The Best Airbnb Kitchen Essentials Checklist: How to Stock Your Airbnb Chef’s Kitchen

by | Jun 13, 2024 | Short Term Rental Essentials | 0 comments

Imagine stepping into a vacation rental, hungry from travel, trying to make dinner for your group and you can’t find a colander to drain the pasta. A well-stocked Airbnb kitchen isn’t just a convenience; it’s a statement of welcome and comfort to guests from all walks of life.

Setting up your Airbnb kitchen is about understanding the essentials that transform a regular old cooking space into a kitchen that someone cook dinner without having to reinvent the wheel.

As a host, knowing what to provide for your guests will make their stay not just hassle-free, but memorable. From the scent of fresh local coffee to the ease of whipping up a quick meal, with tools they’re used to (and ingredients they’re probably not!) the right tools make a big difference.

In the article, I share the ultimate checklist for Airbnb kitchen essentials and dive into the specifics of must-have appliances, cookware, utensils. I also go over the extra touches that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

I’ll tell you when the brand matters and when it doesn’t. And, help you land in the chef’s kitchen category on Airbnb. Welcome to your guide on curating a chef’s kitchen that guests will love and remember.

Why is a well-stocked kitchen important for Airbnb hosts?

When you stay in a new place, everything is new. It’s a different knife than you have at home. You want to help your guest feel as close to being in their own home as possible.

And, for guests who search for homes within the chef’s kitchen category on Airbnb – you’re one step closer to landing in that category.

Guests don’t need to have the latest trendy kitchen item, but they do need quality kitchen equipment to use.

The Basics: Must-Have Kitchen Appliances

When setting up your Airbnb kitchen, there are a few essential appliances that can make or break a guest’s experience. Equipping your space with these basics ensures functionality and convenience.

Coffee Maker

Coffee is an essential morning ritual for many people. It doesn’t matter if you go cheap or expensive, what matters is how you do it. Here are three options that will communicate you care at varying price points. What you can’t do is buy a cheapo Black and Decker drip machine and still want your guest to think you care. 

I do not recommend Keurigs. Keurigs break easily and aren’t repairable, they are expensive to provide coffee for and they are bad for the environment.

  • Inexpensive Option:Stainless Steel French Press.
  • Nice Option: For a mid-range coffee maker, try the Cuisinart Coffee Maker. 
  • Premium Option: At the higher end, a Jura E4 Automatic Coffee which is what I put in my properties and makes every guest feel like they are getting a treat. They have many varieties you can choose, but entry level is around $1000. It’s the one high end thing I do and I love it.
Tea Kettle

A tea kettle is a comforting addition to any kitchen. For guests who prefer tea, they feel cared for. In addition, for Asian and European geusts this is very standard.

  • Stovetop Option: Get one that matches your motif and gets decent reviews. This is what I have at a couple properties and it works great.
  • Electric Option: If you opt for a French press or pour over, I’d get an electric option.
Toaster

You can go classic toaster or toaster oven, both have their merits and you can go with your preference here as it won’t impacts a guests experience (unless it doesn’t work at all!).

  • Toaster: This one is reliable that has worked well for me. .
  • Toaster Oven: If you opt for a toaster oven, go for a simple one, nothing that requires an engineering class. An option like this one will work just fine. 
Waffle Iron

This is an inexpensive addition that will make the kids visiting say, “Dad they have a waffle iron! Please can we have them?” And that’s a core memory made for them and a five star review for you.

Juicer

You need to have a juicer, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one unless you have a listing that can host a larger group. I have both of these in my personal property. One we use for juicing citrus for cocktails and the other for people who like healthy celery juice type drinks. 

Blender

If you host six people or less, you need a blender OR a food processor. If you host eight or more, you need both a food processor and a blender. Here are two options I like. If you’re angling for the Vitamix, we got ours on Prime day and saved a ton.

Food Processor

Again, If you host six people or less, you need a blender OR a food processor. If you host eight or more, you need both a food processor and a blender. Here are two options I like. The expensive option – I might try and look at Costco if you’re a member. They often have quality options for much cheaper.

Electric Mixer

This is similar to the blender and food processor options. A stand mixer is optional unless you want to be considered a chef’s kitchen. But you need to have some time of mixer. I have a kitchen aid mixer at my property, because I like to use it when we stay there, but I’d probably try and find it used cheaply otherwise.

Essential Cookware and Utensils

Essential cookware includes pots and pans of various sizes, a baking sheet, and a casserole dish. Consider non-stick varieties for easier cleaning. Utensils should include the basics such as spatulas, large spoons, a ladle, tongs, and a whisk, catering to a wide range of cooking needs. A mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, and a colander all are required ingredients for any kitchen. 

After the heavy lifting of appliances, here are the basics on cookware and utensils you’ll need to set up your guests in your kitchen.

Guests don’t have to have the EXACT thing they use at home, they just need to be able to accomplish the exact goal. (If they want to bake, they don’t have to have a kitchen aid mixer and all the attachments, but they do need to have a mixing bowl and a hand mixer).

