20ft Refrigerated Container for Sale in Kenya (Reefers)

20ft Refrigerated Container for Sale in Kenya: The Compact Cold Chain Solution

For businesses requiring precise temperature control without the footprint of a large 40ft unit, the 20ft Refrigerated Container, or Reefer, is the perfect solution. These specialized units offer reliable, high-specification cold storage in a compact, highly portable package, making them ideal for small distribution centers, restaurants, farms, and start-up food processors in Kenya.

At Frontier Containers EA Limited, we supply top-condition 20ft Reefer Containers, providing the same powerful temperature capabilities as their larger counterparts but optimized for sites with limited space or smaller volume requirements.

The 20ft Reefer Advantage: Power in a Small Footprint

The 20ft Reefer provides immense value by offering industrial-grade cold storage capabilities in a 6-meter footprint, making it the most flexible and cost-effective cold storage asset.

• Optimal Portability: The smaller size makes the 20ft unit significantly easier and cheaper to transport and place, especially on properties with limited access or in tight urban/market environments.

• Precision Temperature Range: Like the 40ft model, these units maintain a consistent temperature range, typically from -30°C (Deep Freeze) down to +30°C (Chiller), critical for sensitive goods.

• Cost-Effective Operation: The smaller internal volume often translates to slightly lower running costs compared to a 40ft unit, offering efficient temperature maintenance for small to medium volumes of product.

• Hygienic Construction: The interior is factory-built with non-corrosive materials like stainless steel and aluminum, conforming to strict food-grade standards for cleanliness and safety.

• Superior Insulation: Built-in, high-density polyurethane foam insulation ensures minimal heat exchange, helping the unit maintain temperature even if the power source is temporarily interrupted.

Product Specifications and Power Requirements

The 20ft Reefer operates on the same industrial-grade power as the 40ft, ensuring powerful and reliable cooling performance.

Common Uses for 20ft Reefer Containers in Kenya

The compact reefer is ideal for local cold storage needs and specialized applications:

• Hotels & Restaurants: On-site backup deep freezing and cold storage for bulk food purchases.

• Small Farms & Co-ops: Temporary chilling and storage for high-value fresh produce (e.g., berries, specialised vegetables).

• Meat & Fish Vendors: Secure, reliable freezers for butchers and seafood processors in markets or distribution centres.

• Pharmaceutical Logistics: Storing medicines and temperature-sensitive goods requiring strict regulatory compliance.

• Event Catering: Mobile refrigeration for large outdoor events, festivals, and remote catering operations.

   

Why Choose Frontier Containers for Your Compact Reefer?

Purchasing specialized cold storage requires confidence in the machinery.

• Pre-Trip Inspection (PTI) Guarantee: Every operational reefer sold has undergone a rigorous Pre-Trip Inspection, guaranteeing that the refrigeration machinery is fully functional and capable of maintaining the set-point temperature.

• Technical Support: We provide essential technical guidance on 3-Phase power connections, correct circuit protection, and efficient unit operation in the Kenyan environment.

• Quality & Condition: We source units with reliable refrigeration machinery (e.g., Carrier, Thermo King) and hygienic interiors, ensuring immediate operational reliability.

Estimated Price Range (Used, Operational Unit): Kshs 850,000 – 1,200,000

(Price is highly dependent on the unit’s age, the brand/condition of the refrigeration machinery, and current market availability.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for 20ft Reefer Containers

1. What is the price range for a 20ft reefer container?

A functional, used 20ft reefer container typically falls between Kshs 850,000 and 1,200,000. The final cost is determined by the machine’s condition, its age, and whether any specific certifications are required.

2. Is the 20ft reefer easier to power than the 40ft?

No, both units require the same 3-Phase industrial power (380V-460V). The main difference in operation is the slightly reduced internal volume, which may reduce continuous running time compared to the 40ft unit.

3. Do I need to pre-cool my produce before loading?

Yes, absolutely. The reefer is designed to maintain the temperature of pre-cooled or pre-frozen cargo, not to rapidly cool it down.6 Loading warm cargo can damage the unit and lead to product spoilage.7

4. Can the 20ft reefer be run by a generator?

Yes. You will need a substantial 3-Phase generator (Genset) to handle the high electrical demand and surge created when the compressor motor starts. The generator must be properly sized by a technician.

5. What is the “T-Bar” floor?

The T-Bar floor is the special metal flooring found inside the reefer. It has grooves and channels that ensure cold air can flow uniformly under the cargo and up the sides, essential for maintaining an even temperature across all products.8

6. Does the reefer need to be shaded?

While the unit is designed for continuous outdoor use, placing it in a shaded area or installing a roof cover can help reduce the heat load on the metal exterior, allowing the refrigeration unit to run more efficiently and save energy.

7. Can I use the 20ft reefer for specialized construction (e.g., an office)?

Yes. If the machinery is removed or non-functional, the unit becomes an extremely well-insulated Used Container shell, perfect for conversion into an office or laboratory where temperature stability is desired, even without the cooling unit running.

8. What costs are not included in the purchase price?

The purchase price covers the container unit and its machinery. It does not include the cost of transport to your site, the cost of power cables (which must be sized correctly), or the cost of having a certified electrician connect the unit to your power source.