Hiring a temporary kitchen is straightforward, but a little preparation goes a long way. This checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after delivery so there are no surprises — from choosing the right size to handing the pod back.
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Choose the Right Size First
The most common regret we hear is going too small. A compact pod is fine for one or two people, but a family cooking three meals a day will feel cramped within a week. If you have the space, size up — the extra worktop and a bigger fridge make a real difference over an 8–12 week hire.
| Household size | Recommended unit |
|---|---|
| 1–2 people | Compact driveway pod (approx. 1.8m x 1.2m) or indoor capsule |
| 3–4 people | Large driveway pod (approx. 3.6m x 2.1m) |
| 5+ people | Large driveway pod, plus a second fridge inside the house |
See our kitchen pod sizes guide for full dimensions.
Before You Book
- Measure your space. Large driveway pods are approximately 3.6m x 2.1m — allow at least 4m x 2.5m of clear driveway, or a room of at least 2m x 1.5m for an indoor unit.
- Note the surface and slope. Pods sit best on firm, reasonably level ground (tarmac, concrete, or paving — not grass or gravel). A slight slope is usually fine; a steep gradient may need levelling boards.
- Check the access route. Side gates need at least 2.5m clear width. Delivery trucks with a crane need around 4m of overhead clearance — check for low branches, washing lines, and cables. Make sure a flatbed truck can reach and turn into your driveway.
- For indoor units, measure your doorways. The unit has to physically fit through them (most suit standard UK door widths).
- Use the Driveway Fit Checker to see which units fit your measured dimensions.
- Locate your outdoor tap. The provider connects the water supply to it — ideally within about 25 metres of the pod. No outside tap? The plumber can tee off an internal pipe, which takes longer.
- Locate your nearest drain. Waste water needs somewhere to go, ideally within 10 metres. Kitchen waste should go to a foul drain (connected to sewage), not a surface-water drain. Tell your provider if the run is uphill.
- Check your power. Most domestic pods plug into a standard 13A socket (an outdoor socket is ideal; a cable can be run through a window if not). Larger or commercial units may need a dedicated higher-amperage circuit run from your consumer unit — the closer the fuse box to the pod, the cheaper the connection. See electricity & water requirements.
- Decide gas vs electric. Some pods use LPG gas for the hob and oven; others are fully electric. Electric-only avoids gas connection costs and can speed up installation.
- Decide on duration. Estimate how long your renovation will take and add a 1–2 week buffer — renovations almost always overrun.
- Book earlier than you think. In peak season (May–September) popular providers can be booked out 2–3 weeks ahead. Book a planned hire 2–3 weeks before your kitchen comes out; for an emergency (flood, fire), ask about 24–48 hour delivery.
- Check your insurance. If your kitchen is out of action due to an insured event (flood, fire, burst pipe), your policy may cover the hire under "alternative accommodation" / "additional living expenses." Check our insurance guide →
Check Planning Permission
Most domestic temporary kitchens do not need planning permission — but check whether any of these apply to you:
- Conservation area. A temporary structure visible from a public road may need permission.
- Listed building. Properties within or near listed buildings have stricter rules.
- Long hire. Over 28 days, some councils want to be notified; over 6 months, formal temporary consent may be needed.
- Commercial premises. Temporary kitchens on business sites almost always need planning or licensing notification.
How to check: one call to your local council's planning department usually settles it (most reply to simple enquiries within 1–2 working days). Even if no permission is needed, give your immediate neighbours a heads-up — the pod is visible and the delivery truck may briefly block the road.
When Requesting Quotes
- Get at least 2 to 3 quotes. Prices vary significantly between providers.
- Ask what is included. Does the price cover delivery, setup, and collection, or are these charged separately?
- Ask what appliances are included. Most pods include a hob, oven, fridge-freezer, microwave, and sink. Some add a washing machine or dishwasher — check.
- Ask about gas vs electric so you know exactly what you're getting.
- Pin down the hire terms. Minimum hire period (typically 1–2 weeks domestic, up to 4 weeks commercial), whether you can extend week by week, the notice period for collection (usually 3–7 days), and whether the rate changes if you extend or end early.
- Get it in writing. Before signing, confirm: start and expected end date; weekly/monthly rate; extension policy and rate; early-termination terms; delivery and collection charges; what's included (appliances, crockery, connection fees); and any insurance/damage-waiver terms.
- Verify provider credentials. Ask for public liability insurance, a Gas Safe registration number (if the pod uses gas), and a Part P / Electrical Installation Certificate for the electrical connection. A reputable provider shares these without hesitation — vagueness is a red flag.
