I would find this off putting. I rarely ever use a toaster and I would not want to live on microwave food. I usually use the hob most days I am sitting, so would find it an extreme inconvenience if unable to use it. It is pointless offering compensation via food delivery if there is no means to actually cook it, unless you meant take aways?
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Yeah, much as I appreciate good food, I donât like cooking⌠I cook because I have to eat. But if I canât even warm up soup in a pot on the stove, forget it. (Wow, wish I could see that kitchen you mentioned!!)
At one sit it was noted that certain pots shouldnât be used on the stove above medium heat. There were others to use, even though not always ideal sizes, so I just left the fragile ones in the cupboard. No problem.
Having a cheap set of things for sitters to use, as has been mentioned a few times, is a good idea. Although this sounds a bit like the concern could extend beyond pots and knives to appliances and �
Uhhhh⌠well, most days⌠if I have to⌠I guess⌠
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Yup. Because only on the Titanic were class distinctions apparentâŚ
Are both HOs and sitters goinâ downâŚ?
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As a sitter & frequent AirBnB user, Iâd say that Iâm pretty fastidious and can be picky about how things get taken care of/used/put away. My reviewers consistently note how clean I leave my sits & stays, & that I often go the extra mile & leave things in even better shape than I found them.
Because I intuit that homeowners can sometimes be a bit stressed about how a relative stranger will take care of their home & its contents (not to mention their PETS!), I make it a point to always ask if there are things of particular sentimental value or fragility in the home that they want me to take special care with, or refrain from using altogether. That way I know to stay away from them; I never want the experience of explaining how I accidentally dropped grandmaâs serving platter, etc 
That being said, I would definitely not accept a sit that banned me from using most of the kitchen or its basic working contents, even though I usually bring my own sharpened knives, traveling spice kit, favorite cooking utensils, etc. I would just feel too untrusted (or like the unpaid hired help), & be stressed the entire visit about doing something that would upset the HO and/or cause a negative review.
Instead, I hope you consider the tools you have at your disposal for ensuring a good experience for both parties:
- Write a thorough, detailed welcome guide, including how youâd prefer the sitter to care for specialty items like high-end kitchenware/knives, appliances, etc.
- Thoroughly read the profile & reviews of potential sitters to determine if theyâre on the same wavelength as you, and rule out those with poor reviews or âred flags.â
- Put away really special items & replace with everyday-ware, as others have suggested.
- Consider having the sitter over a day ahead for transition-time, & include a thorough walkthrough of the home, use of appliances & kitchenware, etc.
No doubt itâs hard to trust a stranger enough to grant them full access to the things you value, but remember - you are already trusting them to care for your beloved pets, and without compensation. In addition, remember that your sitter(s) are also extending a great deal of trust to you â someone who is equally a stranger to them.
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Have you considered Rover and paying for someone to come in daily? That way you wonât have anyone staying overnight and wanting to use the kitchen as a kitchen.
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Why not tell the sitter how to properly use your knives and pans? I am very peticular too and have high end stuff. I would not take a house ist where i cant use the kitchen as i cant eat out often due to dietary need.
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Ouch. I donât cook, but I would never accept such terms. It sounds a little feudal to me.
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Or Cinderella like. 
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You trust the sitter with your beloved pets but not pots and pans, how very insulting.
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This thread has generated probably the most consistently negative responses Iâve seen. I am sure OP received the message. Are we accomplishing anything by keeping it open for the piling on to continue?
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I was about to say the same @MaggieUU
There have been 50 responses to the question raised by @MeowMeowMom so if they are satisfied with the responses they can mark it as resolved or ask a moderator to close the thread.
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I think it would. âThe kitchenâ is a rather large exception. âPlease donât sleep in the master bedroomâ is not⌠if there is a guest bedroomâŚ. But IS if there is only one bedroom.
People have a reasonable expectation to live in a houseâŚ. And cooking is part of living.
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Perhaps not. But if people want to say something let them. I am not a fan of controlling conversation in forums. And at some point other voices and nuances might come up. Just donât click on it if you dont want to read more. JMO.
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Agreed. For folks who donât want to read more, thereâs the feature to mute a thread. I use it all the time for threads I have no interest in or have lost interest in.
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Definitely not much variety to the responses @Shella_in_the_Forum @Maggie8K. Overwhelmingly dismissive and some were mean-spirited so eventually what is the point. JMO.
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In this particular case, keeping the thread going increases the odds of other hosts seeing it and perhaps rethinking similar ideas or others that limit the inventory of good sits.
In general, greater discourse is valuable. If there are specific comments that violate forum terms, someone can always flag them.
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As so often is the case the poster, @Meowmama, having asked a question hasnât responded. It would be nice to hear what you think
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Sure! Just get a tent 
and a camping stove 
, and your guests will have everything they need. Happy campers guaranteed!
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Looking for the sinking boat emoji.
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Excellent, insightful quote.
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