Price of a refrigerated container in 2026
A refrigerated container (reefer) is two to three times more expensive than an equivalent dry container — the cold generator from Carrier, Thermo King or Daikin represents half the price. This grid provides purchase, rental and monthly electricity cost ranges.
How much does a refrigerated container cost?
In 2026, a used Grade B reefer 20 feet costs between £4,725 – £5,775, and new one between £8,925 – £14,700. For a 40-foot unit, expect £6,825 – £9,975 for used and £12,600 – £23,100 for new. In long-term rental, ££473 – £735 per month for a 20' and ££683 – £1,155 for a 40', excluding connection and electricity consumption.
Purchase price of a refrigerated container in 2026
Grid for both formats (20' and 40'), by condition. Prices include cold generator inspection and ATP control, but exclude delivery.
| Variant | Status | Price Excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Reefer 20 feet | Brand new (one-trip) | £8,925 – £14,700 |
| Reefer 20 feet | One-trip | £7,875 – £10,500 |
| Reefer 20 feet | Grade A used (recent group) | £5,775 – £7,875 |
| Reefer 20 feet | Grade B used (group 8-12 years) | £4,725 – £5,775 |
| Reefer 40 feet | Brand new (one-trip) | £12,600 – £23,100 |
| Reefer 40 feet | One-trip | £10,500 – £17,850 |
| Reefer 40 feet | Grade A used (recent group) | £8,400 – £13,650 |
| Reefer 40 feet | Grade B used (group 8-12 years) | £6,825 – £9,975 |
Grade C is virtually non-existent in reefers: a malfunctioning cold group turns the container into a simple dry insulated unit.
Reefer rental: monthly rates for 2026
Reefer rental includes maintenance of the cold group (service contract) systematically. Excluding electrical connection and consumption (see below).
| Variant | Short term | Medium term | Long term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reefer 20 feet | £735 – £1,260 | £578 – £893 | £473 – £735 |
| Reefer 40 feet | £1,050 – £1,890 | £840 – £1,470 | £683 – £1,155 |
Electricity cost of a refrigerated container
A reefer consumes 4 to 8 kWh in cruise mode (stable temperatures, moderate exterior conditions). The initial electrical connection costs £158 – £525 depending on distance and required three-phase amperage. Monthly electricity bills range between £126 – £368, based on the target temperature (-18 °C for freezing vs +4 °C for positive cold) and local climate.
7 factors that affect the price of a reefer
Age of the refrigeration unit
This is factor number one. A recent unit (less than 5 years old) adds £3,000 to £6,000 compared to a unit over 10 years old. Carrier, Thermo King and Daikin are the most sought-after brands.
Operating temperature
A reefer freezer (-25 °C) uses more power than a positive cold reefer (+4 °C). Maintenance is more expensive at low temperatures. Purchase price is the same but TCO differs.
ATP Certificate
The ATP (transport under controlled temperature) certificate is mandatory for road transport of foodstuffs. It costs £340 to £680 and must be renewed every 6 years. A reefer without an ATP certificate sells for 15-20% less.
Wall insulation
Polyurethane 60 mm (standard) vs 100 mm (premium). Thickness impacts electrical consumption by 15 to 25% — a detail that pays off over 10 years of use.
Format 20' vs 40'
The 40' reefer is 1.5 times more expensive but offers twice the usable volume. More efficient per m³. The 20' remains the better choice for needs < 25 pallets.
Local electricity cost
Over 24 months of continuous use, electricity can represent 30% of TCO. A pro Blue tariff depot with HP/HC well managed changes the profitability of a reefer project.
Technical specifications
Temperature recorder compliant with HACCP (+£260), additional probes (+£130/probe), side door (+£1,300), controlled dehumidification (+£680).
Reefer vs dry : what additional cost and in which cases?
A reefer is only relevant if you need temperature control. For any other use, an insulated dry or standard dry container will be much cheaper.
| Type | Purchase (Grade A used) | Long-term rental | Usage case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry 20' | £2,310 – £2,940 | £84 – £147 | Dry storage, tools, furniture, archives |
| Reefer 20' | £5,775 – £7,875 | £473 – £735 | Fruits/vegetables, flowers, medicines, beverages |
| Dry 40' | £3,045 – £3,990 | £137 – £210 | Site accommodation unit, professional storage, logistics |
| Reefer 40' | £8,400 – £13,650 | £683 – £1,155 | Frozen foods, meat/fish, milk/yoghurt (professional volumes) |
Frequently asked questions about the price of a refrigerated container
What is the minimum price for a reefer in 2026?+
The floor is approximately £4,725 for a one-trip 20' refrigerated container with an 8+ year-old Carrier/Thermo King generator set. Below this price, beware: end-of-life group, degraded insulation or lack of ATP certificate.
Why does a reefer cost 2 to 3 times more than its equivalent dry container?+
Additional cost of around £2,835 – £5,565 between a Grade A used refrigerated and dry container in 20 feet. Reasons: cold generator (Carrier/Thermo King ~£2,600), reinforced polyurethane insulation (~£1,300), three-phase electrical circuit, temperature recorder, stainless steel floor structure.
How much does a reefer cost per month in electricity for continuous operation?+
Between £126 – £368 depending on target temperature, local climate and insulation. A 20' at +4 °C in a temperate climate is around £120-£180/month. A 40' at -18 °C in summer can reach up to £350/month.
Can a reefer operate as simple dry storage (without the cold generator)?+
Yes, and this is a frequent option: cut off the cold generator and use the insulation for temperature-controlled storage (wines, preserves, heat-sensitive products). This is referred to as 'isolated dry'.
Does the price include delivery and electrical connection?+
Delivery (£368 – £1,260) and three-phase electrical connection (£130-£430 depending on distance from the main panel) are almost always separate. A reefer without power supply is completely useless.
What is the difference between a Carrier and Thermo King reefer?+
Both are reputable brands, reliable and well-supported in maintenance across Europe. Carrier has a slight edge on recent reefers (better consumption/performance ratio). Thermo King historically dominates transport fleets. For end users: price difference <5%, equivalent parts availability.
What VAT applies to a refrigerated container?+
Standard VAT rate (20 %) on the price excl. tax + delivery + options. Recoverable for businesses liable to VAT. Depreciation can be accelerated in case of intensive use (2 × 8 h).
Is it more profitable to rent or buy a reefer?+
The break-even point is higher than with dry containers — around 30 to 36 months instead of 18. Reason: the maintenance cost for the refrigeration unit is high when owned, whereas it is included in rental costs. If your usage is seasonal or < 3 years, renting is almost always more profitable.
Also worth seeing
Refrigerated Container: Complete Guide
Temperatures, HACCP standards, uses, maintenance, choice between Carrier and Thermo King.
Reefer Electricity: kVA and Three-Phase Power
Dimension the connection, calculate consumption, avoid extra costs.
Reefer vs cold room
Comparison of investment, flexibility, operation for positive and negative cold.
Get your reefer price in 48 hours
5 quotes compared refrigeration unit age, ATP certificate. Free, no commitment.