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Prep Your Kitchen for Great Reviews

Just like the kitchen is the heart of any home, it’s also often the heart of a vacation rental. It’s a place to whip up meals together, sit around the table and visit, and enjoy breakfast and a cup of coffee. More and more, guests are looking for tasteful, well-stocked kitchens that provide many of the conveniences of home.

In order to ensure that guests are able to cook and enjoy meals, you’ll need to provide the following basics for your kitchen:

  • Silverware settings (dinner fork, salad fork, teaspoon, soup spoon, knife) for eight to 12 people.

  • Coffee Maker

  • Silverware organizer (drawer insert)

  • Everyday dish setting (dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl) for six, or as needed

  • Bowls, serving platters

  • Glassware assortment, including 4-, 6-, and 8-ounce glasses, coffee mugs

  • Trash and recycling cans

  • Trash Bags

  • Pots and pans

  • Oven mitts

  • Spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.

  • Container for counter top storage of spatulas, ladles, whisks, etc.

  • Dish towels

  • Dish drying rack

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Mixing bowls

  • Pam spray

  • Salt and pepper

  • Bottle opener and corkscrew

  • Plastic containers for food storage (e.g. Tupperware or Gladware)

  • Rolls of aluminum foil, wax paper, plastic wrap, and parchment paper

  • Cutting board

  • Toaster

  • Kettle or hot pot

  • Ice cube trays

  • Blender

  • Can opener

  • Good, sharp knives (at least one large chef’s knife and a small paring knife)

  • Serving spoon

  • Dish Scrubbers

  • Small area rug

  • Dining Table

  • Dining Chairs (with enough seating to match guest count)

  • Inviting decor

When it comes to kitchens, going above and beyond the basics can be a great way to earn rave reviews. Here are some extras that we recommend for creating a kitchen that guests love to spend time in:

  • Crock pot

  • Rice maker

  • Small indoor electric grill (for homes without an outdoor barbecue)

  • Pancake griddle or waffle iron

  • Cappuccino machine

  • Children’s highchair

  • Kid-friendly dishware

  • Oils and spices

Another great way to impress guests is to offer a welcome treat. Many successful properties leave goodies on the counter, such as cookies from a local bakery, fresh fruit, chocolates, popcorn, chips and salsa, etc. One of our popular Hawaiian properties provides guests with a fresh pineapple and a welcome note, which has been a hit with guests. A small refreshment can go a long way toward garnering great reviews.


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