A well-equipped kitchen is one of the most important factors in guest satisfaction for a short-term rental. Guests may not comment on every individual item, but they absolutely notice when a kitchen feels complete, intuitive, and easy to use. This short-term rental kitchen essentials checklist is designed to help hosts understand exactly what to buy for a short-term rental kitchen and how much is needed to support real guest use.
This checklist is organized to function as a practical STR kitchen setup guide, not a generic shopping list. It reflects what works best in real short-term rentals — items that hold up to repeated use, reduce guest questions, and help guests feel confident using the kitchen without hunting for tools or improvising.
How to use this checklist:
Not every property will need every item listed below. Use this page to confirm full coverage, identify gaps, and equip a short-term rental kitchen that supports cooking, serving, and cleanup with ease.
Core short-term rental kitchen essentials checklist (Quick Reference)
If you are equipping a short-term rental kitchen for the first time or want to confirm the most important items are covered, start here. These are the essentials that have the most significant impact on guest experience.
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Full cookware set (pots, pans, lids)
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Complete bakeware set
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One durable
knife set -
Dishware, glassware, and silverware for 2× maximum occupancy
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Coffee maker(s)
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Food storage and prep basics (wraps, bags, containers)
Once these core items are in place, the rest of the checklist becomes much easier to work through.
Cookware Essentials for a Short-Term Rental Kitchen
A complete cookware setup allows guests to prepare full meals without frustration. In a short-term rental, mismatched or incomplete cookware is one of the most common causes of guest messages.
Recommended Cookware Setup
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Large pot with lid
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Medium pot with lid
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Small pot with lid
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Large skillet
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Medium skillet
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Saucepan
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Matching lids for all cookware
Best practice:
One full, matching cookware set is easier to maintain, easier to replace, and more intuitive for guests than collecting individual pieces over time.
Bakeware Essentials
Guests bake more often than many hosts expect, especially families and longer stays. Including a complete but basic bakeware set prevents guests from improvising with cookware or messaging about missing items.
Bakeware Checklist
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Rimmed baking sheets (minimum of 2)
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Muffin tin
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Casserole dish
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Cake pan
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Cooling rack
Cooking Utensils and Prep Tools
These are everyday tools guests assume will be available in a fully equipped short-term rental kitchen.
Utensils and Tools Checklist
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Spatula
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Slotted spoon
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Solid spoon
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Ladle
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Tongs
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Whisk
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Measuring cups (dry)
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Measuring cups (liquid)
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Measuring spoons
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Mixing bowls (nested set)
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Colander or strainer
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Vegetable peeler
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Manual can opener
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Bottle opener
Knife Set and Cutting Boards
A single, durable
Knife and Cutting Board Essentials
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One complete
knife set -
Knife storage (block or in-drawer tray)
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Cutting boards (2–3 total)
Multiple cutting boards allow guests to prep food safely and make cleanup easier between uses.
Dishware Quantities for a Short-Term Rental Kitchen
Dishware quantities should be based on 2× maximum occupancy. This reduces constant dishwashing and supports families or groups cooking together.
Dishware Formula
Plan for 2× maximum guest count.
Example:
For an 8-guest rental, plan for 16 of each item.
Dishware Checklist
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Dinner plates
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Salad or side plates
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Bowls
Silverware Quantities
Silverware should also follow the 2× maximum occupancy rule.
Silverware Checklist
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Forks
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Knives
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Spoons
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Teaspoons
Glassware and Drinkware Quantities
Providing enough drinkware prevents guests from running the dishwasher multiple times per day.
Glassware Checklist (2× Maximum Occupancy)
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Drinking glasses
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Wine glasses
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Coffee mugs
Serving and Entertaining Essentials
Including basic serving pieces prevents guests from using cookware or mixing bowls to serve food.
Serving Items Checklist
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Serving platters
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Large serving bowl
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Serving spoons
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Serving forks
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Serving tongs
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Pitcher (water or beverages)
Standard Kitchen Appliances for a Short-Term Rental
These appliances are treated as standard, not optional, in a fully equipped STR kitchen.
Appliance Checklist
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Refrigerator
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Stove and oven
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Microwave
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Dishwasher
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Toaster
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Blender
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Hand mixer
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Slow cooker or Instant Pot
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Air fryer
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Coffee maker(s)
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Electric or stovetop kettle
Food Storage and Prep Basics
These small items make a big difference in how usable the kitchen feels.
Storage and Prep Checklist
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Food storage containers
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Zip-top bags (multiple sizes)
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Aluminum foil
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Cling wrap
Starter Pantry Basics
A basic starter pantry helps guests cook without unnecessary frustration or questions.
Starter Pantry Checklist
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Salt
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Pepper
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Cooking oil or spray
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Basic spices (kept simple)
These items are kept stocked for short-term stays. For stays longer than one month, restocking may be limited.
Cleaning and Maintenance Supplies
Guests expect basic cleaning supplies to be available during their stay.
Cleaning Checklist
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Dish soap
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Dishwasher pods
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Sponges or scrubbers
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Paper towels
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Extra trash bags stored under the sink
Safety and Miscellaneous Items
Safety Checklist
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Fire extinguisher
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Oven mitts
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Trivets
Kid-Friendly Kitchen Items (Optional)
For family-friendly short-term rentals, these items are frequently appreciated.
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Plastic or kid-safe cups
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Kid-safe dishware
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Step stool
Items We Intentionally Skip
To keep the kitchen functional and uncluttered, we intentionally skip:
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Novelty gadgets
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Specialty appliances rarely used by guests
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Fragile decorative items
This keeps the kitchen easier to maintain and more intuitive for guests.
Quantity Guidance Summary
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Dishware, glassware, and silverware:
Plan for 2× maximum occupancy
(Example: 16 sets for an 8-guest rental) -
Cookware and bakeware:
One complete, durable set rather than individual pieces
This approach reduces turnover friction, prevents shortages, and supports better guest reviews.
Recommended Kitchen Products We Use
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This list includes cookware, bakeware,
Continue Your Short-Term Rental Setup
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
STR Household Essentials Checklist
Final Notes for Hosts
A complete short-term rental kitchen doesn’t need to be luxury — it needs to be usable, intuitive, and well-stocked. When guests feel confident using the kitchen, they use it more, and that confidence consistently shows up in reviews.
This checklist is designed to help you equip your STR kitchen once, equip it well, and avoid costly last-minute purchases later.
Last Updated 1/6/2026