June 14, 2025

How to Set Up a Temporary Indoor Kitchen During Renovation

Kitchen chaos during renovations? Don’t panic—your indoor cooking life isn’t over.
The short answer: carve out a clutter-free corner with smart gear, good storage, and a splash of creativity. From kettle dinners to using Outdoor Kitchens indoors, we’ve got hacks to keep you fed and sane.
Read on for the delicious details!

Why a Temporary Kitchen is Crucial During Renovation

Maintaining Daily Routines and Sanity

Ever tried pouring cereal into a coffee mug because your bowls were packed in a box labelled "Garden Shed – Maybe"?
When your kitchen’s off-limits, it’s easy to lose the rhythm of everyday life.
Setting up a temporary kitchen gives you structure—somewhere you can still make your morning brew or butter some toast without stepping over paint tins.
It's a small win, but one that makes a big difference.

Avoiding Constant Takeout Costs

The first few nights of takeaway feel like a treat.
By week two, you’re craving a home-cooked meal—and wondering where all your money went.
A microwave, a kettle, and a few cupboard staples can help you dodge the takeaway trap and save a small fortune.
Even a jacket potato from your toaster oven feels like a Michelin-star meal when you're in renovation survival mode.

Providing Familiarity Amidst Chaos

When the walls are being knocked down and there’s a skip in your driveway, a little normality goes a long way.
Having a kettle in reach, a place to chop an onion, or even a spot to hide the Hobnobs keeps your spirits high.
It’s your own slice of comfort in the middle of madness.

Minimising Disruption and Stress

Stress levels can rocket during a renovation—but your kitchen doesn’t have to add to the chaos.
A calm, designated space for cooking helps you feel in control.
And when everything else is in upheaval, that’s priceless.

Creating a Dedicated Cooking Zone

It doesn't need to be fancy.
Just a flat surface, a few appliances, and some order.
You’ll thank yourself later when you're not searching for tea bags in a box marked "Misc – definitely not kitchen."

Planning for Essential Meals

Think quick wins: breakfast, hot drinks, and hearty evening meals.
If you can master one-pot meals or keep a slow cooker bubbling quietly in the corner, you’re winning.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Temporary Kitchen

Ideal Spaces in Your Home

First step? Find a spot that’s out of the builder’s way, easy to clean, and not going to be knocked through next Tuesday.

Utility Room or Laundry Room

It already has plumbing, surfaces, and probably some peace and quiet.
Just move the fabric softener aside and get cooking.

Garage or Basement

If it’s dry and not too dusty, it’s a hidden gem.
Plus, there's usually space to spread out and store dry goods or appliances.

Dining Room or Spare Bedroom

Clear the table, plug in a kettle, and you’ve got a temporary café.
Even a sideboard can become a pantry with the right baskets.

Proximity to Utilities

Power and water are the holy grail of kitchen survival.

Access to Water and Drainage (e.g., Bathroom Sink)

Being near a bathroom means you’ve got running water for washing up, cooking, and cleaning.
A folding dish tub works wonders here.

Electrical Outlets and Circuit Capacity

Don’t overload the sockets—no one wants sparks flying during dinner prep.
Make sure the electrics can handle your hob, kettle, and microwave without tripping a fuse.

Essential Appliances and Equipment for Your Temporary Setup

Core Cooking Appliances

You don’t need your whole kitchen—just the essentials that work hard in small spaces.

Microwave: The Renovation Hero

From scrambled eggs to reheating leftovers, the microwave does it all.
Fast, easy, and safe for kids to use, too.

Toaster Oven or Air Fryer

They bake, grill, toast, and roast.
Perfect for small roasts or crisping up yesterday’s chips.

Electric Kettle and Coffee Maker

Non-negotiables.
The heart of every British kitchen—even a temporary one.

Portable Induction Hob or Electric Burner

Great for boiling pasta or making a stir fry.
Compact, quick, and surprisingly versatile.

Refrigeration and Food Storage

Mini-Fridge or Cooler

Store your basics: milk, butter, cheese, and maybe that leftover curry you’re saving for tomorrow.

Dedicated Pantry Space

Use shelves, stackable crates, or even a bookcase to store dry food, snacks, and tins.
Label everything for extra efficiency.

Dishwashing and Cleaning Solutions

Large Basin or Tub for Washing

If you're not near a sink, this becomes your best friend.
Wash, rinse, repeat.

Drying Rack and Dish Soap

Keep it simple: a basic rack, a sponge, and a bottle of washing-up liquid is all you need.

Setting Up Your Temporary Kitchen Workstation

Utilising Existing Surfaces

Don’t overcomplicate it.
Flat surfaces = functional kitchen.

Folding Tables or Card Tables

Lightweight, foldable, and perfect for meal prep or stacking appliances.

Bookshelves or Storage Units for Pantry Items

Repurpose what you have.
Pantry meets bookshelf—sorted.

Organisation and Storage

Plastic Bins and Containers

Group your items: breakfast in one, dinners in another, snacks in a third.
It keeps everything grab-and-go.

Hanging Organisers for Utensils

Use door hooks or over-the-door caddies.
Perfect for cutlery, tea towels, or that rogue bottle opener.

Waste Management

Dedicated Bins for Recycling and Rubbish

Keep two bins—label them clearly.
And empty them often, especially if you're cooking fish...

Meal Planning and Eating Strategies

Simple, One-Pot Meal Ideas

Think chilli, pasta, risotto, or stew.
Cook once, eat twice.

Relying on No-Cook or Minimal-Cook Meals

Wraps, sandwiches, couscous salads—meals you can throw together in five minutes flat.
Perfect when your brain’s fried from tile samples.

Disposable Plates and Cutlery (for Convenience)

Not the greenest choice, but during full-blown renovation?
They’ll save you sanity (and washing up).

Safety and Practical Considerations

Ventilation and Airflow

Crack a window or set up a fan if you’re using hot appliances.
Fresh air = fewer headaches.

Fire Safety (Extinguisher, Clearances)

Always keep an extinguisher nearby.
Check your plug-ins aren’t too close to curtains or cardboard boxes.

Child and Pet Safety in a Disrupted Home

Use gates, baby pens, or a firm “no” zone.
Curious toddlers and wagging tails don’t mix well with hot hobs.

Conclusion: Making Your Renovation Period More Manageable

A temporary kitchen might not have all the bells and whistles of your future dream space—but it keeps life ticking over.
By carving out a corner, using smart appliances, and planning meals you can actually cook, you’ll navigate the chaos with confidence.

In a few months, you’ll be back to your shiny new kitchen.
But until then, this mini kitchen might just surprise you—it’s practical, flexible, and entirely yours.
Who knew survival cooking could feel this satisfying?

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