How to set up an Airbnb Kitchen
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Does my Airbnb have to have a kitchen?
In short, no your Airbnb does not have to have a kitchen, but a lot of people choose short term rentals over hotel rooms because they have a kitchen. In fact, having a kitchen is #3 on the top 25 amenities people search for on Airbnb after a Pool and WiFi. Let me walk you through how I set up my Airbnb kitchens for my guests and how I keep the kitchen organized.
How to organize an Airbnb kitchen?
Are you ready to take your Airbnb kitchen from a mess to a chef’s dream? Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, creating a well-organized and fully stocked kitchen can elevate your guests' experience. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the process of setting up your Airbnb kitchen in a way that not only delights your guests but also makes your hosting journey smoother than ever.
Zone It Right: A Recipe for Airbnb Kitchen Success
One of the secrets to a successful Airbnb kitchen lies in its organization. Your kitchen should have distinct zones for each activity that’s performed in the kitchen. Gone are the days of the kitchen triangle. Here are the 5 zones we are going to cover: storage, prep, cook, serve, and clean up.
For the full breakdown on creating kitchen work zones, check out this insightful post: New Ways to Plan Your Kitchen’s Work Zones
Airbnb Food Storage Zone
The journey through your Airbnb kitchen starts at the refrigerator and pantry. Keep it clean, odor-free, and stocked with essential items like beverages, and condiments. Consider a mini chalkboard or a magnetic notepad on the fridge door to welcome guests with a personalized message. This zone can also include pantry space of shelf-stable items your guests bring into your rental. I’ve seen hosts offer pasta and sauce, mac n’ cheese, oatmeal, and a few other items to make a quick meal.
Here are the products I recommend for the food storage zone:
Airbnb Kitchen Prep Zone
Next up, the work space and prep zone. This is where your Airbnb chefs will prepare food before cooking. Think chopping, and mixing. Make sure there is some clear counter space. Equip this area with high-quality cutting boards, sharp knives, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and other essential tools.
Here are the products I recommend for the prep zone:
Airbnb Kitchen Cooking Zone
A fully functional cooking zone is the heart of any kitchen and is centered around the stove, oven, and microwave. Provide pots, pans, and cooking utensils. I also suggest some basics like non-stick cooking spray, olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper, and a spice rack. It’s really nice when guests don’t have to buy every little thing when cooking a meal. Most guests leave a few items behind, so you will start to get a collection of cooking essentials, just make sure you keep it organized as items start to pile up and remove any expired spices or other shelf-stable items.
Here are the products I recommend for the cooking zone:
Airbnb Kitchen Serving Zone
Whether you have a designated dining table or a breakfast bar, make sure you have everything you need to set the table. Provide plates, bowls, utensils, glasses, and napkins. I also provide serving plates, bowls, and utensils. Wine glasses and wine openers are also good to provide if people are serving dinner in your rental. You can also provide a centerpiece as part of your decor to dress up your table.
Here are the products I recommend for the serving zone:
Airbnb Kitchen Clean-up Zone
The final stop on the kitchen journey is the Clean-up zone. Ensure your sink area is well-equipped with dish soap, sponges, kitchen brushes, dish towels, and a drying rack. You also want to provide food storage containers, plastic wrap, tinfoil, and baggies. To further aid with cleaning up after meals, make sure your kitchen has an all-purpose cleaner, paper towels, a broom, Swiffer, and maybe even a stick vacuum. Although we don’t expect our guests to do deep cleaning, many guests do clean up after themselves after a mess is made, and they need the proper supplies to do so. This zone will also include a garbage can and garbage bags. And a compost bin if you provide one. A clean and well-organized wash area helps your guests to help you cut down on cleaning costs.
Here are the products I recommend for the Clean-up zone:
The Secret to Lasting Airbnb Kitchen Organization
Once you have your zones set, you want to keep it that way. To maintain the impeccable organization of your kitchen, invest in a label maker. Labeling shelves, drawers, and containers not only helps guests find items easily, but also ensures that everything is back in its place after use. It also helps you to identify if anything is missing and needs to be replaced.
Your Airbnb Kitchen, Your Guests' Delight
By setting up your Airbnb kitchen with functional zones and stocking it with top-notch products, you're inviting guests to experience the convenience and comfort of your home away from home. So, take these tips, shop wisely, and create a culinary haven that your guests will rave about!
Ready to set up your Airbnb kitchen in zones? Download my free Checklist with all the product links mentioned in this post.