Remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be a major inconvenience. One of the biggest challenges during a kitchen remodel is finding a way to continue cooking and preparing meals while your kitchen is out of commission. This is where a temporary kitchen comes in.
A temporary kitchen is a portable kitchen setup that allows you to continue cooking and preparing meals while your main kitchen is being remodeled. In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of setting up a temporary kitchen and provide tips on how to create a functional and efficient temporary kitchen during your remodel.
Why Set Up a Temporary Kitchen?
Convenience and Comfort
The most obvious benefit of setting up a temporary kitchen is the convenience and comfort it provides. Without a temporary kitchen, you may be forced to eat out or rely on takeout for every meal, which can quickly become expensive and unhealthy. Having a temporary kitchen allows you to continue cooking and preparing meals in the comfort of your own home.
Cost Savings
Eating out or ordering takeout for every meal can quickly add up and become a significant expense during a kitchen remodel. By setting up a temporary kitchen, you can save money on food costs and put that money towards your remodel budget instead.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
When you have a temporary kitchen, you have more control over the ingredients and cooking methods used in your meals. This allows you to maintain a healthy diet and avoid the temptation of unhealthy fast food options.
Keep Your Routine
Having a temporary kitchen allows you to maintain your daily routine and avoid the disruption of having to eat out or order takeout for every meal. This can be especially important for families with children or individuals with specific dietary needs.
How to Set Up a Temporary Kitchen
Choose a Location
The first step in setting up a temporary kitchen is choosing a location. This could be a spare room, a garage, or even an outdoor space if the weather permits. Consider the size of the space and how it will affect your cooking and meal preparation.
Gather Essential Appliances
Next, gather essential appliances for your temp kitchen. This may include a mini-fridge, microwave, toaster oven, and hot plate. These appliances are compact and can easily be stored away when not in use. Our favorite appliance is the Instant Pot. It has every feature necessary to cook any meal your family desires.
Stock Up on Non-Perishable Items
Since you won’t have access to your main kitchen, it’s important to stock up on non-perishable items that can be stored in your temporary kitchen. This includes items like canned goods, pasta, rice, and other pantry staples.
Invest in Disposable Plates and Utensils
To make clean-up easier, consider investing in disposable plates, utensils, and cups. This will save you time and effort in washing dishes in a temporary kitchen with limited resources.
Create a Meal Plan
Creating a meal plan is essential for a functional and efficient temporary kitchen. Plan out your meals for the week and make a grocery list of the ingredients you’ll need. This will help you stay organized and avoid multiple trips to the grocery store.
Set Up a Prep Station
In a temporary kitchen, counter space may be limited. To make meal prep easier, set up a designated prep station with a cutting board and knife. This will help keep your temporary kitchen organized and efficient.Pop up a card table and place a pretty tablecloth over it to recreate the feeling of your typical kitchen space.
Consider a Portable Sink
If your temporary kitchen is located in a space without access to a sink, consider investing in a portable sink. This will make clean-up easier and more convenient.
Don’t Forget About Storage
Storage can be a challenge in a temporary kitchen, especially if you’re used to having a fully stocked pantry and cabinets in your main kitchen. Consider investing in storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and baskets to keep your temporary kitchen organized and clutter-free. Amazon has a great rolling cart that is perfect for storing supplies in your temporary kitchen. Roll it out for dinner time and easily tuck it away once you’re finished. Here is a link to the cart!
Make Use of Outdoor Space
If the weather permits, consider setting up a temporary outdoor kitchen. This could include a grill, a portable stove, and a table for meal prep. This will give you more space and options for cooking and meal preparation.
Temporary Kitchen Setup Tips and Tricks
Keep it Simple
When it comes to cooking in a temporary kitchen, simplicity is key. Stick to easy and quick meals that require minimal ingredients and preparation. This will save you time and effort in your temporary kitchen.
Plan for Leftovers
When cooking in a temporary kitchen, it’s important to plan for leftovers. This will save you time and effort in cooking multiple meals in your temporary kitchen. Consider doubling recipes or making larger batches of meals that can be reheated for leftovers.
Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy
In a temporary kitchen, clean-up can be a bit more challenging. Keep cleaning supplies handy and clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end of the day.
Involve the Whole Family
Setting up a temporary kitchen can be a fun and unique experience for the whole family. Get everyone involved in meal planning and preparation to make the most of your temporary kitchen.
We’ve added some of our favorite crock pot recipes below! Hold tight, your kitchen will be back together, and looking better than ever, before you know it!!
