Kitchen essentials for a vacation rental

The basics, sized to the home

Plates, bowls, glasses, cups and cutlery for at least the number of guests the home sleeps — plus some spares, because things break and dishwashers run late. A kitchen that sleeps six but has four forks will be noticed.

Cooking equipment that works

• A few saucepans with lids, a large pot for pasta, a frying pan that does not stick.
• One really sharp knife, a bread knife and a chopping board — blunt knives are a classic complaint.
• Oven dishes, a baking tray, a colander, a grater, a peeler, a whisk, a ladle, a spatula.
• A corkscrew and a bottle opener, kept where guests look first.
• Measuring jug, kitchen scissors, food storage boxes.

Small things that make it pleasant

• Oil, salt, pepper and a few basic spices; coffee, tea and sugar.
• Washing-up liquid, dishwasher tablets, a fresh sponge and clean tea towels.
• Kitchen roll, foil, bin bags in the right size.
• A kettle and a coffee maker that is easy to use without a manual — or with a one-line note.

Holiday cooking

Around festive periods, guests often cook bigger meals than usual. If your home is booked for those dates, check that you have a roasting tin large enough, a carving knife, serving dishes, enough glasses and a tablecloth. These are cheap to provide and disproportionately appreciated.

Keep it consistent

Photograph each cupboard once it is well stocked and add the photos to the cleaning checklist. Missing items are then obvious at each turnover, and replaced before a guest discovers the gap.