- Check reviews. Look at Google and Trustpilot, focusing on delivery reliability and customer service.
- Ask for an insurance-ready quote if you're claiming. See our claims walkthrough →
Get free quotes from multiple providers →
The Day Before Delivery
- Move your car off the driveway. Park on the street or ask a neighbour.
- Clear your driveway completely. Remove bins, bikes, plant pots, toys, and anything else.
- Check overhead clearance. Trim any overhanging branches that might obstruct the delivery truck or crane.
- Turn on your outdoor tap. Check it works and is not frozen or seized. If you're hiring over winter, our tips for a temporary kitchen in winter cover stopping the hose freezing.
- Test your power socket. Plug something in to make sure it works.
- Clear a path from the outdoor tap to the driveway. The provider will run a hose along this route.
- Tell your neighbours. Let them know a delivery is coming so they do not park in the way.
- Test your pans with a fridge magnet. If your pod has an induction hob (most do), only magnetic pans work — most stainless steel and cast iron do; aluminium, copper, and some non-stick do not.
On Delivery Day
- Be home for the delivery slot. Someone needs to be present for the full setup.
- Confirm the pod position with the team. You can usually choose the exact spot.
- Give the unit a once-over as it is sited. Check it arrives clean and shows no signs of previous infestation — our note on pest control and food safety covers what to look for.
- Watch the team connect water, waste, and power. Ask questions if anything is unclear.
- Watch the team test every appliance. Hob, oven, microwave, fridge, sink, hot water — everything should work before they leave.
- Get a walkthrough. Make sure you know how to use every appliance, where the controls are, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Get the provider's support contact. Save their phone number in your phone.
- Check you have a key. Most pods are lockable. Make sure you have the key and it works.
Getting Used to the Hob
Almost every domestic pod uses a two-ring induction hob. If you're used to four gas rings, expect a short adjustment:
- Only two rings — batch-cook and sequence rather than running four pans at once.
- Induction is fast but only heats magnetic pans (check with a fridge magnet before delivery).
- No round-bottomed woks — induction needs flat-bottomed pans.
- Temperature response is quicker than gas — start low and adjust.
Most people love it within a few days. See what appliances come with a temporary kitchen for the full equipment list.
What to Bring to the Pod on Day One
You do not need to move your entire kitchen into the pod. Bring only what you will use regularly:
Essential:
- Kettle (if not included)
- Toaster (if not included)
- Pots and pans (2 to 3 is enough)
- Frying pan
- Chopping board and knife
- Wooden spoon and spatula
- Tin opener
- Plates, bowls, mugs, glasses (one set per person)
- Cutlery (one set per person)
- Tea towels (3 to 4)
- Washing-up liquid and sponge
- Bin bags
- Basic cleaning spray
Nice to have:
- Slow cooker or instant pot (great for one-pot meals in a small space)
- Baking tray
- Colander
- Cling film and foil
- Spice rack or small selection of spices
- Salt and pepper
Do not bring:
- Rarely used appliances (bread maker, waffle iron, etc.)
- Full dinner service sets
- Bulk food supplies — shop for the week, not the month
During Your Hire
- Keep the pod clean. Treat it like your normal kitchen. Wipe surfaces after cooking, do the washing up, and take rubbish out regularly.
- Lock up at night and when you leave the house. Most pods contain appliances worth several hundred pounds.
- Report any issues promptly. If something breaks or leaks, contact your provider straight away.
- Monitor your gas bottle (if LPG). You will know it is running low when the flame weakens. Your provider should have supplied a spare or told you where to buy a replacement.
- Do not overload the power circuit. The pod runs off a single plug socket. Avoid running a kettle, microwave, and oven simultaneously.
When Your Hire Ends
- Remove all your personal items and food. The provider will not do this for you.
- Give the pod a basic clean. You do not need to deep clean — just wipe down surfaces, empty the fridge, and sweep the floor.
- Be home for collection. The team needs access to disconnect and remove the pod.
- Check your driveway after collection. It should be in the same condition as before. If there is any damage, take photos and contact the provider.
- Cancel or close your insurance claim. If the temporary kitchen was covered by insurance, let your insurer know the hire has ended.
Quick Reference: Minimum Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driveway space | 4m x 2.5m minimum |
| Indoor space | 2m x 1.5m minimum |
| Side-gate width | 2.5m clear minimum |
| Overhead clearance | ~4m for crane delivery |
| Water supply | Outdoor tap within 25m |
| Power | Standard 13A socket (larger units may need a dedicated circuit) |
| Drainage | Foul drain or gulley within 10m |
| Vehicle access | Wide enough for a flatbed truck |