Refrigerated Container Rental vs. Walk in Cooler Rentals: Which is Right for Your Business?
Key differences, advantages, and ideal applications
If you’ve been searching for emergency cold storage for equipment downtime, peak demand overflow, or offsite protection for perishables, you’ve probably discovered two common rental options: refrigerated shipping containers (also known as reefers) and walk in coolers or freezers. While both options offer onsite refrigeration, they each have significant differences in design and function.
In this guide, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of walk ins and refrigerated containers, so you can see which option’s mobility, energy efficiency, accessibility, use cases, cost, and installation requirements best fit your application.
Table of contents
- What is a reefer container/refrigerated container rental?
- What are walk in cooler/freezer rentals?
- Key differences between reefers and walk ins
- How to make the best choice for your application
- Where walk in cooler/freezer rentals are typically the best choice
- Where refrigerated storage containers are typically the best choice
- When use cases determine the best solution
What is a reefer container/refrigerated container rental?
A refrigerated container, also called a reefer container, is a large, insulated shipping container designed to transport perishables over long distances at controlled temperatures. These are the same containers that you may have seen getting loaded onto ships, being hauled by trucks, or lined up on train cars. They are commonly used in logistics, shipping, and temporary cold storage for industries like food distribution and pharmaceuticals and can also be rented for stationary use.
Key features of reefer containers
- Constructed from heavy-duty steel or aluminum for durability
- Designed with cargo doors for bulk pallet loading
- Equipped with specialized power connections that require setup
- Used for long-haul transportation and remote site storage
What are walk in cooler/freezer rentals?
Walk in cooler/freezer rentals are stationary structures designed to provide cold storage outside establishments such as restaurants, grocery stores, food processing plants, or medical facilities. You may also find them at more temporary setups, such as festivals and events. Unlike reefer containers, walk ins are designed with smaller doors that are easy to open so users can get in and out more easily.
Key features of walk in coolers/freezers
- Designed for onsite, stationary use
- Easily accessible for convenient stocking and retrieval
- Lighter weight for quick delivery and installation
- Powered by a standard 220V electrical connection
Key differences between reefers and walk ins
While both refrigerated container and walk in cooler rental units offer onsite cold storage, many factors, including mobility, temperature control, accessibility, installation & setup, energy efficiency and environmental impact, cost, durability & maintenance, security, noise, and use cases are quite different.
Mobility
Refrigerated container rental: Because these containers are made of heavy-duty materials designed to handle being swung about by cranes onto ships, trucks, and trains, they are extremely heavy. 40-foot refrigerated storage containers typically weigh in around 10,000 lbs. and require a crane to move them, which may delay delivery depending on crane availability.
Walk in cooler/freezer rental: Walk in refrigeration rentals are usually less than half the weight of reefer container rentals. Polar Leasing walk ins are usually less than a fifth of the weight because they use high strength-to-weight fiberglass in place of the steel or aluminum found in other walk ins. These comparatively light walk ins can be easily loaded onto a smaller truck, making them significantly faster — and less costly — to deliver.
Temperature control
Refrigerated container rental: Although reefer containers have good temperature control, their transport-focused design may make them prone to fluctuations.
Walk in coolers/freezers: Walk ins typically offer precise and stable temperature control, making them ideal for industries dealing in sensitive perishables.
Accessibility
Refrigerated container rental: Reefers have cumbersome double cargo doors that typically open outward to allow full pallet loading and unloading with a forklift or pallet jack. This setup keeps the containers secure for shipping but requires extra time and effort to open and close each time you need access.
Walk in cooler/freezer rental: These units have easy-open doors that allow users to walk in and out with minimal effort, for better inventory management without the hassle.
Installation and setup
Refrigerated container rental: A reefer container rental needs to be placed on a large, level area with extra clearance for loading and unloading. Electrical installation is typically complex because of the high voltage required. Installation may also require a transformer and take anywhere from several hours to a full day to complete.
Walk in cooler/freezer rental: While some walk in rentals require on-site assembly, Polar Leasing walk ins are designed for quick set up. They can be placed almost anywhere, need only a simple 220V electrical connection, and can usually be up and running just a few hours after delivery.
Energy efficiency and environmental impact
Refrigerated container rental: Reefer container rental units have substantial energy requirements, contributing more to greenhouse gas emissions and making them more costly to operate.
