For many guests, a well-equipped kitchen is one of the biggest benefits of staying in a short-term rental. Cooking meals means guests get to save money, eat healthier, and accommodate dietary restrictions – so it's not a surprise that kitchens have become so key to getting booked - and the data backs this up.

According to one Tripping.com survey, 64% of short-term rental guests opt to cook for themselves, and even more (67%) said they they averaged two or three meals a day at their short-term rental stay. A separate TripAdvisor survey found that a whopping 83% of potential guests rate a fully equipped kitchen as a top priority – even above the cost of the booking itself.  

"67% of guests said they they averaged two or three meals a day during their stay."

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to setting up a kitchen your guests will love. Consider the setting of your short-term rental: Is it nestled in a culinary hotspot where guests might prefer dining out? Or is it in a secluded location where cooking is the only convenient option? Understanding your property's location is crucial in selecting the right appliances and cookware. Here are some other considerations as you decide how to set up your kitchen.

Buy the right stuff, replace it less often

Kitchen items tend to get used a lot, and dealing with replacements can be a huge hassle, especially if you have to do it after every few stays at your property. Not all guests will handle items with the same care you would. 

Consider silicone cooking utensils. They resist stains and odors, maintaining a fresh appearance over time. Plus, they're safe for nonstick surfaces, helping to extend the life of your cookware. Explore top-grade silicone options from our partners like Public Goods and Italic to upgrade your rental's kitchen.

Happy cleaning teams make for happy hosts

While your cleaning team handles turnovers, they might not scrutinize every kitchen item - especially when you have a shorter timeline before your next booking. Choosing darker-hued cookware and dinnerware can cleverly mask signs of wear and tear.

Colorful kitchen essentials can be both stylish and practical. Discover a variety of elegant and richly colored cookware from Great Jones and sharply patterned options from Poketo that will look great in your listing photos for years to come. 

Keep it organized

It’s tempting to fill your short-term rental's kitchen with elaborately complicated cooking gadgets fit for Gordon Ramsay, but guests almost always prefer clutter-free spaces. Evaluate how much space you have in your kitchen and make sure all your purchases have a place to stay too. 

Storage essentials: To keep your kitchen tidy, check out storage solutions from Yamazaki.

The Kitchen Set Up Checklist

Setting up a great short-term rental kitchen is all about balancing comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury to make your guests' stay memorable. Here's a streamlined checklist to ensure yours stands out.

Small kitchen appliances

Short-term rental guests rely on a few appliances to cook up simple meals (or just re-heat them). This is what we recommend stocking up on to get your kitchen ready for hungry guests

• Coffee maker

• Toaster

• Microwave

• Waffle Iron

Tableware and flatware

Here’s a great rule of thumb: Provide double the number of glasses, bowls, and plates that would serve your short-term rental’s maximum number of guests. If your home sleeps 4 guests, you should have 8 plates and cutlery sets. Your guests will be grateful that they can enjoy more meals before having to run the dishwasher.

• Spoons

• Butter Knives

• Forks

• Steak Knives

• Water Glasses

• Wine Glasses

• Large Plates

• Small Plates

• Bowls

• Coffee Cups

• Plastic Cups

• Plastic Plates

• Pitcher

• Large Serving Bowls and Plates

• Serving Platters