Reefer container
A plug-and-play cold store
A refrigerated container, or reefer, is a thermally insulated shipping container with a built-in refrigeration unit at one end. It holds whatever temperature you set, whether to freeze, chill or keep goods at a controlled temperature.
Away from the port it is used as a cold store in warehouses, farms, the food industry, restaurants and catering, events or pharmaceuticals. Simply position it and plug it in: no building work required. Available for sale or rental, new or used.
- Digital temperature control from -25 °C to +25 °C.
- Stainless steel or aluminium interior that is easy to clean.
- T-bar floor that lets cold air circulate beneath the load.
- Units from leading brands such as Carrier, Thermo King, Daikin and Star Cool.
- -25 / +25 °C
- Temperature range
- 10, 20 and 40 ft
- Sizes available
- Buy or rent
- Your choice
Refrigerated container dimensions
Because of the insulation and the refrigeration unit, a reefer has less internal space than a dry container of the same size. These are the usual dimensions:
| Container | External (L × W × H) | Approx. internal | Volume | Euro pallets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft refrigerated | 2.99 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 2.40 × 2.20 × 2.20 m | ~12 m³ | 4 |
| 20 ft refrigerated | 6.06 × 2.44 × 2.59 m | 5.44 × 2.29 × 2.27 m | ~28 m³ | 11 |
| 40 ft High Cube refrigerated | 12.19 × 2.44 × 2.89 m | 11.58 × 2.29 × 2.55 m | ~67 m³ | 24 |
Internal dimensions vary depending on the manufacturer of the refrigeration unit. Each container’s product page shows its specifications and payload.
How a refrigerated container works
Refrigeration unit and insulation
The unit, on the front wall, blows cold air along the container through the channels in the floor and draws it back across the top. The walls contain polyurethane panels that keep the temperature stable even when it is hot outside.
- Temperature logging for traceability.
- Adjustable fresh-air exchange for fruit and vegetables.
- Automatic evaporator defrost.
Power supply
It runs on three-phase power (usually 380–440 V) via an industrial CEE socket. Power consumption depends on the set temperature, the load and the climate; keeping the doors closed and placing it in the shade reduces it considerably.
- No building work: position it, plug it in and it runs.
- Can be moved if you change location.
- We advise you on the power supply you need.
Buy or rent a refrigerated container?
Rental
For a production peak, a harvest season, an event or while your cold room is being refurbished. You only pay for the time you use it, with no upfront investment. Find out more about container rental.
Purchase
If you need refrigeration all year round, buying usually works out cheaper than a built cold room: it is quicker, in most cases needs no building permit and holds its value if you ever sell it. An inspected used reefer is the most economical option.
Frequently asked questions about refrigerated containers
What is a reefer container?
“Reefer” is the industry name for a refrigerated container: an insulated shipping container with a built-in refrigeration unit that holds the set temperature, whether above or below zero.
What temperature can a refrigerated container reach?
The units we supply operate between -25 °C and +25 °C. They are suitable for frozen goods, chilled products and goods that need a stable temperature, such as fruit, chocolate or medicines.
How much power does a refrigerated container use?
It depends on the set temperature, the outside temperature, the load and how often the doors are opened. As a guide, a 20 ft unit uses considerably less power when chilling than when freezing. Placing it in the shade and avoiding long door openings reduces consumption.
What power supply does it need?
Three-phase power, usually between 380 and 440 V, with an industrial CEE socket. If there is no mains supply at your location, it can run on a generator.
Can a refrigerated container be used as a cold store?
Yes, it is one of its most common uses. It is a mobile cold room that needs no building work: it is placed on a level base, plugged in and reaches temperature within a few hours.
How many pallets fit in a refrigerated container?
A 20 ft holds about 11 Euro pallets and a 40 ft High Cube about 24, in a single layer. If you stack the load, capacity increases depending on pallet height.
Do used refrigerated containers work well?
Yes. Before delivery we check the refrigeration unit, insulation, seals and doors, and make sure the container reaches and holds temperature. They are the most economical way to get cold storage.
Can I rent a refrigerated container?
Yes, by the week or the month. It is the ideal option for harvest seasons, events or production peaks. For continuous use over several years, buying usually pays off.
More containers and services
Dry Containers
Standard dry cargo containers from 10 to 45 ft, new and used.
Learn more
Modified and modular units
Offices, toilet blocks, security cabins and container bars built on a container frame.
Learn more
Agricultural use and farms
Storage for tools, machinery, plant protection products or harvest on your farm or estate.
Learn more
Container rental
Containers for construction sites, events and temporary storage, for as long as you need.
Learn more
Container sales
Dry, High Cube, Open Top, Flat Rack and refrigerated containers, new and second-hand.
Learn more
Container transport
Delivery by crane truck or tilt-bed trailer anywhere in Spain.
Learn moreNeed cold storage?
Tell us what you need to keep cold, at what temperature and where, and we will recommend the right reefer with transport included in the quote.
