vacation rental kitchen essentials

STR Kitchen Essentials: 2026 Checklist

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There’s nothing worse than paying full price to rent a high-end vacation rental home on Airbnb, and then discovering upon arrival that the kitchen is equipped like a Holiday Inn Express. In fact, The Kitchn revealed that travelers bring along all sorts of crazy kitchen tools precisely because so many vacation rental kitchens are poorly provisioned. Most short term rental guests expect to do a decent amount of cooking during their vacation, and they don’t want to bring an extra suitcase full of sharp knives, decent salt, and Tupperware.

So check out our ultimate list of vacation rental kitchen essentials and whip your kitchen into first class shape. Then take some great photos and make sure your guests know in advance they can expect the best instead of preparing for the worst.

Quick Answer

A fully-stocked vacation rental kitchen needs 25+ essential items beyond basic dishes. The list includes sharp knives, a quality coffee maker with local beans, a powerful blender, cooking oils, proper utensils, food storage containers, measuring tools, and both non-stick and cast iron cookware.

Budget at least $400 and up to $1,500 or more depending on your nightly rates and guest expectations. In our experience, these items directly impact your booking conversions, guest reviews, and repeat business. It’s well worth the investment!

Top 5 Must-Haves:

  1. Sharp chef’s knife + paring knife
  2. Quality coffee maker + locally roasted coffee
  3. Non-stick cookware set (10-12 pieces)
  4. Olive oil, kosher salt, basic spices
  5. Food storage containers + Ziploc bags

Why Kitchen Quality Impacts Your Success

Recent Airbnb data shows 76% of vacation rental guests cook at least one meal during their stay. Kitchen quality directly impacts:

  • Review scores: Kitchens rank #2 in 5-star review mentions
  • Bookings: “Well-equipped kitchen” increases bookings 23%
  • Nightly rates: Premium kitchen amenities can justify 15-20% higher pricing
  • Guest satisfaction: 84% cite kitchen in overall experience

A poorly-stocked kitchen can cost you bookings and damage your reputation. Here’s how to get it right.

Complete Kitchen Checklist: 25 Essential Items

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recommend products we genuinely believe will help you earn 5-star reviews.

1. Sharp Chef’s Knife + Paring Knife Set

airbnb essentials - sharp knives

Why it matters: Nothing dulls a talented cook’s enthusiasm for working in a new kitchen like a knife that won’t cut scrambled eggs. Yes, good knives are expensive. And yes, they may have to be replaced every few years. Think of it as an opportunity to show your guests that you’re paying attention to their needs!

Recommended products:

Maintenance: Replace every 2-3 years in high-turnover properties. Store in knife block to prevent damage and showcase quality.

Related: Go deep with our candid take on the best knives for short-term rentals.

2. Quality Coffee Maker + Decent (Local) Coffee Beans

Why it matters: Coffee is the first thing 68% of guests make. First impressions are critical.

Artisan coffee roasters are now so ubiquitous in the US, that hardly a zip code remains without a local coffee brand. When you supply your guests with a starter dose of your favorite local coffee you connect them with something unique about your specific destination. And that’s often the very first step in creating a long-term customer that returns year after year.

While some guests prefer the ease of a standard electric coffee maker, others like to take their time with a more manual pour-over process. Consider offering both options to keep everyone from twenty-year-old hipsters to eighty-year-old hip-replacers happy.

Recommended drip coffee makers:

Alternative options:

Pro tip: Source local coffee beans from nearby roasters. Stock 1-2 bags as welcome amenity. Mention brand in listing for local props / extra credit.

3. High-Powered Blender (Vitamix)

Vitamix blender

Why it matters: Vacation means margaritas, smoothies, protein shakes. Cheap blenders burn out or can’t crush ice.

So many blenders just totally suck. I don’t know how the industry got away with making a product that worked so poorly for so long. Fortunately those days are mostly behind us and you can now get a blender with more torque than a Ford Fiesta. Smoothies, milk shakes, and margaritas have never been the same.

Recommended:

Listing tip: Mention “professional-grade blender” or “Vitamix” specifically in your description to signal quality across your entire offering.

4. Electric Kettle

Why it matters: It’s not just for tea anymore! Remember that twenty-something hipster that will only drink coffee from a pour-over? Well, they’re gonna need some hot water to make it happen. And a nice tea kettle with a soothing whistle will keep your tea drinking guests happy too. So splurge for something that will photograph well and park it on your shiny stainless steel range.

