Refrigerated containers (reefers) were originally designed for transporting perishable goods on vessels. They are mainly used domestically for storing goods that need to be maintained at a certain temperature. Refrigerated shipping containers are also widely used in shipping.










20ft and 40ft Refrigerated Containers
Contact our customer support team if you need help on 0800 9777 590
New (One Trip) 20ft & 40ft Refrigerated Containers
- Newly manufactured with fresh white paint
- Security lock box, man trap alarm and internal lighting fitted as standard
- Temperature range from -35° To +35°
- Chequer plate flat flooring
- Manufactured and shipped to the UK from China, therefore, there may be imperfections from transportation and port handling. This includes scratches, rust, dents etc
- Low Noise Machine
Refurbished 20ft & 40ft Refrigerated Containers
- Externally repainted white in one of our UK depots
- Security lock box fitted as standard
- Temperature range from -25° To +25°
- Chequer plate flat flooring or T-section flooring subject to availability
Used 20ft & 40ft
Refrigerated Containers
- Cosmetics not guaranteed. Shipping livery, rust and dents are to be expected from used containers
- Doors may be stiff and will need regular maintenance with WD40
- Lock box not included supply and fit at cost of £75+vat
- Temperature range from -25° To +25°
- T-section flooring
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Temperature Control
- Insulation
- Cooling Unit
- Power Supply
- Durability
- Optional Extras
Temperature control in refrigerated containers is key to keeping goods at perfect temperature. Our containers have systems that maintain a steady cold temperature, which is important for items like food and other perishable goods. The temperature can be set between (+25 to -25 Celsius or +35 to -25 Celsius depending on model), preventing spoilage. A thermostat monitors the inside of the container, making temperature adjustments as needed. This control helps protect the contents from getting too warm or too cold, ensuring they arrive in good condition. Reliable temperature control is what makes our refrigerated cold storage containers essential for proper storage.
Insulation in refrigerated container units is vital for keeping the cold air inside and the warm air out. It acts like a barrier, preventing temperature changes that could spoil the contents. Good insulation ensures that the cooling system doesn’t have to work too hard, saving energy while keeping items like food fresh during transport.
The cooling unit in refrigerated containers keeps the interior at the right temperature for storing perishable goods. It works by circulating cold air, ensuring that the contents remain fresh during transport. The cooling unit is powered by electricity and is designed to operate reliably over long distances and extended periods.
A 32 amp 3-phase power supply in refrigerated containers provides the necessary power for large cooling units, ensuring stable operation. A d-rated (motor rated) power supply is designed to handle the high starting current of motors, preventing overload and ensuring smooth start-up.
Durability in refrigerated containers is essential for withstanding the tough weather conditions. Our containers are built to be strong, handling rough handling, weather, and temperature changes. The materials used are resistant to rust, corrosion, and physical damage, ensuring the container remains effective over time. A durable refrigerated container keeps the cooling system and insulation intact, protecting the goods inside. This durability is important for reducing maintenance costs and ensuring reliable performance. Sturdy construction ensures t
Our refrigerated containers are designed to be fully customisable to meet your specific needs. We provide a range of upgrades, including flat flooring, internal lighting, loading ramps, panic alarms, polar-grade curtains, and much more. Whether you need enhanced safety features, easier access, or improved temperature control, we can modify your container to ensure it perfectly suits your requirements. Our goal is to deliver a solution that meets all your temperature-controlled storage needs.
Refrigerated Container Description
Refrigerated containers, often called “reefers,” are crucial for the storage of temperature-sensitive products. Our cold storage shipping containers are specifically designed to maintain low temperatures, ensuring that items such as fresh produce, dairy, and pharmaceuticals are safely stored. These containers feature strong insulation and advanced cooling systems to keep the contents at a consistent temperature, regardless of external conditions. Equally, our temperature-controlled containers can maintain temperatures up to plus 35 degrees, making them versatile for more than just cold storage. If you need anything stored at a specific temperature, these containers are the perfect solution.
Unit Group’s refrigerated containers provide reliable cold storage solutions, meeting the needs of various industries that require secure and efficient temperature-controlled storage.
Key Features:
- Temperature ranges between +25 to -25 Celsius or +35 to -35 Celsius depending on model
- Environmentally friendly units running on ozone-friendly gas refrigerant
- Stainless-steel interior
- Operating on 3 phase power
- T-section flooring
- Containerised double doors
- Fully secure and lockable
Refrigerated Container Applications
Refrigerated containers are widely used across various industries to ensure the safe transport of temperature-sensitive goods.
