🥘 Kitchen, Dining, & Appliances

Hilltop Retreat features a fully equipped kitchen and multiple dining areas, designed to comfortably support group stays, shared meals, and entertaining.

Fully Stocked Kitchen Essentials

The kitchen drawers and cupboards are equipped with standard household kitchenware, including:

• Plates, bowls, and serving dishes

• Glassware and mugs

• Full utensil sets (cutlery, cooking utensils)

• Pots, pans, and basic cookware

• Dish cloths, tea towels, and cleaning cloths

These items are intended to meet the needs of a typical household kitchen. Guests are expected to return items to drawers and cupboards after using.

Ice & Water

• An ice bucket is provided for convenience

• Ice cubes are available from the freezer (see freezer section)

Tap Water: The tap water is potable and suitable for drinking, cooking, and beverage preparation. Guests who prefer bottled or filtered water are welcome to bring their own.

We may occasionally have shared pantry items available for guest convenience. These are provided on a courtesy basis only.

Common shared items may include:

• Salt, sugar, and pepper

• Small amounts of ground coffee

• Tea bags

Guests are welcome to use these items if available, but availability is not guaranteed and may vary between stays. Please use shared pantry items considerately, please reseal containers after use.

Guidelines for Ice Pack Use:

• Ice packs are provided for temporary, off-site use

• After use, please:

  1. Rinse or wash the ice packs to remove dirt or residue

  2. Return them to the freezer so they are ready for the next guest

• Please do not discard or remove ice packs from the property

These shared items are part of the retreat’s amenities and help support outings, boating days, and longer excursions.

General Appliance Rules (Applies to All)

• Do not force buttons, doors, lids, or components

• Do not attempt repairs or troubleshooting

• Do not leave appliances running unattended

• Clean appliances after use

• Unplug appliances if finished and safe to do so

Refrigerators

Hilltop Retreat currently has multiple refrigerators on site to support larger groups and extended stays. Because these are full-size, modern appliances, they may behave a little differently than older or basic household fridges. Please read the notes below carefully to avoid damage and unnecessary service disruptions.

Refrigerator Locations & Status

1. Main Kitchen Refrigerator: Located directly in the kitchen. The fridge section is currently not cooling and not intended for guest use at this time. The freezer (and ice component of the freezer works just fine, you are still able to use this section.

2. Dining Area Refrigerator (Maytag): Located near the dining room table. This unit is operational and available for guest use. Please note that we are aware of panel destruction caused by a previous guest and are looking to have it fixed.

Important: Door Lock & Calibration Behaviour

Some modern refrigerators, including the Maytag unit on site, may temporarily lock the door during internal calibration or pressure equalization. This is normal behaviour.

If a refrigerator door feels stuck or does not open easily:

• Do not force the door(s)

• Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute

• Try opening again gently

⚠️ Forcing a refrigerator door can cause permanent damage to seals, hinges, panels or internal components.

Gas Stove & Oven

Hilltop Retreat is equipped with an open-flame gas stove on the upper level, which provides fast, powerful heat for cooking. This appliance must be used with care and attention at all times.

Important Notes About Gas Smell

• A faint gas scent may be noticeable, especially:

  • When first turning on the stove

  • When burners are igniting

• This can be normal for gas appliances in small amounts

🚨 However:

• If you try to mask the scent, please do not use sprays or aerosols near the stove

• If you smell strong, persistent, or increasing gas

• Or smell gas when the stove is off

👉 Immediately turn off the stove, avoid using any flames or electronics nearby, ventilate the area, and contact us right away: 905-767-8080

Burner & Flame Safety

• Always confirm burners ignite fully

• Flames should appear blue and steady

• Never leave the stove unattended while in use

• Turn burners fully off after cooking, double check

• Keep flammable items (towels, paper, packaging) away from flames

Child Safety & Control Knobs

• Stove control knobs are removable as a child-safety measure

• If children or pets are present:

  • Knobs may be removed when the stove is not in use

  • Knobs must be reinstalled properly before cooking

• Do not allow children to operate or play near the stove

Ventilation Is Required

• Use the range hood or nearby ventilation while cooking

• Open windows if preparing foods that generate smoke or strong heat

• Proper airflow helps reduce gas odour and heat buildup

What Not to Do

• Do not force knobs or burners

• Do not use the stove for heating the space

• Do not attempt repairs or adjustments

• Do not leave cookware unattended, even briefly

If There Is a Problem

Please stop using the stove and contact us immediately if you notice:

• A burner not igniting properly

• Flames that are unusually large, yellow, or erratic

• A gas smell that does not dissipate

• Loose knobs or components

Damage, safety incidents, or service calls caused by misuse or failure to follow instructions may result in additional charges.

