I love to cook. I like to try different recipes. Most airbnbs have very basic setup in regards to a kitchen. If there is an appliance other than a toaster then I feel like I've won the lottery. Right now where I am staying they have a blender, I've made the most delicious milkshakes.
I understand why airbnb hosts don't have a better kitchen setup. Most people don't cook elaborate meals and you're adding another layer of admin with appliances, so I get it. It's just so nice when you have extras like a grater, or tongs. I've bought a few utensils over the last year and just leave it in the airbnb.
Most major cities are just very expensive. Nothing you can do about it. An option is to stay an hour or 2 outside the city. I personally just choose to go to smaller cities and have been to some incredible places in Europe for not as expensive as London or Paris.