Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
You'll be without your kitchen for 6-12 weeks. A well-planned temporary kitchen makes the difference between surviving your remodel and truly suffering through it.
Quick Summary
2-3 hours
$50-$300
6-12 weeks
1-2 days before demo
Why a Temporary Kitchen Matters
Eating out gets expensive fast
A family of four eating takeout for 8 weeks can easily spend $3,000-$5,000 on food. A $200 investment in temporary kitchen equipment pays for itself in the first week. Plus, you'll eat healthier and maintain some normalcy during a chaotic time.
Most homeowners underestimate how long they'll be without a kitchen. Even after cabinets are installed, you're still waiting for countertops (2-3 weeks), plumbing and electrical hookups, and final inspections. Plan for your temporary kitchen to be your primary cooking space for the full duration of your project.
Essential Equipment
Must-Haves
- Microwave
Your primary cooking appliance. Use the one from your old kitchen or buy/borrow one.
- Mini fridge or large cooler
4-5 cubic feet is ideal. Consider renting if you don't want to buy.
- Electric kettle
For coffee, tea, oatmeal, instant soup, and boiling water for recipes.
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot
Makes real meals with minimal effort. Instant Pot is more versatile.
Nice to Have
- Toaster oven
Better than microwave for reheating pizza, making toast, small baking.
- Portable induction burner
For cooking that needs a stovetop. Requires induction-compatible pans.
- Electric griddle
Pancakes, grilled cheese, eggs, bacon - breakfast becomes possible.
- Air fryer
Makes crispy food without needing your oven.
Watch your electrical load
Most outlets are on 15-amp circuits. A microwave alone can draw 12-15 amps. Never run a microwave and toaster oven on the same circuit simultaneously, or you'll trip the breaker. Spread appliances across multiple circuits.
Choosing the Right Location
The ideal temporary kitchen location has water access, adequate electrical capacity, and is separated from the construction zone. Here are your best options:
Laundry Room
Best option if large enough. Has water access (utility sink), usually on a separate electrical circuit, and is close to the kitchen area but can be closed off from dust.
Dining Room
Often adjacent to the kitchen with good electrical access. No water, so you'll need to use a bathroom or laundry sink for filling pots and washing. Easy to set up.
Garage
Great if climate-controlled. Plenty of space, easy cleanup, completely separated from living areas. May need extension cords (use heavy-duty outdoor rated). Watch for pests if food is stored here.
Basement
Works well if finished and has water access. Keep appliances away from any moisture. May have limited electrical outlets. Good separation from construction noise.
Spare Bedroom
Use only as a last resort. Cooking odors will linger in carpet and soft furnishings. No water access. However, it keeps you on a different floor from construction.
Setting Up Your Space
Set Up a Work Surface
You need counter space for food prep and appliances. A 6-foot folding table works well. Cover it with a waterproof tablecloth for easy cleanup. Leave room for cutting boards and prep work.
Work Surface Options
- 6-foot folding table ($40-60 at big box stores)
- Portable kitchen island on wheels
- Card table plus a separate appliance table
- Desk or console table from another room
Position Appliances Safely
Place heat-producing appliances (toaster oven, Instant Pot) away from walls and with adequate ventilation. Don't stack appliances. Plug heavy-draw items (microwave, toaster) into different outlets or circuits.
Create a Dish Washing Station
Set up two plastic dish bins near a bathroom or laundry sink. One for soapy wash water, one for rinse water. Keep dish soap, sponge, and drying rack nearby. Change the water after each meal.
Simplify: Use disposable plates and utensils for most meals. Save washing for pots, pans, and reusable water bottles. Your sanity is worth the environmental trade-off for a few weeks.
Organize Your Supplies
Bring only what you'll actually use: a few plates, bowls, cups, basic utensils, one pot, one pan, essential spices, and pantry staples. Store everything in clear bins for easy access.
Set Up Trash and Recycling
Have a designated trash bin with lid near your temporary kitchen. Empty it more frequently than usual—food waste in a bedroom or living area attracts pests. Consider a small compost container with a tight seal.
