Life during renovation: how to set up a temporary kitchen in a Toronto apartment

Living without a fully functional kitchen in a Toronto apartment can feel daunting—especially when space is at a premium. Yet with thoughtful planning and a few key temporary workstations, you can maintain cooking, meal prep, and cleanup without constant takeout runs. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating a temporary kitchen in a Toronto apartment mid-renovation, including appliance options, layout tweaks, waste management, and tips to minimize disruption.

1. Plan Ahead: Assess Your Apartment & Timeline

1. Determine Project Scope & Duration
   • Scope: Are you gutting every cabinet or just replacing countertops? If plumbing is being relocated, you may lose sink access completely.
   • Timeline: If your renovation spans 4–8 weeks, invest more in a comfortable temporary setup. For shorter, cosmetic refreshes (1–2 weeks), you can simplify.
2. Identify Available Spaces
   • Kitchen Adjacent Areas: Living room, dining nook, or even a bedroom corner may serve as your pop-up cooking zone. In a small 500 ft² Toronto studio or one-bedroom, dedicate an 8 ft² corner, ideally near an existing outlet.
   • Balcony or Hallway? For very small units, consider a covered balcony (weather permitting) as a staging area for non-electric prep like chopping, while keeping hot plates indoors.
3. Secure Necessary Permissions
   • In some Toronto apartment buildings, running extension cords or using propane cooking devices can violate fire codes.
   • Check with your property manager or condo board about any restrictions on temporary cooking equipment. Ensure any appliances are CSA-approved and that you have working smoke and CO detectors.

2. Establish Core Zones: Cooking, Prep, and Cleanup

2.1 Cooking Zone

1. Electric Hot Plate or Portable Induction Cooktop
   • Electric Hot Plate: $30–$60 from Canadian Tire or Walmart, 1–2 burners. Pros: inexpensive, plug into a standard 120V outlet. Cons: slower heat time, uneven temperature.
   • Induction Cooktop: $100–$200 from Best Buy or Amazon.ca. Pros: Heats quickly, precise temperature control, safer (cool-to-touch surface). Requires a compatible induction-ready pan (magnetic base).
   • Placement: Set on a sturdy, flat surface—such as a folding table with a heat-resistant top. Place near an outlet to avoid extension cords running across walkways.
2. Small Electric Grill or Panini Press
   • Avoid open-flame devices. A small indoor grill (e.g., George Foreman) can double as a griddle. Expect $40–$80. Use for grilled sandwiches, burgers, or searing vegetables.
3. Microwave & Toaster Oven Combo
   • Invest $80–$150 in a compact toaster oven that can bake, broil, and toast. Combined with a basic microwave ($70–$100), you’ll cover most cooking tasks. Place them side by side on a stable cart.

2.2 Prep & Counter Space

1. Folding Tables & Utility Carts
   • A 4′-wide folding table ($30–$50 at Walmart or Amazon) provides ample prep space. Cover with butcher-block-pattern contact paper or a clean cutting board.
   • A rolling utility cart ($50–$100 from IKEA or Home Depot) can hold your microwave/toaster oven, and double as a prep surface. Ensure it has locking wheels to prevent sliding.
2. Portable Cutting Board & Collapsible Sink Basin
   • A 18″ × 12″ cutting board ($15 at Daiso or Kitchen Stuff Plus) that fits over your temporary table.
   • Use a collapsible silicone basin ($10–$20) for washing fruits, vegetables, and utensils—set inside your bathroom sink to avoid clogging your main sink if it’s out of service.

2.3 Cleanup Zone

1. Bathroom Sink Washing Station
   • Keep a dish rack (folding or over-the-sink style—$15–$25) in your bathroom for drying.
   • Use biodegradable dish soap to reduce plumbing strain. Recycle rinse water by using it to flush toilets if necessary.
2. Garbage & Recycling Organization
   • Set up separate bins: one for general waste (small lined bin, $10–$15) and one stackable bin for recyclables ($10). Clearly label them to avoid confusion.
   • If space is tight, hang a small cloth bag on the side of a cart for compostable scraps—empty into your building’s green bins daily.

