Global trade demands transporting various goods, such as glass, food, gold, etc; as shipping containers exist in many sizes and types, you must choose the best one for your transit. If your cargo is temperature-sensitive, you can use refrigerated or insulated containers. Hence, these containers have similar uses, but how they are used is a little different. So, this blog post will help you understand refrigerator containers vs. insulated containers, their advantages and disadvantages, and the different ways in which they are used. This comprehensive guide will help you choose the best one for your cargo according to your budget. 

What are refrigerated containers? 

Refrigerated containers are also called reefer containers. These have refrigeration structures installed that can withstand temperatures of +25 to -25 degrees Celsius. These containers transport perishable cargo such as food, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, vegetables, and seafood. 40ft and 20ft reefer containers are the most used sizes. We will now understand these containers in some detailed points: 

How do refrigerated containers work?

As we have discussed, these reefer containers, also called cold storage containers, have an installed refrigeration system that helps sustain the same temperature throughout the journey so that the cargo will not rot or be damaged.

• These refrigerated containers have an inflator that inflates the refrigerant gas, which is later spread with the help of an indoor coil. This procedure helps regulate the specific temperature suitable for your cargo by removing unwanted heat. 
• Diesel engines are the power source used by refrigerated storage containers, or they are connected to an outside source, subject to the length of the transit. 
• The temperature can be regulated by the control board, which gives the shipper the power to regulate the temperature as required. 
• High-density foam is insulated, and airtight container doors regulate the temperature and block air from entering. 

Types of refrigerated containers

Here are three types of refrigerated freights: 

• Closed reefer: The most basic version of refrigerated storage containers is the closed reefer. It is the one and only piece with a wall inside and the integration of heating and refrigeration units, which makes it an ISO-compliant container.
• Modified/controlled atmosphere: These containers are a one-level up because of their improved insulation. They regulate the sustainable environment inside by restoring the oxygen used with the help of an exchange director. These shipping containers are mainly environmentally sustainable. 
• Automatic-fresh air management containers: AFMA can be considered as an updated version of the modified atmosphere containers. These are some of the best containers that maintain the air temperature with some sensors; therefore, properly managing oxygen and carbon dioxide can increase cargo life. 

What are the benefits of refrigerated containers?

Some basic features that make these freight containers unique are: 

• To maintain the needed temperature, there is a control board with fans, ventilation, and a condenser. 
• The refrigeration is managed by an electric power supplier with a generator used to manage if the power cuts in any situation. 
• Non-operating Reefers (NOR)  are the types of refrigerated containers that work when the refrigeration is off; the insulated walls will continue to regulate the temperature. 
• These containers are very suitable for transporting perishable goods over long distances, additionally keeping them fresh. 

When to use refrigerated containers?

The container design and features create some uses; let’s explore those uses: 

• The most common use of reefer containers is for food industries and industries selling soft drinks, limes, juices, and many more, as they keep drinks fresh and prevent them from going stale. 
• The pharmaceutical industry is a business hub for refrigerated containers, which transport temperature-sensitive drugs and medicines to keep them fresh and safe to consume. 
• It is also used to transport seafood such as fish, lobsters, crabs, shrimps, prawns, and chicken to help them stay fresh. 
• Flowers, plants, bakery items, and candies are also transported in reefers as they require temperature control in logistics.

Insulated containers

The insulated container is considered a type of refrigerated container built to bear temperatures up to -25°C to +30°C approximately, not a specified temperature. They are also utilized to transport temperature-conscious materials, but they do not necessarily need low temperatures. 

How do insulated containers work?

Insulated containers, despite serving the same function, have some differences that are meant to be highlighted, such as: 

• Two-layered walls cover these containers, leaving the space empty to ensure heat balance between the interior and exterior. 
• There is an additional layer that is fully airtight to keep the interior free of condensation.
• These shipping storage containers also have a gas chamber that captures the heat and regulates the balanced temperature. 
• Liners help line the walls of containers, using thermal blankets in many layers. 

