Abstract In this study, we prepared water-based nanofluids and tested their crystallization supercooling degree (SD) in two containers made of different materials. The test aimed to explore the comprehensive effects of nanoparticles and container properties on the crystallization SD of the nanofluids. In particular, we analyzed the effects of nanoparticle weight fraction, container surface roughness and wettability, and the cooling rate which was determined by container thermal conductivity, on the SD of the nanofluids. The main influencing factor among container properties on the SD of the nanofluids was determined, and the relative importance of the effects of nanoparticles and container properties with respect to SD was discussed.