3. Equip Yourself: Essential Temporary Kitchen Tools

1. Minimal Cookware Set
   • One medium-size pot (2–3 L) and one non-stick pan (8–10″) suffice. Purchase a basic induction-compatible set if using an induction cooktop ($50–$80 at Canadian Tire).
   • A kettle or electric water boiler ($25–$40) for tea, pasta, and soups.
2. Basic Utensils & Dishware
   • One chef’s knife, one paring knife, a set of mixing bowls (nesting plastic bowls, $20).
   • Lightweight, unbreakable plates and bowls (melamine or bamboo fiber—$20–$30 for a set) to minimize risk of broken dishes.
3. Food Storage & Organization
   • Airtight containers (various sizes—$20 for a 10-piece set at IKEA) for prepped ingredients.
   • Resealable bags or silicone reusable bags ($15–$25) for leftovers.
4. Cleaning Supplies
   • Microfiber cloths (pack of 6 for $15), dish gloves ($5), dish brush ($5).
   • Multi-surface cleaner safe for your apartment finishes ($6).

4. Menu Planning: Simplify Meals to Fit Your Setup

1. One-Pot or One-Pan Meals
   • Pasta & Sauce: Boil pasta in your pot; drain and make sauce in the same pot to reduce cleanup.
   • Stir-Fries: Use your pan for sautéing protein and veggies; serve over pre-cooked rice (microwaveable pouches, $2–$3 each).
   • Soups & Stews: One pot is all you need. A lentil or vegetable soup requires minimal ingredients and equipment.
2. No-Cook or Minimal-Cook Options
   • Salads & Grain Bowls: Pre-cooked grains (quinoa or rice from grocery hot bars) combined with fresh veggies and a simple dressing.
   • Sandwiches & Wraps: Use a toaster oven to grill or toast. Pre-sliced deli meats, cheeses, and pre-washed greens ease prep.
3. Batch Prep for Freezing
   • When you do use a full stove or oven before demo begins, cook large batches of chili or casseroles. Portion into microwavable containers ($10 for 6-pack), freeze, and use as quick meals during the messiest phase.

5. Safety & Ventilation Considerations

1. Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms
   • Confirm that your existing detectors are in working order. A small toaster oven or hot plate can still generate smoke in a cramped loft. Consider adding a plug-in smoke alarm ($20) if your building’s unit lacks one.
2. Ventilation Alternatives
   • If your range hood is disabled, open windows when cooking to disperse fumes. Use a small box fan ($30) pointed out a window to pull air out.
   • Avoid frying or cooking high-smoke foods; opt for steaming or boiling.
3. Electrical Load Management
   • Don’t overload a single circuit. If you run a toaster oven and induction cooktop simultaneously, you risk tripping breakers. Use a power bar with surge protection ($20) and plug high-draw appliances into separate outlets.

6. Minimizing Disruption: Damage Prevention & Daily Cleanup

1. Protect Floors & Nearby Areas
   • Lay down inexpensive paper runner rolls ($20 for 200 ft) or cheap drop cloths from Home Depot under your temporary setup to catch spills and crumbs.
   • In a Toronto loft with polished concrete or hardwood, precious flooring can be scratched by folding chairs or rolling carts—place rubber furniture pads under all legs.
2. Daily End-of-Day Cleanup
   • After each meal, wipe down all surfaces, wash dishes, and collapse any folding tables. Keeping your temporary zone tidy prevents grease/mold buildup and makes final cleanup easier.
   • Empty bathroom sink basin and rinse leftover constructs into the toilet to avoid sink clogs.
3. Contain Dust & Debris
   • During framing or demolition, close plastic zip walls or door coverings to keep debris from migrating into your living space.
   • Schedule kitchen demolition on days when you can stay with a friend or work remotely to avoid chronic dust exposure in your living area.

