For a short-term rental, start by choosing a fridge that fits the space and the amount of food guests are likely to store. Then decide between a microwave for reheating and a mini oven if guests will need to bake. Add a mini dishwasher or washing machine only if the amount of washing-up or length of stays makes it worthwhile. ADEME recommends buying only the appliances you really need and keeping them for as long as possible.
You want guests to be able to store a few groceries and prepare meals without giving up valuable worktop space. Airbnb lists a kitchen among the amenities guests look for, so measure the space before choosing your appliances.
Your guests may use the kitchen more often or want to do their laundry during their stay. Airbnb lists a washing machine among the amenities guests look for. Choose a capacity to suit actual needs, rather than basing it solely on the number of beds.
You need to get the property ready between bookings and are looking for a cleaning appliance that’s easy to store and maintain. Airbnb recommends following a cleaning routine between stays.
Start with the tasks your guests will actually need to do and the space required for each appliance. ADEME advises limiting purchases to useful equipment. Before choosing a model, check what’s involved in installing and maintaining it, too.
| What you need | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storing groceries | Measure the space; compare fridge and freezer capacities separately, as well as the energy label for the specific model. | If I want to make sure there’s enough room for groceries or frozen food, I compare the compartments with the available space. Around 29 % of consumers are estimated to prioritise food storage. |
| Reheating or cooking | Think about the meals guests are likely to prepare; check the model’s functions, the size of dishes it can accommodate and the installation instructions. | If guests mainly need to reheat food, I prioritise ease of use. If they’ll need to bake, I check the available cooking modes and how much space the appliance needs. Around 23 % of consumers prioritise meal preparation. |
| Cleaning between stays | Check that the accessories are suitable for your floors, and consider storage, consumables and the repairability rating for the specific model. | If I need to get the floors ready between guest arrivals, I look at how easy it is to reach corners, store the appliance and replace consumables. Around 18 % of consumers are estimated to put cleaning first. |
| Doing laundry on site | Consider how long guests stay, the amount of laundry they’re likely to do, the machine’s capacity, connections and maintenance requirements. | For longer stays, I check whether guests will really need to do their laundry on site and whether the property can accommodate the installation. Around 18 % of consumers prioritise this feature. |
| Washing up | Measure the worktop; check the capacity, how the appliance is filled and how wastewater is drained. | If meals are likely to result in lots of washing-up, I weigh up the convenience against the space needed and the steps involved. Around 12 % of consumers are estimated to prioritise washing-up. |
A small freezer compartment may not meet the needs of guests who buy more groceries or use frozen food.
Measure the space and compare the compartment capacities of specific models before choosing between a compact fridge and a fridge-freezer.
They’re designed for different uses: a solo microwave is handy for reheating, while a mini oven offers oven-style cooking modes, depending on the model.
Think about the meals guests are likely to prepare, then check the functions, available space and installation instructions for the appliance you’re considering.
Even an appliance that can be filled without a fixed water supply still needs a way to drain wastewater.
Check the full installation requirements, dimensions and capacity of the specific model before setting aside space for it.
Even appliances that are rarely used consume resources and need attention to keep them in good working order.
Only add a washing machine or dishwasher if you have a clear use for it. Check the relevant repairability or durability information and plan for the maintenance it will need.
These brands offer examples of different configurations and models to compare according to your space and needs. The features mentioned apply to the models listed, not to every product in each range.
Different fridge formats to consider, depending on the space available and how much food guests are likely to store.
The Optimo OX444810 mini oven is worth considering if guests will need to bake rather than simply reheat food.
The Bob mini dishwasher is worth considering if guests wash up frequently but there isn’t room for a full-size appliance in the kitchenette.
The Série 4 WAN2827UFR is a model to compare with the amount of laundry guests are likely to do during longer stays.
The Compact Power RO3995EA is worth considering for cleaning floors between stays.
Worth considering when comparing the functions of a solo microwave with those of a combination model, based on the meals guests are likely to prepare.
This selection covers reheating, oven cooking, chilled and frozen food storage, washing-up and cleaning between stays. Compare each appliance with the space available and how you plan to use it.
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For reheating and defrosting in a kitchenette, if a solo microwave suits the meals guests are likely to prepare.
The title gives a capacity of 20 L, a power rating of 700 W and 11 power levels.
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Its stick and handheld formats can be used to clean floors and surfaces above floor level between stays.
The title gives a 0.5 L dust container and a 4.5 m cable.
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Worth considering for washing up in a kitchenette, provided you have room for it and a way to drain the water.
The title gives a built-in 5 L tank and 6+3 programmes.
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A fridge-freezer to consider if guests need to store groceries and frozen food, provided there’s enough space.
The title gives a 153 L fridge capacity and a 74 L freezer capacity, as well as a width of 54 cm.
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Worth considering if guests will need to cook dishes in an oven rather than just reheat food.
The title gives a capacity of 23 L. Check the available space and installation instructions.
No. Also think about the groceries, meals and laundry associated with a typical stay. For washing machines, ADEME recommends choosing a capacity to meet your needs rather than automatically opting for a large drum.
According to Daan Tech, Bob’s tank can be filled by hand without a fixed water supply. However, you’ll still need to arrange the hose and drainage point in line with the instructions for the version you buy.
Leave clear instructions for using the appliances and follow a cleaning routine between bookings. For a washing machine, ADEME recommends checking and cleaning the drain filter in line with the relevant maintenance advice.
Compare energy labels for the relevant categories and look up the rating that applies to the specific model. In France, the durability index has applied to front-loading and top-loading washing machines since 8 April 2025. A displayed rating doesn’t guarantee how long a product will last.
In its guidance dated 9 September 2026, the Ministry of the Economy and Finance states that the legal guarantee of conformity applies to new, second-hand and refurbished goods sold by a trader to a consumer. If you’re buying under different circumstances, check which rights apply to your situation rather than assuming the same rules apply.