An electric kettle is good for tea, pour-over coffee, instant oatmeal, ramen, and hot cocoa. It’s also faster and more efficient than a stovetop.

Recommended:

5. Cooking Oils: Olive, Coconut, Avocado

Why it matters: Cooking oils are a huge pain to buy when you’re only staying somewhere for a week. They’re typically sold in larger bottles and aren’t exactly cheap. Having a decent olive oil on hand and perhaps some coconut or avocado oil as well, is absolute table stakes for stocking your vacation rental kitchen.

High end rentals charging more than $300/night should probably also consider stocking a nicer extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over pasta and homemade salad dressings.

What to stock:

  • Extra virgin olive oil (mid-grade, 500ml)
  • Coconut oil (refined, neutral flavor)
  • Optional: Avocado oil (high smoke point)

Budget: $25-40 every 2-3 months.

Pro tip: Store in cabinet near stove or on the countertop so they won’t be missed. Replace at least every 6 months for freshness if needed. Give your guests a heads up in advance so they don’t have to spend extra money at the grocery before arrival.

6. Premium Salt Selection

Why it matters: Nothing tastes quite right without salt. Seasoned cooks know this all too well, and they also know that all salts are not created equal. If you’re only stocking plain old iodized salt, you’re probably disappointing more than a few guests. Kosher salt is a must-have and a sea salt or two are also recommended if your vacation rental is located in a more foodie-oriented destination. It costs so little to get this one right!

What to stock:

Budget: $15-20 initially, replace every 6 months or so.

7. Non-Stick Cookware Set

Why it matters: While some skilled chefs don’t love cooking with nonstick pans, the average guest absolutely expects non-stick cookware. Whether or not they know how to use it properly is another question, but it does make cooking some very common dishes like scrambled eggs and bacon a lot easier.

Pair your nonstick cookware with some wooden spoons stored on the countertop near the stove, and you’ll get a lot more life out of your cookware!

Recommended:

Replacement: Every 18-24 months for high-volume rentals.

Pair with: Silicone/wooden utensils to prevent scratching.

8. Cast Iron Skillet (10-12 inch)

airbnb essentials - cast iron skillet

Why it matters: Serious cooks prefer cast iron for steaks, cornbread, and high-heat searing. While we don’t recommend stocking your entire kitchen with cast iron cookware, it’s a good idea to have at least one well-seasoned cast iron skillet available. Make sure your cleaners know not to scrub it sparkling clean. The little sticky bits are what make cast iron so wonderful.

Recommended:

Important: Leave cleaning instructions in kitchen binder—many guests don’t know cast iron care.

9. Digital Meat Thermometer

Why it matters: Takes guesswork out of cooking meat. Prevents food safety issues.

Thermometers aren’t just for cooking Thanksgiving turkeys. A lot of amateur (and professional) chefs use them to dial in all kinds of meat and poultry preparations. If you like your steak on the red side of medium rare, you’re probably aiming for just shy of 130 degrees. How will you ever know if there’s no meat thermometer?

Recommended:

  • Budget: ThermoPro TP03B ($10-15) — No bells or whistles, just the temps
  • Best value: ThermoPro TP19 ($20-25) — Rotating display, waterproof, backlit
  • Premium: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE ($100-115) — Professional grade, instant, who knew you could spend so much on a thermometer?

10. Box Grater + Microplane

Why it matters: Tacos, quesadillas, and nachos have practically become a food group unto themselves. And they’re tricky to execute without a proper cheese grater. So stock a decent one in your short term rental kitchen and maybe throw in a microplane grater for parmesan cheese and citrus zesting while you’re at it. The absence of a cheese grater is a tell-tale sign that no one has actually cooked in a kitchen for any serious length of time. Don’t tell that tale.

Recommended:

Other uses: Chocolate, garlic, nutmeg, etc.

11. Food Storage Containers + Ziploc Bags

Why it matters: Leftovers happen. And so do picnics. Guests on vacation often want to prep lunches at home in the morning before heading out on an adventure. Make it easy for them by stocking a selection of various size Ziploc bags and BPA-free food storage containers. Yes, guests will mistakenly leave the containers in their bags or cars and you’ll lose a few over time. But they’re cheap and easy to replace. You’ll save your guests plenty of time and hassle by having these kitchen essentials at the ready from day one of their vacation.

