Is the Kitchen the Most Important Room in Your Airbnb? 50% of Guests Choose to Eat In, Our Survey Shows
A well-equipped kitchen is a key factor in ensuring that your guests have an enjoyable stay at your Airbnb. According to our guest experience survey, 50% of guests choose to eat in while on holiday, making the kitchen one of the most important spaces in your property. The secret to a great kitchen is to provide everything a guest would need at home to create basic dishes. One of the most common mistakes among Airbnb hosts is offering only limited kitchen facilities, which can frustrate guests who prefer to eat in—especially those traveling with pets or those looking to save money by cooking their own meals.
To help you get this right, we recommend following our Ultimate Holiday Home Setup Checklist. This checklist is designed to ensure that you provide everything your guests need for a comfortable stay, from essential appliances to the smallest kitchen tools. A well-stocked kitchen not only improves the guest experience but also reduces the likelihood of negative reviews due to insufficient amenities.
Guest Experience: Why a Fully Stocked Kitchen Matters
A guest says:
We once stayed at a 3-bedroom apartment. It was lovely, but the kitchen had no pots and pans, and there were only four sets of plates, glasses, cups, bowls, and cutlery. With six of us, we had to eat in two sittings, washing up in between! It was a terrible experience that could have been so easily avoided. We left a very grumpy review on Tripadvisor.
This example highlights the importance of stocking your kitchen with sufficient utensils and cookware to accommodate your guests. A well-equipped kitchen can make the difference between a positive review and a negative one.
Essential Kitchen Appliances
To ensure your guests have everything they need, consider including the following essential appliances:
- Fridge/Freezer
- Oven/Stove
- Dishwasher
- 4-Slice Toaster (Avoid 2-slice toasters, as they can be frustrating for larger groups)
- Kettle
- Microwave
- Espresso Machine (Pod machines are simple to use but can be more expensive in the long run)
- Sandwich Press
- Food Processor (small)
- Blender
- Rice Maker
- Slow Cooker
Tip: Download copies of appliance manuals from the web, save them to an online cloud drive (Google Drive is ideal), and include a link to them in your online Guest Guidebook. Keep paper manuals on the premises in case of emergencies.
Crockery and Glassware
For crockery, aim to have twice as many as your maximum capacity. For instance, if your Airbnb sleeps eight guests, ensure you have sixteen of everything.
- Plates and Bowls: Opt for white crockery, which is versatile and easy to replace. Provide both cereal bowls and larger salad bowls.
- Kid-Friendly Options: Include dishwasher-safe plastic plates, bowls, and cutlery if your Airbnb commonly hosts families with children.
Glasses:
- Large Glasses: Suitable for soft drinks or beer.
- Wine Glasses: Keep plenty on hand, as they tend to get broken. Choose durable, non-delicate options.
Cookware and Utensils
Your kitchen should be stocked with the following cookware and utensils:
- Pots and Pans: Include pots (with lids) and frying pans.
- Stock Pot: For boiling pasta or making larger dishes.
- Cutlery: Provide forks, knives, dessert spoons, teaspoons, steak knives, a good set of kitchen knives, and a sharpener to keep them in good condition.
- Other Essentials:
- Colander, sieve, whisk, spatulas, BBQ tools, sharp knives + knife sharpener, peeler, chopping boards, oven trays/dishes, Tupperware tubs, bottle opener, can opener, containers (for tea, coffee, sugar), dish rack, place mats, tea towels (at least ten), and a soap dispenser.
- Mixing Bowls: Different sizes for various preparations.
- Pasta Bowls: Larger bowls specifically for pasta or larger servings.
- Salad Spinner: To easily prepare fresh salads.
- Measuring Cups/Spoons: Essential for precise cooking and baking.
- Measuring Jug: For liquids.
- Masher: For potatoes or other mashed dishes.
- Ice Cream Scoop: Handy for desserts.
- Steel Skewers: Perfect for toasting marshmallows or BBQ items.
- Egg Cups: A nice touch for breakfast offerings.
- Oven Gloves: For safe handling of hot dishes.
- Roasting Trays: Essential for baking and roasting.
- Digital Scales: For accurate measurements, particularly useful for baking.
Final Thoughts: A Kitchen That Feels Like Home
Providing a well-equipped kitchen is not just about offering convenience—it’s about making your guests feel at home. When guests can easily prepare their meals without frustration, they’re more likely to have a positive experience, leave great reviews, and recommend your Airbnb to others. By investing in the right appliances, utensils, and cookware, you can create a kitchen that meets your guests’ needs and enhances their overall stay.
