Temporary kitchen pods come in a range of sizes. Choosing the right one depends on how many people you are feeding, how much space you have, and how long you need it for.
This guide breaks down every common size, with real dimensions, what is included, and who each one suits best.
Size Overview
| Size | Typical Dimensions | Best For | Price From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Pod | 2.4m x 1.2m | Couples, singles, short hires | £50/week |
| Standard Pod | 3.0m x 2.1m | Small families (2 to 3 people) | £65/week |
| Large Pod | 3.6m x 2.1m | Families (4+ people) | £80/week |
| XL Pod | 4.2m x 2.4m | Large families, long hires | £100/week |
| Indoor Capsule | 2.0m x 1.5m | No outdoor space available | £80/week |
All dimensions are approximate and vary between providers. Always confirm exact dimensions with your provider before booking.
Compact Pod (2.4m x 1.2m)
The smallest driveway option. About the size of a large garden shed.
Typically includes:
- 2-burner hob
- Small oven or combination microwave
- Under-counter fridge
- Sink
- Limited worktop space
Best for:
- Couples or individuals
- Short hire periods (1 to 3 weeks)
- Very small driveways or tight spaces
- Renovations where you mainly need somewhere to make tea and heat food
Not ideal for:
- Families with children
- Long hire periods
- Serious cooking — the limited hob and oven make full meals difficult
Standard Pod (3.0m x 2.1m)
The mid-range option. About the size of a small caravan.
Typically includes:
- 4-burner hob
- Oven
- Fridge-freezer (or under-counter fridge and separate freezer)
- Microwave
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Reasonable worktop space
- Some storage cupboards
Best for:
- Small families (2 to 3 people)
- Hire periods of 3 to 8 weeks
- Standard driveways
- Everyday cooking — you can prepare proper meals in this size
Worth noting:
- Some standard pods include either a washing machine or a dishwasher (not usually both). Check with your provider.
- Dining space is limited — most families eat inside the house rather than in the pod.
Large Pod (3.6m x 2.1m)
The most popular choice for families. About the size of a large caravan.
Typically includes:
- 4-burner hob
- Full-size oven
- Fridge-freezer
- Microwave
- Sink with hot and cold water
- Generous worktop space
- Storage cupboards
- Often a washing machine or dishwasher (some include both)
- Small dining table and chairs (in some models)
- Heating for cold weather
- Lighting
Best for:
- Families of 4 or more
- Hire periods of 4 to 12 weeks
- Anyone who wants a close-to-normal cooking experience
- Renovations where the kitchen is the only room affected
This is the size most families choose, and for good reason. It is large enough to cook full meals comfortably, with enough equipment to maintain your normal routine.
XL Pod (4.2m x 2.4m)
The largest domestic option. About the size of a static caravan kitchen.
Typically includes:
- Everything in the Large Pod, plus:
- Full-size washing machine AND dishwasher
- Larger fridge-freezer
- More worktop and storage space
- Dining table and chairs for 4 to 6
- Better heating and ventilation
Best for:
- Large families (5+ people)
- Long hire periods (3+ months)
- When you want the most comfortable and functional temporary kitchen possible
- Properties with large driveways that can accommodate the extra size
Worth noting:
- Not all providers offer XL pods — availability may be limited in your area.
- The extra size means a larger delivery vehicle is needed — check your driveway access.
Indoor Capsule Kitchen (2.0m x 1.5m)
A compact kitchen unit designed to be set up inside your home.
Typically includes:
- 2-burner hob (usually electric)
- Combination microwave or small oven
- Under-counter fridge
- Sink (connected to existing plumbing or with a self-contained water tank)
- Compact worktop
- Some storage
Best for:
- Properties with no driveway or outdoor space
- Flats and apartments
- People with mobility issues who cannot walk outside to a driveway pod
- Situations where a smaller, simpler kitchen is sufficient
Limitations:
- Less equipment than driveway pods — usually no full oven, no washing machine
- Takes up a room inside your home
- Cooking smells and steam will be inside the house
For a full comparison, see our indoor vs outdoor guide →.
How to Measure Your Space
Before booking, measure the available space to make sure the pod will fit.
For driveway pods:
- Measure the length and width of your driveway in the area where the pod will sit.
- Allow at least 30cm clearance on each side for access and airflow.
- Check the height — delivery vehicles need overhead clearance. Measure any overhanging trees, gutters, or cables.
- Check the width of your driveway entrance — the delivery vehicle (typically a flatbed truck) needs to fit through.
For indoor units:
- Measure the room where the kitchen will go — length, width, and ceiling height.
- Allow space for the door to open fully.
- Make sure there is a power socket within reach.
- Note the location of the nearest water supply and drain.
Which Size Should You Choose?
| Your Situation | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Living alone, short renovation | Compact Pod |
| Couple, 4 to 8 week renovation | Standard Pod |
| Family of 3 to 4, any duration | Large Pod |
| Family of 5+, or long renovation | XL Pod |
| No outdoor space | Indoor Capsule |
| Elderly parent with mobility issues | Indoor Capsule |
Not Sure? We Can Help
Tell us your situation → and we will recommend the right size based on your family, your space, and your renovation timeline. Free, no-obligation quotes.