Even in a vacation rental, the kitchen is truly the heart of the home. A fully stocked kitchen is one of the best features of staying in a vacation rental. Guests can feel the comforts of home and even save money by preparing their own meals. Those who have dietary restrictions or prefer to eat on the healthier side can also benefit from having access to a fully stocked kitchen. Read below for a complete checklist of items that every guest wants to see in a vacation rental kitchen!
Tableware & Flatware:
It is essential to ensure you have enough tableware and flatware for your guests. An easy rule to follow is to provide twice the number of glasses, bowls, and plates that accommodate your vacation home’s maximum capacity. This allows your guests to enjoy multiple meals before having to run the dishwasher; plus, it leaves enough tableware and flatware for entertaining!
The essentials:
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)
Small Kitchen Appliances:
If guests plan to prepare their own meals, you must have certain appliances available that make the process safe, easy, and efficient. This is especially true for those small kitchen spaces, where having the right supplies can make all the difference between a great stay and a mediocre one!
The essentials:
Coffee maker (plus coffee filters and instructions)
Coffee grinder
Toaster
Microwave
Blender
Slow cooker
Rice cooker
Waffle iron
Cookware & Bakeware
Cooking meals together can be a rewarding experience for all involved, and it's even easier and more enjoyable when you have the right kitchen supplies. When stocking your vacation rental kitchen, consider the storage that you have available and select pots and pans accordingly. A non-stick pan is essential for basic cooking like eggs, fish, or pancakes, and you should choose items that are dishwasher-safe to spare yourself any post-stay scrubbing of your guests' mess.
The essentials:
1 1⁄2-quart covered saucepan
3-quart covered saucepan
8-quart covered stockpot
4-quart covered sauté pan
10-inch non-stick skillet
8 1⁄2-inch skillet
Baking dish
Muffin pan
Casserole dishes
Roasting pan
Cookie sheets (2)
Pizza pan
Kitchen Utensils & Accessories
While there are many kitchen tools to choose from, some are essential and some are optional. To upgrade the appearance of your kitchen and make it look more luxurious, it's a good idea to purchase kitchen utensils that are all made from the same materials like wood, plastic, or stainless steel. This gives the appearance of having a high-quality collection that will enhance your guests' experiences. Having the right set of kitchen tools will also make it easier for your guests to prepare meals, which will certainly be appreciated.
The essentials:
Sharp knives (at least 3)
Ladle
Slotted spoon
Whisk
Kitchen shears
Cutting boards (2)
Knife sharpener
Spatula
Tongs
Mixing spoons
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Oven mitts
Strainer
Can opener
Wine/bottle opener
Beer bottle opener
Cooking thermometer
Outdoor Cooking/Dining:
Hosting a party or gathering can be a great way to entertain during your vacation, but don’t forget to stock up on the proper kitchen tools and dinnerware! Don’t let your guests use your indoor kitchen items outside simply because they’re nearby as this can easily lead to issues such as cracked glassware and plates. Outdoor grilling requires more durable utensils, so be sure that you have enough heat-safe metal items when gearing up for hosting. To save yourself from worrying about broken kitchenware, it’s best to provide a set of plastic or durable tableware for alfresco dining.
The essentials:
Grill brush
Metal spatula
Metal tongs
Metal fork
Lighters
Dishwasher-safe plastic plates
Dishwasher-safe plastic bowls
Dishwasher-safe plastic cutlery
Dishwasher-safe plastic cups
Kid-Friendly Items:
Does your vacation rental host a lot of families? Consider stocking your kitchen with kid-friendly items to better serve your guests with children and to save you the worry of any of your kitchen items being broken or damaged.
The essentials:
High chair
Sippy cups
Kid-friendly and dishwasher-safe plastic plates
Kid-friendly and dishwasher-safe plastic bowls
Kid-friendly and dishwasher-safe plastic cutlery
Kid-friendly and dishwasher-safe plastic cups
Spices:
Typically, guests don't want to have to worry about purchasing essential items like salt, pepper, and oil during their vacation. Save them time and hassle by providing them the essentials!
The essentials:
Salt
Pepper
Sugar
Cooking oil
Storage-Ware:
Many guests will want to store leftovers after cooking. Consider stocking your vacation home with ways for guests to preserve their food.
The essentials:
Plastic or glass food containers
Plastic wrap
Sandwich bags
Aluminum foil
Cleaning Supplies:
Last but not least, it is important to ensure that your guests have the right materials to clean up after cooking. Providing guests with the appropriate, non-toxic cleaning supplies they will need allows them to maintain a safe and bacteria-free cooking environment!
The essentials:
Hand soap
Dish soap
Dishwasher detergent
All-purpose cleaner
Sponges
Cleaning gloves
Kitchen towels
Paper towel holder
Disinfectant wipes
Garbage bags
Having a well-prepared kitchen gives guests the freedom to create delicious meals during their stay and allows them to truly enjoy the full benefits of vacationing in a rental property!
Need help managing your Southern California vacation rental? Turn to professionals at AMG to help maximize your homeowner revenue and elevate your guests' experiences. Receive your custom Management Proposal from us to get started!