Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world. 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. Surprisingly most coffee is brewed at home, even though there is a coffee shop or drive-thru in most areas.
A coffee maker is pretty much a required amenity for any short-term rental. Given that major short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO list coffee makers as an “amenity”. It is very likely that offering a coffee maker is an Airbnb and VRBO ranking factor.
Single Serving Coffee Pod Machines
Single serving coffee pods have become extremely popular over the last 10 plus years. They are very easy to use and offer a wide range of coffee styles and brands. I think that pod-based single-serving coffee machines are the single best coffeemaker option for any short-term rental. If your short-term rental is a large house, and you are targeting large muilt-family vacations, you should probably offer a drip coffee maker that brews large pots. But If most of your guests are single travelers, couples, or single-family (only two adult parents), then I think pod coffeemakers are the best option. They are more expensive than a simple drip coffee machine but generally $100 to $250. The coffee pods are expensive compared to a big bin of cheap Maxwell Coffee, but the guest experience is much better with a pod coffee machine.
Tassimo vs Keurig
Tassimo and Keurig are the two major brands for single-serving coffee machines. I have personally owned and used both brands and they are both great machines. But they will break down over time and especially if you use partically hard water such as well water.
| Tassimo | Keurig | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $170 to $290 | $80 to $290 |
| Coffee Pods Price | Different from retailer to retailer but comparable pricing | Different from retailer to retailer but comparable pricing |
| Beverages | Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino, Crema, Mocha | Coffee, tea, hot chocolate |
| Brands | Maxwell House, Tim Hortons, Twinings, Oreo, and King of Joe. | Green Mountain, Caribou, Donut Shop, Tully’s, Twinings, Folgers, Celestial Seasonings, and Starbucks. |
| Buy a Bosch Tassimo here | Buy a Keurig Here |
French Press Coffee Maker
French press (aka cafetiere) is my favourite way to prepare coffee. The simple manual nature of the french press allows the user a lot of control and customization over their cup of joe. French press coffee does not take super long to prepare. However, a french press is not as convenient and automated as single-serving cup machines nor drip coffeemakers. Learn how to use a French Press here.
If you are going to make a french press available to your guests, I recommend a stainless steel model rather than the glass model. I have personally broken a number of glass french presses.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Makes great coffee
- Foodies and aficionados love it
- Reduces perceived bitterness found in dark roasted beans
Cons:
- Inconvenient and requires some knowledge to use
- Glass french presses break very easily
Final Thoughts on the French Press
French presses are an affordable and classy amenity for a short-term rental, but If you are going to offer your guests a french press, offer a different kind of coffeemaker as well. Many guests may have never used a french press before and become intimidated. The kind of guests that will use a french press will also probably prefer whole bean coffee, so make sure you have a coffee grinder and kitchen thermometer available too.
Drip Coffee Maker
Drip coffee makers have been available for ages and are a mainstay in most homes and offices.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Most people know how to use it
- Good for rentals targeting large groups
Cons:
- Makes a lot of coffee at once
- Specialty coffee’s special characteristics tend to be muted
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