A lot of experienced Airbnb hosts know that most of their guests don’t want a hotel experience; they want to feel as at home as possible. These hosts know that providing as many items “from home” as possible is one of the best ways to get great reviews.
Some of the most essential equipment for an Airbnb rental includes cookware. While not all guests will use the cookware, offering the necessary items for your guests to cook their own meals is a great idea.
Related Post: Airbnb Kitchen Checklist: The Ultimate List For Guest Cooking Essentials
Why You Should Provide Pots and Pans for Your Airbnb
On top of great reviews and adding to the home away from home experience, having cookware on Airbnb listings increases bookings. Many potential guests prefer to cook their own meals due to budget restrictions, dietary requirements, or a variety of other reasons. Offering a cookware set provides a great guest experience that’s sure to keep your vacation rentals booked!
What to Consider When Purchasing Pots and Pans for Your Airbnb
There are a few things to consider when purchasing pots and pans for your Airbnb. The best cookware sets should have pots and pans in several different sizes, be easy to clean, match your vacation rental’s style, be within your budget, and be made out of good material.
Where to Buy Pots and Pans for your Short Term Rental
To get the best deals for durable cookware, my 2 favorite online places to shop for short term rentals (Airbnb) are Amazon (pots and pans) and Wayfair (short term rental cookware section).
Help keep your rental kitchen organized by adding something like this adjustable pan and lid organizer.
To get started, shop some of the cookware sets I’m going to recommend in this post:
Materials That Are Typically Used In Creating Pots and Pans
The material that pots and pans are made out of is an important factor in choosing your cookware set. Material determines the durability of your cookware, and if you want your purchase to go a long way and last a long time, you’ll definitely need to consider this when purchasing a set. We’ve listed a few of the different materials used in creating pots and pans.
Stainless Steel – This is one of the most popular materials used in cookware. Stainless steel is non-stick, easily cleaned, warp and corrosion-resistant, durable, and affordable. However, you’ll want to advise your guests not to leave a stainless steel pan on high heat for too long as it can burn.
Carbon Steel – These heat up quickly, are durable, and are great when used as a frying pan. The downsides are that they are a bit heavy, can rust easily, and are required to be worn in.
Ceramic – Cookware made in this material is easy to use and clean, durable, and non-stick. If you choose ceramic cookware, though, be sure to let your guests know not to use metal utensils on it as ceramic can be easily scratched.
Cast Iron – Cast iron is the longest-lasting material out of all the materials listed here. It has a non-stick finish and it keeps food warm for a long time. It does, however, take a long time to heat up and require seasoning.
Aluminum – This is probably the most inexpensive material used in cookware. It’s lightweight, heats up easily, and is durable. Unfortunately, it warps easily, can get scratched, and reacts poorly to acidic food.
Copper – Copper is a great heat conductor and distributor so food heats evenly and quickly. Its downfall is that it is high maintenance, requiring polishing on a regular basis to prevent corrosion.
Our Top Picks For The Best Pots and Pans For An Airbnb
We’ve discussed why you should provide good cookware for your Airbnb guests, and what to consider when making the purchase, but how do you know which sets are awesome sauce and which sets are spoiled milk? Well, look no further! We have a list of some of our top picks for the best pots and pans that’ll be perfect for your rental kitchen.
Best Overall Pots and Pans For An Airbnb
These are the best overall cookware sets for vacation rentals. They check off all the boxes when it comes to durability, variety, and more!
T-fal All-In-One 12 Piece Hard-Anodized Aluminum Non-Stick Stackable Cookware Set
This T-fal set is pretty great! It’s super versatile, dishwasher safe, non-stick, and stackable! The pots and pans can even cook on the stove AND in the oven. With 12 pieces, including 3 different-sized stock pots, a frying pan, a sauté pan, lids and 3 cooking utensils, this set will definitely provide plenty of options for your home away from home cooks.
GreenLife Soft Grip Healthy Ceramic Nonstick, 16 Piece Cookware Pots and Pans Set
The GreenLife cookware set is another top of the list set. It’s one of the best ceramic sets on the market. The non-stick, durable pots and pans have a coating that prevents harmful chemicals from being released. This awesome set includes a 3 different sized frying pans, 1 and 2 quart saucepans, a large pot, a sauté pan, a steamer and 4 kitchen utensils, including a fish spatula. Plus, there are lids for the saucepans, sauté pan and stock pot!
Rachael Ray Create Delicious Aluminum Nonstick Cookware Set, 13-Piece
This Rachael Ray set is high performance while still looking stylish. It boasts being 9 times harder than titanium, dish washer safe, and having the best non-stick technology. This set includes a saucepan, 3 frying pans, a sauté pan, a dutch oven, a cookie sheet, a spatula, and lids. This set is definitely one you should reach for your rental kitchen space!
Best High-End Pots and Pans For An Airbnb
The below list of cookware includes high-end sets that are better quality than your typical sets. These sets are great if you’d like to provide premium cookware in your rental space.
All-Clad D5 Brushed Stainless Steel 5-Ply Bonded Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set
This high-end cookware set has 3 layers of stainless steel and 2 layers of aluminum allowing the heat to evenly distribute preventing hotspots. The 14-piece set is oven and dishwasher-safe and includes 2 frying pans, 2 saucepans, a sauté pan, a dutch oven, 2 stockpots, and lids. This beautiful set will make a great addition to your high-end vacation rental.
