In a nutshell
A reefer container is an ISO-standardized transport and storage container with an integrated electric refrigeration unit. It actively maintains the internal temperature within a range of -30 °C to +30 °C constantly. It differs from a passive insulated container by its ability to generate its own cooling and heating.
| Eigenschaft |
Standard-Reefer (20 Fuß / 40 Fuß High Cube) |
| Außenmaße (L x B x H) |
20 Fuß: 6.058 x 2.438 x 2.591 mm
40 Fuß HC: 12.192 x 2.438 x 2.896 mm |
| Temperaturbereich |
-30 °C bis +30 °C (Tiefkühl-Ausführungen bis -60 °C) |
| Stromanschluss |
Starkstrom 380 V – 460 V / 50–60 Hz (3-phasig, 32 A CEE) |
| Stromverbrauch |
ca. 4 bis 10 kWh/h (abhängig von Soll- und Außentemperatur) |
| Bodenkonstruktion |
Aluminium-T-Grating-Boden (optimiert für Luftzirkulation) |
| Kältemittel & Dämmung |
Kältemittel R134a / R404A / R452A; PU-Hartschaum (ca. 100 mm) |
How does a reefer container work?
Unlike standard shipping containers, cooling air in a reefer flows from the bottom up. The unit pushes cold air through the T-bar aluminum floor. The air rises through the cargo, absorbs heat, and flows back to the unit along the ceiling. For mobile transport (e.g., on a truck), the power supply is provided by an attached diesel generator (genset).
Main areas of application
- Food logistics: Seamless transport of frozen food, meat, fish, dairy products, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables (under controlled atmosphere).
- Pharma & medicine: Temperature-controlled storage of medication, vaccines, and blood supplies in accordance with GDP guidelines.
- Events & catering: Used as a temporary, flexible cold storage unit for large-scale events or renovations.
- Chemical industry: Safe storage of temperature-sensitive raw materials and resins.
Terminology: Reefer vs. refrigerated container vs. insulated container
- Reefer container / refrigerated container: Synonymous terms. "Reefer" is the international technical term (derived from refrigerated container), while "Kühlcontainer" is the German translation. Both are equipped with an active cooling unit.
- Insulated container (Conair / thermal container): Features only insulated walls (sandwich panels) but no built-in refrigeration unit. It only protects cargo from outside temperatures for a short period.