Meal Planning Strategies
The key to surviving without a kitchen is having a plan. Here's how to eat well with limited equipment:
Breakfast Ideas
- Overnight oats (no cooking)
- Yogurt parfaits
- Electric griddle eggs
- Instant oatmeal (kettle)
- Toaster oven bagels
- Smoothies (blender)
Lunch Ideas
- Sandwiches and wraps
- Salads (pre-washed greens)
- Soup (microwave or kettle)
- Hummus plates
- Cheese and crackers
- Leftovers from dinner
Dinner Ideas
- Slow cooker meals
- Instant Pot one-pots
- Rotisserie chicken + sides
- Rice cooker meals
- Microwave steamed veggies
- Grilled cheese (griddle)
Pantry Staples for Temporary Kitchen
- Canned beans and chickpeas
- Canned soups and broths
- Pasta and jarred sauce
- Rice and quinoa
- Nut butters
- Bread and tortillas
- Cereal and granola
- Instant oatmeal packets
- Olive oil and vinegar
- Salt, pepper, basic spices
- Coffee and tea
- Snack bars and nuts
Survival Tips From Homeowners
Budget for More Takeout
Even with a well-stocked temporary kitchen, plan to eat out 2-3 times per week. You'll have days when construction stress makes cooking feel impossible. Budget an extra $200-400/month for food during your remodel.
Make Friends with Your Grill
If you have an outdoor grill, it becomes your best friend. You can cook almost anything on a grill: meats, vegetables, even pizza on a stone. Plus it keeps cooking smells outside.
Batch Cook on Weekends
Spend Sunday afternoon making 2-3 big batch meals in the slow cooker or Instant Pot. Portion into containers and reheat during the week. This saves daily cooking stress.
Keep Coffee Equipment Accessible
Don't pack your coffee maker with the kitchen items! Having your morning coffee routine intact provides a small sense of normalcy during an otherwise chaotic time.
Consider Meal Kit Services
Services like HelloFresh or Blue Apron can simplify meal planning. Many recipes work with just a hot plate or Instant Pot. The pre-portioned ingredients also reduce food waste when you have limited storage.
What to Keep vs. Pack Away
Keep Accessible
- 4-6 plates, bowls, cups
- Basic utensils (forks, spoons, knives)
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef's knife
- 1 pot, 1 pan
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Can opener
- Essential spices
- Coffee/tea supplies
- Dish soap and sponge
Pack Away
- Extra dishes and servingware
- Specialty appliances you won't use
- Bakeware (unless you have an oven)
- Fine china and glassware
- Bulk pantry items
- Cookbooks
- Decorative items
- Specialty gadgets
- Extra towels and linens
- Items for the donation pile
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I need a temporary kitchen during a remodel?
A typical full kitchen remodel takes 6-12 weeks. Plan for your temporary kitchen to be operational for the entire duration. Even after cabinets are installed, you may wait 2-3 additional weeks for countertops, plumbing hookups, and final inspections before your kitchen is fully functional again.
What appliances do I need for a temporary kitchen?
Essential appliances include: a microwave (for most cooking), mini fridge or large cooler (for cold storage), electric kettle (for boiling water), and either a slow cooker, Instant Pot, or portable induction burner (for hot meals). A toaster oven can replace the microwave for many tasks and produces better results for reheating.
Where is the best place to set up a temporary kitchen?
The best locations have access to water and adequate electrical outlets. Top choices are: 1) Laundry room - has water access and is often near the kitchen, 2) Dining room - close to the kitchen but separated from dust, 3) Garage - plenty of space and easy cleanup, 4) Basement - if finished and has water access. Avoid bedrooms unless necessary, as cooking odors linger.
How can I wash dishes without a kitchen sink?
Use two plastic dish bins - one for soapy water, one for rinsing - set up near a bathroom or laundry sink for filling and draining. Alternatively, use disposable plates, cups, and utensils to minimize washing. If your project is long, consider paper plates for meals and wash only cooking equipment and reusable water bottles.