These containers are essential for maintaining product quality.
Here are some ways businesses may use refrigerated shipping containers:
Food and Beverage Distributors: Refrigerated containers are crucial for food and beverage distributors, ensuring that perishable goods remain fresh during transport. These containers help maintain the quality of items like fruits, vegetables, dairy products, and meats by keeping them at a consistent, cool temperature. This is essential for preventing spoilage and extending shelf life, especially during long-distance shipments. By using refrigerated containers, distributors can deliver fresh products to markets, grocery stores, and restaurants, meeting the demands of consumers. Reliable temperature control during transport is key to preserving the safety and taste of food and beverages.
Pharmaceutical Companies: Refrigerated shipping containers are vital for pharmaceutical companies, ensuring that temperature-sensitive medicines, vaccines, and other products are kept at the right temperature during transport. These containers help maintain the stability and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals by preventing exposure to extreme temperatures. This is especially important for products that must be kept cold to remain effective. By using refrigerated containers, pharmaceutical companies can safely transport their products over long distances, from manufacturing facilities to hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies, ensuring that patients receive medications in the best possible condition.
Catering Services: Cold storage containers are essential for catering services, allowing them to transport prepared meals and ingredients while keeping everything fresh and safe. These containers help maintain the correct temperature for a wide range of foods, from hot dishes to cold salads and desserts. Catering businesses often need to move large quantities of food over long distances to events, and our containers ensure that the food arrives in perfect condition. By using refrigerated containers (reefers), caterers can prevent spoilage, maintain food safety, and deliver high-quality meals to their clients, whether for weddings, corporate events, or private parties. Reliable temperature control is key to the success of catering operations, making refrigerated containers an invaluable tool in the industry.
Floral Businesses: Refrigerated container units are crucial for floral businesses, ensuring that flowers stay fresh during transport. These containers maintain a consistent, cool temperature, preventing wilting and extending the shelf life of delicate blooms. Whether shipping flowers across the country or delivering them locally, refrigerated containers help floral businesses provide beautiful, fresh arrangements to their customers. Reliable temperature control is key to preserving the quality and appearance of flowers, making these containers essential for the floral industry.
Seafood Exporters: Temperature controlled refrigerated containers are vital for seafood exporters, ensuring that fish and shellfish remain fresh during long-distance transport. Our containers help to maintain the necessary cold temperatures to prevent spoilage, preserving the quality and safety of the seafood. By using refrigerated containers, exporters can ship their products to distant markets without compromising freshness. This technology is essential for delivering high-quality seafood to consumers around the world, meeting the strict standards required for perishable goods in the global market.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets: Refrigerated containers are essential for grocery stores and supermarkets, ensuring that perishable products like dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables remain fresh during transport and storage. These containers keep goods at the right temperature from suppliers to store shelves, preventing spoilage and extending shelf life. By maintaining a consistent cold environment, refrigerated containers help grocery stores and supermarkets offer high-quality products to their customers. They also allow stores to manage inventory more effectively, reducing waste and ensuring a steady supply of fresh goods. This reliable temperature control is key to maintaining food safety and quality, making refrigerated containers a critical component in the supply chain for perishable items in grocery stores and supermarkets.
Refrigerated Container Prices
Looking for The Best Deals on Refrigerated Containers?
Unit Group offers excellent deals on refrigerated shipping containers, available for both purchase and hire. We stock 20ft and 40ft refrigerated container units for hire and sale.
We provide a fast delivery service throughout the UK, ensuring that your refrigerated container (reefer) arrives promptly, no matter where you are located.
To receive a free quote for new or used refrigerated containers, simply fill out our quick quote form. We will promptly respond with a pricing plan tailored specifically to your requirements.
At Unit Group, we place great importance on customer satisfaction and pricing transparency. Whether you purchase or rent refrigerated containers from us, we are committed to ensuring you have a seamless and satisfactory experience.
Price Beat Guarantee
At Unit Group, to make sure you get the best deal on our refrigerated containers, we offer a price beat Guarantee. If you find a lower price from a reputable competitor, please let us know. We’ll beat their price, not just match it.
Unit Group is your trusted partner for a superior range of quality refrigerated container units. Our guarantee gives priority to your financial interests, ensuring that you receive exceptional value in addition to our high standards of customer service.
