The designers and manufacturers of shipping containers also create refrigerated containers that are self-contained and can be powered to keep contents cool. Reefers as they are called are tested and effective for use in repeated situations where they are exposed to harsh environments.

Cooling Solutions That are Customizable

Refrigerated containers are customizable so that they can be used with a variety of different doors. They could be altered to be cooler – slider type doors, cargo doors or walk-in doors. Refrigerated containers can also container partitions in the interior so that frozen items can be stored or shipped in the same container as items that simply need to be chilled.

Reefer containers may feature a stainless-steel interior and have flooring that is constructed from heavy duty treat plate aluminum. They generally have interior lights and vinyl airstrip curtains and can be outfitted with shelving depending on your needs. These containers are designed to run on 220v or 440v with electronic recording features that offer 3 phase power. The generators needed to run the reefer can clip-on to the container so that the container is completely independent and not reliant on an exterior power system.

History

Reefers have existed for over 40 years. They were intended to ship chilled and frozen items for long distances. Most of the products that you purchase in your local grocery, specialty or wholesale store have been shipped from another location around the world in one of these reefer containers. Some of the products that are shipped in reefer containers include fish, chocolate, cheese, fruit, vegetables and meat. There are other non-edible products that are shipped in reefer containers including film, blood plasma and flowers. The chilling of these products stops them from spoiling or being ruined.

Where are Reefers Used?

Refrigerated containers are used in domestic markets for a wide range of purposes. These containers are leased and sold to many different businesses for temporary uses. For example, they might be used temporarily when a business is upgrading the in-house cold storage facilities. Many restaurants utilize reefers to increase their storage capacity, particularly during their busy times so that they can grown their business without having to expend a great deal of money on an expensive remodel. Grocery stores use reefers when they want to store seasonal items by demand of the market and customers, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

In southern areas where the climate is much hotter, concrete companies utilize refers to store ice for when they are pouring their concrete. The reason for this is that concrete should not exceed a maximum temperature when it is curing so that it can reach its optimum strength.

Food Banks used reefers because they tend to receive donations from many sources and do not have the capacity to store those donations. Shelf stable goods are easy to store but items that can easily spoil are more difficult to store. Some food banks receive donations and must distribute them quickly to members of the community before those donations spoil. When food banks use reefers they can take in more donations that will last much longer if they are stored in a refrigerated environment. This provides benefit to the donator as well as the food bank because they can ensure that more families are assisted over a longer period because the food donated is not in danger of spoiling too quickly.

What are the Options for Refrigerated Containers?

• Available used in 20 foot or 40-foot options.

• Available new in 10-, 20- or 40-foot options.

• The wall panels in the interior and exterior are stainless steel.

• The floor of the container is aluminum and has a T profile so that it can be lifted with a forklift.

• The options for setting the temperature range from -20F to 70F

• Used reefers are more economical options

• The containers can have double doors on each end if needed.

• The power options include 460V 3phase and comes in 230V 3phase.

Common Uses for Reefer Containers

Florists, restaurants and food banks utilize these containers to store chilled or frozen products. Large quantities of food can be stored safely in cold storage so that it will not spoil.

Construction materials can be stored for the duration of a building project.

During special events, whether it is a BBQ or a sporting event, chilled and frozen food can be stored safely.

Chemical plants use reefers to keep certain chemicals in storage that need to be kept cold and stable.

During sports events or fairs, equipment and food stocks can be safely stored and kept at the ready for use when needed.

There are many uses for reefer containers. These useful containers really add extra storage for perishables when they are needed. Whether you need a reefer for a short time or an extended one, there are many options for sizes and interiors that you can choose from.

Images from https://www.tigercontainers.com/service/refrigerated-shipping-containers/