Airbnb Kitchen Essentials.
The complete kitchen checklist for hosts who want 5-star reviews and zero “missing item” complaints.
STRKit Editorial
Updated April 2026
Based on editorial research, expert reviews, and host community feedback. How we choose →
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01Coffee & Beverages
Multi-Brew Coffee Maker
Multi-format covers every guest preference: drip, pods, espresso, and hot water in one machine.
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.
Go deeper.
In-depth comparison guides for the highest-impact kitchen purchases.
Our kitchen picks.
Industry-standard products highly rated by STR hosts and recognized as best practices for rental kitchens.
Best OverallCuisinart 4-In-1 Coffee Machine
Approx. $120–$160Multi-format coffee machine with K-cup, drip, espresso, and hot water capability.
Why hosts love it
STR guests have wildly different coffee habits. The 4-in-1 handles single-serve K-cups, ground coffee drip, espresso shots, and hot water for tea — all in one machine. That eliminates the "where's the coffee maker?" question entirely.
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Best ValueHamilton Beach FlexBrew Advanced 5-in-1
Approx. $70–$1005-in-1 coffee maker with single-serve and carafe modes for both pods and grounds.
Why hosts love it
Dual-brew flexibility at a budget-friendly price. Handles K-cups and ground coffee in both single-serve and carafe modes. At $70-100, including this would be a great improvement if your current property only has a basic drip machine.
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Best ValueVictorinox Fibrox 8" Chef's Knife
Approx. $30–$40Professional-grade 8" chef's knife with Fibrox non-slip handle.
Why hosts love it
The industry standard for culinary schools. At $35, it performs like $150 knives. Dishwasher safe (unlike expensive Japanese knives that guests will ruin). One quality knife beats a cheap knife block every time.
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Best PremiumWüsthof Classic 8" Chef's Knife
Approx. $150–$180Forged German steel chef's knife with full tang and ergonomic handle.
Why hosts love it
For luxury listings where the kitchen is a feature in your listing photos, a Wüsthof visually communicates quality. Full-tang forged construction lasts a decade. The trade-off: guests may not treat it well, so budget for occasional replacement.
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