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Refrigerated Containers FAQs
Listed below are some common questions about our Refrigerated Containers for hire and sale.
Please contact us if you require any assistance on 0800 9777 590 or email enquiries@unithire.co.uk.
Refrigerated containers typically come in standard sizes of 20ft and 40ft. These sizes are commonly used for transporting perishable goods. Unit Group stocks these containers in new, used, and refurbished conditions, providing options to suit different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a fresh container or a budget-friendly option, Unit Group has a solution.
Yes, we do! Unless stated otherwise, we provide a 30-day warranty on major machine components. This warranty is valid only if the unit is commissioned by us.
Container commissioning is a comprehensive process carried out on-site to ensure your unit is fully operational. Our technician will first confirm that your power supply is safe and sufficient, focusing on the socket connection (it’s up to the customer to ensure the electrical system is adequate). The container is then connected to your power supply, and the desired temperature is set. We’ll provide guidance on proper loading practices to maintain airflow and give you a complete overview of how to use the unit. Additionally, we’ll explain how to prevent ice build-up in the container. Once you’re satisfied and all documentation is signed, our technician will complete the visit. For hired containers, you’ll be covered by our 24-hour emergency breakdown service, provided the container is used according to our guidelines. If you purchase a container, commissioning will activate your warranty.
The temperature control system in a refrigerated container works by using a cooling unit to circulate cold air inside the container. A thermostat monitors the temperature, automatically adjusting the cooling as needed to maintain the set range. The system ensures that the interior stays consistently cold, preventing spoilage and keeping perishable goods fresh during transport.
Refrigerated container units can maintain temperatures ranging from +25°C to -25°C, or +35°C to -25°C, depending on the model. This flexibility allows for the safe storage of a wide variety of temperature-sensitive goods, including frozen foods, fresh produce, and pharmaceuticals. The temperature can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of your items, ensuring they remain in optimal condition during storage.
No, these containers are not designed to function as blast freezers. They are intended to maintain a set temperature, so items should be pre-cooled or pre-frozen before being placed inside. Using these containers as a freezer to lower the temperature of goods can lead to equipment failure.
Before loading your container, make sure it has reached your desired temperature, and you are confident it’s ready for use. Our containers are designed to maintain temperatures, not to act as blast freezers, so it’s important to load items that are already at the appropriate temperature. For example, if you’ve set the container to -20°C, the items should be pre-cooled to between -18°C and -20°C before loading.
It’s your responsibility to check the container at least three times a day, or more frequently if your own policies require it. Frequent and prolonged door openings can result in loss of temperature. We recommend you keep door openings to an absolute minimum. To ensure proper airflow and allow access for our engineer, please keep a minimum of 5 feet of clearance around the external machinery end. Additionally, you should keep the container clean, both inside and out.
Please note that internal lighting is considered a consumable item. If the lights are working during commissioning, any replacement tubes afterward will be your responsibility.
Finally, it’s essential that you insure the container at its full replacement value, including its contents. This coverage should protect against any potential losses or third-party claims related to the use of the container. Please be aware that we cannot accept responsibility for any losses, including those due to equipment failure or inadequate monitoring.
Refrigerated containers require a 32 amp 3-phase power supply to operate efficiently. This power source is essential for running the cooling units that maintain the container’s temperature. Additionally, a d-rated (motor rated) power supply is used to handle the high starting current of the cooling system’s motors, ensuring smooth operation and preventing overload during startup.
Refrigerated containers (reefers) are insulated with thick layers of foam insulation, usually made from materials like polyurethane. This insulation prevents heat from entering the container, helping to keep the interior temperature stable. The insulation is applied to the walls, floor, and ceiling, creating a barrier that maintains the cold environment inside, essential for preserving the contents during transport.
At Unit Group, we have multiple shipping container depots located throughout the UK. This network allows us to provide fast and an affordable refrigerated containers delivery service, regardless of your location.
It is also possible to pick up your container directly from one of our designated depots. This flexibility ensures that you will be able to choose the most convenient option for your requirements.
Unit makes it easy to get a quote to buy or rent a refrigerated containers shipping container.
You’re welcome to contact us by phone, via email, or by filling out our online request form. Our team is ready to provide a quote tailored to your specific needs and answer any questions you may have.
We ensure a smooth and informed experience, offering thorough support throughout the process. We aim to meet all of your requirements with precision and care, ensuring your complete satisfaction.
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