike fabric ones.

Remember to regularly inspect these tools as part of your Airbnb kitchen organization routine. Small issues like loose handles or dulling knives can quickly become bigger problems if not addressed promptly.

Essential items covered in this section:

• Complete cutlery set
• Cooking utensils (spatulas, spoons, tongs, whisk)
• Can opener, bottle opener, wine opener
• Measuring tools
• Kitchen scissors and knives
• Kitchen towels and oven mitts
• Cutting boards

Appliances your guests will love

The coffee maker might just be your most important appliance. I have both a drip coffee maker and a French press – this combination has saved me from caffeine-deprived complaints.

I also invested in a quality electric kettle after noticing how many international guests prefer tea or instant coffee. Plus, it’s perfect for those who need hot water for oatmeal or instant noodles. The one with temperature control settings has been especially appreciated by tea enthusiasts.

Your microwave choice matters more than you’d think. I once had a high-tech model that confused guests so much, I got late night messages asking how to heat up leftovers. Now I stick to basic models with simple controls and clear instructions posted nearby. The key is finding one that’s powerful enough (at least 900 watts) but user-friendly.

A good blender has turned into a surprising hit in my Airbnb kitchen setup guide. Guests love making smoothies, especially families with kids or health-conscious travelers. I switched to a Ninja blender after burning through two cheaper models in three months. The extra cost was worth it – it’s been running strong for over a year now.

The toaster versus toaster oven debate is real in rental property kitchen must-haves. I’ve found that a toaster oven offers more versatility. Guests use it for everything from reheating pizza to making quick meals. Just make sure to include basic instructions and cleaning guidelines.

Food processors and electric hand mixers fall into the “nice to have” category of Airbnb kitchen essentials. I keep a basic hand mixer for baking enthusiasts.

Here’s what I recommend you do to guide guests in your Airbnb kitchen: create a simple appliance guide with photos. Include basic operating instructions, cleaning requirements, and any quirks specific to each machine. This has dramatically reduced those late-night “how do I use this?” messages.

Remember to check all appliances between guests as part of your kitchen amenities for short term rentals checklist. One malfunctioning appliance can lead to a negative review, even if everything else is perfect.

Essential appliances covered:

• Coffee maker and electric kettle
• Toaster/toaster oven
• Microwave
• Blender
• Food processor
• Electric hand mixer
• Rice cooker

Kitchen essentials and pantry basics

Nothing’s worse than starting to cook and realizing you’re missing the basics. My most memorable guest feedback came from someone who bought a whole container of salt just to boil pasta. Since then, I’ve created a foolproof system for Airbnb kitchen supplies.

For seasonings, I stick to the essentials: salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I discovered these covered about 90% of guest needs. Store them in clear, labeled containers to avoid confusion. I also include cooking spray and two types of oil – olive for cooking and vegetable for baking.

Coffee and tea supplies need constant attention in your vacation rental kitchen equipment. I maintain a starter pack of coffee, assorted tea bags, sugar, and creamer. Pro tip: those little coffee pods might cost more, but they prevent waste and keep things sanitary. Plus, guests love the variety.

Paper goods should also be on your Airbnb kitchen inventory list. I stock paper towels, napkins, and food storage bags. The key is visibility – I clearly mark where extra supplies are stored. A roll of aluminum foil and plastic wrap are absolute must-haves that guests often forget to pack.

Basic condiments can also improve your guest’s experience. I provide small bottles of ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. They’re relatively inexpensive and save guests from buying full-size containers for short stays. Just remember to check expiration dates regularly.

If you’re looking for extra positive reviews, here’s my tip: include food storage solutions in your kitchen. I provide a set of airtight containers with matching lids – all clearly labeled. This prevents the infamous “missing lid” syndrome and helps guests keep their food fresh. My guests love these because they always forget to pack them!

Finally, many guests like to keep the kitchen clean. So make sure you include dish soap, dishwasher pods, sponges, and multi-surface cleaner. I learned to provide specific cleaning tools for different surfaces after a guest used an abrasive sponge on my non-stick pans.

Essential items covered:

• Salt, pepper, cooking oils
• Spices and seasonings
• Coffee/tea supplies
• Paper goods
• Cleaning supplies
• Food wrap and storage
• Basic condiments

Your takeaway

Start with salt, pepper, and cooking oil today. These three items will handle most basic cooking needs and show your guests you’ve thought about their cooking experience. Build from there based on guest feedback and usage patterns.