Hiring a temporary kitchen is straightforward, but there are a few things that catch people off guard. We've spoken to providers and homeowners to put together the five things most people wish they'd known before they booked.
1. Size Matters More Than You Think
The first thing people underestimate is how much size affects daily life. A compact driveway pod (1.8m × 1.2m) is fine for a single person or couple, but a family of four cooking three meals a day will find it cramped within a week.
If you have the driveway space, go for the larger pod — the extra worktop space and bigger fridge make a real difference over an 8–12 week hire.
Quick sizing guide:
| Household Size | Recommended Type |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | Compact driveway pod or indoor capsule |
| 3–4 people | Large driveway pod |
| 5+ people | Large driveway pod (consider a second fridge inside the house) |
Check our kitchen pod sizes guide for full dimensions and specifications.
2. You'll Need to Prepare Your Driveway (or Room)
Temporary kitchens don't just appear and work perfectly — there's a small amount of preparation needed:
For driveway pods:
- Clear the area of bins, bikes, and vehicles
- Check the surface is reasonably level and firm (concrete, tarmac, or paving — not grass or gravel)
- Identify your nearest power socket and outside tap
- Measure the width of your driveway gate or side access to make sure the unit fits through
- Plan where the water hose and power cable will run
For indoor capsule kitchens:
- Measure your doorways — the unit needs to physically fit through them (most are designed for standard UK door widths)
- Clear the room where it'll be installed
- Identify the nearest power socket and tap
Your provider will usually do a site assessment (often via photos you send over) before delivery, so they'll flag any issues. But it saves time if you're already prepared. See our delivery day guide for the full process.
3. Insurance Might Pay for It
This is the big one that people miss. If your kitchen is out of action due to an insured event — flood, fire, burst pipe, storm damage, or any other claim — your home insurance policy will very likely cover the cost of a temporary kitchen hire.
It falls under the "alternative accommodation" or "additional living expenses" section of your policy. A temporary kitchen at £80–120 per week is massively cheaper for the insurer than hotel accommodation or daily food allowances, so they're generally very happy to approve it.
Key steps:
- Contact your insurer and ask about alternative accommodation / additional living expenses cover
- Explain that you'd like to hire a temporary kitchen to remain in your home
- Get approval before you book (or at least confirm the policy covers it)
- Keep all receipts and invoices
Most providers are experienced with insurance claims and can invoice the insurer directly. Read our full insurance claim walkthrough and guide on whether insurance will pay for the detailed process.
4. The Hob Takes Getting Used To
Almost every domestic temporary kitchen uses a two-ring induction hob. If you're used to a four-ring gas hob, the adjustment is real:
- Only two rings — you can't have four pans going at once. Get used to batch cooking and sequencing
- Induction — if you've never used induction before, it's incredibly fast but only works with magnetic pans (most stainless steel and cast iron, but NOT aluminium, copper, or some non-stick). Check your pans with a fridge magnet before the kitchen arrives
- No wok cooking — induction hobs need flat-bottomed pans. Round-bottomed woks won't work
- Temperature control — induction is more responsive than gas but can feel different. Start on lower settings and adjust
After a few days most people love induction — it's fast, responsive, and efficient. But it's worth knowing what to expect. Our guide on what appliances come with a temporary kitchen covers the full equipment list.
5. Book Earlier Than You Think You Need To
Lead times vary, but during peak season (May–September, when renovation projects peak), popular providers can be booked out 2–3 weeks in advance. Don't leave it until the day your kitchen is ripped out.
Recommended booking timeline:
| Situation | When to Book |
|---|---|
| Planned renovation | 2–3 weeks before your kitchen is removed |
| Insurance claim (non-urgent) | As soon as the claim is approved |
| Emergency (flood, fire) | Immediately — ask about emergency delivery (24–48 hours) |
If you book early, you're more likely to get your preferred unit type and delivery slot. Last-minute bookings are possible but may cost more or limit your options.
Bonus: It's Actually Not That Bad
We hear this constantly from homeowners after their hire: "It was better than I expected." The worry beforehand is always worse than the reality. Modern temporary kitchens are well-designed, clean, and functional. You can cook proper meals, make a cup of tea whenever you want, and maintain a normal routine.
Yes, it's smaller than your real kitchen. Yes, you'll miss your dishwasher. But it works — and it's infinitely better than living on takeaways and microwaved ready meals for three months.
Ready to get started? Get a quote and find the right temporary kitchen for your home.
Related: Does Home Insurance Cover Temporary Kitchen Hire? | Trade Partner Programme