Renovation Secrets: How To Set Up A Temporary Kitchen

One of the biggest challenges in a renovation is living without anywhere to cook and dine while the builders do their thing. Costs can also blow out if you have to rent somewhere else while your dream cabinetry and appliances are being installed. But what if you didn’t have to move out? What if you could create a functional temporary kitchen that doesn’t cost a fortune, so you could still feed the family without the stress?

An army of hardworking small appliances will keep your mobile kitchen humming for school lunch prep, Taco Tuesdays and weekend roasts.Here’s how to put together the perfect makeshift kitchen:

#1 Pick A Spot For Your Temporary Kitchen

Access to electricity is the number one priority in a temporary kitchen. That makes the garage a solid location, as the set-up will be undercover, with a flat floor and ample space. A covered deck or a spacious laundry works, too.

One of the big challenges is access to running water, but you don’t need to plumb in a sink.  Interior designer Kelly Gerber, who spent months using a temporary kitchen while doing her own dream kitchen remodel, recommends keeping it simple with square buckets for washing up. “You can use the hose or outside tap to fill the bucket and then add hot water from the kettle,” says Kelly.

You’ll also need power boards and extension leads to keep your appliances running 24/7. “Buying quality leads and power boards with surge protection is important,” says Tracey Ellis, The Good Guys Buyer – Portable Appliances. “During renovations, the power is constantly being switched on and off, and this way you won’t risk damage to your appliances.”

#2 Equip Your Temporary Kitchen

Before renovating, you’ll need to pack up your current kitchen. But only bring the bare minimum, as storage will likely be tricky. “Appliances like toasters, kettles and microwaves are easy to move, but you might want to consider packing away your fancy versions and buy more practical ones that will stand up to outside use and builders dust,” suggests Kelly from Kelly Gerber Interiors.

Keeping food at the right temperature is also an important health and safety consideration. “Bar fridges are a great compact option for temporary kitchens where space is tight,” says Peter Simic, The Good Guys Buyer – Refrigeration. “If you’re thinking of installing an under-bench wine fridge in your dream reno, buy it early so you can use it in your mini mobile set-up.”

A coffee machine is another must-have, even in a makeshift kitchen. Why should you rough it? Save on space and keep you and your tradies happily caffeinated with a compact capsule coffee machine.

Shop Coffee Machines

Lavazza Jolie Plus Espresso Gun Metal

Nespresso DeLonghi Inissia Capsule Coffee Machine – Black

Nescafe Dolce Gusto Infinissima Capsule Machine – White

#3 Boost Bench Space With Compact Appliances

“Creating enough bench space is key to a stress-free temporary kitchen. When we were renovating, I used a trestle table to hold all the appliances and our dining table as the food-prep zone and eating area,” says Kelly.

While your real kitchen is a demolition zone, you’ll need an alternative to the built-in oven and cooktop. Air fryers and compact convection ovens  will serve you well, without stealing valuable work space. Choose a convection microwave, which defrosts, reheats, bakes, browns and roasts, and you’ll even manage the Sunday roast.

Shop Air Fryers

Panasonic 27L 1000W 3-in-1 Convection Oven S/Steel

Tefal Easy Fry Classic Air Fryer

Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill & Airfryer

#4 Get Cooking With Easy Appliances

Slow cookers, pressure cookers and multicookers practically do the cooking for you – everything from beef rendang to bourguignon – making them a must-have when you’re busy overseeing tradies. And don’t forget a multi-tasking electric frypan for steak and eggs, soup or Sunday morning pancakes. Look for appliances with a non-stick cooking surface – a lifesaver when you’re washing up in a bucket.

#5 Put Your Barbecue To Work

You only have to watch an episode of The Block to see how barbies are the real catering superstars in a reno. And if a barbecue is part of an outdoor kitchen, complete with sink and outdoor fridge, you’ve got your temporary kitchen right there! If you’re doing a larger-scale reno, consider building your outdoor kitchen first, so you’ve got your cooking and dining HQ sorted from the get-go.

Your kitchen renovation will be a smoother transition if you make some smart appliance choices and use these easy tips to set up a user-friendly, stress-free makeshift kitchen. Don’t forget Afterpay and interest-free finance are available at The Good Guys if you are working to a budget on your renovation.