How to Stock a Vacation Rental Kitchen | Vacasa (2024)

Provide guests with the right vacation rental kitchen inventory

A fully stocked kitchen is arguably one of the biggest perks of staying in a vacation rental. Many travelers enjoy preparing their own meals on vacation, which allows them to save money, eat what they want, accommodate dietary restrictions, and eat healthier.

If you’re managing your own vacation home, make sure your kitchen is up for almost anything your guests are hungry for. While you don’t have to hunt down novelty kitchen gadgets fit for Gordon Ramsay, nothing will irritate guests more than not having something they consider a staple. Here’s a vacation rental kitchen checklist covering necessities that most guests will want and need.


Small kitchen appliances

Even in the smallest of vacation home kitchens, guests rely on certain appliances to cook up basic meals (or simply reheat them). Here’s what we recommend stocking to make your kitchen a fully functioning space when hunger strikes.

  • Coffee maker (plus coffee filters and instructions)
  • Coffee grinder
  • Toaster
  • Microwave
  • Blender
  • Slow cooker
  • Rice cooker
  • Waffle iron


Tableware and flatware

A general rule to follow: Provide twice the number of glasses, bowls, and plates that accommodate your vacation home’s maximum capacity. For instance, if your home sleeps 4, then provide 8 plates. This allows guests to enjoy more meals before having to run the dishwasher, while also leaving enough tableware and flatware for entertaining.

  • Spoons (set of 8)
  • Butter knives (set of 8)
  • Forks (set of 8)
  • Steak knives
  • Water glasses
  • Wine glasses (we recommend stemless, which are harder to break)
  • Large plates
  • Small plates
  • Bowls
  • Coffee cups
  • Plastic cups
  • Plastic plates
  • Pitcher
  • Large serving bowls and plates
  • Serving platters (at least 2)

Vacation rental kitchen inventory tip:

Opt for matching, minimalist dinnerware, such as all-white bowls, plates, and mugs. It’s a simple, smart way to make at-home dining feel more streamlined and sophisticated for your guests. A jumble of mismatched pieces will make every meal look messy and cluttered. Choosing matching tableware is also more efficient—you’ll find it easier to purchase replacements.

How to Stock a Vacation Rental Kitchen | Vacasa (2024)

FAQs

How to stock an Airbnb kitchen? ›

Airbnb kitchen essentials: Preparing a cooking space that guests will love to use
  1. Stovetop and oven.
  2. Fridge and freezer.
  3. Cups and dishes.
  4. Knives and forks.
  5. Coffee and tea.
  6. Pots and pans.
  7. Spatulas and ladles.
  8. Oven dishes and mitts.
Jan 21, 2024

How to stock a short term rental kitchen? ›

The first thing you need to do when stocking your vacation rental kitchen is to provide basic kitchen equipment. This includes kitchen utensils such as knives, cutting boards, ladles, and wooden spoons. You should also have pots and pans of various sizes, baking sheets, and mixing bowls.

What is considered a fully stocked kitchen? ›

It includes all the basic supplies and essential equipment needed to cook and serve most meals. A fully stocked kitchen doesn't refer to food, spices, or condiments (though you can go the extra mile and provide starter amounts of staples like oil, salt, and sugar).

What does "fully stocked kitchen" mean on Airbnb? ›

When you see that other hosts have a “fully stocked kitchen” on their listings, they mean that they are providing guests with a complete cooking experience. This can include all essential supplies, appliances, and amenities. Often, they even offer extra stock and additional snacks.

How do you stock up a kitchen? ›

What about kitchen items?
  1. Pots and pans (start with one stock pot, one sauce pot, and one fry pan)
  2. Plates and bowls (if you're living alone, two of each is fine to start with)
  3. Eating utensils, i.e. knives, forks, spoons (at least two of each)
  4. Drinking glasses.
  5. Mugs.
  6. Baking sheet.
  7. Oven-safe cooking dish.
Apr 1, 2019

Do you need a full kitchen for Airbnb? ›

At a minimum, guests expect a clean, comfortable sleeping area and access to a restroom. Not all places listed on Airbnb have access to a kitchen, but if your guests have access to one, indicate whether it's a full kitchen or a kitchenette.

What should I stock my vrbo with? ›

Here are some items that can add to the convenience, cleanliness, and safety of your guests:
  • First aid kit.
  • Flashlight.
  • Carbon monoxide and gas detectors.
  • Fast, reliable WiFi.
  • Washer and dryer.
  • Laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
  • Trash bags.
  • Cleaning supplies.

How profitable is a short term rental? ›

For those planning to invest in these rental properties, carefully considering all relevant factors can help them estimate potential profits. Regarding ROI, short-term rentals tend to have rates between 10 and 15 percent. This is higher than the average long-term rental property ROI, between 4 and 10 percent.

What is kitchens rule? ›

The MAIN RULES:

1. Clean up after yourself (don't leave dirty dishes over night, do clean all spills) 2. Don't leave a burner unattended (ask someone to watch it for you)

How do you stock a kitchen like a chef? ›

How to organize your kitchen like a chef
  1. 'Everything in its place' ...
  2. Create specific zones. ...
  3. Focus on the space around your oven. ...
  4. Separate your table salt and your cooking salt. ...
  5. Consider where you store your spices. ...
  6. Prioritize visibility and accessibility. ...
  7. Make the most of your drawer space. ...
  8. Don't feel compelled to decant.
Jun 19, 2023

What to pack for an Airbnb kitchen? ›

5 Kitchen Essentials You Need To Bring To An Airbnb
  • Knives. Without fail, every Airbnb I've ever visited has a collection of dull knives. ...
  • Pepper Grinder. If you stay in an Airbnb, there's a high likelihood that there isn't any black pepper in the pantry. ...
  • Kosher Salt. ...
  • Coffee. ...
  • Spices.
May 11, 2023

How to prepare kitchen for Airbnb? ›

Clean kitchen floors and run any rugs through the washing machine or power wash them if needed. Make sure your dishwasher is empty and all the dishes are put away. Twice I've stayed in Airbnbs where the cleaners forgot to empty the dishwasher and I couldn't find anything because I didn't think to look there.

Should you wash dishes before leaving Airbnb? ›

Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you've dirtied. It's also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.

Can you offer food in your Airbnb? ›

In most cases, there are likely to be sanitation criteria that must be met. In some jurisdictions, food service regulations may also apply, even if you are not preparing the food yourself, and even if you are offering it for free.

What do I need to stock an Airbnb? ›

Guests expect your place to have these essentials for a comfortable stay:
  1. Toilet paper.
  2. Hand and body soap.
  3. One towel per guest.
  4. One pillow per guest.
  5. Linens for each guest bed.
Nov 19, 2020

Does an Airbnb need a blender? ›

Are you looking to create a better experience in your Airbnb or vacation rental? One simple way to do so is by investing in a high-quality blender. Not only does a blender allow guests to prepare healthy and delicious meals, smoothies, and co*cktails, but it's also a thoughtful touch that they'll appreciate.

Does Airbnb allow cooking? ›

Cooking during an Airbnb Experience allows guests to immerse themselves in the culinary world. It also gives you a chance to share your passion for food.

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