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
This high-quality stainless-steel set is very durable, oven-safe, and will last quite a while in your Airbnb. This beautiful set includes 2 saucepans, a sauté pan, a stockpot, 2 skillets, a steamer insert, and lids. This set will offer a luxe cooking experience for your guests for sure!
Rachael Ray Cucina Nonstick Cookware and Prep Bowl Set, 12-Piece
Another Rachael Ray set? YES! This set is high quality, stylish, and easy to clean. The aluminum pots and pans have hard enamel exteriors which promote quick and even heating. Though the set name says it includes 12 pieces, it actually includes 18 pieces! On top of the stock pot, 2 saucepans, 2 frying pans, a sauté pan, 4 lids, and 2 cooking utensils, it also includes a 6-piece prep bowl measuring cup set. With all that it offers, this set will really help you go the extra mile for your guests.
Best Budget-Friendly Pots and Pans For An Airbnb
If you’re looking for cookware at more affordable prices we have you covered. We’ve chosen a few that are still good quality but are also budget-friendly, and they all come in at under $100!
Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set, Pots, Pans, and Utensils – 15-Piece Set
This Amazon set is great for Airbnb hosts on a budget. This set is non-stick and offers soft-touch handles that stay cool and vented lids. It includes 2 frying pans, 2 saucepans, 2 casserole pans, 4 lids, and a 5-piece utensil set. This cookware set definitely has all the basic supplies needed for your guests to make home-cooked meals.
T-fal Signature Nonstick Dishwasher Safe Cookware Set, Pots and Pans Set, 12-Piece
We love T-fal and this set is under $100! This cookware is non-stick, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. This 12-piece set includes 2 frying pans, 2 saucepans, a dutch oven, 3 cooking utensils, 3 lids, AND a griddle. Your guests are sure to be able to cook almost anything with this T-fal set.
Other Airbnb Kitchen Essentials
So, we’ve listed a lot of options for the best pots and pans for an Airbnb but what kitchen supplies are needed for your guests to be able to make a delicious meal? We’ve listed a few kitchen essentials below to help make your guests feel right at home.
Coffee Maker – You could offer a basic coffee maker with coffee grounds and filters, or you could provide a single-serve coffee pod coffee maker with the appropriate coffee pods.
Oven Mitts, Pot Holders, and Trivet Mats – Since your guests will be cooking, it’s a great idea to provide items that will keep them and your kitchen countertop from being scolded.
Cutting Board – Offering a cutting board for your guests is a wonderful idea! There are quite a few options out there including wooden and plastic cutting boards.
Sharp Knives – Sharp knives are a necessity for guests that will be cooking. This Farberware set has every knife they will need including a chef’s knife, a paring knife, and kitchen shears. Plus, it also comes with measuring spoons and baking spatulas!
Wine Bottle Opener and Wine Glasses – I remember one trip that my husband and I went on. We stayed in an Airbnb and when it came time to enjoy the bottle of wine that we purchased at the wine tasting earlier that day, we couldn’t because there was no wine bottle opener. Offering a basic wine bottle opener and wine glasses will definitely get you extra stars!
A few other little things you could provide are dish towels, a reusable water bottle, a drying rack, and wooden spoons. Also, all kitchens should have a functioning fire extinguisher nearby!
Related Post: AirBnb Kitchen Essentials – A Complete Guide To Stock Your Vacation Rental Kitchen
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Pots and Pans For An Airbnb
Now that we addressed all the cookware and kitchen essentials you should offer, you may have additional questions. Read below for a couple of our FAQs.
How should I care for my pots and pans?
Proper care of pots and pans is very important. It will extend the life of your cookware and prevent you from scorching food. Don’t use metal on pots and pans as it that can lead to scratching and avoid high heat unless you are boiling water. Before cleaning, make sure your cookware is completely cooled. Use a nonabrasive sponge and dishwashing liquid to clean food off the pots and pans. Be sure to completely dry the cookware before storing.
How often should I replace my Airbnb pots and pans?
This really depends on the quality of the cookware and the wear and tear on it. Most cookware sets should last 3 years at the bare minimum if they are used and maintained properly. The higher-end cookware can even last up to 10 years.
Final Thoughts
Offering cookware to your Airbnb guests will create a great experience for them. It helps them feel at home and allows them to have home-cooked meals even though they are away from home. Our list of the best pots and pans for an Airbnb gives a lot of good choices for any host to choose from and providing a set of pots and pans is a great way to boost your reviews! So, grab a set and get to listing!
Hey, I’m Melissa.
As an Airbnb Superhost and someone who is passionate about investing in real estate, I created Beach Life Bliss to share my experiences and help short term rental operators. I have been a landlord for over 10 years and started my first Airbnb property in 2019.
Creating a space with amenities that guests love, beautifully designed rooms, and providing exceptional hospitality will make your Airbnb business thrive.
I hope that all of my Airbnb Hosting Tips are helpful as you navigate the challenges and rewards of being a short term rental owner and operator!
