Without a doubt, one of the main reasons people choose an Airbnb over a hotel room is the availability of a kitchen. While I don’t believe you need to offer very specific appliances like an electric egg cooker or an ice cream maker, a well-equipped and guest-friendly kitchen can still make a huge impression. Providing all the essential items will ensure your guests feel comfortable and at home.
The key is to focus on the must-have amenities that guests will appreciate, while making sure the space is functional. If you can provide these essentials in a functional, spotlessly clean, and tastefully designed kitchen, you’re sure to earn glowing reviews and returning guests. By the end of this post, you’ll know exactly how to achieve this. Let’s dive in!
1. Must-Have Kitchen Essentials for Airbnb Hosts
Creating a guest-friendly Airbnb kitchen starts with the basics. Let’s explore the kitchen essentials every short-term rental needs to ensure your guests can prepare meals comfortably. With that in mind, always consider the maximum capacity of your rental when stocking your kitchen. Ensure you provide enough items to accommodate all your guests, avoiding situations where they need to wash dishes constantly.
Main Kitchen Appliances
These Airbnb kitchen essentials will allow your guests to prepare basic meals and beverages with ease. Consider including the following must-have items in your Airbnb kitchen:
- Stovetop and oven
- Refrigerator with freezer
- Dishwasher
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Electric kettle
- Microwave
- Blender
Basic Cookware
Equip your kitchen with pots, pans, and bakeware in various sizes to ensure guests can cook easily. Provide:
- Pots with matching lids
- Frying pans
- Baking sheets
- Covered saucepan
- Covered sauté pan
- Casserole dish
- Wok
- Strainer
Cooking Utensils and Prep Tools
Focus on the most frequently used utensils and tools to keep your Airbnb kitchen functional and efficient.
Essential Cooking Utensils
- Spatulas
- Ladles
- Tongs
- Knives (ensure a variety: chef’s knife, paring knife, etc.)
- Cutting Boards
Mixing and Prep Tools
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Grater
- Vegetable Peeler
- Pair of Scissors
Kitchen Accessories
- Can Opener
- Bottle Opener
- Oven Mitts
- Placemats
- Kitchen Towels
Dishware and Flatware
Providing enough dishware and flatware for your guests is essential. Ensure each guest can have their meals at the same time without having to wash items between uses. A good rule of thumb is to stock 1.5 times the maximum guest capacity.
Include these dishware essentials for a guest-friendly Airbnb kitchen:
- Water glasses
- Wine glasses
- Coffee cups
- Tea mugs
- Plates in two different sizes
- Bowls
- Spoons, forks and knives
- Serving platters
- Trays
- Serving bowls and plates
2. Creating a Functional and Clutter-Free Space
Once you’ve made sure the essentials are covered, the next step is to design a space that is both functional and clutter-free. Just like other areas of your short-term rental, a well-organized and clutter-free kitchen is key to guest satisfaction.
For a well-designed short-term rental kitchen, providing all the necessary equipment and amenities is just the beginning. Sufficient storage options are also important. In addition to lower cabinets, consider adding upper cabinets or shelves to keep the worktop neat and clean. In our Airbnb kitchen, I chose a combination of open shelving and upper cabinets, which makes the space feel airy and modern. Adding hooks and shelves is another great way to store frequently used items easily.
If the room size allows, a kitchen island can be a fantastic addition. Not only does it look stylish, but it also provides valuable storage and serves as a gathering place. Add a few bar stools around it to create a perfect spot for your guests to enjoy breakfast or a casual chat.
If you’re still in the planning phase of your Airbnb kitchen, don’t forget to consider the work triangle rule for maximum functionality. This means that the key areas of the kitchen where primary tasks are performed—such as the cook top, sink, and fridge—should be positioned close to each other. These elements should ideally be arranged in a triangle shape to make the kitchen more efficient and easier to use.
3. Adding a Local Touch to Your Kitchen
Once your kitchen is functional, let’s take it to the next level with thoughtful details that reflect the local charm. Adding a local touch to your guest-friendly Airbnb kitchen is a great way to provide guests with an authentic experience of the destination they’re visiting.
