If you have never hired a temporary kitchen before, the process can feel unfamiliar. Most people have no idea how it works until they suddenly need one.
The good news is that it is straightforward. This guide walks you through every step so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Work Out What You Need
Before contacting a provider, it helps to know the basics:
- Why do you need it? Renovation, insurance claim, commercial project, or something else?
- How long do you need it? A rough estimate is fine — most providers offer flexible hire periods.
- Where will it go? Driveway, garden, spare room, or commercial site?
- How many people are you feeding? A family of four has very different needs to a school serving 500 meals a day.
If you are not sure which type of kitchen is right for your situation, our choosing guide walks you through every option.
Step 2: Get Quotes
Contact providers directly or use our free quote service to get matched with the right providers for your situation.
When requesting a quote, you will typically be asked:
- Your postcode (to check delivery coverage)
- The reason for hire
- Approximate duration
- Any specific requirements (e.g. dishwasher, wheelchair access, insurance documentation)
Most providers will respond within 24 hours with a detailed quote. If you are claiming on insurance, ask for an insurance-ready quote — this is formatted specifically for your insurer and includes all the information they need to approve the claim.
Tip: Get at least 2 to 3 quotes to compare pricing, inclusions, and delivery times. Prices vary significantly between providers.
Step 3: Book Your Kitchen
Once you have chosen a provider, booking is usually simple:
- Confirm your hire dates
- Pay a deposit (typically one week's hire cost)
- Agree a delivery date and time slot
Most domestic providers can deliver within 3 to 7 working days for planned hires. Emergency providers serving insurance claims can often deliver within 24 to 48 hours.
Step 4: Prepare for Delivery
Before delivery day, you need to make sure the site is ready.
For Driveway Pods
- Clear your driveway of cars, bins, and obstacles
- Make sure the delivery vehicle can access your driveway (check width, turning circles, overhanging branches)
- Locate your outdoor tap — the provider will connect the kitchen's water supply to it
- Identify a nearby power socket — the kitchen will plug into a standard 13A socket
- Locate a drain, gulley, or manhole nearby for waste water
For Indoor Units
- Clear the room where the kitchen will go
- Protect floors with dust sheets if needed
- Make sure there is a power socket in the room
- Ideally, have a water supply and drain nearby (kitchen tap or bathroom)
For Commercial Units
- Prepare a level, hard-standing area
- Confirm crane access if required (check overhead cables)
- Arrange power supply (3-phase for commercial units)
- Prepare water and drainage connections
Step 5: Delivery and Setup
On delivery day, the provider will:
- Deliver the unit — domestic pods are usually delivered on a flatbed truck or trailer and positioned on your driveway using a small crane or manual handling.
- Level the unit — the kitchen needs to be level for appliances to work properly. Providers use adjustable legs or packing to level the unit on uneven driveways.
- Connect water — a food-grade hose is run from your outdoor tap to the kitchen.
- Connect waste — a waste pipe is run from the kitchen to a drain, gulley, or soakaway.
- Connect power — the kitchen is plugged into a standard power socket.
- Test everything — the provider will test all appliances, check for leaks, and make sure everything is working.
- Show you around — they will walk you through how to use the appliances, where the controls are, and what to do if anything goes wrong.
The entire setup process typically takes 1 to 2 hours for domestic pods. Commercial installations may take longer depending on the size and complexity.
Step 6: Daily Use
Using a temporary kitchen is very similar to using your normal kitchen, just in a smaller space.
What is typically included
Most domestic driveway pods include:
- Gas or electric hob (usually 4 burners)
- Oven
- Fridge-freezer
- Microwave
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Worktop space
- Storage cupboards
- Lighting
- Heating (for colder months)
Some providers also include a washing machine, dishwasher, or dining table and chairs.
Things to Know
- Gas supply — if the hob and oven run on LPG gas, the provider will supply a gas bottle. You may need to replace it during your hire if it runs out. Replacement bottles are available from most petrol stations and hardware stores.
- Water pressure — water pressure depends on your outdoor tap. It is usually adequate for cooking and washing up but may be lower than you are used to.
- Electricity — the kitchen runs off a standard plug socket. You should not need to use an extension lead. Avoid plugging other high-draw appliances into the same circuit.
- Cleaning — treat it like your normal kitchen. Most providers expect the unit to be returned in a clean, reasonable condition.
- Security — most pods are lockable. Lock the kitchen when you go out, just as you would your house.
Step 7: Extension or Early Return
If your renovation takes longer than expected (it often does), most providers will happily extend your hire period. Just give them reasonable notice — a few days is usually fine.
If you finish early, some providers offer pro-rata refunds or will collect the unit early. Check your terms at booking.
Step 8: Collection
When your hire ends:
- Empty the kitchen of your personal items and food
- Give it a basic clean (you do not need to deep clean — the provider will do that)
- The provider will disconnect the water, waste, and power
- The unit is loaded back onto the delivery vehicle and taken away
- Your driveway is left as it was — no marks, no mess
The collection process usually takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How Much Does It Cost?
For a typical home renovation, expect to pay:
- £50 to £100 per week for a domestic driveway pod
- £100 to £200 for delivery and collection (some providers include this in the weekly rate)
- Total for a 6-week hire: approximately £400 to £800
For a full cost breakdown, see our temporary kitchen hire cost guide.
Ready to Get Started?
Tell us your situation → and we will match you with providers who cover your area. Free, no-obligation quotes — usually within 24 hours.