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 — here is what to expect:
Driveway Kitchen Pod (Large) A full-size kitchen unit placed on your driveway. Includes fridge-freezer, oven/hob, microwave, kettle, toaster, sink, and worktop.
- Typical cost: £80-£200 per week
- Minimum hire: Usually 2-4 weeks
- Delivery and collection: Often included, sometimes £100-£200 extra
- Setup: Usually included — most providers handle all connections
Driveway Kitchen Pod (Compact) A smaller unit for tighter spaces or smaller households.
- Typical cost: £50-£150 per week
- Minimum hire: Usually 2-4 weeks
- Generally slightly cheaper than large pods due to smaller footprint
Indoor Capsule Kitchen Installed inside your home — no driveway needed.
- Typical cost: £80-£180 per week
- Minimum hire: Usually 2 weeks
- No driveway or outdoor space required
- Setup time: approximately 2 hours
Important note: Most domestic providers quote individually rather than publishing fixed prices. The figures above are based on our market research across UK providers. Your actual quote will depend on your location, hire duration, and specific requirements.
What affects the price?
- Location: Providers further from your area may charge more for delivery
- Duration: Longer hires often get better weekly rates
- Season: Summer is peak renovation season — prices may be slightly higher
- 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
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
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."