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Vacation Rental Kitchen Essentials

Susan Hutchins | 1/2/2013 (updated 1/20/2022)
A well-stocked kitchen can be essential to the success of a vacation rental. People often choose to rent vacation homes rather than stay in a hotel because it gives them access to a kitchen in which they can cook their own meals. A kitchen that is not properly equipped can be extremely frustrating for a renter and could be the difference between a guest booking your home again or not. Below are some checklists of items that you may want to provide for your renters: Appliances - Blender, toaster (wide enough slots for bagels), coffee maker (with automatic shut off), hand mixer or stand up mixer Cooking Utensils - Cutting boards in different sizes (preferably plastic), rubber spatula, metal spatula, whisk, pizza cutter, rolling pin, kettle, tongs, kitchen scissors, measuring cups, measuring spoons, slotted spoon, corkscrew, bottle opener, can opener, ladle, vegetable peeler, meat thermometer, pitcher, ice cream scoop, potholders, trivets/hot pads Dinnerware - Plates (dinner and salad), bowls, water glasses, wine glasses, coffee mugs, flatware (forks, knives, spoons), steak knives Cooking and Baking - A 2 and 4-quart saucepan, a large frying pan, baking pans (9x13 and a 9x9), set of mixing bowls, strainer/colander, cookie sheets, a set of kitchen knives (preferably dishwasher safe), large roasting pan, pie plate, large serving platter, a variety of Pyrex dishes with lids, lobster pot, casserole dish, cake pan, muffin tin Other - Dish soap, sponges, pot scrubbers, dishwasher soap, dish towels (can never have too many of these), aluminum foil, sandwich bags, plastic wrap, salt and pepper, basic spices, coffee filters Suggestions: • If you have a porch, deck or patio where people might be lounging or eating outside, consider providing plastic cups and wine glasses for your guests. A plastic pitcher is also a good idea. • Make sure your dinnerware is microwave safe. • Provide two times the amount of glasses, plates, and flatware that your rental sleeps. Have a great kitchen but your bathroom could use some help? See From Drab to Fab: 5 Quick and Easy Bathroom Updates. Was this article helpful?  
About Susan Hutchins

About Susan Hutchins: I joined the WeNeedaVacation team in 2012 and write website and blog content as well as promote WeNeedaVacation.com through social media. Having grown up spending summers on Nantucket, I have a strong connection to Cape Cod and the Islands. I now live in New Hampshire with my husband, two children, and golden retriever, and we are frequent visitors to the Cape. I love running local road races, the Brewster in Bloom 5K being a favorite. My family enjoys biking on the Cape Cod Rail Trail, hiking in Nickerson State Park, and relaxing on the beautiful beaches (usually a dog friendly one!).