Essentials for Setting up your Airbnb/Midterm Kitchen
One of the best ways to make your Airbnb or midterm rental stand out is by offering a fully stocked kitchen. When guests choose your space, they expect to be able to cook a full meal without having to run out for missing items. Providing a well-equipped kitchen not only enhances their experience but also boosts your listing's visibility. The more amenities you can mark in your Airbnb profile, the better your chances of attracting guests. Let’s dive into the essentials you need to create a guest-friendly, fully stocked kitchen!
1. The Essentials for Cooking and Dining
A fully stocked kitchen starts with the basics that every guest expects:
Pots and pans: Include a variety for different types of cooking, from frying pans to saucepans and larger pots for boiling. (Hint…these pans wont scratch!)
Cutlery: Make sure there are enough forks, knives, and spoons for each guest, plus a few extra.
Knives and kitchen scissors: These should be sharp and high-quality to make meal prep easier.
Cutting boards: Have both glass and plastic boards available for different types of food preparation.
Glasses, wine glasses, and coffee mugs: Guests appreciate having proper drinkware for any occasion, from a casual cup of coffee to a celebratory glass of wine.
Plates and bowls: Provide enough for your maximum guest capacity, plus a few extras.
Utensils: Stock your kitchen with essential utensils like spatulas, ladles, tongs, a can opener, and a wine opener. Don't forget a utensil holder to keep them organized.
Mixing bowls: Include a variety of sizes to accommodate different recipes.
Hand mixer: Great for guests who want to bake or mix ingredients quickly.
Toaster: Learn from my mistake! Avoid plastic toasters; one guest gave me a 3-star review (the only one I’ve had!) because they nitpicked on my plastic toaster. A simple upgrade to a metal toaster can save you from similar complaints.
2. Focus on Quality
When fully stocking your kitchen, it’s important to choose high-quality items that will last longer. Although it might be tempting to opt for cheaper options, investing in good quality will make your dollar stretch and show guests that you care about their comfort. Durability is key—guests appreciate the extra care, and you’ll get more use out of everything.
3. Don’t Forget the Small Details
Make sure you have these often-overlooked items:
Kitchen hand towels: I keep a plain white one under the sink for backup and hang a prettier one on the stove. Choose something that’s easy to clean but adds a decorative touch.
Microwave: Essential for quick meals and reheating leftovers.
Coffee maker: I use a Keurig because it’s recognizable and easy to use. Set up a coffee station with creamers, sugar, extra Keurig pods (I like Starbucks light and dark roast), and a couple of flavored syrups, as well as coffee creamer.
Tea kettle: Guests who prefer tea will appreciate having a teapot and a selection of tea bags near the coffee setup.
Brita water filter: This is great for filling the Keurig and providing guests with clean drinking water.
4. Bakeware and Specialty Items
To make the kitchen even more complete, include these items:
Bakeware: Baking sheets, muffin pans, and oven-safe dishes for guests who love to bake.
Smoothie maker or blender: Guests appreciate having the option to make smoothies or blended drinks.
Crockpot: Great for slow-cooked meals, especially for long-term guests.
Tupperware: A few containers for leftovers is a thoughtful touch.
Garlic press: It’s small but useful for those who cook frequently.
Serving Bowls: A little touch that goes a long way.
5. The Pantry Staples
Stocking the pantry with basic essentials can be a game-changer for your guests. Here’s what I recommend:
Salt, pepper, paprika, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract, and olive oil: Common spices and essentials for basic cooking and baking.
Flour, sugar, and brown sugar: I keep these in the pantry and switch them out regularly if they’re not being used.
Pancake mix and syrup: Believe it or not, guests love using the pancake mix. It’s one of those small touches that leaves an impression.
Popcorn bags: Perfect for a movie night or quick snack.
Children's dishware: While I don’t host many kids in my one-bedroom units, I keep a few items on hand just in case.
6. Don’t Overlook Clean-Up Items
A well-stocked kitchen also needs a few cleaning supplies to make guests’ lives easier:
Trash can: Don’t forget to provide trash bags.
Dish brush and dish soap: Keep the sink area tidy and stocked.
Dishwasher soap: If you have a dishwasher, make sure guests have what they need to run it.
Why It Matters
Stocking your kitchen well may seem like a big investment, but it pays off. Not only does it help guests feel at home, but it also boosts your Airbnb visibility. A fully equipped kitchen shows that you're a thoughtful host, which reflects positively in your reviews. Plus, the fewer reasons guests have to complain, the more likely you are to get those coveted 5-star ratings!
When it comes to your Airbnb or midterm rental, providing a well-equipped kitchen is a small investment that will make a big impact on guest satisfaction—and your bottom line.
List of Items for Easy Linking:
Knives and kitchen scissors and if you want a full block of knives
Utensils (spatulas, ladles, tongs, can opener, wine opener)
Mixing bowls and these
Bakeware (baking sheets, muffin pans, oven-safe dishes)
Salt, pepper, paprika, baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract, olive oil, garlic
Pancake mix and syrup
Popcorn bags and Fun Bowl
Pot Holders and Mitt
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