Walk in cooler/freezer rental: Although many walk ins use sprayed-in insulation that can create “hot spots” where heat can penetrate, Polar Leasing walk ins feature premium polyisocyanurate rigid board insulation encased in durable fiberglass, inside and out. This patented one-piece construction process blocks air and moisture and makes Polar Leasing walk ins the most energy-efficient commercial cold storage solution on the market.
Cost
Refrigerated container rental: The heavy-duty, transport-grade construction makes reefer containers more expensive to rent, and they also tend to have higher energy costs and more complex installation fees.
Walk in coolers/freezers: Optimized for onsite storage, these efficient units are more cost-effective due to their lower power consumption and simplified setup.
Durability and maintenance
Refrigerated container rental: Made from steel or aluminum, reefer containers have seams and welded joints that can corrode over time and allow air and water to enter.
Walk in coolers/freezers: While some walk ins have the same issues with metal joints as reefer containers, Polar Leasing walk ins feature a seamless fiberglass exterior that is rust-proof, durable, and easy to clean.
Security
Refrigerated container rental: Reefer containers are designed to protect goods during shipping, but they may require additional locks for stationary storage.
Walk in coolers/freezers: These units are equipped with secure locking mechanisms for retail and foodservice use.
Noise
Refrigerated container rental: Because refrigeration units on reefer containers are designed for shipping, their loud operation may be disruptive in urban or indoor environments.
Walk in coolers/freezers: These units were built to operate quietly in restaurants, healthcare, and other locations close to people.
Summary chart outlining the differences between a refrigerated container rental and a walk in refrigeration rental:
| Feature | Refrigerated Container Rental | Walk in Cooler or Freezer Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Mobility | Complex (requires cranes/forklifts) | Easy (lightweight, standard truck delivery) |
| Temperature Control | Good (may fluctuate) | Excellent (precise and stable) |
| Accessibility | Low (cargo doors, not ideal for daily access) | High (walk in design for easy access) |
| Installation | Complex (requires specialized electrical setup) | Easy (standard 220V connection) |
| Energy Efficiency | High energy consumption | Low energy consumption |
| Durability | Moderate (prone to corrosion) | High (fiberglass, seamless, rust-proof) |
| Security | Moderate (cargo locks may be needed) | High (secure locking mechanisms) |
| Noise Level | High (noisy refrigeration unit) | Low (quiet operation) |
How to make the best choice for your application
If you’re trying to decide between a reefer container and a walk in cooler/freezer rental, ask yourself the following questions:
- How soon do you need it? Because of their lighter weight, walk ins can be delivered on a standard truck and don’t need to wait for a crane to become available.
- How frequently will you access the unit? If it’s fairly frequently, a walk in is a better option.
- Are your site’s space and power limited? If so, a walk in may be your best bet.
- Do you need to transport your cold storage? Choose a reefer for shipping.
- Want lower power consumption? Walk ins are the more efficient choice.
Where walk in cooler/freezer rentals are typically the best choice
Walk in freezer and cooler rentals are often better suited for applications such as:
- Foodservice and hospitality. Restaurants, caterers, and event vendors appreciate the easy access and energy efficiency of walk ins.
- Healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Walk ins offer precise control and better compliance with storage regulations.
- Supermarkets and convenience stores. Retail outlets can save time and labor on inventory management with walk ins.
Where refrigerated storage containers are typically the best choice
Because refrigerated storage containers are designed for transport and walk ins are stationary solutions, reefers are always the best choice for applications that require shipping.
When use cases determine the best solution
Some applications may need different solutions at different times, depending on what they need to accomplish.
These applications include:
- Emergency and disaster relief. Refrigerated container rentals are often chosen for emergency response due to portability, while walk ins are a more practical long-term solution.
- Construction and remote worksites. Reefer freezer/cooler units can be transported more easily from site to site, while walk ins are stationary solutions for extended needs.
What makes Polar Leasing walk in cooler/freezer rentals the best fit for most applications
While reefer freezer and cooler rentals are excellent for transporting goods, Polar Leasing walk in cooler/freezer rentals offer many businesses more advantages.
Polar Leasing walk ins provide:
- Dependability. Enjoy precise and reliable temperature control to preserve the quality of your perishable goods.
- Accessibility. Give your staff easier access that makes it more convenient to retrieve and manage products.
- Capacity. Choose from a range of sizes to accommodate your specific cold storage needs.
- Efficiency. Cut installation and operating costs with the most energy-efficient commercial cold storage solution on the market.
- Durability. The seamless fiberglass surface on Polar Leasing’s walk ins protects the units from air and water damage and is easy to clean.