They say that kitchens sell homes when it comes to real estate transactions. Well that statement holds true for short-term rentals and AirBnBs, too! While design and furnishings are key to gaining attention on your listing, you’ll also want to wow prospective guests with what’s behind those kitchen cabinet doors.
Minoan knows you have a lot at stake when furnishing your property, and spending money in the right places is incredibly important to the success of your STR. Read along to learn how to pick the best items for your kitchen and how your selections can creatively enhance the guest experience.
The Decision Process:
There are four characteristics to help you make the best decisions for your property’s specific needs.
Durability
We say this statement a lot at Minoan - buy nice or buy twice! Your guests may not always treat items as kindly as you’d hope, so choosing durable over cheap will ensure your items last. Plus, you won’t have to constantly be in replacement mode.
Durable essentials: Silicone cooking utensils are stain and odor resistant - keeping them looking newer for longer. They’re also nonstick safe - which in turn, protects your pots and pans. Check out silicone products from our brand partners, GIR and OXO.
Cleaning and Maintenance
You likely have a cleaning service that takes care of your turnovers, but they may not give every item in your kitchen a thorough inspection. In the case of wear and tear, opting for darker colored cookware and dinnerware pieces will leave less imperfections to be noticed by guests.
Maintenance-friendly essentials: Darker colored items don’t have to be boring! Shop cookware from Our Place and dinnerware from Crate & Barrel in many rich, dark shades.
Location
Is your STR located near a popular foodie scene where guests will likely be eating out for most meals? Maybe you’re located in a remote area where guests will primarily be cooking onsite. Wherever your property may be, keep location in mind when ordering certain appliances and cookware, ensuring you cater specialty items to guest’s needs.
Tried and true essentials: Whether guests will be cooking gourmet meals or only fixing quick snacks, one thing is for sure - they’re going to want to be caffeinated!. You’ll never go wrong with a reliable coffee maker like the ones from our brand partners Fellow and Ratio.
Storage
You may have the urge to fill your STR kitchen with all the latest gadgets to dazzle guests, but it is much more impactful to have a clutter-free space. Remember, less is more! Before you overbuy, evaluate the storage space in your kitchen and make sure that each item has a dedicated place.
Storage essentials: To keep your kitchen tidy, check out storage solutions from our brand partner, Pattern.
What to Buy: Your Kitchen Shopping Guide
The Must-Haves
These are items that guests will be expecting you to provide and will get the most use. We’ve also linked product recommendations from brands we know and love!
Caffeination Station
- Coffee maker
- Electric kettle
Food Prep
- Colander
- High quality knife set
- Chopping board (Minoan pro tip: bamboo boards can also be used for an aesthetically pleasing serving presentation!)
- Mixing bowls:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Glass food storage set
Cooking & Baking
- Baking sheet & mat
- Non-stick ceramic pots and pan
- Silicone cooking utensils
- Oven mitts
The Nice-to-Haves
We recommend adding about three “nice-to-haves” to your property’s kitchen, so when your guests start opening cabinets and drawers they will be pleasantly surprised by your attention to detail. Consider putting these things together in a theme to create a refreshing guest experience!
Breakfast theme
- Waffle maker
- Blender
- Bread maker
Cooking theme
- Electric mixer
- Sous vide
- Cast iron pan
- Air fryer
- Garlic press
Drinking theme
- Cocktail and bar tool set
- Electric wine opener
- Unique drinking glasses
- Citrus juicer
The Wow Factors
Having one feature item in your STR kitchen will make guests feel extra special on their trip. You can also use this standout item to market your property, and potential guests may choose you over a competitor!
- A luxury espresso machine will have your guests channeling their inner barista. Minoan pro tip: Include a bag of coffee from a local roaster for an added touch.
- A countertop pizza oven creates a memorable cooking experience for both adults and kids.
- A high end wine fridge helps guests enjoy their drinks at the proper temperature and humidity levels, a touch wine-o’s will respect and appreciate.
Kitchen Consensus
There is a sweet spot between satisfying guests' needs while not overdoing it. These guidelines will ensure you’re covering your bases with the necessities, while also providing your guests with some special items.
A big thank you to Pattern Brands and their kitchenware brand, GIR, for contributing to this article. Minoan members can shop Pattern, GIR and 200+ other discounted brands to furnish their properties and stand out in a sea of short-term rental listings.
