How do I set up a temporary kitchen during my Toronto reno?

Setting up a temporary kitchen during a renovation is all about planning ahead — most Toronto homeowners underestimate how long they'll be without a functional cooking space, and a little preparation makes a huge difference in livability.

The first thing to figure out is your timeline. A typical Toronto kitchen renovation runs 3–6 weeks for a mid-range project, and up to 8–12 weeks if you're moving walls, upgrading electrical panels, or waiting on custom cabinetry (which is common right now given supply chain lead times). That's a long time to rely on takeout alone, so setting up a proper temporary kitchen is worth the effort.

Choosing your temporary space is the most important decision. Most homeowners repurpose a dining room, basement, or even a garage. You'll want a space with at least one electrical outlet (ideally on its own circuit), good ventilation, and proximity to a sink — a bathroom or laundry room sink works fine for washing dishes and food prep. Avoid running extension cords across high-traffic areas, and never daisy-chain power bars for appliances like microwaves or toasters — this is a fire hazard and violates Ontario's Electrical Safety Code.

For appliances, a practical temporary kitchen setup typically includes a microwave ($80–$200 to buy, or rent one), a two-burner induction cooktop ($60–$150), a mini fridge ($150–$300), and a countertop toaster oven ($50–$150). Induction cooktops are ideal because they're safer around dust and debris, energy efficient, and don't require a gas hookup. Total setup cost usually runs $300–$700 if you're purchasing, less if you already own some of these items.

Dish washing is the part most people don't think about until it's a problem. A large plastic storage bin works as a makeshift wash basin — fill it with soapy water, use a second bin for rinsing. Paper plates and compostable cutlery can reduce the burden significantly for the first few weeks.

Toronto-Specific Considerations

If your renovation involves disconnecting your gas range, that work must be done by a TSSA-licensed gas technician — this is not a DIY task in Ontario. Similarly, if your contractor is moving or upgrading electrical for the new kitchen, any new circuits require an ESA permit and inspection. Make sure your contractor is pulling those permits through the City of Toronto Building Division (toronto.ca/building) — it protects you when you sell.

If you're in a condo, check with your building management before setting up any cooking appliances in alternate spaces — some buildings restrict open-element cooking outside of designated kitchen areas.

Making It Work Day-to-Day

Keep your temporary setup stocked with easy-prep staples: canned goods, pasta, rice, and frozen meals. Invest in a good cooler or mini fridge with a freezer compartment. Many Toronto homeowners also lean on meal prep services or local restaurants during reno season — there's no shame in it, and it keeps stress levels manageable when the project hits inevitable delays.

Your next step is to map out your temporary kitchen location before demolition starts — ideally the week before your contractor begins. Have your appliances in place and your dish-washing station set up so Day 1 of demo doesn't leave you scrambling. Browse licensed kitchen renovation contractors in our directory at Toronto Construction Network to find professionals who can give you a realistic project timeline and help you plan accordingly.