Temporary kitchen during renovation: what do you need as a minimum?
A temporary kitchen during renovation works perfectly in most cases with two basic appliances: a portable electric hob and a mini oven. Together they replace the vast majority of what a regular kitchen does — cooking, baking, reheating — and they require no fixed connection.
The big advantage over takeaway: you stay in control of what you eat and spend, even if the renovation runs weeks longer than planned. This article focuses on the hob. Looking to choose a mini oven for your temporary kitchen as well? That page gives you an overview of all available models.
Which hob suits a temporary kitchen during renovation?
The two most common questions when setting up a temporary kitchen are: how much power do I need, and which type of hob should I choose? The answer depends on three things: how many people you cook for, which circuit is available, and how long the renovation will last.
1500W or 2500W?
A 1500W hob is suitable for one or two people: soup, pasta, stir-frying — it handles all of that with ease. If you cook for a family or want to work faster, a double hob with 2500W offers greater flexibility. You can then boil a pot of water and make a sauce at the same time — just as you are used to.
Do check which circuit you are using in the temporary space. A 2500W hob draws around 11 amperes at full load — that fits on a standard 16A circuit, but not always alongside a kettle or other appliances on the same circuit.
Induction or ceramic/electric?
Induction heats faster and is safer because the surface itself stays cool — an advantage in a temporary space without child safety features. Ceramic and electric hobs work with any type of pan, including older aluminium pans. Induction requires pans with a magnetic base.
How much space does a temporary kitchen need?
Less than most people expect. A single hob is approximately 28 × 28 cm and fits on any worktop, desk or kitchen trolley. A double hob takes up just over 70 × 30 cm — comparable to a small chopping board surface. Combine it with a mini oven next to it or on top on a sturdy shelf, and you have a fully functional temporary kitchen in less than one linear metre.
Do make sure there is adequate ventilation and a flat, heat-resistant surface to place it on. A temporary kitchen in a utility room, garage or bedroom works excellently, as long as there is a power socket nearby.
Comparison table: which hob for which temporary kitchen during renovation?
| Situation | Recommended type | Power | Number of people | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single person or couple, short renovation | Single hob | 1500W | 1–2 | Compact, lightweight, economical to run |
| Family or longer renovation | Double hob | 2500W | 2–4 | Two rings at once, faster cooking |
| Small temporary space (bedroom, garage) | Single induction hob | 1500W | 1–2 | Cool surface, safe without extractor fan |
| Fully functional temporary kitchen | Double hob + mini oven | 2500W + oven | 2–5 | Replaces almost the entire kitchen function |
What is more practical: a fixed or portable setup?
For a temporary kitchen lasting a few weeks, a portable hob is the preferred choice: no installation, no fixed wiring, and after the renovation simply store it away or use it elsewhere. Most compact hobs weigh between 1.5 and 3 kg and are easy to move around.
If you want to keep using the hob afterwards — at a campsite, in a garden kitchen or as an extra ring — a double hob is the most versatile investment. You pay once and use it across multiple situations.
How long does it take on average to cook with a temporary kitchen?
A portable 1500W hob brings a litre of water to the boil in approximately 7 to 9 minutes, depending on the starting temperature of the water. With 2500W and two rings going simultaneously, you achieve cooking times comparable to a fixed kitchen. The difference from a professional cooker is negligible for home use.
Combine the hob with a fan-assisted mini oven and you can roast vegetables and cook pasta at the same time — a realistic daily routine, even during a renovation lasting several months.
Practical tips for a safe temporary kitchen
- Never use a multi-socket extension lead for a 2500W hob — plug it directly into the wall socket.
- Place the hob on a heat-resistant surface, not on a wooden table or laminate without protection.
- Ventilate the room well: cooking releases steam and odours that can otherwise cause moisture problems.
- Store the hob upright when not in use so the surface does not get scratched.
- Check the circuit beforehand: know which other appliances share the same circuit to avoid overloading it.
Which bakeVIA hob suits a temporary kitchen during renovation?
bakeVIA sells two models that are both suitable as a temporary kitchen solution. The single 1500W hob is compact and lightweight — ideal for one or two people who need to manage without a fixed kitchen for a few weeks. The double 2500W hob provides two rings and more power, and is better suited to families or longer renovation projects.
Not sure which model best fits your situation? Check the full overview on the hobs page and compare the specifications side by side. bakeVIA sells these models directly through the webshop.