Table of Contents
ToggleA cold room is an ideal complement or replacement for your refrigeration equipment, capable of storing large quantities of food and ingredients while being energy-efficient.
As cold room and refrigeration experts, we can inspect your facility, provide you with the necessary equipment, and install it. Before purchasing, you should know some key considerations and information to ensure your cold room is right for your business.
1. What Is A Cold Room?
A cold room is an insulated, refrigerated space designed to maintain a fixed temperature. They are used in professional kitchens for food storage, as they can hold large amounts of inventory and come in a variety of sizes, from small walk-in coolers to large warehouses. They are also sometimes called “walk-in” coolers.
Unlike other commercial refrigeration equipment, walk-in coolers cannot be moved. They require installation by professionals like us.
2. What Is A Cold Room Used For?
Cold room has a wide range of uses, primarily for the bulk storage of products that require specific temperatures. Products that can be stored in a chiller room include:
(A). Fresh produce: vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and meats
(B). Prepared foods: prepared foods for restaurants and cafes, or sandwiches and prepared meals for retail stores
(C). Frozen foods: meat, fresh produce, ice cream, and bread
(D). Plant foods: plants and flowers
(E). Beverages: to maintain quality or provide the ideal drinking temperature
(F). The versatility of refrigerators and freezers allows them to meet a variety of commercial needs, and the list is endless.
3. What Are the Essential Features of A Cold Room?
A cold room may require several additional elements to improve its efficiency and daily operation:
(A). Defrosting: Most cold rooms are equipped with an automatic defrosting system with active defrost.
(B). Emergency Exit: All modern cold rooms have an interior button that unlocks the door, serving as an emergency exit. Some rooms may also have an emergency button.
(C). Lighting: Interior lighting is usually standard, either automatic or manual.
(D). Loading Access: If you use carts to load goods, you can build a ramp. This reduces the risk of tripping due to the raised door frame.
(E). Energy-saving Mode: Doors sometimes include a self-closing mechanism to help save on operating costs.
4. Why Use A Cold Room?
A freezer room is ideal when you need powerful, reliable refrigeration and freezing capabilities, as they provide precise temperature control for your food.
They offer many advantages over traditional refrigerators and freezers, especially if you have a large inventory.
(A). Cold Room Provides More Storage Space
Walk-in coolers offer ample storage space, and due to their large capacity, their operating costs are much lower than those of smaller refrigeration units. You don’t need to purchase and maintain multiple refrigeration units.
(B). Cold Room Saves Space
You can place a walk-in cooler indoors or outdoors, freeing up space in the kitchen for cooking and meal preparation equipment. This is ideal for homes with smaller kitchens, but if your kitchen is outdoors, you’ll need a weatherproof roof.
(C). Cold Room Helps You Organize Your Goods
Food stored on shelves is easier to keep organized and easier to find than other types of storage. They also make restocking easier.
(D). Cold Room is More Secure
Most models are equipped with security features to prevent damage and theft. Walk-in coolers are conveniently located and easy to use, making it easy to restock and access ingredients.
(E). Cold Room Storage Saves Electricity and Energy.
Walk-in coolers are designed to reduce temperature fluctuations, requiring less energy to regulate the temperature during use.
5. Considerations Before Purchasing A Cold Room
Before purchasing a walk-in cold room, you should consider the following key factors:
(A). Choosing the Right Cold Room Capacity for Your Needs
Your walk-in cold room can function as a walk-in cooler or walk-in freezer, and some models even function as both a refrigerator and freezer. Choosing the best walk-in cold room for your business will depend on your business needs.
(B). Cold Rooms Require Shelving
Your inventory will be stored on shelving to ensure easy access and maximize storage space. Shelving is typically sold separately and can be configured to meet your needs.
(C). Protect Your Cold Room from Humidity and Acidity
Due to the harsh environment of cold rooms, acids from food, moisture, and frequent use can cause shelving to rust or deteriorate. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose durable, long-lasting PVC or anodized aluminum shelving.
(D). Choosing the Right Temperature
You must understand the ambient temperature surrounding your walk-in cold room. The maximum ambient temperature refers to the highest temperature at which the cold room can operate without affecting the internal temperature. Most cold rooms can operate up to 32°C, but if you require a higher ambient temperature, you can choose a more robust cold room.
(E). Cold storage requires ventilation.
You should also consider ventilation, as cold storage rooms require ample space around the equipment to allow heat to transfer to the outside. If your cold storage room is installed indoors, consider what other facilities are located indoors and whether these facilities may affect performance. Cold storage rooms should not be installed in confined spaces, as these may not have adequate ventilation to maintain the correct temperature.
Before You Go
If you need help selecting the best cold room solution for your business or your clients, please contact us. Our experienced sales team will be happy to assist you.