Recommended:

Budget: $40-70 initially, restock as needed.

12. Measuring Cups & Spoons

Why it matters: Believe it or not, a lot of vacation rental kitchens don’t have even the very basic tools required for a guest to follow a recipe. Or mix a proper drink. Or do any one of the many other kitchen tasks that require a certain level of precision. If space is tight, get a set of nested measuring cups and some common measuring spoons. These will only set you back a few bucks, yet will save guests tons of time and aggravation.

Recommended:

Luxury splurge: Nicewell Food Scale ($25-30) for calorie-counters (and Europeans who cook in grams, not ounces).

13. Silicone Spatulas & Wooden Spoons

Why it matters: If you’ve invested in quality non-stick cookware, metal utensils are public enemy number one. Every time a guest scrapes a metal spatula across your Teflon skillet, they’re shaving off little bits of coating that cost you real money to replace. Silicone, nylon, and wooden utensils are the bodyguards your pans desperately need. They’re heat-resistant, won’t scratch anything, and actually work better for most cooking tasks anyway. Plus wooden spoons have that classic kitchen aesthetic that photographs beautifully when you’re updating your listing photos.

Recommended:

Pro tip: Keep these in a crock near the stove for visibility in listing photos.

14. Big Honking Roasting Pan

Why it matters: Guests often rent houses for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, which are both common occasions for roasting a turkey or cooking a big ham in the oven. If you would prefer that they get their Martha Stewart on without leaving a layer of stagnant juices at the bottom of your oven, make sure there’s a roasting pan available. Get a good one and you’ll only have to buy it once!

Recommended:

15. Kitchen Tongs (2 Sizes)

Why it matters: Flip, stir, rotate, and grab! If there’s one kitchen utensil that can help amateur cooks avoid burning themselves it’s the under-appreciated tongs. A good pair of tongs is an incredibly versatile kitchen tool. You can use it to pick up everything from slippery pasta to a sizzling chicken breast and you can do it all one-handed. Tongs aren’t very expensive and they basically last forever, so make sure you have a pair and that your guests can find them easily when the need arises.

Recommended:

16. Baking Sheets + Cooling Rack

Why it matters: The best thing about a cookie sheet is that it takes up virtually no space. As long as you have a tall narrow cabinet somewhere, and most kitchens do, it easily slides out of sight. I’ve never met anyone who disliked both cookies and nachos, and making a fresh batch of either absolutely requires a solid non-stick baking sheet. Throw in a cookie cooling rack too, and your guests are well on their way to true “vacation-level” snacking.

Recommended:

17. 9×13 Baking Dish

Why it matters: This is the workhorse pan that quietly does all the heavy lifting in a vacation rental kitchen. Lasagna, casseroles, brownies, enchiladas, baked ziti, sheet cake for someone’s birthday—the list goes on. Families especially rely on these for one-pan dinners that feed everyone without a pile of dishes. And here’s the beautiful part: it’s practically indestructible, goes from freezer to oven to dishwasher without complaint, and will still be serving guests a decade from now. If there’s a Hall of Fame for kitchen essentials based on cost-per-use ratio, this humble pan gets a first-ballot nomination.

Recommended:

18. Cutting Boards (Wood + Plastic)

str kitchen essentials - john boos cutting block

Why it matters: The best way to keep guests from chopping up your countertops is to stock a nice selection of cutting boards. Make sure they’re easy to find and that you offer a few different sizes. You’ll want at least one large wood cutting board (because it looks good) and one large plastic one (to keep raw chicken juices at bay). Finally, look to replace the cutting boards in your vacation rental at least every 1-2 years.

Recommended:

Pro Tip: Maintain your wood blocks with a regular coat of Thirteen Chefs Mineral Oil ($12-15).

19. Can Opener

Why it matters: You’d think this would be obvious, right? Yet somehow can openers rank among the most commonly missing items in vacation rental kitchens. Guests discover this unfortunate oversight precisely when they need it most. Then they’re stuck awkwardly trying to stab the can with a knife (dangerous), hunting through every drawer in your kitchen (annoying), or making an emergency grocery run for a tool they shouldn’t have to buy (frustrating). Don’t be the listing without a can opener.

