How does a temporary kitchen work?

During kitchen refurbishment, emergencies, especially busy periods or on-location catering operations managers find they need to hire a temporary kitchen to expand capacity, replace an out of operation kitchen or create catering facilities for short periods where non have existed before.

Selecting and ordering a temporary kitchen can often seem daunting especially if it's an emergency and you need the kitchen up and running quickly.

What's the first step?

The first job is to track down a temporary kitchen hire company. An internet search should throw up some suitable options. Ring round a few companies and explain your situation and exactly what you want, they should be able to advise you. Familiarise yourself with the products. Some companies have online quote systems where you can type in what you want and get an instant idea of costs before you phone. Some have 'live chat' facilities for further advice while you're online.

Once you've found a suitable temporary kitchen hire company and made contact they will send someone out to your site to check for access and advise on siting. Make sure you tell the company if it's an emergency – a good company will respond accordingly and get someone over to you very quickly. There are companies around who can get kitchens up and running within hours of you first contacting them. It's no good choosing someone and then finding they can't deliver the kitchen when you want it.

What happens next?

After the site visit and confirmation of delivery date make sure you are clear about what you have to do to get ready for delivery. If you like you can leave it all to the kitchen hire company but you might be able to shave some off the overall cost of hire if you sort out some of the services yourself.

How does the kitchen get where you want it?

Usually the kitchen arrives on a lorry and is hoisted into position using a crane lift. You'll find this happens much quicker and easier than you imagined. There are videos on YouTube of temporary kitchens being manouvered into position. The professionals make it look so easy! Once in position the kitchen unit is levelled and checked for stability.

If you've ordered more than one unit this is the time they will be linked together to form a complete catering complex. Temporary catering units come in a variety of versions from kitchens, prep rooms, coldstores, dishwash rooms, washroom and even dining areas so the facilities can be put together to your exact specifications. There's a range of kitchen sizes on offer from ones catering to about 30 people per shift to huge ones capable of feeding 3,000 or more.

Will it work and is it safe?

Now it's in position you're nearly ready to go. All that remains is for the utilities to be connected and the service team to check through the equipment to ensure it is all working correctly. Full warranty is usually given by the temporary hire company. This is something to check on as different companies offer different degrees of warranty. Reputable kitchen hire companies will also ensure all their equipment conforms with current Health and Safety and Hygiene regulations.

All that's left to do is get in the kitchen and start cooking!