The Best Vans for Refrigeration or Chilled-Delivery Use in the UK

If you’re running chilled or frozen deliveries in the UK, the right van makes all the difference. Payload, load volume and temperature performance are key — but so is the choice between buying a van to convert or picking one with refrigeration already built in.

Buy Ready-Built Refrigerated Vans

You can now buy vans with refrigeration factory-approved and already installed. Brands such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault and Volkswagen all work with certified converters (including Paneltex Somers, CoolKit, Lamberet and others) to supply vans ready for chilled or frozen use.
These come with:

  • Insulated load areas

  • Chilled, frozen or dual-temperature capability

  • Temperature control and hygiene-ready finishes

  • A single combined warranty

They’re ideal if you want a turn-key solution without the wait of a bespoke conversion.

Best Vans for Refrigeration Conversions

For operators who want to choose the base van first or tailor the system to specific needs, these models consistently perform well:

Ford Transit Custom

A UK favourite with strong payloads (up to around 1.3 tonnes) and up to roughly 6.8 m³ of space. Great for urban chilled delivery and widely supported by conversion specialists.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

A larger van offering excellent build quality, long-distance comfort and high-volume load options. Ideal for frozen, multi-temperature or heavier payload operations.

Volkswagen Transporter

Compact enough for city routes but with serious capability. The 2025 model offers increased payload and flexibility, making it a cost-efficient choice for regular chilled drops.

Which Option Suits You?

  • Local, frequent chilled drops: Transit Custom or Transporter.

  • Bigger loads or frozen goods: Sprinter.

  • Need it immediately with no conversion delay: Go for a factory-approved or pre-converted fridge van.

 

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