Stock the kitchen with a small selection of local flavors and ingredients, such as rosemary, olive oil, or sea salt. Consider leaving an easy-to-follow recipe so guests can try preparing a local dish themselves—it’s a fun and memorable way to connect with the culture. To make it even more practical, leave a printed or handwritten recipe card, or include a QR code linking to a local recipe website. Guests will appreciate the thoughtful effort and convenience.
Your welcome basket is another perfect opportunity to introduce local delicacies. Include items like a fine regional wine, a tasty cheese, or a beloved local chocolate bonbon. It’s one of the simplest yet most effective ways to impress your guests and make them feel truly cared for.
To further highlight the local culture, incorporate tasteful decorative elements that reflect the area. Consider adding wall art, a vase, or a tablecloth that showcases the region’s character. Be mindful of balance—opt for subtle details that bring warmth and charm without overwhelming the space.
4. Easy Decor Tips for a Cozy, Modern Kitchen
Now, let’s focus on creating a cozy and modern design for your Airbnb kitchen. Opt for a simple but tasteful design in neutral colors to create an elegant and calming effect. This timeless style not only looks great but is also easy to maintain. Next, add pops of greenery—either real plants or high-quality faux ones. I picked a few faux herb pots for the kitchen shelves, and I couldn’t believe how easily they lifted the entire space.
Textiles like tea towels and oven mitts not only enhance the design but also serve as functional items your guests will appreciate. Choose a few stylish tea towels, oven mitts, and place-mats to complete your design. I recommend choosing items from the same series to tie the whole space together. Adding a cozy rug or mat can also work wonders. I personally chose a jute rug from IKEA, which is affordable and adds warmth and texture to the space.
Speaking of coziness, lighting is key! Make sure to position functional lighting directly above the worktop for meal prep, while a statement pendant lamp above the dining table adds style and ambiance. Opt for soft, warm bulbs to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere with plenty of light.
5. Bonus: Thoughtful Extras to Delight Your Guests
Stock a Small Pantry
Finally, let’s explore some thoughtful extras to make your Airbnb kitchen truly unforgettable. Although most Airbnbs are self-service, guests usually appreciate not having to rush out to buy cooking essentials immediately upon arrival. Consider stocking basic ingredients such as sugar, salt, pepper, and cooking oil. Be sure to keep the storage jars impeccably clean and refill them before each guest’s stay. Opt for stylish bowls and jars that are both functional and serve as decorative elements in your guest-friendly kitchen.
As a small token of appreciation, you can also offer quick snacks or biscuits, especially for guests arriving late at night. However, it’s best to avoid keeping open food items like butter in the fridge, as some guests may perceive them as leftovers.
Cleaning Supplies
Now let’s consider the most important cleaning supplies to have on hand. Providing these essentials ensures your guests can keep the kitchen tidy during their stay. We usually offer:
- A new roll of paper towels
- A fresh sponge
- Dish detergent
- Enough dishwasher tablets for the duration of their stay
Additionally, we like to use the space under the sink for storing the following Airbnb kitchen cleaning supplies:
- Trash bags
- Multipurpose cleaning spray
- Sanitizer
- Wet cleaning wipes
Having these must-haves available is a kind gesture that many guests will appreciate.
Safety and Convenience
For safety, be sure to include a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit among your Airbnb guest amenities. While you hope they’ll never need them, having these items on hand can help prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.
Finally, provide user manuals for all appliances. This thoughtful addition not only helps guests use the appliances correctly but also reduces unnecessary questions and extends the lifespan of your Airbnb kitchen items.
And there you have it! Your complete guide to setting up a guest-friendly kitchen for your short-term rental. By following these steps, you’ll see how creating a functional, cozy, and well-equipped Airbnb kitchen can dramatically improve the guest experience. And don’t be surprised if guest satisfaction leads to glowing reviews!
By providing essential kitchen amenities, adding thoughtful extras, and infusing a touch of local charm, you can leave a lasting impression on your guests. Remember, even small efforts in your short-term rental kitchen can set your property apart and make your guests feel truly at home.
Congratulations on your newly designed and functional Airbnb kitchen! If you enjoyed this post, don’t miss my other articles packed with insider tips to elevate your rental. For instance, learn how to transform your Airbnb bedroom in only 5 steps, or discover the 5 essentials for setting up the perfect Airbnb bathroom.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on creating the perfect Airbnb kitchen—leave a comment below with your opinions, tips, or any questions you might have!
