Plug In, Cook On: 5 Realistic Ways to Keep Mealtimes Running During a Kitchen Renovation

Renovating your kitchen? It's an exciting milestone — but once the fridge is unplugged and the oven's out of reach, daily life can quickly turn upside down.

For families, especially, mealtimes become a challenge: takeaways every night? Cold cereal for dinner? Piles of washing up in the bathroom?

Luckily, you've got options. Here are five realistic ways to keep cooking through the chaos — and why a Plug-In Kitchen trailer might be the smartest investment for your sanity and your wallet.

1. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen in Another Room

How it works: Grab a table, extension lead, and set up your kettle, toaster, microwave, and maybe a camping hob in a spare room or garage.

Pros:
• No extra cost
• Keeps you indoors
• Quick and flexible
Cons:
• No sink or hot water
• Prep and clean-up are awkward
• Limited cooking options (think toasties and noodles)

2. Cook Outdoors (Weather Permitting!)

How it works: A barbecue or camping stove in the garden can give you a bit of cooking power when the kitchen's offline.

Pros:
• Great for summer projects
• Feels fun and flexible
Cons:
• Not suitable for bad weather or winter
• Still no sink or fridge
• Cooking becomes a chore in the cold/dark

3. Batch Cook Before Renovation Starts

How it works: Fill your freezer with homemade meals like pasta bakes, soups, and casseroles. Then reheat with a microwave or slow cooker.

Pros:
• Saves money and time
• Reduces mess
Cons:
• Requires freezer space
• Gets boring fast
• Still no hot water for washing up

4. Use Meal Delivery or Takeaways

How it works: Order pre-made meals, meal kits, or nightly takeaways to avoid using a kitchen altogether.

Pros:
• Minimal effort
• No dishes or appliances needed
Cons:
• Gets expensive very quickly
• Not always healthy or family-friendly
• Doesn't solve the problem of breakfast/lunch needs

Cost Breakdown:
For a family of 5 ordering takeaway 7 nights a week:
Average cost: £50–£60 per night
Weekly cost: £350–£420

That's £1,400+ a month on top of the new kitchen!

5. Hire a Fully Equipped Mobile Kitchen Trailer

How it works: We deliver a temporary kitchen trailer to your driveway — fully equipped with an oven, hob, hot water, fridge/freezer, sink, storage, and lighting.

Pros:
• Cook full family meals as usual
• Hot water for dishes and handwashing
• Clean Clothes
• No takeaway bills or microwave dinners
• Perfect for extended renovations

Typical Cost:
From £250–£300 per week

Why More Families Are Choosing a Temporary Kitchen Rental from Plug-In Kitchen

Takeaways might seem like the easy option — but over time, they drain your budget which in turn add stress to everyday life.

A Plug-In Kitchen is a fully equipped mobile kitchen rental delivered to your home, offering:

• Cook full meals as normal, with oven and hob
• Sink, hot water, and worktop space
• Optional built-in washing machine
• No plumbing, no builders, no mess
• Stay at home, stay in control
• Flexible temporary kitchen hire from just one week

Whether you're planning a full kitchen renovation, recovering from a flood or fire, or arranging an insurance-covered kitchen, our mobile kitchen trailers keep life running smoothly.