Kitchen Essentials.
The complete kitchen checklist for hosts who want 5-star reviews and zero “missing item” complaints.
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01Coffee & Beverages
Keurig or Drip Coffee Maker
The #1 most-used amenity. K-cups + ground coffee for both types of drinkers.
Electric Kettle
For tea, instant oatmeal, and international guests (who expect this over a coffee maker).
Coffee, Tea, Sugar, Creamer
Stock 2-3 pods per day of stay. Include decaf. Replace every turnover.
Wine Glasses (4+)
Stemless are more durable. Guests will use these nightly.
02Cooking Essentials
8" Chef's Knife
One quality knife beats a cheap knife block. Victorinox Fibrox is the industry standard.
Non-Stick Fry Pan (12")
Replace annually. Non-stick degrades fast with guest use.
Saucepan (2-3 qt)
For soups, sauces, and heating leftovers. Stainless steel lasts longer.
Stock Pot (6-8 qt)
For pasta, boiling corn, making soup. One is enough.
Sheet Pans (2)
For oven cooking. Lined with parchment paper to reduce cleaning.
03Tools & Utensils
Can Opener
The #1 "what was missing" complaint. A $5 fix that prevents a 1-star review.
Corkscrew / Wine Opener
Wall-mounted or waiter's style. Guests will try to open wine — make it easy.
Cutting Board (2)
One wood, one plastic. Mark one for meat, one for produce.
Spatulas, Tongs, Ladle
Silicone-tipped for non-stick protection. OXO makes the best budget set.
Measuring Cups & Spoons
Guests follow recipes. Missing measures = frustrated cooks.
Colander
For pasta and washing produce. Collapsible saves cabinet space.
04Dining
Plates, Bowls, Mugs (set of 8)
White, simple, dishwasher-safe. Matches everything, easy to replace singles.
Flatware Set (8 place settings)
Stainless steel, not plated. Include steak knives.
Glasses (8)
Tempered glass tumblers. They break — buy cheap and replace.
05Supplies
Dish Soap & Sponge
Include under the sink with a fresh sponge each turnover.
Dishwasher Pods
If applicable. Leave 10+ pods — never make guests buy their own.
Paper Towels (2 rolls)
Visible on the counter. Guests judge cleanliness by fresh supplies.
Trash Bags
Under the sink with 3+ extras. Include recycling info if applicable.
Our kitchen picks.
Products we've tested across dozens of properties. Durable, affordable, guest-approved.
Most PopularKeurig K-Elite Coffee Maker
$130–$170Single-serve coffee maker with iced coffee setting. Hotel-standard that guests expect.
Why hosts love it
Survives 1000+ brew cycles. Iced coffee mode is a guest favorite during summer months. Auto-on timer means coffee is ready for early check-outs.
Victorinox Fibrox 8" Chef's Knife
$30–$40Professional-grade chef's knife. One quality knife beats a cheap knife block.
Why hosts love it
The industry standard for culinary schools. Costs $35, performs like $150 knives. Dishwasher safe (unlike expensive Japanese knives guests will ruin).
T-fal Signature Nonstick 12-Piece Set
$60–$80Complete nonstick cookware set. Replaceable annually without guilt.
Why hosts love it
At $60-80 for a full set, you can replace it every 12 months. Guests don't treat cookware gently — plan for that.
OXO Good Grips 15-Piece Everyday Kitchen Tool Set
$35–$50Spatulas, tongs, peeler, can opener — all the essentials in one box.
Why hosts love it
One purchase covers every "I couldn't find a..." complaint. OXO's soft-grip handles last years.