2025 summer was our very first season hosting our lake house Airbnb — and if there’s one thing I was excited about stocking, it was the kitchen. I’m the type of host (and cook!) who believes the kitchen is the heart of the home, and I wanted ours to feel like a place where guests could make memories over meals just like we do.

I cook almost every meal when we’re at the lake, so stocking the Airbnb kitchen honestly felt like building my dream cooking space. I still have things on my wishlist, but after a full season of hosting, these are the items I’ve purchased and can honestly recommend to any other Airbnb host.

🛒 Shop My Kitchen Essentials List →

The Coffee & Tea Bar ☕🍵

It’s the spot every guest gravitates to first thing in the morning, and it sets the tone for their day. I wanted it to feel cozy, well-stocked, and welcoming — like they had all the comforts of home waiting for them.

The star of the setup is our Keurig single-serve coffee maker. Guests love the convenience of popping in a pod and having a cup of coffee in under a minute. But I also included a classic drip coffee maker for those who prefer a full pot.

Since we love fresh-ground coffee, I added a Cuisinart coffee grinder so guests who bring their favorite beans can grind them on the spot. For variety, I keep the bar stocked with coffee pods, sugar, creamers, and at least one flavored creamer option — a little extra touch that always gets used.

Not everyone is a coffee drinker (like my Mom and MIL), so I also included an electric tea kettle with an assortment of teas and honey. It’s simple, but it makes tea drinkers feel thought of.

Instead of stocking basic mugs, I added something personal: our collection of Starbucks location mugs from vacations and work travels. Guests love picking a mug with a story behind it — it’s a fun conversation piece and adds a personal touch to the space.

💡 Hosting tip: The coffee station is one of those areas guests always mention in reviews. A few thoughtful details here go a long way toward creating a memorable stay.

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Small Appliances Guests Actually Use 🍳🥤

Beyond the basics, I wanted to stock our Airbnb kitchen with a few small appliances that make cooking easier (and a little more fun). After hosting a season, I can say these two items get used way more than I expected:

The Magic Bullet

This compact blender has been a guest favorite. It’s perfect for quick smoothies in the morning, protein shakes after a run, or even mixing up a frozen cocktail. It doesn’t take up much space on the counter, and the cups with lids make it super convenient.

💡 Why I recommend it: Guests who stay a few days or longer ( we require a 5 night min stay) really appreciate having more than just the basics. The Magic Bullet has held up well through constant use and is easy to clean — which is key for turnover.

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The Electric Griddle

Our other surprise win? The electric griddle. Guests love the ability to make pancakes, eggs, or grilled sandwiches all at once. It’s especially handy for families who don’t want to juggle multiple pans on the stove.

💡 Why I recommend it: It makes group meals easy, and cleanup is simple. Several guests have mentioned how nice it was to have this for big breakfasts — it’s one of those unexpected touches that really stands out.

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Guest Requests & My Wishlist 🔄

Things I’ve learned as a host: your guests will tell you what’s missing. After a summer of feedback, the number one request I’ve heard has been for a new pan set. While my cookware has worked so far, I know it’s time to upgrade to something even more durable and versatile for heavy use.

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Stocking an Airbnb kitchen is all about balance: durability, practicality, and a few personal touches that make it feel like home. For me, the coffee bar, a couple of thoughtful appliances, and always listening to guest feedback has been the recipe for happy stays (and great reviews).

I’m excited to keep building on this foundation — and yes, this new pan set is next on my list. 😉

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