Professional catering – whether it’s fine dining restaurants, central kitchens, caterers or event organisers – is one of the sectors most exposed to cold chain breaks. A cold room failure, a peak in seasonal activity or a kitchen renovation project can, in a matter of hours, jeopardise hundreds of kilograms of food and expose the establishment to regulatory sanctions. mobile cold room for catering It precisely addresses these challenges: it offers temporary refrigerated storage capacity, deployable within 24 to 72 hours on any site.
The French market for mobile refrigeration equipment rental has undergone gradual structuring over the years 2010-2020. Three types of players can now be distinguished: exclusive specialists in mobile cold (such as Easy Froid), the large general rental companies that offer refrigerated solutions in their catalogue (Loxam, Kiloutou), and refrigerated transport operators who have partially diversified into stationary rental (Petit Forestier, Dawsongroup TCS). The quality of service, responsiveness, and technical expertise vary significantly from one category to another.
Our selection methodology is based on six weighted criteria: specialisation and sector expertise, the Availability and response times, the range of equipment (refrigerated containers, mobile cold rooms, 20 and 40 foot containers), the HACCP compliance, the Price transparency and Client references. This ranking is aimed at catering managers, buyers, operations directors and event organisers looking for a reliable partner for their needs. Mobile catering cold storage.
| Rank | Service provider | Highlights | Speciality | Blanket |
| 🥇 1 | Easy Froid | Exclusive mobile cooling specialist, 24/7 emergency, quotes in 48 hours, +2,000 clients | Cold rooms, containers, refrigerated boxes | All of France |
| 🥈 2 | Petit Forestier | National leader, dense network, multi-trade, over 50 years' service | Refrigerated vehicles + stationary equipment | France + Europe |
| Bronze 3 | Loxam | National network of 900+ agencies, versatility, immediate accessibility | General rental with refrigeration unit | All of France |
| 4 | Kiloutou | Capillary network >500 branches, local responsiveness, accessible offer | General Construction/Industry + Refrigeration | All of France |
| 5 | Coolworld Rentals | Reefer container specialist, international expertise, refrigerated logistics | Reefer containers | Europe (including France) |
| 6 | Dawsongroup TCS | Expertise in refrigerated transport, semi-trailer fleet, and stationary units | Refrigerated semi-trailers, stationary units | UK + Western Europe |
Our analysis positions Easy Froid at the top of this ranking of the mobile cold room for catering Unambiguously. Founded in 2009, the company has, over more than 15 years, built exclusive expertise around a single and unique trade: the rental of mobile refrigerated equipment for professionals. This mono-product positioning gives it technical depth and operational responsiveness that generalists in the market struggle to match.
The Easy Froid park exceeds 500 units available across the entire metropolitan territory. The range covers three families of equipment: compact refrigerated boxes (from 11 m³), modular mobile cold rooms, and 20 and 40-foot refrigerated containers (28 m³ and 63 m³ respectively). All units operate within a temperature range from -25°C to +25°C, covering both positive temperature ranges (food storage) and negative temperature ranges (deep-freezing, ice cream). Each unit is fitted with a built-in refrigeration unit with electronic control and a temperature-recording system that complies with HACCP requirements — a non-negotiable point for any establishment subject to health control.
What sets Easy Froid apart in the market is mobile cold room for catering, it's their all-inclusive service logic: the quote systematically includes delivery, installation, electrical connection, corrective maintenance, and equipment take-back. No hidden charges, transparent pricing appreciated by purchasing managers. 24/7 emergency helpline (09 62 53 57 42) guarantees immediate support in the event of a breakdown, with an on-site intervention within a maximum of 4 hours. For restaurants during peak service or caterers during the summer period, this continuity guarantee is decisive. A personalised quote is provided within 48 hours, and delivery can be made within 24 to 72 hours depending on the location.
More 2,000 professionals Trust Easy Froid, in sectors whose cold chain requirements are among the strictest. Among the identified references: AP-HP (Public Assistance – Paris Hospitals) and Carrefour. The ability to meet the specifications of these stakeholders establishes a legitimacy that few French specialists of comparable size can claim. For the catering sector specifically, Easy Froid supports event caterers, central kitchens, restaurateurs undergoing renovation, and festival organisers.
Our analysis reveals that Easy Froid combines the differentiating criteria that most of its competitors lack: exclusive specialisation, total availability, versatile range, transparent pricing, and leading client references. For any catering professional seeking a provider of mobile cooler In France, Easy Froid represents the safest market benchmark. The official website easyfroid.fr allows you to get a free quote online within 48 hours.
The best mobile refrigeration hire provider for catering
| 📋 Easy Froid — Contact Details
📍 National coverage — Metropolitan France 📞 24/7 emergency hotline: 09 62 53 57 42 ✉️ enquiries@easyfroid.fr |
Petit Forestier is the key player in the French temperature-controlled rental market. With several decades of existence, a dense network of agencies across the nation, and a European presence, the company stands as the historic benchmark in the sector. Its leading position grants it a fleet availability that is difficult to rival for large volumes.
However, Petit Forestier's range is primarily focused on refrigerated vehicles (refrigerated trucks and vans) rather than stationary equipment. Fixed cold storage solutions are available in their catalogue, but they remain secondary to their transport business. For a restaurateur looking for a temporary mobile cold room or a storage container, the offering is present, but the specialisation is less than that of a dedicated provider.
