Vacation Rental 101: How to Create a 5-Star Kitchen and Pantry Experience

Your living and dining spaces set the tone, but the kitchen is what truly elevates a vacation rental above a hotel stay. For many guests, it’s where mornings start, family meals happen, and memories are made.

A well-designed vacation rental kitchen also gives owners a powerful opportunity to build trust with guests. When a kitchen feels clean, intuitive, and thoughtfully stocked, guests feel cared for — and that feeling often shows up in glowing reviews.

In fact, a guest’s overall impression of your property frequently hinges on one question: Was the kitchen a convenience or a disappointment?

Below is a practical, owner-approved guide to creating a vacation rental kitchen that consistently earns 5-star reviews.

Storage & Counter Space: Solving the #1 Guest Complaint

One of the most common vacation rental kitchen complaints is a lack of storage or prep space, especially in smaller homes.

Easy Storage Solutions for Small Kitchens

If adding cabinets or counters isn’t realistic, try these space-saving upgrades:

• Wall-mounted shelving
  • Affordable and easy to install
  • Keeps everyday items visible and easy to find

• Rolling butcher-block islands
  • Adds prep space without permanent installation
  • Can be tucked against a wall when not in use

Don’t Overlook Cabinet Condition

Even functional storage can leave a bad impression if it looks worn or broken. Quick fixes that make a big impact:

• Tighten or replace loose hinges

• Repaint cabinet doors

• Add new knobs or pulls

• Line shelves with inexpensive shelf paper

These small updates instantly signal cleanliness and care.

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Essential Kitchen Appliances for Vacation Rentals

Most homes come equipped with a refrigerator, stove, and oven, but their functionality matters just as much as their presence.

Must-Have Appliances

Guests expect these appliances to be easy to use and reliable:

• Microwave
  • Essential for reheating meals and quick snacks
  • Choose an up-to-date model that heats evenly

• Coffee maker
  • A standard expectation for most travelers
  • Include filters and clear instructions
  • Pod machines (like Keurig) are low-maintenance and guest-friendly

Nice-to-Have Appliances Guests Love

Optional, but highly appreciated if you have the storage space:

• Toaster or toaster oven

• Electric kettle

• Blender

These extras often show up in positive reviews, even when guests didn’t expect them.

Dinnerware: How Much Is Enough?

A common vacation rental mistake is understocking and mismatching plates, bowls, and glasses.

How Many Dishes Should You Provide?

A simple rule of thumb:

• Provide at least 2x the number of place settings as your max guest capacity
  • Sleeps 5? Stock 10 plates, bowls, and glasses

This allows guests to cook full meals without constantly running the dishwasher.

Why Matching Dinnerware Matters

Matching sets signal quality and intentional design. The benefits of matching dishware include:

• Easier to replace broken items

• Looks cleaner and more professional

• Guests associate matching sets with higher-end rentals

Also provide:

• Wine glasses (stemless are more durable)

• Coffee mugs (these can be mismatched if needed) cards

Hosting Families?

If your rental targets families, consider adding:

• Children’s plates and utensils

• Sippy cups

• High chair

Parents notice and appreciate the extra effort, and it will show up in your reviews.

Cookware Essentials for Vacation Rental Kitchens

Vacation rental kitchens get heavy use, so quality cookware is worth the investment.

Minimum Cookware Checklist

Our free Vacation Rental Success Guide includes complete checklists, but at a bare minimum, stock:

• Small skillet (8”)

• Large skillet (12”+)

• Small saucepan with lid (1.5 qt)

• Medium saucepan with lid (3 qt)

• Large pot or stockpot

• Baking sheets (2)

• Cake pans (2)

• Muffin pan

• Loaf pan

• Casserole dishes (2)

• Large serving bowls or platters

Adjust sizes and quantities based on your property’s maximum occupancy.

Kitchen Utensils Every Guest Expects

A kitchen feels incomplete without the right tools. At the least, you should provide:

• Tongs

• Spatula

• Slotted and solid spoons

• Ladle

• Whisk

• Kitchen shears

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Microwave-safe measuring cup

• Vegetable peeler

• Can opener

• Corkscrew/bottle opener

• Box grater

• Mixing bowls

If you offer a grill, don’t forget grilling tools.

Dishwashing Options That Make Turnovers Easier

If space allows, install a dishwasher. Guests prefer it and it saves significant time during turnovers. If you don’t have room, a roll-up dish drying rack can save space.

Regardless of Dishwasher Access, Always Include:

• Plenty of kitchen towels

• Sink stopper for soaking pots and pans

These details make cleanup easier for guests and for your cleaning partner.

Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies Guests Expect

Guests don’t pack cleaning supplies, and they don’t want to buy them. Make sure to include these basics:

• New sponge for each stay

• Dish soap

• Dishwasher detergent (if applicable)

• Trash bags

• All-purpose cleaner

Store supplies safely, either on high shelves or in cabinets with child locks. Families will notice the extra thought.

Bonus Convenience Items

These inexpensive additions save guests an extra grocery trip:

• Paper towels

• Zip-top bags

• Aluminum foil

• Plastic wrap

Trash & Recycling Setup

Choose trash cans that can handle daily use for your home’s full capacity.

Best practices include:

A large, durable trash bin

Recycling bin placed next to trash for quick access

Clear instructions for local recylcing rules

If guests can find it easily, they’re more likely to use it.

Pantry Staples That Guests Love (and Remember)

You don’t need a fully stocked pantry, but basic staples go a long way. These cover most cooking needs:

Spices

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Basil

• Oregano

• Chili powder

• Cinnamon

• Cumin

• Rosemary

• Thyme

• Garlic powder

Baking Basics

• Flour

• Sugar

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

Cooking Essentials

• Olive oil

• Vegetable oil

• Cooking spray

• Vinegar

• Butter

Condiments

• Ketchup

• Mustard

• Mayonnaise

• Relish

Optional bonus points:

• Coffee

• Tea bags

Many owners also keep a shared shelf for unopened items left behind by guests (like pasta or rice) as a simple, no-cost perk.

Keep Key Items in Plain Sight

Guests shouldn’t have to hunt for essentials, especially after a long travel day. Items worth leaving visible are:

• Cooking oil

• Salt and pepper

• Coffee maker and kettle

• Wine opener and can opener

• Kitchen towels and oven mitts

• Cutting board

• Knife block

Some hosts even leave a short kitchen guide pointing out where things are stored as an easy way to reduce guest frustration.

Why Kitchen Investment Pays Off

A vacation rental kitchen is one of the most-used (and most-reviewed) spaces in your home. When it’s intuitive, well-stocked, and thoughtfully designed, guests feel taken care of. That feeling turns into better reviews, higher repeat bookings, and stronger word-of-mouth recommendations.

In addition to full checklists for all the rooms in your property, our Ultimate Vacation Rental Success Guide includes:

• How to prepare your home for guests

• Important legal and tax considerations

• Proven tactics for optimizing your vacation rental listing

• Essential check-in and check-out procedures

• Helpful email templates

Get Expert Help Choosing the Best Upgrades

You don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Evolve’s design and staging experts specialize in short-term rentals, removing the guesswork and helping you earn five-star reviews.

Owners on our Plus membership plan get access to an exclusive marketplace where they can:

• Save up to 75% on appliances, décor, furnishings, and essentials

• Access top brands like GE, Helix, Crate & Barrel, Nest, and Kwikset

• Shop pre-built bedroom and bathroom packages tailored to guest capacity

With our proven vacation rental management strategies, we help owners simplify daily operations and grow their business, whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned owner.