Pair of Scissors

Scissors in the kitchen often go unnoticed until you need them. From opening packages to cutting herbs, your guests will get a lot of mileage out of a pair of kitchen scissors. 

Can Opener

Get a smooth edge can opener to prevent potential injuries (and complaints!) for your guests. 

Bottle Opener and Wine Opener

Imagine the disappointment of a guest who’s ready to unwind with a bottle of wine or a brew, only to find there’s no opener in sight. This is a must have. You can get a fancy wine opener if your space is by a vineyard and you want to add a pony trick like that one. But for my money, a simple wine and beer key will do the trick.

Quality Knives

Quality knives are indispensable in a kitchen, and your Airbnb is no exception. You don’t need ten different knives, a chef’s knife, a bread knife, and a paring knife will cover most culinary tasks as long as they’re decent quality.

These knives don’t have to break the bank, they should be of decent quality to avoid the dangers and frustrations (and dangers) of dull knives. I recommend guests hand wash only. This prevents dulling in the dishwasher.

Colander

The key here is something that stores well and doesn’t fall apart. I like this option because it’s winder and stores more easily in the cabinet.

Cooking Utensils

Your guests will expect a well-stocked assortment of cooking utensils: a spatula, slotted spatula (also known as a fish spatula), whisk and wooden spoons (multiple). Make sure to also provide serving spoons, and perhaps a soup ladle to handle specific dishes. 

Drying Rack

After a satisfying meal, the reality of cleanup sets in and you want your guests to be able to tidy after themselves. Provide a drying rack it will minimize clutter around the kitchen sink and facilitate a more efficient cleaning process. Collapsible racks can save space while still being highly functional, making them a practical addition to any kitchen checklist.

Types of Drying Racks:

Pots and Pans

You’ll need six different types of pots and pans. An 8 quart stock pot, 5 quart sauce pan, 2-3 quart sauce pan, 8 inch skillet, 10 inch skillet and a cast iron skillet. I included a premium option only because I truly love my own so much. A friend of ours is a talented blacksmith and creates these heirloom carbon steel pieces out of Santa Barbara. If you like to cook with cast iron, buy this for yourself as a treat with the money you make from your rental. Ours lives on our stove permanently we use it every day and I keep it out as art when we’re not.

Silverware

Whatever you do, do not buy those stupid pieces of silverware that cost a dime a piece at Walmart. Nothing communicates indifference more than this.

You can find many reasonable options. Here are three:

But ultimately choose something you can repurchase again to match, silverware tends to grow legs and go missing over time.

You need to have 1.5 pieces per guest. So if you can host four guests, you should plan on having 6 spoons, forks, knives etc. 

Dishes

I recommend bone china, it’s durable, dishwasher safe and nice to eat off of (and drink coffee from!).

Like the silverware, opt for 1.5 items per person, and ultimately choose something that is easily matched and replaced since dishes will break.

Drinking Glasses

You need to have water glasses and rocks glasses. You can add other sizes as you’d like, but these are a minimum.

  • Hobnail is currently having a moment and is a nice option.
  • A classic Libbey tumbler and rocks glass set is also an easy fit into any home. 
Wine Glasses

You can add any variety of wine glasses you like, but I like to stick to a classic glass that you can drink most wine from and is cheap enough to replace since these break on the regular.

Guest-Friendly Extras

Your vacation rental’s real charm though lies in the little details that make a guest feel at home. Hosts striving to offer a standout experience need to consider including guest-friendly extras in their Airbnb kitchen setup.  From a well-equipped collection of cooking utensils to a cupboard filled with “just in case” items, these extras signal to guests that their needs have been anticipated and catered to.

You don’t need to worry about purchasing a bunch of condiments or seasonings, your guests will often purchase their own even if you do provide it. And generally they leave these Items behind, to reduce waste I keep for future guests.

Here are the kitchen items I do keep on hand for my guests.

  • Olive oil
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Coffee
  • Plastic wrap
  • Parchment Paper
  • Foil
  • Dish Soap
  • Dishwasher Detergent
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Towels

If you have access to Costco, I recommend purchasing these in bulk to save money.

Consider Your Guest Experience When You’re Working on Your Kitchen Essentials

Creating a comfortable and convenient kitchen space in your Airbnb will significantly enhance your guests’ experience. When stocking the kitchen, think about the essentials that can make a difference – a reliable coffee maker for that essential morning cup of coffee, sharp quality knives for effortless food preparation, and a variety of cooking utensils for different culinary tasks.

And don’t forget the small items that often go unnoticed until they’re needed, such as a can and bottle opener, pair of scissors, tea kettle, and butter knives! 

Think of the guest experience as you would in your own home – anticipate needs, provide comfort, and keep your kitchen space guest-ready and watch the five star reviews roll in!

*Some links may be affiliate links from which I earn on qualifying purchases. I will never recommend something I don’t also like or use personally.

Any must-have kitchen essentials you like to see in your Airbnbs? Let us know in the comments!

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