Dishwasher Use & Care

Hilltop Retreat is equipped with a full-size dishwasher to support group stays and shared meals. To keep it operating properly and avoid service issues, please follow the guidelines below.

Dishwasher Pods Provided

• Dishwasher pods are supplied and located in a crystal jar on the sink ledge above

• Pods are highly concentrated and hazardous to kids and pets

• Use only one pod per cycle

• Pods are intended only for the dishwasher. Do not use dishwasher pods for handwashing

When to Use the Dishwasher

Dishwasher use is expected to be optimized for heavier loads, such as:

• Group meals

• Pots, pans, plates, and utensils from shared cooking

• End-of-day cleanup rather than multiple small cycles

Running the dishwasher with very light loads is discouraged.

Handwashing for Light or Delicate Items

• Dish soap is provided for:

  • Light use items

  • Delicate cookware

  • Quick rinses or single items

  Please hand wash items that do not require a full dishwasher cycle.

Loading & Running the Dishwasher

• Scrape excess food into the garbage (no need to pre-wash)

• Load dishes securely and avoid overcrowding

• Ensure spray arms can rotate freely

• Start a full cycle using one pod

Empty After Each Cycle

• The dishwasher must be emptied after every completed cycle

• Do not leave clean dishes sitting inside

• Returning items to cupboards helps:

  • Prevent odours

  • Avoid moisture buildup

  • Keep the kitchen optimized for all guests

  
  

What Not to Do

• Do not force the door, racks, or controls

• Do not overload beyond capacity

• Do not add dish soap, hand soap, or other cleaners to the dishwasher

• Do not leave food debris to harden inside the unit

If There’s an Issue

Please stop use and contact us if you notice:

• Standing water after a cycle

• A door that won’t latch or open properly

• Error sounds or failure to start

• Leaks or unusual smells

Damage caused by misuse, improper loading, or failure to follow instructions may result in service or repair charges.

Air Fryer (Water-Assisted / Steam Feature)

We provide an air fryer that includes a water/steam function to help reduce smoke and keep food moist.

Use Guidelines:

• Follow basic air fryer cooking practices

• If using the water/steam feature:

  • Use clean water only

  • Do not overfill the reservoir

• Always place food in the basket or tray (never directly on the heating surface)

• Allow the unit to cool fully before cleaning

After Use:

• Empty and rinse the water reservoir if used

• Wipe down removable parts

• Do not submerge the main unit in water

Coffee & Beverage Station

We offer multiple coffee-making options for guest convenience:

• Standard drip coffee maker (pot-style)

• Keurig

• Nespresso

• Additional single-serve coffee appliance (black unit)

General Coffee Maker Rules:

• Use only water in water reservoirs

• Use compatible pods or grounds only

• Never force lids, pods, or levers

• Turn machines off after use

After Use:

• Dispose of used pods or grounds

• Rinse removable parts if applicable

• Leave machines clean and ready for the next guest

While we provide multiple coffee machines and small appliances, we do not supply consumable ingredients for them, including but not limited to:

• Coffee pods (Keurig, Nespresso, or other systems)

• Specialty coffee capsules

• Flavored syrups or creamers

• Air fryer liners, filters, or specialty inserts

Guests should plan to bring or purchase their own pods and specialty items according to their preferences.

Electric Kettle

• Intended for boiling water only

• Do not heat milk, tea bags, or other liquids directly in the kettle

• Do not overfill past the maximum line

• Return the kettle to its base after use

Toaster & Toaster Oven

We provide both a standard toaster and a toaster oven.

Safety & Use Notes:

• Do not insert metal utensils

• Do not cover or block ventilation

• Keep crumbs trays clean

• Never leave unattended while in use

Allow appliances to cool before moving or cleaning.

Other Standard Appliances

Additional everyday appliances may be available (e.g., blender, mixer, etc.). These should be used only for their intended purpose and cleaned after each use.

Guest Responsibility

Guests are expected to:

• Use appliances as intended

• Follow posted instructions and guidebook notes

• Report issues promptly rather than attempting to fix or force appliances

Damage caused by misuse, force, or failure to follow instructions may result in repair or replacement charges being deducted from the security deposit.