5 Tips for Setting Up a Short Term Rental Kitchen

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Of all the rooms to set up for a turn key rental property, the kitchen has the longest list of essential items.

When it comes to furnishing the kitchen in your Airbnb, cutting corners and opting for the cheapest items can be tempting to save some money upfront, but it can negatively impact the overall perception of your property.

In this blog post, we will delve into 5 basic ideas behind furnishing a turn-key kitchen that enhances guest experiences, creates a comfortable environment and, most importantly, brings in those 5-star reviews.

I think the kitchen is my favorite room to set up in an Airbnb. Maybe it’s because I love to cook, so I think about how I like to operate in the kitchen when I’m making a meal. I always want to make sure that it’s fitted out with all the essentials to be a comfortable, functional kitchen space, no matter the size.

And even though the kitchen has the longest list of essential items, it doesn’t need to complicated if you are organized and use a checklist (grab my FREE Kitchen Turn Key PDF if you need it) and approach the kitchen with these 5 principles in mind to fit out a kitchen from scratch, or refresh an existing Airbnb kitchen.

Quality Over Price

Setting the Right Tone

When it comes to furnishing your vacation rental's kitchen, you need to find that sweet spot between quality and cost. Remember, your guests aren't just looking for a place to stay; they are seeking an exceptional experience. Opting for cheap, low-quality items can give off an impression of skimping on essentials and can even be off-putting to those guests who actually use the kitchen to cook.

By no means am I suggesting that you need to go out and buy expensive sets of pots and pans, and high-end kitchen items. Absolutely not! There are some areas where you can get away with the budget choices, and others where it pays to spend a couple of dollars extra (like a can opener, or a cork screw) – and we are here to guide you in the right direction to find that sweet spot between quality and cost.

Comfort & Convenience

Going Beyond The Bare Minimum

Creating a comfortable and enjoyable kitchen space involves more than just providing the bare minimum of kitchen essentials. Your guests should feel at home and not burdened with constant dishwashing and limited resources - that’s just not a comfortable way to use a kitchen.

Ensure that your kitchen is well-stocked with enough plates, cups, cutlery, and cooking utensils to accommodate the maximum number of guests your rental can accommodate. My rule of of thumb is 2 sets of dining ware, cutlery, glassware per guest who can sleep in your property.

Not all guests will be keen on cooking elaborate meals, but some will be relying heavily on your kitchen to prepare meals for themselves and other guests. Don't underestimate the value of providing a little more than the bare minimum of cooking equipment, like a decent knife set, mixing bowls, measuring spoons, and baking trays. My Turn Key Kitchen Checklist provides you with a complete list of cooking equipment essentials to keep your guests happy.

Welcoming culinary enthusiasts with a well-equipped kitchen demonstrates your attention to detail and thoughtfulness as a host. Moreover, this encourages positive reviews and repeat bookings from guests who appreciate the effort you put into creating a versatile space.

Keep It Classic

Make Future Replacement Easy

I do love some decorative dining ware, one that really sets of your color scheme. But, the reality is that items get broken and need to be replaced. Then that unique, patterned set you bought becomes impossible to replace a piece in the same set….🤷🏻‍♀️Classic white dining ware is easier to replace a broken or damaged piece without it sticking out as an odd piece, or clashing with your existing decor.

I also recommend that you buy a second set of your plates, cups, cutlery and stick them in storage ( especially if you have to have that colorful/patterned design!) so that when breaks or losses inevitably occur you have a supply of replacements that match on hand that you can put into rotation with ease.

I always look for sets like this one, which include a matching mug, with fairly classic shapes for the plates, cups and dishes. Look for sets that will stack easily into the cupboard or a dishwasher without taking up too much space, as some . You can check out my article on choosing dinner sets for your Airbnb rental for more ideas on getting the right one for your property.

KITCHEN CONSUMABLES

Low Cost = Big Impact

A small quantity of consumable kitchen basics rate really well with guests…imagine this…your flight gets in late, you skip the grocery store and head straight to the Airbnb to crash. You wake up in the morning, and horror of horrors 😱 there is no coffee to get you started, and your guests have to schlepp to the closest store before they’re really ready to face the day with that first jolt of caffeine.

Starter supplies like coffee and sugar (pro tip - use individually wrapped sachets in bulk), or items that get pricey to buy from new for a short stay like oil/vinegar/salt/pepper and aluminum foil or cling wrap make your place feel like a home away from home.

The Gathering Place

Create a comfortable space

The kitchen is often the heart of any home, and the same holds true for vacation rentals - how many times do you find yourself gathering around the kitchen counter, chatting away while someone is preparing a meal or a snack? Recognize the potential of your kitchen to be a gathering hub for your guests. By designing a warm and inviting space, you encourage social interaction and memorable moments among your guests.

Consider adding comfortable seating options, such as bar stools or a cozy breakfast nook, to make the kitchen a place your guests want to be in.

For more advice about setting up your Airbnb kitchen, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more ideas directly to your inbox, or browse around the blog page, and get your free downloadable Kitchen Checklist PDF if you haven’t already signed up - it’s a great checklist for first time vacation rental hosts setting up their kitchen, or anyone looking to refresh an existing short term rental property.