Recommended:

20. Wine Opener + Bottle Opener

Why it matters: People drink on vacation. And nothing deflates the excitement of cracking open a nice bottle of wine faster than realizing you need to MacGyver the cork out with a screwdriver. A proper waiter’s corkscrew is cheap, compact, and saves your guests from that special kind of vacation rental frustration that leads to passive-aggressive reviews. Throw in a regular bottle opener too, because twist-off beer caps aren’t as universal as you might think.

Recommended:

21. Citrus Juicer/Press

Why it matters: While we’re on the topic of opening adult beverages, it’s worth noting that nothing says vacation quite like a well-balanced rum concoction. And where there’s rum, there’s often citrus, so make sure your guests have ready access to a competent juicing device. We’ve found that the hand press option is generally preferred as it requires less manual effort.

Recommended:

22. Colander/Strainer

Why it matters: Pasta happens in vacation rentals. So do salads. And rinsed canned goods. And washed berries. Trying to accomplish any of these tasks without a proper colander is the kind of kitchen nightmare that involves balancing a pot lid at a precarious angle while scalding pasta water runs everywhere except into the sink.

Get a decent stainless steel colander with a stable base, and your guests can drain pasta without flooding the kitchen or risking second-degree burns. It’s not glamorous, but it’s absolutely essential. Think of it as cheap insurance against the kind of kitchen disasters that drive negative guest reviews.

Recommended:

23. Mixing Bowls Set

Why it matters: Mixing bowls are the unsung heroes of kitchen prep work. You need somewhere to toss the salad, marinate the chicken, whisk together pancake batter, hold chopped vegetables, mix the cookie dough, and serve the chips. A nested set of stainless steel or glass bowls takes up minimal cabinet space but enables dozens of different cooking tasks. Make sure you get at least three different sizes. Small for whisking eggs, medium for mixing ingredients, large for tossing that vacation-sized salad.

Recommended:

24. Oven Mitts + Trivets

Why it matters: Hotel guests aren’t likely to sit down to a big home-cooked meal, but vacation rental guests do it all the time. Make sure your guests don’t have to turn the kitchen inside out to figure out how to safely serve their culinary creations from searing hot pans. Replace your burnt oven mitts from the 1980s and make sure they’re easy to find on short notice. While you’re at it, pick up a few trivets to remind your guests not to place hot pans and dishes directly on your countertops and dining table.

Recommended:

Pro tip: Replace mitts annually—they tend to pick up grease and other hitchhikers.

25. Common Spices & Seasonings

Why critical: No one wants to go out and buy six different spices on the first day of their vacation just so they can cook a proper meal in your beautiful kitchen. The conundrum of course is knowing which of the hundreds of global spices to stock in your vacation rental kitchen. That’s why we wrote an entire article with a list of common spices for rental kitchens to help you get it exactly right.

Essential spices:

  • Black pepper (grinder)
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Italian seasoning
  • Cinnamon
  • Paprika or chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Oregano

Related: Go deep with our detailed guide on spices for short-term rentals.

Bonus Items for 5-Star Rentals

Rice Cooker

Target: Long stays, international guests, health-conscious travelers

Most rice cookers can do the job reasonably well, but the ones made in Japan take rice to a whole new level. Something like 75% of people in Japan eat rice at least twice a day. They know how to cook it! While some guests won’t think twice about not finding a rice cooker in your short term rental, stocking a good one will win you some serious brownie points with the guests that do care. Sometimes it’s the extra unexpected details that stand out and inspire someone to leave a glowing review.

Recommended:

Waffle Maker

Target: Families with kids

Waffles are an indulgent treat, which is why they’re a perfect breakfast food for vacation. Hardly anyone expects to find a waffle maker in their vacation rental kitchen so this one comes across as a real surprise. The trick is to get a nicer more reliable waffle maker so you’re not having to replace it too often. The cheaper ones are flimsy and tend to break at the hinge too easily. Score some extra credit with your guests by also stocking real maple syrup.

Recommended:

Pro tip: Stock real maple syrup for a premium feel.

Slow Cooker / Instant Pot

Target: Families, stays 7+ days

Recommended:

Ice Cream Scoop

Target: Everyone (high delight, low cost)

Always remember that vacations are first and foremost about enjoying yourself alongside friends and family. Yes, your guests can absolutely use a spoon to serve up ice cream, but isn’t it a lot more fun to use an old school ice cream scoop? Given that it lasts forever and doesn’t cost much to begin with, it may actually have the highest guest satisfaction ROI on this entire list!

