The festive season is around the corner, and I’m sure many of us are daydreaming about weekend getaways or longer escapes from the city – and possibly freeing up our homes for visitors to enjoy.
For those who prefer self-contained accommodation to savour some alone time and prepare food for themselves, there is some basic kitchen equipment and, in my mind, essentials that can make whipping up a simple meal either easy and effortless or slightly less disheartening.
Coffee
Let’s start with the most important ritual of the day – coffee. Every kitchenette should make this possible. I’m a fan of a moka pot on the stove or gas hob, but a French press does the job just as well. Alternatively, a simple electric kettle works perfectly. If you want to add a touch of charm, consider a whistling one – it doesn’t need to be fancy, but the sound and aroma of a morning brew can set the tone for a good day!
Make sure to always have extra mugs and teaspoons, and to elevate the experience, consider small portions of milk and rusks.
Chopping boards and knives
A thick wooden chopping board is a must. Please don’t bother with the thin plastic ones – they get wrecked after just a couple of uses. A solid wooden board might feel like a bit of an investment, but from a user experience point of view, it’s absolutely worth it.
You also don’t need big fancy knives. The small serrated Victorinox knives work wonders – from slicing fruit and vegetables to steak and even bread, they’re a reliable go-to staple. If you do want to invest further, a 16 – 18 cm chef’s knife is a great place to start.
Induction hob
An induction hob is a real treat, as it heats up quickly and saves countertop space. From cooking morning eggs to whipping up a quick pasta, they make basic cooking a breeze, plus they’re easy to clean!
Pots and pans
Pots and pans can be as simple as one basic 18 cm deep non-stick frying pan with a lid. It is super versatile for fry-ups, boiling and slow cooking.
If you have the capacity for expanding your range, a 16 cm small saucepan is great for boiling eggs and cooking morning oats, while a 24 cm deep pot with a lid is slightly larger, making it great for soups or cooking pasta.
Nifty smalls
It’s always the small things that go a long way when it comes to surprising your visitors with a little extra thoughtfulness. Handy and affordable smalls to have on hand are: Sharp scissors, a vegetable peeler, a tin opener, a grater, tongs, an egg lifter, serving utensils, and a bottle opener. Dish cloths and at least two mixing bowls are always helpful to have around.
Always include at least two extra plates, bowls, mugs, glassware, and cutlery than the number of guests who stay – it’s a nice touch to be able to have a friend over for coffee and not have to scavenge for a mug or glass to accommodate them.
Cleaning supplies
This is a smart way to ensure your space is kept tidy and well looked after. Dishwashing liquid, sponges, paper towels, trash bags and a dustpan are all you need. While surface sanitiser, hand soap, and a mini first aid bag are a bonus.
I hope this is a useful guide to kit out your kitchen, making your guests’ cooking experience and stay an enjoyable one.
Need an Airbnb essentials list?
Here is a free downloadable must-have kitchen items list that will make your guests feel right at home.
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