One of the biggest advantages of temporary kitchens is speed. Unlike a permanent kitchen installation that takes weeks, a temporary kitchen can be delivered, connected, and ready to cook in as little as a few hours. But the exact timeline depends on what type of unit you're hiring and what preparation is needed at your site.
Installation Times by Unit Type
Domestic Driveway Pods: 2–4 Hours
The most popular option for homeowners. A driveway pod is delivered on a flatbed truck, craned or rolled into position, and connected to your existing water, waste, and electricity supplies.
Typical timeline:
- Delivery: The pod arrives on a flatbed and is lowered onto your driveway using a crane attachment or hydraulic tail lift. This takes 30–60 minutes.
- Positioning: The pod is manoeuvred into its final position. If your driveway is tight, this can take a bit longer. Allow 15–30 minutes.
- Utility connections: Water in, waste out, and electrical connection. A qualified plumber and electrician handle this. Allow 1–2 hours.
- Testing and handover: The provider checks everything works, walks you through the appliances, and hands over. 15–30 minutes.
Total: 2–4 hours from arrival to cooking your first meal.
Some providers offer same-day delivery for emergency situations — if you call before midday, they can often deliver the same afternoon.
Indoor Capsule Units: 1–2 Hours
Indoor capsule kitchens (like those offered by Galleys) are even faster because they don't need external utility connections. The unit is carried into your home — typically a garage, utility room, or large hallway — and plugged into a standard 13-amp socket.
Typical timeline:
- Delivery and carry-in: 30–45 minutes
- Connection: Plug in and connect to a water supply (often a garden hose tap). 15–30 minutes.
- Handover: 15 minutes.
Total: 1–2 hours.
Trailer Kitchens: 2–4 Hours
Trailer kitchens are towed to your site and parked in position. Because they're self-contained on a chassis, they can be repositioned if needed. Setup time is similar to a driveway pod.
Commercial Modular Kitchens: 1–3 Days
Commercial units are larger, more complex, and require more preparation. A typical commercial installation involves:
Day 1: Site preparation
- Groundwork: Laying a level base (concrete pads, compacted hardcore, or steel plates)
- Utility routing: Running 3-phase electrical cable, water supply, and drainage to the unit location
- Access preparation: Ensuring the delivery vehicle can reach the installation point
Day 2: Delivery and positioning
- The unit arrives on a low-loader or articulated lorry
- A crane lifts it into position (this alone can take 2–4 hours for large units)
- The unit is levelled and secured
Day 3: Connection and commissioning
- 3-phase electrical connection by a qualified electrician
- Water and drainage connection
- Gas connection (if applicable) by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Testing of all appliances, extraction, and safety systems
- Health and safety sign-off
- Handover and staff briefing
Total: 1–3 days, depending on site readiness and unit complexity.
Container Kitchens: 1–2 Days
Converted shipping container kitchens fall between domestic pods and full commercial units. They're robust and relatively self-contained, but still need utility connections and a level base.
What Affects Installation Speed?
1. Site Access
The single biggest factor. If the delivery vehicle can drive right up to the installation point, everything is faster. If there are narrow gates, low overhanging trees, tight corners, or limited turning space, the delivery takes longer and may need a smaller vehicle or crane.
Tip: Measure your access route before booking. Most providers will ask for access width, height clearance, and turning space.
2. Utility Availability
- Electricity: If you have an outdoor socket or your consumer unit is near the driveway, connection is straightforward. If the electrician needs to run cable through the house, add an hour.
- Water: A nearby outside tap or kitchen supply makes connection quick. If the nearest water point is far away, the plumber needs to run additional pipework.
- Gas: Gas connections take longer and must be done by a Gas Safe engineer. If you're choosing an electric-only pod, this step is eliminated entirely.
- Drainage: Waste water needs to go somewhere. If there's a drain near the pod location, great. If not, the installer may need to run a temporary waste pipe to the nearest drain.
3. Ground Conditions
Domestic pods need a reasonably flat, hard surface. Tarmac or concrete driveways are ideal. If your driveway is gravel, sloped, or soft ground, the provider may need to lay boards or pads first, adding 30–60 minutes.
Commercial units have stricter requirements. Uneven or soft ground may need compacted hardcore or concrete pads, which can add a full day of preparation.
4. Planning Permission
Most domestic temporary kitchens don't need planning permission because they're classed as temporary structures. However, if you live in a conservation area, near a listed building, or your pod would be visible from a public road, you should check with your local council before delivery.
Commercial units on business premises may need temporary planning consent, especially for longer hires (6+ months).
Emergency vs Planned Hire
Emergency Hire (Flood, Fire, Insurance Claim)
Many providers offer emergency delivery within 24–48 hours. Some can deliver the same day for urgent cases. The process is streamlined:
- You call the provider and describe the situation
- They confirm availability and access requirements
- A pod is dispatched, usually the next morning
- Installation takes the standard 2–4 hours
For insurance claims, the provider can often start the paperwork while the pod is being delivered.
Planned Hire (Renovation, Refurbishment)
For planned kitchen renovations, you'll typically book the pod 1–4 weeks in advance. This gives the provider time to:
- Conduct a site survey (for larger units)
- Schedule delivery for your preferred date
- Coordinate with your builders so the pod arrives on the same day the old kitchen is disconnected
- Arrange a pre-delivery call to confirm access and connection points
How to Prepare for Delivery Day
To ensure the fastest possible installation:
- Clear the driveway: Remove cars, bikes, bins, and anything else in the way
- Confirm access: Make sure the delivery vehicle can reach your driveway (check for overhanging trees, low cables, narrow gates)
- Identify utility points: Know where your outside tap, nearest drain, and consumer unit are located
- Inform your neighbours: The delivery vehicle may need to briefly block the road
- Be home: Someone needs to be present to approve the final positioning and sign off on the handover
Next Steps
Ready to get a temporary kitchen delivered? Browse providers in your area and use our Driveway Fit Checker to make sure the unit will fit before you book.
Related: Trade Partner Referral Programme | How Much Does Temporary Kitchen Hire Cost?