Inadequate kitchen equipment in holiday accommodation.

Chocolatelovinggran

I will add, however, that a friend who has a property in Spain was surprised to read a scathing criticism online of the kitchen equipment which was lacking..a piping bag for cake decorating.

Had to laugh 😆
And tbh I wouldn’t rate an iron as something I would want when on holiday.
For me a holiday means a break from household chores.

That is just not good enough, a self catering property, especially one catering to larger groups and charging more, should have enough pans and other necessary kitchen equipment to cook and serve food, and the fridge/freezer should be defrosted and in good working order.
Complain and make sure you leave a review stating the lack of kitchen utensils/pans etc., so others will give this property the swerve.

I personally wouldn't exchange kitchen sinks as for me that is not a holiday.

The owners should be ashamed leaving it in such a state and expecting ting you to cook but supplying zilch. If possible I wouldn't have paid the full rent.

I will add, however, that a friend who has a property in Spain was surprised to read a scathing criticism online of the kitchen equipment which was lacking..a piping bag for cake decorating.

I agree with the need for feedback. Could you contact the owner directly?
Maybe she/ he might act on this, change the cleaning service, and add some new equipment.
I once stayed at a brand new holiday let, all very new and good, but lacking in a few places, such as the one- sharp- knife problem. I contacted the owner on a few matters and he was quick to return to say that these were things he hadn't thought about, and thanked me.

Ah, memories of the old Royle Family programme when the family rented a tiny caravan on “The Pearl of Prestatyn” site, and found out there was no chip pan.
I would expect a house to be fully equipped for every possible need.
I hope you enjoy your holiday though.

You had me at the iced up freezer...having defrosted mine recently. Ashamed to say after several years of icing up and not being able to open the drawers. I feel your pain a d annoyance. You or DH dont go on holiday to spend any time doing such "housework".

I would have taken a photo and complained.

I always self-catered abroad and my luggage included a non-stick pan and wooden spatula, which were very often needed. A tiny pot of salt and pepper were useful too.

I tended to take one or two trusted kitchen knives with me, and my own peeler wherever I went, but of course these days , cant carry knives around. I agree with you that they should have appropriate size pans etc. If they advertise it as to let for 8 people , they should have the appropriate size things in the kitchen. They wouldnt only have 6 beds would they?

I would have contacted them on the first day and asked them to provide whatever was missing. Whether it was the owners or their agents you were dealing with , they had not checked through properly or thought about this. It is definitely letting down the quality of the place and on basic levels. If it was a pleasant holiday choice, apart from that, I would contact the owners and tell them , and if I was the owner, I would be glad to be made aware of this, and feel that you were entitled to a small rebate for the hassle.

I used to say to friends that they should have a couple of nights sleeping in their spare room, as this would show up any problems like lights in wrong places or whatever, that guests dont like to complain about. It would be a good idea if owners spent a week in their holiday lets and found out the same kinds of things!

Not acceptable!

Definitely complain. When we did holiday lets there was everything holidaymakers needed and as we cleaned up ready for the next arrivals, we checked everything was still there. Often things were pinched - weirdly often kitchen scissors.

Leave an honest review too.

It’s not uncommon sadly.

We have a 5⭐️ rated holiday let.

It’s equipped to bake a cake, make a Sunday roast etc, the knife block is self sharpening the pans cost an arm and a leg , the coffee machine, toaster and kettle are all Dualit and we have a glass for every drink known to man!

It cost a lot to equip it but the reviews have made it all worth it.

So many lets are full
Of dead relations old stuff and charity shop tat.

Complain directly to the holiday company or owners.

I would say something to the owners. If they are advertising their holiday let with a fully equipped kitchen then you are well within your rights to expect to find utensils and cooking paraphernalia available to use. You shouldn't have to defrost the freezer either.
If the owners are not forthcoming I would be leaving an honest review on their site after your holiday.