A kitchen renovation is one of the most disruptive home improvements you can do. The average UK kitchen renovation takes 4-8 weeks, and during that time you have no sink, no oven, no hob, and no fridge. Thousands of families resort to weeks of takeaways, microwave meals in the bedroom, and washing up in the bathroom sink.
It does not have to be that way. A temporary kitchen gives you a fully functioning kitchen for the entire duration of your renovation — and it is far more affordable than most people think.
Why Bother? Can I Just Live Without a Kitchen?
You can. Many people do. But here is what that actually looks like:
- No way to cook a proper meal for 4-8 weeks
- Washing up in the bathroom sink — which gets old very quickly
- Living off takeaways and ready meals — expensive and unhealthy, especially with children
- No fridge — so no fresh food storage
- Stress on the whole household — especially families with young children or elderly relatives
The cost of takeaways and eating out for a family of four over 6 weeks can easily reach £1,500-£2,500. A temporary kitchen pod typically costs £80-£200 per week — meaning it can actually save you money compared to eating out every night. And your family eats proper meals.
What Are Your Options?
There are three main types of temporary kitchen for home renovations:
1. Driveway Pod (Large)
The most popular option. A fully equipped, self-contained kitchen unit delivered to your driveway on the back of a flatbed truck. It connects to your home's electricity supply via an outdoor socket or extension, and to your garden tap for water.
Inside you get: full-size fridge-freezer, oven or hob (sometimes both), microwave, kettle, toaster, sink with hot and cold running water, generous worktop space, and storage cupboards.
It feels like a small but perfectly functional kitchen. Most families say they forget it is a temporary setup within a day or two.
Best for: Families with a driveway or hard standing area. Houses with side access. Renovations lasting 4+ weeks.
2. Driveway Pod (Compact)
Same concept, smaller footprint. Designed for homes with narrower driveways, limited space, or smaller households. Includes the essential appliances — typically a mini fridge, microwave, kettle, toaster, and sink — in a tighter package.
Some compact pods can fit through standard garden gates, so you can position them in a back garden if the driveway is not suitable.
Best for: Smaller households. Limited driveway space. Shorter renovations.
3. Indoor Capsule Kitchen
A relatively new innovation that solves the biggest problem with driveway pods: not everyone has a driveway. Indoor capsule kitchens are carried through your front door in modular pieces and assembled inside your home — typically in a living room, dining room, or spare bedroom. Setup takes about 2 hours.
They include a portable hob, microwave, mini fridge, kettle, toaster, and a built-in splashback and worktop. They are self-contained with no plumbing required — you fill the water tank manually and empty the waste water tank as needed.
Best for: Flats and apartments. Homes without driveways. Ground floor or upper floor living. Winter renovations (no going outside to cook). Elderly homeowners.
How Does Delivery and Setup Work?
The process is simpler than most people expect:
Before delivery:
- You contact a provider (or get matched through us)
- The provider asks about your space — often a few photos of your driveway or room are enough
- They recommend the right size and type
- You agree a start date and duration
Delivery day:
- The pod arrives on a flatbed truck or in a van (depending on size)
- The delivery team positions it on your driveway or sets it up indoors
- They connect electricity and water (outdoor pods)
- They walk you through how everything works
- Total time: usually 1-2 hours
During your renovation:
- The kitchen is yours. Cook normally.
- If anything breaks or stops working, the provider handles maintenance
- Most providers include at least one maintenance check during longer hires
Collection day:
- You empty the kitchen of your belongings
- The provider collects the unit
- They restore your driveway or room to its previous state
When Should I Book?
As early as possible. The temporary kitchen industry is busier than you might think, especially during peak renovation season (spring and summer). Here is a rough guide:
- 4+ weeks before renovation starts: Ideal. Best availability, best rates, guaranteed delivery on your start date
- 2-3 weeks before: Usually fine, but choice of units may be more limited
- 1 week before: Possible but not guaranteed, especially in summer
- Emergency / last-minute: Some providers offer 24-48 hour delivery, but at a premium
How Much Does It Cost?
Domestic temporary kitchen hire typically costs:
- Large driveway pod: £80-£200 per week
- Compact driveway pod: £50-£150 per week
- Indoor capsule: £80-£180 per week
For a typical 6-week kitchen renovation, you are looking at roughly £300-£1,200 total — often less than the family would spend on takeaways over the same period.
See our full pricing guide for detailed breakdowns.
What Appliances Are Included?
This varies by provider and pod size, but a typical large driveway pod includes:
- Full-size fridge-freezer
- Oven and/or hob
- Microwave
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Sink with hot and cold running water
- Worktop space
- Storage cupboards or shelves
- Lighting
- Power sockets for additional appliances
Some providers also include a washing machine, though this is less common. Ask specifically about what is included when you get your quote.
Tips From Families Who Have Done It
"Book it before you think you need it." Several families told us they waited until the renovation had started before arranging a temporary kitchen — and then had to survive a week without one while waiting for delivery.
"Get the bigger one if you can." Families with children consistently recommend the large pod over the compact. The extra worktop space and full-size fridge make a big difference when cooking for four or more.
"Tell your builders." Let your renovation contractors know a pod is being delivered. They may need to work around the delivery access, and some builders can coordinate to have the temporary kitchen arrive the day they strip out the old one.
"Stock up on slow cooker meals." Even with a temporary kitchen, your cooking space is smaller than normal. Slow cooker meals, one-pot dishes, and batch cooking work brilliantly.
"Do not forget you have one." This sounds odd, but multiple families said they kept ordering takeaways out of habit in the first few days before remembering they had a perfectly good temporary kitchen sitting on the driveway.
Will It Damage My Driveway?
Driveway pods are designed to sit on existing hard standing without causing damage. They are typically placed on rubber feet or a protective base. Your provider will advise on surface requirements. Grass surfaces may show some flattening after a long hire, but this recovers quickly.
What About Planning Permission?
You do not need planning permission for a temporary kitchen pod in most circumstances. Temporary structures used in connection with building works are generally covered under permitted development rights. However, if your property is listed or in a conservation area, it is worth checking with your local authority.
Ready to Get Started?
Get free quotes from temporary kitchen providers in your area. Select "My kitchen is being renovated" and we will match you with the right providers for your situation, space, and budget.