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A small reefer is a compact-sized refrigeration device manufactured to preserve various products at a desired temperature. There are many different types of small reefers, each one with a unique characteristic that sets it apart from the rest.
Cube reefer
The cube reefer is a refrigerator designed specifically to preserve fruits and vegetables. The interior of the fridge is equipped with humidity control as well as an air filtration system that aims to increase the shelf life of produce. One great benefit of a cube reefer is that it decreases food waste and enables users to purchase perishable items in bulk.
Bar reefer
Bar reefers are refrigerators manufactured to store drinks at ice-cold temperatures. The fridge usually has shelves and drawers that can be used to store a wide range of beverages, including beer, soft drinks, and liquor. Most bar reefers are also commonly used to store food items. The standard bar reefer comes with a locking mechanism that keeps the content secure and protects it from theft when it is not in use.
Glass door reefer
A glass door reefer features a transparent door made of tempered glass, allowing for a clear view of its content. These types of small reefers are commonly used in retail stores, supermarkets, and gas stations for product merchandising and convenient food storage. The good thing about a glass door reefer is that it can be used to promote food and beverage items to boost sales. Depending on the design and features available, a glass door reefer can be either upright or countertop.
Curbside reefer
Curbside reefers are commercial refrigerators designed for use in the foodservice industry, commonly found in diners, restaurants, and cafés. It is a handy refrigerator that can be used for frequent food retrieval to promote employee efficiency and productivity during busy working hours. Curbside reefers can come in both standard and custom sizes to meet the needs of individual businesses.
Under-counter reefer
Under-counter reefers are compact refrigerators that are designed to preserve food at temperatures between 33 °F and 38 °F. They are usually placed underneath countertops so that when the cooks prepare food, they can easily pull out the ingredients without any hassle. In most cases, manufacturers build under-counter reefers with commercial-grade stainless steel to ensure durability and withstand extreme temperatures.
Specifications for small refrigerated containers vary greatly depending upon the make and model. Dimensions, capacity, power source, temperature control system, and insulation materials are all dependent upon the purpose and use of the reefer in question.
Small refrigerated containers come in different lengths, widths, and heights. Standard lengths are from 10 feet up to 40 feet. The most common refrigerator container width is 8.5 feet, with an overall height of 9.5 feet. The internal dimensions for cargo are approximately 7.9 feet (wide) x 7.9 feet (height). Ice cream containers (for perishable goods) are 8.5 feet wide but only 7.4 feet high. The internal height is therefore much lower. Because the dimensions vary, each container will have a different cubic capacity for cargo. Standard capacity is approx. 30,000 to 60,000 kg.
Generally, refrigerated containers have a voltage of 380-415V (three-phase) / 220-240V (single-phase). They refrigerate their cargo using a generator set (cooling unit + diesel generator), plug-in electric power, or a built-in diesel generator. Refrigerated containers can be moved using trucks, vessels, or trains, and the power source depends upon the form of transport. For example, reefers on ships use “maritime power” to ensure that they are plugged into shore power while docked.
Modern refrigerated container has microprocessor-based controllers with digital displays so that freight forwarders can monitor the temperature accurately from anywhere in the world. The temperature settings for a refrigerated container are -2°C to +12°C. Some models also have humidity control, and some can even freeze to a temperature of -23°C. The thermostat and other remote controls allow the driver or dock supervisor to set the reefer temperature from outside the container.
The main maintenance procedure for a small reefer unit is the routine inspection and servicing. This helps to prevent any breakdowns during the transportation of perishables. Operators can usually follow the manufacturer's guide for specific maintenance requirements for the specific reefer model they are using. However, generally speaking, they should:
Some scenarios where small reefers are used are as follows:
Local delivery of frozen and cold goods
Small reefer trucks are widely used for local deliveries of perishable goods such as meat, dairy, produce, baked goods, etc. Their compact size allows them to navigate through urban areas and make stops. The ability to maintain a specific temperature ensures that the delivered goods arrive fresh and in perfect condition.
