Replacing a walk-in cooler or renovating a commercial kitchen creates a practical gap. The old equipment comes out, yet the inventory still needs a cold home until the new space is ready.
Temporary on-site cold storage bridges that gap when it fits the property, the power supply and the project schedule. We compared six providers across three formats: refrigerated containers in Phoenix, ground-level walk-ins and refrigerated trailers.
Key Takeaways
- Planned renovations: Our top pick rents 20ft and 40ft containers from Phoenix-area inventory, with a three-month minimum unless otherwise agreed.
- Frequent staff access: Polar Leasing rents ground-resting walk-ins that arrive pre-wired.
- Compact footprints: Aztec Container lists refrigerated container rentals in Phoenix, including compact 10ft reefers.
- Bundled logistics: Portabull Cold Storage includes delivery, pickup and 24/7 support.
- Local branch or short stays: United Rentals has a Phoenix storage branch, and Phoenix Cold Storage publishes day-to-month trailer rates.
How We Compared
We reviewed official product, location and rental pages for each provider on November 5, 2026. Our criteria were Phoenix service, equipment format, footprint and access, power requirements, rental terms and pricing transparency.
We did not rent units, visit sites or test temperatures. Send each provider the same brief covering dates, goods, set point, volume, placement surface and available power, then compare written quotes.
| Provider | Format | Best project fit | Pricing |
| SeaCube Cold Solutions | Refrigerated container | Multi-month renovations and multi-site work | Quote-based |
| Polar Leasing | Outdoor walk-in | Frequent staff access during works | Online estimate |
| Aztec Container | Refrigerated container | Tight sites needing a compact unit | Quote required |
| Portabull Cold Storage | Refrigerated container | Teams wanting bundled logistics | Quote required |
| United Rentals | Refrigerated container | Projects renting other site equipment | Quote required |
| Phoenix Cold Storage | Refrigerated trailer | Works lasting days or weeks | Published rates |
1. SeaCube Cold Solutions
Pros
- 20ft and 40ft units delivered from Phoenix-area depots
- PTI testing and a full system check before each unit leaves the depot
- Telematics monitoring and 24/7 support included with Phoenix rentals
- Normal wear and tear repairs covered while the unit is on site
Cons
- Minimum term is three months unless otherwise agreed
- Units need three-phase power at 460V (30 amps) or 230V (50 amps)
Why we picked it
Facilities teams planning a cooler replacement can match the unit to their stock using sizing guidance from SeaCube Cold Solutions: up to 8 pallets in a 20ft unit and up to 16 in a 40ft high cube. It can also deploy a container to hold inventory while a walk-in cooler is repaired or replaced. The Martin Container team, now part of the company, brings nearly 50 years of experience serving Arizona customers.
Sites with 208V or 240V service can request a transformer. Multi-site programs place units at several locations under one contract and one point of contact.
Pricing
Pricing is quote-based, with a monthly rate fixed for the lease term and delivery and return fees shown in the quote. Allow 5 to 7 days for depot preparation before the old cooler comes out.
2. Polar Leasing
Pros
- Electric, ground-resting walk-in coolers and freezers
- Units arrive pre-wired and pre-assembled, ready once power is connected
- Seamless fiberglass construction built for outdoor use
- Rental calculator covers terms from 4 to 8 days up to 24 months
Cons
- Not every model is available at every location
- Calculator estimates exclude round-trip delivery
Why we picked it
Polar Leasing suits kitchens where staff need to walk in and out with trays all day. A ground-level door avoids ramps and dock height during a busy service.
Calculator options include 8×10 and 8×20 walk-ins set at 35°F as coolers or -10°F as freezers. That covers both chilled stock and frozen goods during a renovation.
Pricing
Enter your Phoenix ZIP code in the rental calculator to see which models are available locally. Add round-trip delivery before comparing the estimate with container quotes.
3. Aztec Container
Pros
- Phoenix page lists refrigerated container rentals and purchases
- Compact 10ft reefers hold 3 to 4 standard pallets
- 10ft reefers offer a -40°F to +70°F temperature range
- Single-phase 230V or three-phase 460V options
Cons
- No published refrigerated rental rates
- Step-up transformers are optional extras where needed
Why we picked it
Aztec Container suits tight sites where a 20ft or 40ft unit will not fit. A 10ft reefer can sit in a narrow service yard or behind a storefront.
