Questions to Ask When Renting a Cooler for a Party
If you're hosting a party or any type of large event where food will be provided, you might consider arranging for a cooler or portable refrigerator rental. This equipment can keep your fresh food and the leftovers protected before and after the event, and it can let you keep drinks cold without having to haul heavy bags of ice to your venue. When you're thinking of renting any type of refrigerator or cooler for a party, note a few important questions to ask the rental agent, so you get the right piece of equipment and know what's involved in its use.
Ask about electrical requirements
Don't assume that a rented cooler can be plugged into any outlet in your venue; these coolers usually need a certain amount of volts and amps in order to operate, and they may also need their own circuit so they don't trip the building's circuits while in use. Most coolers will also have a three-pronged plug for added grounding in case of a power surge. Whatever the case, always ask about the electrical and outlet requirements of a unit, and then double-check on these requirements with your venue to ensure you can actually plug in your unit and operate it!
Ask about temperature control
If you'll need an actual freezer for your party, be sure to ask for a cooler with a freezer compartment. Not all coolers have such attached freezers, and some rented refrigerators may simply be insulated, without a cooling unit and fan inside the unit. For keeping soda and other beverages extra cool, you'll need an actual refrigerator with temperature control, and if you want to keep ice frozen during your party, you'll need a separate freezer section. Ask about these features in a party refrigeration rental so you know they're included, and so you don't end up with a basic cooler that doesn't keep your items as cold as expected.
Ask if the item would need a special permit
Depending on where you're hosting your party, you may need a special permit to use a rented cooler or refrigerator. A city might require this permit to ensure you're not overloading electrical circuits, and because they may have safety requirements for such units, to ensure they don't overheat and potentially start a fire. Whatever the case, be sure you ask if certain units need special permits so you know what paperwork is needed before you have the unit delivered.