Food service and catering
In the catering and food service industry, small reefer vans are indispensable. Whether it's a restaurant sourcing ingredients from various suppliers, a catering company transporting equipment to an off-site event, or a food truck making deliveries throughout the day, these vehicles ensure that perishable items are properly transported.
Pharmaceutical and medical supply transportation
Small reefers with temperature-controlled cargo areas are used to transport sensitive medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. Items like vaccines, medicines, biological samples, and laboratory equipment often need to be kept at specific temperatures. Small reefers ensure timely delivery while maintaining the integrity of these crucial healthcare products.
Retail supply chain
Small refrigerated trailers and reefers are used to supply grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience shops with frozen food, ice cream, dairy products, and other temperature-sensitive items. They enable retailers to restock their refrigerated and frozen sections, ensuring customers have access to a wide range of chilled products.
Event and exhibition transportation
When it comes to transporting perishable items for special events, trade shows, or exhibitions, small reefers prove to be invaluable. Whether it's delivering food and beverages to concerts, catering to VIP suites at sporting events, or transporting ingredients to pop-up restaurants and food stalls, these vehicles ensure that everything arrives fresh and on time.
It is important to consider some factors when choosing small reefers.
Intended use and cargo types
Choosing a reefer container based on specific applications and cargo types is paramount. Diverse industries such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food service have distinct requirements. For instance, maintaining precise temperature ranges is non-negotiable when transporting sensitive pharmaceuticals or perishable food items. Selecting a reefer container that aligns perfectly with these unique temperature control demands is crucial for safeguarding the integrity of the cargo and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Temperature range and control system
It's crucial to select reefers with the appropriate temperature range and control system for the specific cargo. Different cargo types have distinct temperature control requirements. For instance, deep-freezing food items necessitate a reefer container capable of reaching and maintaining sub-zero temperatures. Equally important is the choice of control system. Analog controls may suffice for some applications, but digital microprocessor controls offer superior precision and reliability. These digital systems enable granular management of temperature settings, ensuring that the reefer container maintains the exact conditions needed for optimal cargo preservation.
Power source and efficiency
Evaluating the power source and refrigeration unit's efficiency is crucial to ensuring uninterrupted cargo protection. The reefer container's power source, whether it be diesel, electric, or LNG, must align with the transportation method and the intended duration of the journey.
Condition and performance history
When purchasing or renting a reefer container, checking its condition and performance history is paramount. Inspecting the container for any signs of damage, such as air leaks or malfunctioning seals, helps ensure its ability to maintain the required temperature ranges effectively. Additionally, inquiring about the maintenance records of the refrigeration unit is essential. These units are the heart of the reefer container, responsible for precise temperature control. Knowing the servicing history ensures that the refrigeration system has been properly cared for and regularly maintained, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns during transportation.
Q1: What is the difference between reefers and regular containers?
A1: The most common types of shipping containers are dry containers, which are very similar to reefers. However, shipping containers without cooling systems cannot transport freight that requires temperature control. Reefer containers also have a feature that prevents cargo from getting too cool or icy apart from having cooling units that lower the temperature.
Q2: What is the working principle of a small reefer container?
A2: The operation of the small reefer container is similar to that of ordinary refrigerators. Inside the container, there are evaporators and compressors, fans, and condensers. The cargo heat is taken away by the evaporators, which turn it into a coolant that circulates as a gas in the cooling system by a compressor. The gas is then turned back into a liquid and cooled by the condenser. To maintain the temperature within the container, the refrigerant is sent back to the evaporators by a thermostat.
Q3: Who uses reefers?
A3: Small reefers are used by a wide variety of people, including farmers, food producers, the pharmaceutical industry, hospitals, event planners, wedding planners, schools, local government, and repair shops.
Q4: How big are reefers?
A4: The majority of reefers are produced in 20-foot and 40-foot lengths. The typical reefer width and height are 8.5 feet and 9.5 feet respectively.
