When your kitchen is out of action, you have two main options for a temporary cooking space at home: an outdoor driveway pod or an indoor capsule unit. Both give you a working kitchen, but they suit very different situations. This guide compares the two so you can choose the right one.
What is a Driveway Pod?
A driveway pod is a self-contained kitchen unit — about the size of a large garden shed — that sits on your driveway or patio. It's delivered on a truck, craned into position, and connected to your home's water, waste, and electricity supplies.
Inside, you'll typically find a hob, oven or microwave, sink, fridge, worktop, and lighting. Some premium pods include dishwashers, extractor fans, and USB charging points. You walk outside to use it, just as you would a separate building.
Providers offering driveway pods: Temporary Solutions Group, Kitchen Rescue, GalleyKit, and several others.
What is an Indoor Capsule Unit?
An indoor capsule kitchen is a compact, self-contained unit that's installed inside your home — typically in a garage, utility room, large hallway, or even a dining room. It's much smaller than a driveway pod, often about the size of a large wardrobe or small island.
It plugs into a standard 13-amp socket and connects to a water supply (sometimes via a garden hose connector). The key difference is that it stays indoors, meaning you don't need any outdoor space at all.
Providers offering indoor capsule units: Galleys is the main provider in this space.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Driveway Pod | Indoor Capsule |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Outside on driveway/patio | Inside your home |
| Typical size | 3.5m × 2.5m to 6.5m × 3.5m | 2.4m × 1.8m or smaller |
| Space needed | Clear driveway or hard standing | Garage, utility room, or large room |
| Power | Connected to consumer unit | Standard 13-amp plug |
| Water | Plumbed into mains | Garden hose or nearby tap |
| Cooking equipment | Full hob, oven, microwave | Hob, microwave, kettle |
| Fridge | Yes (often fridge-freezer) | Yes (compact) |
| Dishwasher | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Daily cost | £70–£120 | £45–£65 |
| Installation time | 2–4 hours | 1–2 hours |
| Weather exposure | You walk outside to reach it | Stay indoors |
| Planning permission | Rarely needed | Not needed |
| Delivery vehicle access | Needs truck + crane access | Hand-carried into home |
When to Choose a Driveway Pod
A driveway pod is the better choice if:
- You have a driveway or hard standing: You need a flat, accessible surface at least 3.5m × 2.5m.
- You want a full-size kitchen: Driveway pods have significantly more worktop space, larger appliances, and more storage. If you're cooking for a family of four, you'll appreciate the extra room.
- Your renovation will take more than a few weeks: For longer hires, the extra comfort and capacity of a driveway pod makes daily cooking much more manageable.
- You need gas cooking: Most driveway pods offer gas or dual-fuel options. Indoor capsules are electric-only.
- You want to keep your indoor space clear: If you need the garage or utility room for renovation materials, tools, or storage, keeping the kitchen outside makes sense.
Pros of Driveway Pods
- More cooking space and better appliances
- Gas or electric options
- Keeps the mess outside
- Feels like a proper kitchen
Cons of Driveway Pods
- Requires outdoor space with vehicle access
- You have to walk outside (unpleasant in rain or winter)
- Higher cost
- More visible to neighbours
When to Choose an Indoor Capsule
An indoor capsule is the better choice if:
- You don't have a driveway: No outdoor space? No problem. An indoor capsule fits in a garage, utility room, or even a large hallway.
- You live in a flat or terraced house: If there's no way to get a truck and crane to your property, an indoor unit is your only option.
- You want to stay indoors: No walking outside in the rain to make a cup of tea.
- Your renovation is short (2–4 weeks): For a quick kitchen refresh, a compact indoor unit is all you need.
- Budget is tight: Indoor capsules are typically 30–40% cheaper than driveway pods.
- You live in a conservation area: If your local council might object to a pod on your driveway, an indoor unit avoids the issue entirely.
Pros of Indoor Capsules
- No outdoor space required
- Cheaper to hire
- Faster to install
- No weather exposure
- Less visible / no neighbour concerns
Cons of Indoor Capsules
- Less cooking space
- Electric-only (no gas hobs)
- Takes up indoor room
- Smaller appliances
Cost Comparison
Over a typical 8-week kitchen renovation:
| Driveway Pod | Indoor Capsule | |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly rate (avg) | £450 | £300 |
| 8 weeks hire | £3,600 | £2,400 |
| Delivery + collection | £250 | £150 |
| Total | £3,850 | £2,550 |
The indoor capsule saves around £1,300 over the same period. However, if you're cooking daily for a family, the extra space and appliances of a driveway pod may be worth the premium.
Can You Use Both?
Some homeowners choose to use an indoor capsule for basic tasks (kettle, microwave, toaster) and hire a driveway pod for main meals. This is unusual but can work if you have a very long renovation and want flexibility.
Making Your Decision
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Do I have a clear, accessible driveway? If no, go indoor.
- Am I cooking daily for a family? If yes, the driveway pod's extra space is worth it.
- Is my renovation short (under 3 weeks)? If yes, the indoor capsule is probably sufficient.
Use our Driveway Fit Checker to see if a pod will fit your space, and browse all providers to compare options and get quotes.
Related: Insurance Claims | How Much Does Temporary Kitchen Hire Cost?