Driveway pods and indoor capsule kitchens are the two main options for homeowners who need a temporary kitchen. Both give you a working hob, oven, fridge, and sink — but they differ in where they go, how much space they need, and what daily life looks like while you're using one.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Driveway Pod (Large) | Driveway Pod (Compact) | Indoor Capsule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ~2.4m × 1.5m | ~1.8m × 1.2m | ~1.8m × 0.8m |
| Placement | Driveway, patio, garden | Driveway, patio | Spare room, hallway, dining room |
| Weekly cost | £80–120 | £50–80 | £80–150 |
| Hob | 2-ring induction | 2-ring induction | 2-ring induction or ceramic |
| Oven | Small oven or combi microwave | Combi microwave | Combi microwave |
| Fridge | Under-counter fridge-freezer | Under-counter fridge | Under-counter fridge |
| Sink | Full sink with drainer | Compact sink | Compact sink |
| Worktop space | Most generous | Limited | Limited |
| Power | 13-amp via outdoor extension | 13-amp via outdoor extension | 13-amp wall socket |
| Water | Garden tap or through-window hose | Same | Short hose to nearest indoor tap |
| Delivery | Small truck, placed by hand or pallet truck | Van delivery | Carried through doors |
| Setup | 1–2 hours | 45–90 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| Weather exposure | Weatherproof unit, but you walk outside | Same | None — fully indoors |
| Cooking smells indoors? | No | No | Yes |
Driveway Pod — Who It Suits
The driveway pod is the most popular option for families. It offers the most space and feels closest to a normal kitchen. You get more worktop area, a proper oven in the larger versions, and all cooking smells stay outside the house.
Ideal if you:
- Have a flat, hard-surfaced driveway or patio
- Want maximum cooking space
- Prefer to keep cooking smells and steam out of the house
- Are hiring in spring, summer, or autumn
- Have a family of 3+ people
Think twice if you:
- Don't have a driveway (terraced house, flat)
- Are hiring in deep winter and dislike walking outside in the cold
- Have mobility issues that make outdoor trips difficult
- Need your driveway for parking and can't spare the space
Check our guide on whether a temporary kitchen will fit your driveway for sizing and access details.
Indoor Capsule — Who It Suits
Indoor capsule kitchens are compact units designed to fit through standard doorways and operate inside your home. They're smaller than driveway pods but offer the convenience of cooking without going outside.
Ideal if you:
- Live in a flat or terraced house with no driveway
- Are hiring in winter
- Have elderly or mobility-impaired household members
- Want the simplest possible setup (plug in, connect hose, done)
- Are a 1–2 person household
Think twice if you:
- Don't have a spare room to sacrifice for 8–12 weeks
- Are sensitive to cooking smells throughout the house
- Want more space to cook and prep
- Have a large family that needs more capacity
See our guides for families with kids and elderly parents for specific advice.
Cost Comparison Over a Typical 12-Week Hire
| Option | Weekly Rate | Delivery + Collection | Total (12 weeks) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large driveway pod | £100 | £200 | £1,400 |
| Compact driveway pod | £65 | £150 | £930 |
| Indoor capsule | £110 | £150 | £1,470 |
Costs vary by provider and region. Get a personalised quote to compare actual prices for your area.
Can You Switch Mid-Hire?
This isn't common, but some providers will swap an outdoor pod for an indoor capsule (or vice versa) if your circumstances change — for example, if winter weather makes the driveway pod impractical. Ask about this flexibility when booking.
The Verdict
For most families with a driveway, the large driveway pod offers the best balance of space, cost, and usability. For people in flats, those without outdoor space, or anyone hiring in winter, the indoor capsule is the smarter choice. The compact driveway pod splits the difference — cheaper than both alternatives but with less space.