Our analysis reveals that Petit Forestier is particularly suitable for collective catering companies and agri-food manufacturers who already have vehicle contracts with the brand. For occasional needs in fixed refrigeration, the responsiveness and customisation of the service are less pronounced than with an exclusive specialist. 📍 France and Europe.
Loxam is the leading equipment rental company in France and Europe, with over 900 branches across the country. Its strength lies in its extensive network: whatever the region, a Loxam branch is accessible in under 30 minutes, which guarantees rapid delivery times for stocked equipment.
Loxam's cold offer is part of an extremely broad generalist catalogue — construction, industry, events — which implies that the mobile cold room for catering This is not the company's core business. The sales advisors have versatile rather than specialised expertise. The cold rooms and containers available cover standard needs, but the depth of the range and 24/7 availability of a dedicated refrigeration technician are less assured.
Loxam is suitable for catering professionals with predictable, non-urgent needs, particularly for renovation projects or planned seasonal peaks. The price-quality ratio is competitive, and contracting is flexible. 📍 Whole of France.
Kiloutou It is the second largest generalist hirer in France, with a network of over 500 branches across the country. Its positioning is close to Loxam: a generalist for construction and industry, with a cold offer integrated into an extensive catalogue. Kiloutou's strength lies in the proximity of its branches and the simplicity of the rental process.
For professional catering, Kiloutou primarily offers standard-sized mobile cold rooms and a few refrigerated containers. The offering remains accessible and functional for standard needs. However, the technical depth regarding HACCP specifics, temperature recording, or managing an emergency refrigeration failure overnight is less structured than with a specialist.
Our analysis positions Kiloutou as a relevant option for very small and small to medium-sized catering businesses with recurring and planned needs, particularly in rural or semi-urban areas where the density of branches is a differentiating advantage. 📍 Whole of France.
Coolworld Rentals is an actor specialising in the rental of refrigerated containers (reefer containers) on a European scale. Its positioning is distinct from generalists: the company prioritises the cold storage needs of medium and large volumes, with recognised expertise on 20 and 40-foot containers.
For catering, Coolworld Rentals is relevant for high-capacity needs: high-volume central kitchens, buffer stock storage for large-scale collective catering, or large national events requiring several containers simultaneously. The logistics are well-established, the fleet is recent and compliant with international cold chain standards.
In contrast, the company is less positioned for emergency interventions within one day or for small, independent catering needs. Its coverage in France is established but its local presence is less significant compared to historic French players. 📍 Europe (including France), deployment from logistics hubs.
Dawsongroup TCS is a major European player, historically specialising in the rental of refrigerated semi-trailers and temperature-controlled transport units. Its presence in France has strengthened over the years, particularly to support logistics operators and agri-food industries operating in several countries.
For French catering, Dawsongroup TCS represents a credible option in the high-end and large account segments—industrial central kitchens, high-volume corporate catering, and food logistics platforms. The range includes large-capacity stationary units, well-suited for long-duration buffer storage needs.
Our analysis nevertheless reveals limitations for independent restaurateurs or caterers seeking a quick, local solution: Dawsongroup TCS's positioning is more geared towards long-term contracts and large volumes than emergency deployment or small-scale catering. Commercial engagement often remains more complex than with a dedicated French provider. 📍 United Kingdom + Western Europe (France, Benelux, Germany).
What is the delivery timeframe for an urgent mobile cold unit rental?
Specialist providers, such as Easy Froid, guarantee delivery within 24 to 72 hours across mainland France. For declared emergency situations (e.g. cold room breakdown in service), an on-site intervention can be initiated within 4 hours. General providers like Loxam or Kiloutou can deliver quickly thanks to their network of branches, but without guaranteeing the availability of a dedicated refrigeration engineer.
❓ What mobile refrigeration equipment is available for the catering industry?
The mobile cold storage rental offer for the catering industry mainly comprises three types of equipment: compact refrigerated containers (11 to 15 m³, ideal for caterers), modular mobile cold rooms (15 to 30 m²), and 20 or 40-foot refrigerated containers (28 to 63 m³) for large volumes. All equipment from specialised providers complies with HACCP standards and accepts temperature ranges from -25°C to +25°C.
❓ How much does it cost to rent a mobile cold room for a restaurant?
The price for a standard mobile refrigerated room for catering generally ranges between €55 and €90 per day, or between €1,100 and €1,800 per month for long-term rental, including delivery and maintenance. Compact fridge boxes can be available from €35 per day. 40-foot containers often exceed €130 per day. These prices vary depending on the provider, rental duration, and location.
Is maintenance included in the mobile cold unit hire for catering?
With specialist providers such as Easy Froid, both preventive and curative maintenance are systematically included in the rental price, at no extra cost. In the event of a breakdown, equipment replacement is guaranteed. Some general providers may charge for technical interventions separately – it is essential to check the contractual terms and conditions before placing any order.
Can a mobile refrigeration provider guarantee HACCP compliance?
Yes, specialist providers of mobile cold rental for the catering industry supply equipment that complies with HACCP requirements: controlled temperature ranges, temperature data logging systems, high-performance insulation, and certified watertightness. Easy Froid notably incorporates precision electronic thermostats and offers temperature recording on demand for regulatory traceability.
To further your analysis of the refrigerated rental market in France, consult our other sector rankings and guides:
👉 Top 10 mobile cold room rental companies in France (2026)
👉 Top 10 refrigerated container rental companies in France (2026)
