Refrigerated Containers
Refrigerated containers for sale UK are temperature-controlled steel shipping containers designed to store chilled or frozen goods in outdoor conditions. Available in 20ft refrigerated containers and 40ft refrigerated containers, new and used refrigerated containers provide reliable cold storage from -25°C to +25°C, making them suitable for food, pharmaceutical, and commercial storage across the UK.
Refrigerated containers are used where maintaining a consistent internal temperature is critical to compliance, safety, and product quality.
Available Sizes, Dimensions & Capacity
Our refrigerated shipping containers are available in 20ft, 20ft high cube, 40ft, and 40ft high cube formats. All units are capable of operating as fridges or freezers, with temperature ranges from -25°C to +25°C, depending on specification.
| Size | External (L × W × H) | Internal (L × W × H) | Weight | Approx. Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20ft | 20ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in (6058mm × 2438mm × 2591mm) | 17ft 10in × 7ft 6in × 7ft 5in (5454mm × 2294mm × 2273mm) | ~2780kg | ~28.4m³ |
| 20ft High Cube | 20ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in (6058mm × 2438mm × 2896mm) | 17ft 10in × 7ft 6in × 8ft 5in (5450mm × 2294mm × 2578mm) | ~3060kg | ~32.3m³ |
| 40ft | 40ft × 8ft × 8ft 6in (12192mm × 2438mm × 2591mm) | 37ft 11in × 7ft 6in × 7ft 5in (11556mm × 2294mm × 2273mm) | ~4800kg | ~58.9m³ |
| 40ft High Cube | 40ft × 8ft × 9ft 6in (12192mm × 2438mm × 2896mm) | 37ft 11in × 7ft 6in × 8ft 5in (11556mm × 2294mm × 2578mm) | ~4900kg | ~67.9m³ |
Compared to standard storage containers, refrigerated containers sacrifice some internal space due to insulation and machinery, but deliver controlled cold storage suitable for commercial and regulated use.
Refrigerated Container Prices in the UK
Refrigerated container prices in the UK vary depending on size, condition, and machinery specification.
Typical guide prices:
- 20ft used marine reefer: from £4,500 + VAT
- 40ft used marine reefer: from £5,500 + VAT
- 20ft new one-trip refrigerated container: from £18,000–£22,000 + VAT
- 40ft new high cube refrigerated container: from £25,000+ + VAT
Used refrigerated containers provide cost-effective cold storage for static use.
New one-trip reefers offer longer lifespan, modern machinery, and lower long-term maintenance risk.
Refrigerated container delivery UK costs depend on location, access, and offload method.
For a detailed breakdown, see:
How Much Does a Shipping Container Cost
Build Quality & Refrigeration Systems
All refrigerated containers supplied by Bosh Boxes are built with fully insulated walls, roof, and floor, designed to maintain consistent internal temperatures in UK outdoor conditions. Units are fitted with high-performance refrigeration machinery from established manufacturers such as Carrier, Thermo King, and Starcool.
Each reefer includes:
- Digital temperature control panels
- Insulated door seals to reduce thermal loss
- Aluminium internal flooring designed for hygiene and durability
Containers are inspected prior to delivery to confirm refrigeration operation, insulation condition, and door sealing performance.
Marine Specification vs Domestic Specification Reefers
Marine Specification Refrigerated Containers
Marine reefers are typically used refrigerated containers designed for international shipping. They feature:
- T-section aluminium floors for airflow beneath cargo
- Heavy-duty Carrier refrigeration machinery
- Construction suited to continuous operation during transport
Marine reefers are commonly chosen for export, cold chain logistics, or robust industrial cold storage.
Domestic Specification Refrigerated Containers
Domestic specification reefers are usually ex-hire or new one-trip units and are more commonly used for on-site storage. Features often include:
- Flat internal floors for easier pallet handling and cleaning
- Internal lighting
- Panic alarms and safety releases
- PVC strip curtains to reduce cold loss
Domestic reefers are widely used for food storage, events, and temporary cold storage installations.
All refrigerated containers are supplied wind and watertight and can be CSC plated for export where required.
Used vs New Refrigerated Containers
| Factor | Used Marine Reefer | New One-Trip Reefer |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower upfront cost | Higher upfront cost |
| Machinery age | Older, proven systems | Newer generation units |
| Lifespan | Suitable for static storage | Longer expected lifespan |
| Export suitability | Often CSC plated | CSC plated for 5 years from new |
| Best for | budget cold storage | long-term business use |
Choosing between used refrigerated containers and new refrigerated containers depends on budget, expected lifespan, and whether the unit will remain static or move frequently.