The single-phase option matters for buildings without three-phase service. Confirm which power format applies to the unit offered for your address.
Pricing
Request a quote naming the container size, power format and rental length. Ask for delivery, pickup and any transformer charges as separate line items.
4. Portabull Cold Storage
Pros
- Rentals bundle delivery and pickup logistics
- 24/7 access to expert support
- Serves grocers, restaurants, breweries, florists, pharmaceutical firms and manufacturers
- Expanded its fleet in 2024 by acquiring Kelly Refrigeration and Freezer’s rental units
Cons
- No published rental pricing
- A Phoenix depot or local stock is not stated on the reviewed pages
Why we picked it
Portabull fits facilities teams that want one provider managing transport, setup and support. Fewer vendors means fewer handoffs during a busy renovation.
A 2023 public rental agreement shows a 40ft ground-level refrigerated container on 460/480V three-phase power with a 30-amp breaker. Use it as a planning reference, since the assigned unit may differ.
Pricing
Request a quote covering delivery, pickup, rental length and billing cycle. The 2023 agreement billed rent every four weeks, so confirm the billing period for your project.
5. United Rentals
Pros
- Storage container branch at 2700 S 20th Ave in Phoenix
- Branch service area includes Phoenix and Mesa
- Delivers refrigerated containers to sites such as food production plants
- Offers other rental equipment alongside containers
Cons
- No refrigerated rental rates on the branch page
- Sites should be prepared in advance of delivery
Why we picked it
United Rentals suits renovation projects that also need other rented equipment. A single Phoenix branch can coordinate several items on one account.
Standard 20ft and 40ft container sizes are available across its storage and office locations. The company also grew its container fleet by acquiring Pac-Van’s storage container and mobile office business.
Pricing
Ask the Phoenix branch for a refrigerated container quote with delivery, pickup and rental length itemized. Confirm power requirements and local availability before scheduling the cooler removal.
6. Phoenix Cold Storage
Pros
- Published rates for one day, three days, a week and a month
- Delivery of a pre-cooled unit included in pricing
- Refrigerated trailers run on a dedicated 110V, 20-amp outlet
- Generator rentals available on request
Cons
- Trailers suit hand-carried cases rather than pallets
- Outlet distance guidance differs between its pages (35 feet and 30 feet)
Why we picked it
Phoenix Cold Storage covers short works such as a cooler swap completed within days. It serves Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, Glendale, Peoria and Surprise.
Refrigerated trailers typically hold 33°F to 38°F, and freezer trailers hold 0°F or lower. Standard outlet power keeps setup simple when three-phase service is unavailable.
Pricing
Its Arizona rental page lists USD 250 per day, USD 650 for three days, USD 1,200 for a week and USD 4,000 for a month. Confirm outlet distance and power for the assigned trailer.
Planning Cold Storage Around a Renovation
Treat temporary refrigeration as part of the renovation plan, not an afterthought. Well-planned restaurant interior projects reserve space for deliveries, staging and back-of-house equipment, and a rented unit needs the same thinking.
Mark a level spot with truck access close to the kitchen door, and book the unit to arrive before the old cooler is removed. The FDA recommends keeping refrigerated food at 40°F or below throughout the changeover.
Conclusion
Our top pick suits planned, multi-month renovations that need pallet-scale storage and steady support. Polar Leasing works well where staff need constant walk-in access.
Aztec Container covers compact sites, Portabull bundles logistics and United Rentals offers a local branch. Phoenix Cold Storage handles short changeovers with published trailer rates.
FAQ
Which format suits a short cooler replacement?
A refrigerated trailer usually fits works lasting days, since it rents by the day and runs on a dedicated standard outlet. Containers suit longer projects and pallet loads.
Do refrigerated containers need special power?
Most need three-phase power, typically 460V or 230V. Some providers offer single-phase units or transformers for sites without it.
How far ahead should I book?
Book before the renovation start date, since container providers may need several days to prepare a unit. Have it running before the old cooler is emptied.
Are advertised rental prices final?
No. Starting rates usually exclude delivery, pickup, taxes and generators, so request an itemized quote for your address and dates.