7. Transitioning Back: Restoring Your Full Kitchen

1. Coordinate Timing of Temporary Take-Down
   • Only remove your pop-up kitchen once permanent cabinetry and countertops are in place, and your new sink and appliances are fully hooked up.
   • Plan with your contractor: have final plumbing and electrical hookups scheduled immediately after counters and cabinets are set—this narrows the gap between temporary and permanent kitchens.
2. Final Cleanup & Inspection
   • Wipe down brand-new surfaces immediately to remove any leftover construction dust.
   • Inspect all appliances for proper operation—run water through new faucets and test all burners to catch any installation issues early.
3. Donate or Repurpose Temporary Items
   • If your folding table and utility cart are in good condition, donate them to Toronto Goodwill or a local reuse center.
   • Reuse your collapsible sink basin for camping or outdoor events; package leftover sealed containers for donation to shelters.

8. Toronto-Specific Resources & Considerations

1. Rental Equipment & Tools
   • Home Depot Keele or Burnhamthorpe: Short-term rental of folding tables, utility carts, and propane-free hot plates.
   • TSC (Tractor Supply Co.): Occasionally stocks induction cooktops and collapsible goods that suit small Toronto units.
2. Local PeaK & Standard Work Hours
   • Many contractors in Toronto charge after-hours premiums. Schedule any partial kitchen setup (like hooking up an induction cooktop) during regular work hours (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm) to avoid extra fees.
   • If you live in a quiet-zone building, beware of noise restrictions after 7 pm or on weekends; power tools may need to be silenced or delayed until allowed times.
3. Neighbour Considerations
   • Let adjacent neighbours know about your temporary kitchen activities—especially if they entail window ventilation or small fans.
   • If you share a hallway or common area for waste removal, coordinate trash and recycling pickup times to minimize obstruction.

9. Budgeting Your Temporary Kitchen

• If you already own some items (cutting boards, a kettle, mixing bowls), costs will be lower.
• Consider borrowing or renting a microwave from a friend or building’s amenity room to reduce expenses.

10. Final Tips for a Smoother Renovation Experience

1. Communicate Early & Often
   • Inform roommates, neighbours, or family of your renovation schedule and temporary kitchen arrangement. Clear communication reduces frustration.
2. Keep It Simple
   • Resist the urge to replicate your full kitchen experience; prioritize basic meals, and embrace simple one-pot recipes.
   • Use grocery delivery services (e.g., Instacart, Zehrs On Demand) to minimize foot traffic while navigating a disorganized apartment.
3. Stay Organized & Adaptable
   • Store all cooking tools in a clear plastic bin; label it “Temporary Kitchen” so you can locate items quickly.
   • Expect some hiccups—missing a spatula or accidentally plugging into the wrong outlet—so maintain patience and flexibility.
4. Plan Meals Strategically
   • Map out a weekly menu that relies on “no-cook” nights, leftovers, and communal meals with friends. Host a potluck at a friend’s place a few times to give your kitchen a break.
5. Enjoy the Process
   • While inconvenient, a temporary kitchen phase often marks exciting change. Use this time to try new simple recipes—grilled sandwich nights, salad bar dinners, or sushi rolls made on your table. Celebrate small victories, like mastering pasta on a hot plate or perfecting an omelet in a single pan.

Living through a kitchen renovation in a Toronto apartment doesn’t have to mean living on takeout alone. By carving out functional cooking, prep, and cleanup zones—using portable induction cooktops, folding tables, and smart organization—you can maintain reasonable meal routines even when your cabinetry and appliances are in flux. With thoughtful budgeting, respect for building rules, and a focus on essential tools, you’ll navigate the dusty, noisy weeks ahead with confidence—and return to a beautifully updated kitchen knowing you made it work every step of the way.