The kitchen is one of the most important parts of your Airbnb — after all, many guests choose vacation rentals specifically for the ability to cook meals. As the host, this creates a unique challenge. Your kitchen should have enough supplies to meet guests’ needs, but not so many that it’s messy, dangerous, or inconvenient for your cleaners. Not sure where to start? Stock up on Airbnb kitchen essentials first, and add extra items as needed.
4 must have Airbnb kitchen essentials
As you’re setting up an Airbnb kitchen, make sure you have these key items on hand:
- Appliances
The right kitchen appliances make your Airbnb more comfortable and convenient for guests.
At a minimum, you should have:
- Coffee maker or French press
- Electric kettle
- Toaster
- Microwave
- Cooktop
If you specialize in long-term stays, guests will expect larger appliances, including a full-size stove and oven. For larger properties, a dishwasher is a great way to enhance the experience — guests don’t need to spend time washing dishes by hand, and you can rest assured that kitchen items are clean and sanitized between each stay.
- Dishes
Durable, microwave-safe dishes are ideal for Airbnbs. When it comes to items like utensils and plates, you should have enough to accommodate the maximum number of guests your property holds.
Start with :
- Plates and bowls
- Drinking glasses, wine glasses, and coffee mugs
- Forks, spoons, and dinner knives
TIP 💡 : Consider buying extras to have on hand in case an item breaks or cracks.
- Cooking implements
Your cookware should complement the kitchen in your Airbnb — a studio with a tiny kitchenette requires fewer items than a house with a chef’s kitchen.
Some of the essentials include:
- Knife set
- Spatula and serving spoon
- Can opener
- Wine opener
- Pasta strainer
- Pot, frying pan, and baking sheet
- Serving/salad bowl
- Cutting board
TIP 💡: Keep in mind that every guest has a different cooking style; some are more cautious than others. Protect your cookware from scratches by choosing plastic or silicone cooking utensils.
- Cleaning and safety supplies
The right cleaning and safety supplies can help your guests protect themselves and your Airbnb.
Make sure these items are easy to find:
- Dish soap
- Sponges
- Stove cleaner
- Sink strainer
- Oven mitt
- Pot holders
- Chargers
- Kitchen towels
- First aid kit
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
“Cleaning spaces. Creating happy faces.“
Related topic : How to Keep Your Airbnb Place Clean
Setting kitchen rules for your Airbnb guests
Next to the bathroom, the kitchen is the messiest room in an Airbnb. A few simple rules can help your guests stay safe, clean efficiently, and protect the space.
Some possible rules include:
- Turn on the vent fan every time you use the stove
- Place a hot pad or charger under hot pots and serving dishes
- Use a cover in the microwave
- Make sure the sink strainer is in place before washing dishes
- Clean the stovetop with provided products only
- Make sure the stove and oven are turned off after cooking
- Take trash to the garbage bins in the garage
- Put dishes in the dishwasher before checkout
TIP 💡 : An artistic, framed sign is a charming way to display your kitchen rules without detracting from the decor. Pace it in a high-visibility spot, such as the refrigerator door or the kitchen counter.
Instructions for Airbnb kitchen appliances
Do you host guests from around the world? Does your Airbnb have a high-end stove or espresso maker? Reduce the risk of damage and extend the lifetime of each item by including clear instructions for use. This method can also save time — when guests understand how to use the appliances, they’re less likely to call you for help.
Some common issues to address:
- Induction Cooktops – Using the right pans or cleaning products
- Gas cooktops – How to light the burners
- Ovens – Understanding special functions, like convection or air frying
- Coffee makers – Basic instructions for use, location of water reservoir
Organizing your Airbnb kitchen
The easiest way to encourage your guests to use the supplies on hand is to place them in highly visible locations. Put dish soap on the sink, hang hot pads from small hooks, and set chargers or trivets on the dining table and counters. If your Airbnb has a full kitchen, lay a large cutting board on the counter to encourage guests to shop responsibly.
As you’re organizing the cabinets and drawers, avoid overcrowding. A simple layout enables guests to find what they need; it also creates a clean, pleasant aesthetic.
A well-stocked kitchen is a great way to create a comfortable and convenient stay. The right Airbnb kitchen essentials enable your guests to cook, all without creating extra work for your cleaning crew.
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