How Many People Per Mobile Fridge? Event Sizing Guide
A guest count is only half the answer — the type of event and menu decide how many cubic metres of cold storage you actually need.
The short answer: a 3 m walk-in mobile fridge comfortably serves 100–200 event guests for a full-day function with catered food and drinks. But the honest answer depends on what you're storing, how long the event runs, and whether the fridge is doing double duty as a drinks fridge and a food fridge.
Mobile fridge sizing by guest count
| Guest count | Food + drinks | Drinks only | Recommended unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 50 | 2 m single-axle | Bar fridge trailer | Smallest chiller |
| 50 – 100 | 2 m walk-in | 2 m walk-in | Single 2 m unit |
| 100 – 200 | 3 m walk-in | 2 m walk-in | Standard event size |
| 200 – 300 | 4 m walk-in | 3 m walk-in | Popular for weddings |
| 300 – 500 | 5–6 m walk-in | 4 m walk-in | Two smaller units also work |
| 500+ | Multiple units | Multiple units | Split food + drinks + backup |
Rules of thumb by event type
Weddings (3-course plated)
Allow 1 cubic metre of cold storage per 40 guests when the caterer is prepping starters, mains and desserts on site. For 150 guests, a 3 m walk-in is the sweet spot — you'll have room for the cake, floral arrangements and back-up drinks.
Funerals and memorials
Funeral catering leans heavily on prepared salads, cold meats and desserts, so cold storage matters more than for other events. Size up one bracket from a wedding of the same headcount.
Corporate functions and conferences
Break-away catering (canapés, salads, deli platters) needs less cold storage per guest than a plated dinner. A 3 m walk-in handles up to 300 conference delegates comfortably.
Food markets and festivals
Vendors typically share a 5–6 m communal chiller. Rule of thumb: 1 cubic metre per stall for a full trading day. For a 15-stall market, a single 6 m walk-in usually works.
When to book two smaller units instead of one big one
- Food and drinks need different temperatures (e.g. 2 °C food vs 5 °C beer).
- Access is on opposite sides of the venue (bar tent vs kitchen tent).
- Guest count is over 300 — redundancy protects against a single compressor failure.
- Menu has strict allergens (halal, kosher, vegan) that must not cross-contaminate.
Free sizing advice for your event
Send us your guest count, menu type and venue suburb and we'll recommend the smallest unit that actually works — no upselling. Call 076 564 8963 or WhatsApp us for an obligation-free quote within the hour during office hours.