Hiring a temporary kitchen for the first time can feel daunting. Where does it go? What does it connect to? Will it actually feel like a real kitchen? This guide walks you through the entire process from first enquiry to the day it gets collected, so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 1: Decide What You Need
Before you contact any providers, answer these questions:
What's the reason for the hire?
- Kitchen renovation (planned)
- Insurance claim (damage)
- Extension or building work
- Something else
How long will you need it?
- Under 2 weeks: Consider a very basic setup or indoor capsule
- 2–12 weeks: The most common domestic hire period. A driveway pod is the standard choice.
- 12+ weeks: Look for longer-term monthly rates, which are significantly cheaper per day
What do you actually need to cook?
- Just basics (microwave, kettle, toaster)? An indoor capsule may be sufficient.
- Full meals for a family? You'll want a pod with a hob, oven, and fridge at minimum.
- Are you a keen cook who needs gas? Make sure the pod supports gas or dual-fuel.
Step 2: Check Your Space
Most temporary kitchens for domestic use go on your driveway. You need:
- Minimum 3.5m long × 2.5m wide of clear, flat space for a small pod
- Hard standing: Tarmac, concrete, or block paving is ideal. Gravel can work with levelling boards.
- Vehicle access: A truck needs to reach your driveway. Check for low trees, narrow gates, and parked cars.
- Proximity to utilities: The closer the pod is to your water supply, drain, and consumer unit, the faster and cheaper the installation.
No driveway? Consider an indoor capsule unit that fits inside your garage or a spare room.
Use our Driveway Fit Checker to see which units will fit your space.
Step 3: Get Quotes
Contact 2–3 providers and ask for a fully itemised quote that includes:
- Weekly or monthly hire rate
- Delivery and collection charges
- Utility connection costs (plumber, electrician, gas engineer)
- Any site preparation costs (levelling boards, ramps)
- Insurance / damage waiver
- What's included in the pod (which appliances, crockery, utensils?)
Questions to ask providers:
- What happens if my renovation overruns? Can I extend week by week?
- Is there a minimum hire period?
- What's included vs extra? (Some providers include crockery and utensils; others don't)
- Do you handle insurance paperwork? (If relevant)
- What maintenance do you provide during the hire?
Step 4: Prepare for Delivery Day
Once you've booked, the provider will confirm a delivery date. Here's how to prepare:
The Day Before
- Clear your driveway completely — no cars, bikes, bins, planters, or toys
- Identify your outside tap, nearest drain, and your electrical consumer unit
- Warn your neighbours that a truck will be arriving (it may temporarily block the road)
- Make sure someone will be home for the delivery window
On Delivery Day
- The truck arrives and the pod is lifted or rolled off using a crane, tail-lift, or forklift
- The installation team positions the pod on your driveway
- A plumber connects the water supply and waste drainage
- An electrician connects the power (usually a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit)
- If gas: a Gas Safe registered engineer connects the gas supply
- The team tests everything — hob, oven, fridge, hot water, lights, sockets
- They walk you through how everything works and leave you the keys
Total time: 2–4 hours for most domestic pod installations.
Step 5: Living with Your Temporary Kitchen
Day-to-Day Tips
A temporary kitchen is a fully functioning kitchen — you can cook everything you normally would. But a few tips will make it more comfortable:
- Keep it tidy: Space is limited, so wash up as you go. There's usually not much worktop area to spare.
- Use the fridge wisely: Most pods have a standard fridge, not a fridge-freezer. You may need a separate mini-freezer if you rely on frozen food.
- Ventilation: If you're doing heavy cooking (frying, grilling), open the door or window. Most pods have basic extraction but it's not as powerful as a range hood.
- Weather: In winter, the walk between your house and the pod can be unpleasant. Some families lay a temporary path or use an umbrella. Consider a pod with good insulation and heating.
- Security: Lock the pod when you're not using it, especially overnight. Most pods have a lockable door.
Utilities
Your temporary kitchen uses your existing utilities:
- Electricity: Added to your normal electricity bill. A typical pod uses about the same as a large appliance — expect an extra £5–£15 per week.
- Water: Connected to your mains water. Negligible additional cost.
- Gas (if applicable): Connected to your mains gas supply. Expect an extra £3–£8 per week.
- Waste water: Drains into your existing drainage. No additional cost.
Maintenance
Most providers include a mid-hire check for longer hires (8+ weeks). If anything breaks or stops working, call the provider — they'll usually send an engineer within 24–48 hours. You shouldn't attempt to repair anything yourself.
Step 6: Collection Day
When your renovation is complete and your new kitchen is ready, call the provider to arrange collection. The process is the reverse of delivery:
- Disconnect utilities (provider's team handles this)
- Load the pod back onto the truck
- Provider inspects the driveway for any damage (rare)
- Done — your driveway is clear again
Collection usually takes 1–2 hours.
Common First-Timer Concerns
"Will it damage my driveway?" Unlikely on tarmac or concrete. On block paving, the provider may place rubber mats under the pod's feet to distribute weight. Discuss this during the booking.
"Do I need planning permission?" Almost never for a domestic temporary kitchen. Temporary structures that will be in place for less than 28 days don't need permission. For longer hires, check with your local council — but objections are extremely rare.
"What if it rains constantly?" The pod itself is weatherproof and insulated. The only inconvenience is the walk between your house and the pod. Some families set up a temporary covered walkway.
"Can I use it overnight?" The kitchen is yours 24/7 for the duration of the hire. Use it whenever you want.
Next Steps
Ready to start? Browse providers near you on FindAKitchen, compare options, and request your first quote. Most providers respond within 24 hours.
Related: Does Home Insurance Cover Temporary Kitchen Hire? | Trade Partner Programme