The best pots and pans for your Airbnb or Vrbo vacation home

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Most people can agree—one of the biggest perks to staying in an Airbnb or Vrbo home is having a kitchen to cook your own food. Whether your guests want to create an elaborate feast or just want to whip up a quick meal, a high-quality cookware and pan set is a must to make most dishes happen.

Instead of a disorganized mash-up of various pots and pans, provide guests with a full matching set so that any recipe is easy and possible. However, how do you choose the best one to enhance your guest experience? We’re here to decode the best cookware sets for your guests. Let’s get cooking.

What to consider with vacation rental cookware

Cookware is a main essential of a well-stocked vacation rental kitchen. Here’s what to look for before you make a purchase.

Quality and durability

Look for durable cookware sets that can withstand regular use by guests and stand the test of time. High-quality materials like stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron are some of the most long-lasting options on the market.

Easy maintenance

No one—not your guests, nor your vacation rental cleaners—have the time to soak pans and scrub off food. So, look for cookware that’s simple to clean and maintain. Stainless steel and ceramic-coated pots and pans are known for keeping cleaning to a minimum.

Storage size

How much storage and cabinet space do you have in the kitchen? Choose cookware that is stackable or has a space-saving design to optimize storage.

Budget

Set a budget for the cookware purchase and stick to the highest quality within that range. There are plenty of budget-friendly options available that offer good quality and durability, such as the Amazon Basics Non-Stick Cookware Set.

Material

Cookware material is a key factor. So, we broke down most of them below. Overall, stainless steel, aluminum, and ceramic-coated cookware are popular choices for Airbnb kitchens since they can withstand regular wear and tear by guests and are relatively easy to clean.

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Cast iron

Pros: Long life span, oven safe, naturally non-stick if properly seasoned, distributes heat evenly, and keeps food hot even if you remove it from heat.

Cons: Reactive to acidic foods, heavy, takes more time to heat up, requires more effort to clean and maintain, and the initial seasoning process.

Carbon steel

Pros: Lightweight, durable, and suitable for high-heat cooking, heats quickly and evenly, and oven safe.

Cons: Requires seasoning like cast iron, reactive to acidic foods, and can rust if not maintained properly.

Ceramic

Pros: Non-stick, easy to clean, lightweight, and free from PFOA and PTFE (toxic chemicals found in some non-stick coatings).

Cons: Not as non-stick as regular non-stick pans, may chip over time, can’t be used with high heat, and scratches when used with metal cooking utensils.

Non-Stick

Pros: Easy to clean, lightweight, requires less oil when cooking, and suitable for cooking foods that tend to stick like eggs or fish.

Cons: Can’t be used with high heat, scratches when used with metal cooking utensils, and the non-stick quality may deteriorate over time.

Stainless steel

Pros: Has a long life span, is rust and scratch-resistant, and oven and dishwasher-safe.

Cons: Can burn if left on high heat for too long, relatively expensive, heavy, food sticks without oil.

Highly rated vacation rental cookware sets

  1. T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized non-stick 16-Piece Cookware Set: The cookware is designed to distribute heat quickly and evenly, and has a non-stick surface that makes cooking and cleaning easy. The set includes a square griddle and a wonder egg frying pan.
  2. Calphalon Signature Hard-Anodized non-stick Cookware Set: This set is lauded for its durable construction, non-stick performance, and comfortable handles. It's oven-safe and dishwasher-safe.
  3. Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set: This lightweight pan heats up quickly and retains heat well. It's dishwasher-safe and oven-safe up to 550°F.
  4. All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel 10-Piece Set: Known for its exceptional heat conductivity, durability, and versatility, this set features a bonded construction for even heating.
  5. Rachael Ray Hard-Anodized non-stick Cookware Set: Known for its non-stick performance, this set is oven-safe and dishwasher-safe. It's designed for easy cleanup and durability.
  6. GreenLife Soft Grip Ceramic Non-Stick Cookware Set: This set is popular for its ceramic non-stick coating, which is free of PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium. It comes in many vibrant colors and includes essential pieces for everyday cooking.
  7. Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron 5-Piece Set: Cast iron cookware is praised for its excellent heat retention and durability. This set includes a skillet, griddle, and dutch oven, all pre-seasoned and ready to use.

Vacation rental cookware FAQ

Here are some things to avoid when buying pots and pans:

  • Cookware that’s not compatible with your stovetop, like induction, gas, electric, etc.
  • Cookware made with flimsy materials that can warp, dent, or scratch easily.
  • Cookware made with toxic materials like lead, cadmium, or PFOA.
  • Cookware that’s difficult to clean or requires hand washing or special maintenance.

The easiest cookware to maintain is generally non-stick cookware. However, non-stick coatings can wear off over time, especially if not cared for properly. Cast iron cookware, while durable and versatile, requires special care to maintain its seasoning and avoid rusting. Stainless steel cookware is also relatively easy to maintain, as it is long-lasting and dishwasher-safe.

To ensure pots and pans are non-toxic, look for cookware that is labeled as PFOA-free, lead-free, and cadmium-free. Additionally, you can look for certifications from organizations such as the FDA or NSF that indicate the cookware meets certain safety standards. Reading product reviews and researching the brand's reputation can also help you determine if the cookware is non-toxic.



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California licenses
Vacasa Seasonals Inc.
California DRE #02160171


Vacation Palm Springs Real Estate, Inc.
California DRE #01523013

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