What the calculation adds up
| Purchase | Range for the chosen size and condition |
|---|---|
| Delivery | £800 to £2,000 — crane lorry, depending on distance and access |
| Hook-up | £0 to £1,500 — nil if three-phase power is already in place |
| Chilled | Depending on size, set temperature and your price per kWh |
| Maintenance | ≈ £400 a year — refrigeration unit service, seals |
The detail of each item is in our price guide, and the electricity-only calculation is in the consumption calculator.
Rent or buy?
The simulator shows the cost of renting over the same period, as a benchmark. The tipping point is generally around 18 to 24 months of continuous use, but cash flow, maintenance and how your need may evolve matter as much as the arithmetic: our rent or buy comparison lays them out, and long-term hire details the monthly plan.
Frequently asked questions
Why does electricity weigh so heavily on the total?
Because a refrigeration unit runs non-stop, all year round. On a 20-foot unit running frozen, reckon on £19 to £25 a day, or £7,000 to £9,000 over a year. Over three years of continuous use, electricity and maintenance routinely exceed the purchase price of a second-hand unit: in use, the cooling costs more than the box.
At what point does buying become more cost-effective than renting?
Around 18 to 24 months of continuous use. Below that, renting keeps the edge: no cash tied up, maintenance included, and you hand the container back when the need ends. Beyond that, the purchase pays for itself and keeps a resale value.
Is the comparison with renting complete?
No, deliberately. The simulator compares rents excluding electricity, which the hirer pays too. Renting most often includes maintenance and avoids delivery charges, but leaves no residual value, whereas a purchased container can be resold.
Are these figures reliable?
They are indicative ranges observed on the European market in 2026, not quoted prices. The real price depends on the unit, its refrigeration unit, your region and site access. A tool for weighing up two scenarios, not a budget down to the penny.