Types of insulated containers

There are some different types of insulated containers: 

• Regular ice totes: These containers have double foam walls for transporting food, seafood, and wineries. 
• Dry ice totes: These containers are made of melted polyethylene plastic with a low density. Dry rice and ice cream are the most suitable cages for these containers. 
• Specialty: These containers are best for handling onboard, refreezing, and chilling practices. They are used to sort, grade, and store seafood. 

What are the benefits of insulated containers?

There are some features as well as benefits that make these containers a little different from reefer containers: 

• These containers have a strong infrastructure made up of steel or aluminum. 
• There is a layer of insulation inside the container, and they use passive heating methods, which means the design decreases heat gain and increases heat loss. 
• Rubber stoppers and sealed doors altogether help to maintain the temperature balance. 
• These insulated boxes are flexible; they can maintain hot and cold temperatures according to the cargo requirement. 
• These containers are cost-effective. 

When to use insulated containers?

Different sectors use insulated containers in their own way for transporting non-durable goods, with the basic task of not disturbing cold chain logistics. 

• The most common use of insulated containers, similar to refrigerated containers, is storing food to keep it fresh. 
• Paper and electronic items are also transported in insulated containers. The paper needs a moisture-free environment to stay intact. 
• They can also be modified to create pleasant living and working environments because of their ability to maintain a pleasant temperature for goods. Insulated containers can be converted into wine cellars, making it possible for anyone with a sizable wine collection to afford one. 
• These containers are more suitable for short-distance journeys and have less temperature-sensitive products. 

Common uses of insulated and refrigerated containers

Refrigerated containers vs. insulated containers is a confusing topic because of their common uses and structure. Many common uses for refrigerated and insulated containers create confusion in the minds of shippers.  Let’s understand these common uses and then understand the differences between insulated and refrigerated containers  that will help you choose the best one for you: 

• Refer and insulated containers are used for short journeys, as they use appliances to maintain the temperature and carry perishable goods. 
• Both containers carry temperature-sensitive goods requiring a specific temperature to be maintained. 

Comparison between refrigerated and insulated containers

Refrigerated containers vs. insulated containers is a brief topic that needs to highlight certain aspects for a detailed comparison. Let’s discuss some points that will give you a comparative analysis of both containers. 

• Temperature control capabilities: Both these containers have their temperature control structures. The refrigerated container consists of a motor and a vessel as a power source. Insulated containers are large storage boxes in which the temperature is regulated but not with any refrigerated system. 
• Energy consumption and cost: As we know, energy consumption and cost are higher in refrigerated containers as they use active container cooling methods by motors and generators that use more fuel. In contrast, insulated containers maintain the temperature by their insulated walls. They do not require any structure or power source, so their energy consumption is relatively less. 
• Maintenance and durability: It is easy to maintain the insulated walls rather than the power source or motors, so both containers have a way of maintaining.  Refrigerated containers can be maintained by keeping their power sources intact and balancing the temperature through generators. At the same time, insulated container temperature can be managed using compressors to build layered walls. Regarding durability, both are capable in their places, but insulated insulation is more durable than refrigerated. 
• Initial and operational costs: Refrigerated containers are more expensive than insulated containers, as they also require a costly refrigeration system. 
• Environmental impact: Both are for short journeys, but refrigerated containers have a larger carbon footprint than insulated containers. 

This comparison between refrigerated and insulated containers will help you understand certain aspects. Insulated containers are used to transport goods such as onions or potatoes. They are sufficient when shipping foodstuffs with extended shelf life. They protect the items from being rotten and keep them cool throughout the travel. There is no need for a specific temperature. Refrigerated containers are best suited for items such as seafood, beverages, and food items that need a specific temperature. 

Insulated containers vs. refrigerated containers is a topic worth considering. Both insulated and refrigerated shipping containers have many similar uses that create confusion among shippers when choosing the best for them. Refrigerated containers maintain a specific temperature, while insulated containers maintain a temperature that will withstand the outer weather conditions. Choose the container wisely by understanding your needs, the temperature your goods want, and the budget you have decided on for buying a container. 

LOTUS Containers provides one of the best types of shipping containers, be it used or new, for lease or purchase, refrigerated or insulated. Contact them to purchase containers with the best structure, power source, and insulated walls.