One of the biggest frustrations in the temporary kitchen market is the lack of pricing transparency. Almost every provider asks you to "call for a quote" with no indication of what to expect. This guide breaks down real costs across every type of temporary kitchen, so you know what you are dealing with before you pick up the phone.
Domestic Temporary Kitchen Costs
If you need a temporary kitchen for your home — during a renovation, insurance claim, or building work — expect to pay roughly £70 to £150 per day, or £350 to £800 per week, with delivery and collection included in most quotes.
The weekly rate is the figure most homeowners care about. Within that range:
- Driveway kitchen pod (large) — a full-size unit with fridge-freezer, oven/hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, sink, and worktop — sits toward the upper end.
- Driveway kitchen pod (compact) — a smaller unit for tighter spaces or smaller households — sits toward the lower end.
- Indoor capsule kitchen — installed inside your home, no driveway needed — is broadly similar in price, often a little lower as it is smaller and needs no crane to install.
Pricing is broadly similar across these options; the difference is mostly down to size and provider rather than indoor versus outdoor. Most domestic providers quote individually rather than publishing fixed prices, so treat these figures — based on our market research across UK providers — as a guide. Minimum hire is usually 2 to 4 weeks.
What affects the price?
- Duration: Longer hires almost always work out cheaper per week — an 8 to 12 week renovation hire is priced more keenly than a 2 week emergency one. Always ask about long-term rates.
- Power type: Electric-only units are generally a little cheaper than gas or dual-fuel, because they do not need a Gas Safe engineer for connection. See our gas vs electric comparison →.
- Location and distance: Providers further from you may add a delivery surcharge — often around £1 to £2 per mile beyond their base area.
- Season: Summer is peak renovation season, so prices can be slightly higher between roughly May and September.
- Specification: A pod with a full oven costs more than one with just a microwave and hob.
- Access: Difficult access (narrow driveways, steps, no hard standing) may add to delivery costs.
What you typically get even in a basic domestic pod: a 2- or 4-burner hob, a microwave or oven, a fridge (often a fridge-freezer), a sink with hot and cold running water, worktop space, lighting and sockets, and a weatherproof exterior. Premium pods add a full oven, dishwasher, extractor fan, and more worktop. Remember that hire is only one line in the overall project budget — other costs such as council tax during a major renovation can add up too, especially if the property stands empty.
Commercial Temporary Kitchen Costs
Commercial temporary kitchens are a different category entirely. These are professional-grade facilities designed to serve hundreds or thousands of meals per day.
Modular Cabin Kitchen Pre-built units craned into position. The most common commercial option.
- Typical cost: £500-£3,000 per week
- Capacity: 200-800 meals per day
- Setup: 1-2 days
- Crane access required
Trailer Kitchen Towable units on a chassis. Popular for events and multi-site operations.
- Typical cost: £500-£2,500 per week
- Capacity: 100-500 meals per day
- No crane needed — towed into position
- Some providers offer rent-to-buy on trailers
Container Kitchen Converted shipping containers. Can operate fully off-grid.
- Typical cost: £600-£4,000 per week
- Capacity: 200-600 meals per day
- Self-contained: built-in generators, water tanks, waste systems
- Ideal for remote sites and emergency deployments
Lorry Kitchen Full 40ft articulated trailer kitchens. Maximum capacity.
- Typical cost: £2,000-£5,000+ per week
- Capacity: 500-2,000+ meals per day
- No crane needed — drives to site
- Requires significant space
Marquee Kitchen Temporary kitchen facilities within marquee structures.
- Typical cost: £1,000-£5,000+ per week
- Capacity: Variable — can be configured to almost any scale
- Flexible sizing and layout
- Weather-dependent
Flat Pack Kitchen Modular panels carried through doorways and assembled on site.
- Typical cost: £800-£3,500 per week
- Capacity: 200-600 meals per day
- Solves access problems — no crane needed, fits through standard doors
- Assembly: 1-2 days
Commercial installations often carry extra costs the headline rate does not include — a site survey and groundwork (£500–£2,000), a 3-phase electrical connection if the site lacks one (£1,000–£3,000), and ongoing servicing of gas appliances and extraction. Always get at least three quotes; a longer contract (say a 6-month school refurbishment) is typically 30–40% cheaper per week than a short emergency hire.
What Is Included in the Price?
This varies by provider, but a comprehensive hire package typically includes:
- The kitchen unit itself with all standard equipment
- Delivery and collection
- Installation and connection to utilities
- Equipment — cooking, refrigeration, and preparation equipment
- Ongoing maintenance during the hire period
- Decommission and removal at the end of hire
Some providers charge separately for:
- Site survey — especially for commercial installations
- CAD design for complex setups
- Utility connections — gas, electric, water, drainage hookups
- Deep cleaning at the end of hire
- Extended maintenance or 24/7 support
Always ask what is included before agreeing to a price. The cheapest headline quote is not always the cheapest total cost.
Insurance Claims: Will I Pay Anything?
If you are claiming on your home insurance, you may pay nothing at all. Many providers invoice the insurer directly. See our full guide on insurance and temporary kitchens.
How to Get the Best Price
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly between providers. Our quote service connects you with multiple matched providers so you can compare.
Book early. If you know your renovation dates in advance, booking 2-4 weeks ahead often secures better rates and guaranteed availability.
Ask about long-term rates. Hiring for 8-12 weeks? Most providers offer discounted weekly rates for longer hires. Always ask.
Check what is included. A quote that includes delivery, installation, and collection is worth more than a cheaper quote that charges separately for each.
Consider the type carefully. Do not pay for more kitchen than you need. A compact pod is perfectly adequate for a couple. A family of five might need the larger unit.
Get a Quote Now
Stop guessing. Get free, no-obligation quotes from temporary kitchen providers matched to your exact situation. Whether domestic or commercial, we will connect you with providers who can help — with real pricing, not "call for a quote."