Essentials Every Vacation Rental Should Have in the Kitchen

31 August 2025

When it comes to vacation rentals, the kitchen is often a huge selling point for travelers. People love the idea of whipping up their own meals, enjoying morning coffee on the patio, or just having the option to cook instead of eating out every night. But let's face it—there’s nothing worse than booking a rental only to find out the kitchen is barely equipped to make toast.

If you want your vacation rental to stand out, you need a well-stocked kitchen that feels like home. A thoughtfully equipped space can turn a one-time guest into a repeat visitor. So, what are the absolute must-haves? Let’s break it down.

1. High-Quality Cookware and Utensils

Ever tried flipping pancakes with a flimsy spatula? It’s a nightmare. Guests expect durable, reliable cookware that won’t fall apart after a single use. That means:

- Non-stick frying pans – Perfect for eggs, pancakes, and stir-fries.
- Stainless steel pots and pans – Great for boiling pasta or making stews.
- Baking sheets and casserole dishes – Because some guests actually like to bake on vacation.
- Sharp knives – Nothing is more frustrating than struggling with a dull knife.
- Cutting boards – Bonus points for having separate ones for meat and veggies.

Invest in quality pieces that won’t need replacing every few months. Cheap, scratched-up pans will only earn you bad reviews.

2. A Coffee Station That Wows

Let’s be real—coffee is a morning essential for most travelers. If your rental doesn’t have a solid coffee setup, you’re already losing points.

- Coffee maker or Keurig – Some guests prefer a simple drip coffee maker, while others want the convenience of a pod machine. If you can, offer both!
- Coffee filters (if needed) – No one wants to run to the store at 7 AM just for filters.
- A selection of coffee, tea, and sugar – It’s a small touch that makes a big impression.
- Mugs that aren’t tiny – No one wants to refill their cup five times just to wake up.

If you’re going the extra mile, throw in a French press or a milk frother for the coffee snobs. Trust me, they’ll appreciate it.

3. Essential Small Appliances

Your guests are on vacation, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want convenience. Stocking your kitchen with key small appliances makes life easier for them (and earns you serious bonus points).

- Microwave – Not everyone wants to cook from scratch; some just need to reheat leftovers.
- Toaster or toaster oven – Toasted bagels and late-night snacks are a must.
- Blender – Smoothies, margaritas, or pancake batter? Yes, yes, and yes.
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot – Some guests love the convenience of tossing ingredients in and forgetting about it till dinner.

Make sure all appliances are clean and in good working order. If guests have to wrestle with a broken toaster, it’s not a good look.

4. Dishes, Glassware, and Utensils for Every Occasion

A vacation rental kitchen isn’t complete without enough tableware for every guest—plus extra. No one wants to wash plates after every meal just because there aren’t enough to go around.

- Enough plates, bowls, and cups – Aim for at least twice the number of guests your rental can accommodate.
- Wine glasses and mugs – Because morning coffee and evening wine are both sacred.
- Serving platters and mixing bowls – Some guests love to entertain, even on vacation.
- A full set of cutlery – Forks, knives, and spoons for every guest (plus extras).

Pro tip: Avoid cheap plastic dishware that looks and feels flimsy. Guests will appreciate sturdy, high-quality pieces.

5. Pantry Staples That Save the Day

One of the best ways to impress guests? Stock the basics so they don’t have to start from scratch. A few well-chosen pantry staples can make a huge difference:

- Salt and pepper – Bare minimum.
- Cooking oil (olive oil, vegetable oil) – No one wants to buy a whole bottle for a two-night stay.
- Sugar and flour – For coffee, baking, or thickening sauces.
- Basic spices (garlic powder, oregano, chili flakes, cinnamon, etc.) – Cooking without spices? Not happening.
- Tea, sweeteners, and honey – A little something for non-coffee drinkers.

You don’t need to go overboard, but guests will love having these essentials on hand.

6. Storage Solutions for Easy Leftovers

Your guests aren’t going to eat every meal in one sitting. Give them simple ways to store leftovers with these must-haves:

- Tupperware or glass containers – Make sure they have lids!
- Aluminum foil and plastic wrap – Essential for covering food and keeping it fresh.
- Ziplock bags – Versatile for snacks, sandwiches, or marinating meat.

Reduce waste and make life easier—your guests will thank you for it.

7. Dishwasher and Cleaning Supplies

No one wants to spend their vacation scrubbing dishes by hand (unless they absolutely have to). A dishwasher is a game-changer, but whether you have one or not, cleaning supplies are non-negotiable.

- Dish soap and sponges – Guests need a way to wash dishes, even if you have a dishwasher.
- Dishwasher detergent – If you have a dishwasher, supply the soap!
- Paper towels – Spills happen, make sure they have a way to clean up.
- Trash bags – Don’t make guests hunt for replacements.

A clean kitchen is a happy kitchen. Make it easy for guests to keep things tidy.

8. A Well-Organized, Clutter-Free Space

Ever walked into a vacation rental kitchen that looks like a junk drawer exploded? Clutter kills the vibe. Keep things simple and organized:

- Clearly labeled cabinets – Help guests find what they need without digging through drawers.
- Minimal but effective decor – A clean, stylish kitchen makes a better impression than one filled with random knick-knacks.
- Easy-to-use layout – Arrange items in a logical way so guests aren’t searching for the basics.

A clean, well-organized kitchen makes guests feel at home and reduces unnecessary frustration.

9. Bonus Luxuries That Impress Guests

Want to take your rental kitchen from good to great? Add some thoughtful extras:

- A bottle opener and corkscrew – Because wine bottles don’t open themselves.
- Ice trays or an ice maker – No one likes warm drinks.
- Reusable shopping bags – Handy for grocery runs.
- A cookbook with easy recipes – Some guests love trying new meals while on vacation.
- A water filter or Brita pitcher – Clean, fresh water without the bottled waste.

These little touches don’t cost much but can make a lasting impression on guests.

Final Thoughts

A well-equipped kitchen is a game-changer for any vacation rental. It’s not just about stocking a few pots and pans—it’s about creating an experience where guests feel comfortable, prepared, and at home. When you invest in quality kitchen essentials, your guests notice. And when they notice, they leave glowing reviews and come back for more.

So, take a good look at your rental’s kitchen. Would you want to cook there? If the answer is anything less than a resounding YES, it’s time to upgrade.