Power Requirements & Commissioning
All refrigerated containers require a 3-phase 380–440V electrical supply with a 5-pin power connection. The supply must include:
- 3 phase
- Neutral
- Earth
A 32 amp Type C or D motor-rated breaker is recommended to prevent nuisance tripping during compressor start-up.
Commissioning Requirements
To ensure correct operation and warranty coverage, refrigerated containers must be commissioned on site.
Commissioning includes:
- Verification of power supply compatibility
- Setting and testing target temperatures
- Basic usage guidance and maintenance advice
Important: In order for Bosh Boxes to offer a warranty on refrigerated units, commissioning must be completed by one of our approved third-party engineering partners.
Site & Power Requirements Before Buying
Refrigerated shipping containers require:
- Level, load-bearing ground
- 3-phase 380–440V power supply
- Suitable access for HIAB delivery or flatbed delivery
- Clear overhead lifting space
Cold storage containers cannot operate correctly without stable electrical supply. Access and power checks should be completed before ordering to avoid delays.
For delivery guidance, see:
Container Delivery Page
Nationwide Delivery Across the UK
We deliver refrigerated containers nationwide using HIAB or flatbed transport, depending on site access and offload requirements.
Delivery options include:
- HIAB delivery with crane offload
- Flatbed delivery with forklift or customer offload
Due to their weight and electrical requirements, reefers require careful site planning. Access, ground conditions, overhead clearance, and drop orientation are confirmed in advance to minimise delivery issues.
Who Uses Refrigerated Containers?
Refrigerated containers are commonly purchased by:
- Food producers and wholesalers
- Event caterers and festivals
- Pharmaceutical and medical suppliers
- Cold chain logistics businesses
- Construction firms requiring chilled welfare storage
- Seasonal agricultural operations
Refrigerated containers are often chosen when hiring commercial cold rooms becomes uneconomical for long-term use.
Optional Extras & Modifications
Optional upgrades are commonly added to improve safety, security, and usability.
Available options include:
- Internal lighting kits for improved visibility
- Lockboxes and anti-vandal padlocks for high-value goods
- Panic alarms for staff safety
- Flat-floor conversions for easier pallet handling
- Additional shelving or racking designed to preserve airflow
- Container ramps for forklift or trolley access
These upgrades allow refrigerated containers to be tailored to specific operational needs without compromising temperature performance.
Choosing the Right Refrigerated Container
Choosing the correct refrigerated container depends on temperature range, duration of use, power availability, and whether the unit will be static or mobile. Marine reefers are typically selected for export or logistics use, while domestic specification units are better suited to on-site cold storage and events.
For guidance on power requirements, running costs, lifespan, or planning considerations, Bosh Boxes provides practical advice based on real UK installations and delivery experience.
Related Products
Refrigerated Container Guides & Related Resources
If you are researching refrigerated containers in more detail, the following guides explain key considerations before buying.
Marine Specification Refrigerated Containers
Understanding the difference between marine and domestic reefers helps determine suitability for export, logistics, or static cold storage.
https://boshboxes.store/marine-spec-refrigerated-containers-explained/
How Much Power Does a Refrigerated Container Use?
Reefers require a stable 3-phase electrical supply. This guide explains running costs, power demand, and practical UK electricity considerations.
https://boshboxes.store/how-much-power-does-a-refrigerated-container-use/
20ft vs 40ft Refrigerated Containers
Choosing between 20ft and 40ft units depends on storage volume, access space, and operational needs. This comparison breaks down size, capacity, and use cases.
https://boshboxes.store/20ft-vs-40ft-refrigerated-containers/
Temporary Cold Storage Solutions
For short-term events, seasonal demand, or overflow stock, this guide explains when refrigerated containers are the most practical temporary cold storage option.
https://boshboxes.store/temporary-cold-storage-solutions/
Need Some More Info From The Bosh Boxes Team?
Need a refrigerated container?
Call 01375 503890 or email sales@boshboxes.store for availability and UK-wide delivery options.
Prefer a written quote?
Use our online enquiry form and we’ll confirm stock, lead time, and delivery cost clearly before you commit.
Refrigerated containers for sale UK are available in 20ft and 40ft formats, new and used, delivered nationwide, The Bosh Boxes Way.
