When hiring a temporary kitchen for a renovation or insurance repair, one of the first decisions is whether to go for an outdoor unit (a driveway pod) or an indoor unit (a capsule kitchen set up inside your home).
Both work well, but they suit different situations. This guide compares them across every factor that matters.
The Two Options
Outdoor: Driveway Pod A self-contained kitchen unit that sits on your driveway, similar in size and shape to a large trailer or caravan. Fully equipped with a hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, sink, and often a washing machine. Connected to your water supply, drainage, and electricity via external hoses and cables.
Indoor: Capsule Kitchen A compact kitchen unit set up inside your home — in a spare room, garage, conservatory, or large hallway. Typically includes a hob, sink, fridge, and microwave. Connected to your home's internal water and power. See our full indoor capsule kitchen overview.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Driveway Pod (Outdoor) | Capsule Kitchen (Indoor) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | £350–800/week (£70–150/day), incl. delivery & collection | Similar — often toward the lower end (smaller, no crane) |
| Space needed | 4m x 2.5m driveway | 2m x 1.5m room |
| Appliances | Full kitchen (hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, sink, sometimes washer) | Usually smaller (hob, fridge, microwave, sink) |
| Fuel options | Gas, electric, or dual-fuel | Electric only |
| Setup time | 1 to 2 hours | 1 to 2 hours |
| Water connection | Outdoor tap + drain | Kitchen or bathroom plumbing |
| Power | Standard 13A plug | Standard 13A plug |
| Weather dependent | You walk outside to use it | No weather issues |
| Noise and cooking smells | Separate from living space | Inside your home |
| Privacy from builders | Completely separate | May be near work area |
When to Choose a Driveway Pod
A driveway pod is the better choice if:
- You have a driveway or hard-standing area. The pod needs a flat surface of at least 4m x 2.5m.
- You want a full-size kitchen. Driveway pods typically have more equipment and more space than indoor units — a proper oven, a full fridge-freezer, and more worktop.
- You need gas cooking. Most driveway pods offer gas or dual-fuel hobs and ovens; indoor capsule units are electric-only.
- You want cooking smells and mess out of the house. With builders already creating dust and disruption inside, having the kitchen completely separate is a big advantage.
- You have children. A driveway pod gives you a clean, safe space away from the building work. Children can eat, do homework, and hang out in the pod while work continues inside.
- Your renovation is extensive. If the builders need access to most of the ground floor, an indoor kitchen may be in the way. A driveway pod avoids this completely.
Potential downsides:
- You have to walk outside to use it — less convenient in heavy rain or at night.
- It takes up your driveway, so you may need to park elsewhere.
- Neighbours can see the pod on your driveway (though most people find this is not a real issue).
When to Choose an Indoor Capsule Kitchen
An indoor unit is the better choice if:
- You do not have a driveway. If you live in a flat, a terraced house without off-street parking, or a property with no suitable outdoor space, an indoor unit is your only option.
- You have a spare room, garage, or conservatory. You need an indoor space that is not being used for the renovation.
- You prefer not to go outside. If mobility is an issue, or you simply prefer having the kitchen inside, an indoor unit is more convenient.
- The renovation is limited to the kitchen only. If the rest of your home is unaffected, an indoor unit in a spare room can work well.
- You live in a conservation area. If your local council might object to a unit on your driveway, keeping the kitchen indoors avoids the question entirely.
- You are elderly or have mobility issues. Walking outside to a driveway pod may be difficult, especially in wet or icy weather. See our guide for elderly parents →.
Potential downsides:
- Smaller and less well-equipped than driveway pods — often no oven, smaller fridge.
- Cooking smells and steam will be inside your home.
- The unit takes up a room that you might otherwise use during the renovation.
- Builders and the temporary kitchen share the same living space — can feel cramped.
What About a Garage?
Setting up a temporary kitchen in a garage is a popular middle ground. It is technically indoors (sheltered from weather) but separate from your main living space (no cooking smells in the house).
For this to work, you need:
- A garage that is dry, weatherproof, and has a power socket.
- Ideally, a water supply nearby (even a garden tap run through the garage wall).
- A drain nearby for waste water.
- Enough space — most garages are large enough.
Some temporary kitchen providers offer units specifically designed for garage installation. Ask when requesting quotes.
Cost Comparison
Driveway pods and indoor capsule kitchens are priced similarly. Expect roughly £350 to £800 per week (about £70 to £150 per day) for a domestic unit, including delivery and collection. Exact pricing varies by unit size, hire length, and provider.
Where they differ is what you get for the money:
- Driveway pods usually include more appliances and more worktop space.
- Indoor capsules, being smaller and needing no crane to install, may sit toward the lower end of the range.
For a full breakdown, see our temporary kitchen hire cost guide →.
What About Winter?
This is the most common concern about driveway pods. The good news is that most modern pods are:
- Fully insulated — walls, floor, and ceiling.
- Heated — built-in thermostat-controlled electric heater or gas heater.
- Weatherproof — sealed doors, windows, and roof.
Families who have used driveway pods in winter consistently report that the pod is warm, dry, and comfortable — some say it is warmer than their house during the renovation. The short walk outside is the only inconvenience, and most people adapt to it within a day or two. For more, see our guide to using a temporary kitchen in winter →.
That said, if you are particularly concerned about cold weather, an indoor unit eliminates this issue entirely.
Can You Switch — or Use Both?
If you start with one type and it is not working, most providers can arrange a swap. For example, if you hire a driveway pod and then realise you would prefer an indoor unit (or vice versa), contact your provider to discuss options. There may be an additional delivery charge, but it is usually straightforward.
A few homeowners on very long renovations even run both — a small indoor unit for the kettle, toaster, and quick jobs, plus a driveway pod for main meals. It is unusual, but it can work if you want maximum flexibility.
Quick Decision Guide
Choose an indoor capsule if you live in a flat, do not have a driveway, are hiring through winter, have elderly or mobility-impaired household members, or simply prefer not to go outside to cook.
Choose a driveway pod if you have a suitable driveway or patio, want to keep all cooking smells out of the house, need gas cooking or more space, or do not want to give up a room indoors.
Still weighing it up? Run through three quick questions:
- Do I have a clear, accessible driveway? If not, go indoor.
- Am I cooking daily for a family? If yes, the driveway pod's extra space and appliances are worth it.
- Is my renovation short, and the rest of my home unaffected? If yes, a compact indoor unit is probably sufficient.
Use our Driveway Fit Checker to see whether a pod will fit your space before you decide.
Still Not Sure?
Tell us your situation → and we will recommend the best option based on your home, your renovation, and your needs. Free, no-obligation quotes.