If you’re thinking about starting an Airbnb business, there are a lot of things to consider when it comes to setting up your rental space. Remember that one of the main reasons why travelers choose to stay in Airbnb properties over hotels is to have a home-away-from-home experience.
One of the biggest perks of living in a vacation rental is access to a fully stocked kitchen. So, to make your guests feel comfortable, you should provide some Airbnb kitchen essentials needed to cook and serve most meals.
Learn more about what supplies and appliances you should offer to ensure that your Airbnb kitchen has all the necessities for cooking and eating that most guests want and need.
Guests have high expectations about customer service, and it’s your job as a host to equip your home with all the essential items and some extras to meet your guests’ preferences. You may use our rental inventory checklist that can help you create a welcoming atmosphere and ensure a perfect stay.
Airbnb Kitchen Essentials: How to Stock a Vacation Rental Kitchen
A well-stocked Airbnb kitchen will help you stand out among other listings in your area. It will also show that you care about creating a welcoming space where your guests can feel at home.
Travelers are sure to appreciate that you’re ready to go the extra mile to ensure that they can have a perfect stay and will leave you positive reviews that are vital for your success on the Airbnb platform. Remember that you’ll have more time to create an inviting atmosphere for your Airbnb guests if you automate your routine tasks using vacation rental software like Hospitable.
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So, what should you equip your kitchen to help guests prepare a meal? We’ve created this Airbnb kitchen essentials list covering basic items and extra amenities. We’ve organized it by category to help you consider the different items guests might expect to find in your kitchen.
Main kitchen appliances
Basic kitchen appliances are all that Airbnb guests typically need to cook basic meals or reheat them. Consider providing the following appliances to make your kitchen a fully functioning space.
- Stovetop and oven
- Refrigerator with adjoining freezer
- Microwave
- Toaster
- Coffer maker
- Slow cooker
- Rice cooker
- Blender
- Electric tea kettle
Cookware
Provide your guests with various pots and pans of different sizes for the stovetop and the oven. These items are essential for any kitchen, so you should always provide at least one small and one large pot and a small and large frying pan. We also recommend providing
- 5-quart covered saucepan
- 3-quart covered saucepan
- 4-quart covered sauté pan
- Casserole dishes
- Baking sheets
- Pizza pan
- Muffin pan
Tableware and flatware
The number of plates, bowls, glasses, and cups you provide will depend on the number of people you usually play host to at your Airbnb. You should provide at least two sets of plates, bowls, cups, and mugs for each guest and add a few extra items to ensure that everyone can eat at the same time. Buy high-quality cutlery that won’t discolor or rust.
- Small and large plates
- Bowls
- Spoons
- Forks
- Butter knives and steak knives
- Coffee cups
- Wine glasses
- Water glasses
- Serving platters and trays
- Large serving bowls and plates
Kitchen utensils and accessories
There are numerous kitchen tools, so it can get confusing about which of them to stock. But it all comes down to what your guests will cook, so you should provide the tools that are used in different recipes most often.
- Cutting boards
- Sharp knives
- Knife sharpener
- Spatulas
- Ladles
- Mixing bowls
- Mixing spoons
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Bottle opener
- Strainer
- Oven mitts and hot pads
- Vegetable peeler
- Pair of scissors
- Grater
- Pizza cutter
- Napkins and placemats
Pantry staples
Stocking on a few basic staples can help your guests feel at home. Your guests will be grateful since they won’t have to run out to buy salt, use only a small portion of it, and leave the rest behind. Consider providing
- Pepper
- Salt
- Sugar
- Cooking oil
- Vinegar
- Spices and herbs
- Coffee and tea
You may also choose to stock some snacks and drinks for your guests (ask them what they like before they arrive).
Basic cleaning supplies
Giving your guests a way to clean up after themselves is important. You should provide the essentials to help your guests clean dirty surfaces and keep things free from grime and germs.
- All-purpose cleaner
- Dish soap
- Dishwasher detergent
- Sponges
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cleaning gloves
- Hand soap and sanitizer
- Kitchen towels
- Garbage bags
- Air freshener
- Broom
- Mop
- Vacuum
Extra amenities
Investing in these Airbnb must-haves ensures your guests have everything they need for a wonderful stay at your STR property. But if you want to impress your guests and get great reviews, consider adding the following items to your kitchen:
- Plastic or glass food containers
- Aluminum foil
- Cling film
- Paper towels
- Dishwasher
- Juicer/smoothie maker
- Baking supplies
Offering something more on top of the Airbnb essentials can make your listing stand out, attract more guests, and exceed their expectations. But remember that running a successful STR property stretches beyond offering basic and unique amenities.
You must ensure proactive communication with guests via messaging to provide them with the necessary information at the right time. This way, you can make them feel welcome and cared for and earn 5-star reviews that will get you more bookings.
The easiest way to ensure fast and clear communication with guests at all customer journey stages is to automate this process using tools like Hospitable. Messaging automation is a favorite Hospitable feature for many hosts, including Taylor Adams and her husband, who use Hospitable to manage multiple STR properties remotely and enjoy a work-optional lifestyle.
Have conversations with your guests even when you sleep
Final Thought
Stocking a vacation rental kitchen isn’t the same as stocking your own, but our list of Airbnb kitchen essentials covers most of the items an average guest can expect to find to have a pleasant stay. Use this list as a guide to stock your kitchen and add comfort to the guest experience. This way, you can create an incredible cooking space for guests who prefer to prepare their own meals on vacation.
Remember: Providing a fully stocked kitchen can be a real differentiator for your Airbnb property. It’s one of the best ways to ensure your guests have a wonderful stay worthy of 5-star reviews that will help you build credibility as a host and attract more guests.
You may also want to check out our article to learn how to use Airbnb last-minute deals to win more bookings.
