When temperatures rise or equipment needs to stay cool, a chiller can be the difference between smooth operations and costly downtime. But one question we hear all the time at Rapid Chiller Rentals is simple: How much does it cost to rent a chiller?
The short answer? It depends on your cooling needs, how long you need it for, and the type of chiller you choose. The good news is that with Rapid’s flexible hire options, you’ll always get the right chiller at the right price.
Let’s break down the costs, what affects them, and how to make your budget go further.
What Affects Chiller Hire Costs?
Several factors influence the cost of chiller rental, and knowing them can help you get an accurate quote upfront.
1. Cooling Capacity (Size Matters)
The bigger the chiller, the higher the daily rate but also the more cooling power you get. For example:
- Small units (up to 100 kW) ideal for small events or supplementary cooling.
- Medium units (100–300 kW) suitable for warehouses or mid-sized industrial processes.
- Large units (300 kW and above) for large factories, hospitals, or data centres.
Fact: An oversized chiller will cost more to run and hire, so always match capacity to your actual needs.
2. Duration of Hire
- Daily hire great for emergencies or one-off events.
- Weekly hire more cost-effective than paying day-by-day.
- Long-term leasing the best option for extended projects, often with discounted rates.
Pro tip: Longer hire often brings better weekly or monthly rates, saving you up to 20–30%.
3. Location & Logistics
Delivery and installation distance can affect the total cost. Remote or hard-to-reach sites may require additional equipment or time. At Rapid Chiller Rentals, we offer nationwide delivery, including same-day emergency setups.
4. Installation & Ancillary Services
Some chiller rentals are “bare hire” you get the unit and handle the rest yourself. Rapid takes a different approach:
- Full installation service
- All hoses and pumps supplied
- Maintenance during hire
- 24/7 technical support
This all-inclusive model ensures you avoid surprise costs and downtime.
Typical Chiller Rental Costs in the UK
While prices vary, here’s a general market guide for temporary chiller hire:
| Chiller Size | Typical Daily Rate | Typical Weekly Rate |
| Small (up to 100 kW) | £100–£200 | £500–£800 |
| Medium (100–300 kW) | £250–£400 | £1,000–£1,500 |
| Large (300 kW+) | £500–£800 | £2,000–£3,000+ |
These figures include delivery and installation in most cases. At Rapid, we tailor quotes to your site, meaning you only pay for what you truly need.
Why Choose Rapid Chiller Rentals?
We’re not just about supplying chillers we’re about keeping your operation running without a hitch.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Same-day delivery for urgent cooling needs.
- Large, modern fleet of air-cooled and water-cooled chillers.
- Flexible hire terms from a single day to long-term leasing.
- All-inclusive packages with no hidden extras.
Explore our Chiller Hire and Chiller Lease pages for more details.
How to Estimate Your Chiller Hire Cost?
When you contact us for a quote, here’s what to have ready:
- Required cooling load (kW or BTU)
- Duration of hire (days, weeks, months)
- Site location & access details
- Preferred chiller type (air-cooled, water-cooled, packaged, etc.)
If you’re unsure about capacity, our free site survey can determine exactly what’s needed ensuring you don’t overpay for an oversized unit.
FAQs
1: What’s the cheapest chiller I can hire?
Small chillers start from around £100 per day, but cost depends on availability, location, and duration.
2: Can I get a discount for long-term hire?
Yes. extended hire often comes with significantly reduced weekly rates.
3: Do prices include installation?
At Rapid Chiller Rentals, all prices include installation, hoses, and pumps.
4: Are there extra running costs?
You’ll need to budget for electricity or fuel to power the chiller. Energy costs vary based on unit size.
5: Can you deliver anywhere in the UK?
Yes. We cover all regions, including remote and offshore locations.
Final Thoughts
The cost to rent a chiller isn’t just a number, it’s a balance between performance, reliability, and value. At Rapid Chiller Rentals, we make sure you get all three. Emergency cooling to planned projects, we deliver the right solution, at the right price, exactly when you need it.
Need a quote today? Call us or request one online and stay cool, whatever your industry demands.