Recommended:

Premium Tea Selection

Target: Tea enthusiasts, wellness travelers

If you don’t drink tea yourself, figuring out what to stock in this category can be a bit tricky. A safe bet would be to include a regular black tea like English Breakfast or Earl Grey along with a selection of non-caffeinated herbal teas. I drink a lot of black tea, and I particularly like the Taylors of Harrogate sampler noted below, because it doesn’t have too many fruity herbal options. Higher end rentals may want to also stock a loose leaf tea and a tea strainer, just to make sure no one feels snubbed by all the attention coffee drinkers are getting these days.

Recommended:

Final Kitchen Tips for Maximum Impact

Don’t Use Labels

I think cabinets with label stickers all over them are the opposite of classy. It may seem convenient, but having words plastered all over your kitchen looks terrible. Just don’t do it. It only takes a minute or two for your guests to open a few cabinets and drawers to figure out where things are.

Do Set Up a Coffee Station

  • Set aside dedicated counter space for all things coffee and tea
  • Stock: maker, grinder, filters, mugs, sweeteners
  • Makes for a great listing photo once fully stocked
  • Get this countertop organizer to keep things tidy

What NOT to Include

❌ Cheap, flimsy tools — Break often and frustrate guests
❌ Too many duplicates — Clutters cabinets
❌ Plastic dinnerware — Feels cheap (unless outdoor meals common)
❌ Dull knives — Dangerous and leads to negative reviews
❌ Expired spices — Check every 6-12 months
❌ Scratched non-stick cookware — Replace immediately
❌ Stained cutting boards — Feels unclean and gross

Marketing Your Kitchen

Listing Description Sample Copy:

✅ “Fully-equipped gourmet kitchen with professional Vitamix blender”
✅ “Quality chef’s knives and complete spice collection”
✅ “Everything you need to cook like home”
✅ “Rice cooker, waffle maker, Instant Pot for easy family meals”

Pre-Arrival Sample Message:

“Our kitchen is fully stocked with quality cookware, spices, oils, and a Vitamix blender for morning smoothies. We provide starter coffee from our local roaster and a selection of caffeinated and herbal teas. You’ll find everything you need to cook comfortably.”

Airbnb Kitchen Essentials FAQ

How much should I budget?

$400-500 for a basic vacation rental kitchen, $700-900 for mid-range, and $1,200-1,500 for a premium set up.

What’s the #1 most important item?

Sharp knives. This is the most common complaint when missing and the most praised when provided.

Should I get an espresso machine?

Only luxury rentals ($300+/night) or coffee-culture destinations. Otherwise drip + French press suffice.

How often to replace non-stick cookware?

Every 18-24 months for frequently-booked, or immediately when scratched.

Do guests use rice cookers/waffle makers?

Rice cookers: Yes (Asian guests, long stays). Waffle makers: Popular with families. Both low-cost with high impact on guest reviews.

What about theft/damage?

Build 10-15% annual replacement into pricing. Photograph expensive items (Vitamix, knives). Mention in house rules but do not nickel and dime your guests over every item. Expect that some amount of breakage and replacement is inevitable.

Should I stock pantry staples beyond oil/salt?

Usually. For 7+ day stays: sugar, flour, filters, dish soap, trash bags. Shorter stays: just oils, salt, pepper, spices.

How to prevent dull knives?

Buy a self-sharpening set, always store in block, advise against putting them in dishwasher, include care instructions, consider professional sharpening annually (depending on volume of stays).

It’s an Investment

A well-stocked kitchen pays dividends through:

✅ Higher review scores (5-star ratings)
✅ Increased bookings (kitchen is one of the top guest filters)
✅ Premium pricing (potentially 15-20% higher rates)
✅ Fewer complaints
✅ Repeat bookings

The gap between 4.5-star and 5-star often comes down to thoughtful details like sharp knives, local coffee, and quality utensils.

Start with the core essentials and upgrade gradually as your rental gains traction and you have more free cash flow to invest back into the business. Within 12-18 months, your kitchen should rival your guests’ homes—or even exceed it.

Knock out everything on the list above and you’re sure to get some oohs and aahs from even the most discerning cooks. And that’s often the difference between a so-so review and a 5-star write up!

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