20ft Reefer Containers
20ft Refrigerated Containers for Sale & Hire
Looking for reliable temperature-controlled storage for your perishable goods? 20ft refrigerated shipping containers (reefers) provide a cost-effective, flexible, and secure cold storage solution for businesses in Liverpool, Merseyside, and beyond.
Designed to maintain precise temperatures from -25°C to +25°C, our reefers are ideal for food storage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, catering, and agriculture. At Shipping Containers of Liverpool, we offer new and used 20ft refrigerated containers for sale and hire, ensuring you always have access to dependable cold storage—whether for a short-term event or long-term use.
Why Choose a 20ft Reefer?
A 20ft reefer container offers an efficient, secure, cost-effective cold storage solution. Here’s why businesses rely on reefers:
✅ Precise Temperature Control: Ranges from -25°C to +25°C, perfect for frozen, chilled, and ambient-temperature goods.
✅ Versatile Applications: Suitable for food and beverage storage, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, chemicals, catering, and agriculture.
✅ Cost-Effective Alternative: Cheaper than building a permanent cold storage facility, and no additional business rates for purchased units.
✅ Portable & Secure: Weatherproof, wind and watertight, with lockable doors for security.
✅ Durable & Hygienic: Stainless steel interiors and aluminium T-bar flooring for easy cleaning and high sanitation standards.
20ft Reefer Container Specifications
Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
External Dimensions | 20ft (L) x 8ft (W) x 8ft 6in (H) |
Internal Dimensions | 17ft 11in (L) x 7ft 6in (W) x 7ft 4in (H) |
Capacity | 989 cubic feet |
Tare Weight | 6,173 lbs (approx. 2,800kg) |
Max Payload | 60,517 lbs (approx. 27,500kg) |
Temperature Range | -25°C to +25°C |
Power Supply | Requires 32A 3-phase power supply (similar to industrial appliances) |
Each unit is pre-inspected with a PTI (Pre-Trip Inspection) check, ensuring it’s fully operational upon delivery.
Uses of 20ft Refrigerated Containers
Food & Beverage Industry
Mobile Cold Storage for Restaurants & Catering
Challenge: Restaurants, catering businesses, and event organisers often struggle with limited cold storage space during peak seasons or large events. Spoiled ingredients can lead to financial losses and food safety concerns.
Solution: A 20ft reefer container provides an immediate and scalable cold storage option. It can be positioned on-site at a restaurant, food festival, or wedding venue to safely store fresh, chilled, and frozen ingredients.
Benefits for the Food & Beverage Sector:
✅ Ideal for bulk food storage – Keeps perishable ingredients fresh.
✅ Perfect for catering businesses – Allows off-site food storage for large events.
✅ Maintains strict temperature control – Compliant with food safety regulations.
✅ Customisable shelving options – Organise produce efficiently.
Agriculture & Floristry
Extending the Shelf Life of Perishables
Challenge: Fresh produce, flowers, and dairy products have a limited shelf life, requiring consistent temperature control to prevent spoilage before reaching customers. Farmers and florists often face storage challenges during peak harvesting seasons.
Solution: A 20ft refrigerated container provides on-site, portable storage, extending the shelf life of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, and flowers by maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity levels.
Benefits for Agriculture & Floristry:
✅ Extends freshness – Prevents spoilage of perishable produce.
✅ Supports seasonal demand – Provides extra storage during peak harvest times.
✅ Ideal for florists – Keeps flowers fresh for weddings and large orders.
✅ Easily transportable – Can be moved between different farms or florists.
Pharmaceuticals & Medical Supplies
Secure Cold Chain Storage
Challenge: The pharmaceutical industry requires strict temperature control to safely store vaccines, medicines, and medical supplies. Improper storage can damage stock, cause regulatory issues, and cause financial losses.
Solution: A 20ft refrigerated shipping container offers secure and controlled cold storage, ensuring that pharmaceutical products remain within precise temperature ranges.
Benefits for the Pharmaceutical Industry:
✅ Maintains regulatory compliance – Perfect for cold chain storage of vaccines and medicines.
✅ Prevents spoilage – Consistent temperatures from -25°C to +25°C.
✅ Secure and tamper-proof – Protects valuable medical supplies.
✅ Portable solution – Can be relocated for emergency medical response.
Walk-in Freezer (Yes, but...)
Many businesses ask if a 20ft refrigerated container can function as a walk-in freezer. The answer is yes, but there are important considerations:
⚠ Not designed for constant access – Frequent door openings cause temperature fluctuations and affect efficiency.
⚠ Maintains temperature, doesn’t lower it – Items should be pre-chilled before storage for best results.
⚠ Requires industrial power – Needs 32A 3-phase power, which isn’t standard domestic supply.
⚠ Custom modifications available – We can add man-trap alarms, lighting, and remote monitoring systems for enhanced usability.
