white cold room with closed door in a commercial kitchen

Setting up a business is a stressful time for even the most seasoned professionals. Making sure that the equipment is perfect is vitally important especially due to the large price tags associated with commercial grade refrigeration pieces. With so many areas and features to be factored into the decision, it is essential to understand all aspects and consider exactly what your individual needs are. We supply walk in chillers to all areas of the UK, so whether you're based in London, Manchester, Wales, Scotland or looking for cold rooms in Leicester, we can help. 

If you are unsure whether your business would benefit from walk in refrigeration, take a look at our cold freezer room buying guide and pick up some useful tips not only on selection and operation but also on basic maintenance to ensure longevity and ultimate performance.

Do I need a cold room?

The type of food you serve and the size of your business will be major factors in this decision. You will also need to consider the regularity of food orders. Large businesses that use high quantities of refrigerated ingredients will obviously require larger refrigeration equipment, although this alone does not necessarily mean that you need a walk-in unit. Factor in the number of deliveries you receive every week. If you take charge of fresh produce on a daily basis and tend to use it all, there will be less need for specialised storage. If, on the other hand, your business only receives weekly food orders you will definitely need a refrigerated cold store with more substance that is able to hold larger quantities of ingredients.

If you're looking for sub-zero temperatures rather than simply refrigerated storage, then a freezer room is ideal. All commercial refrigeration (unless specifically designed otherwise as in the case of blast chillers) are designed to store or display pre-chilled or pre-frozen product. It is not designed to pull down the core temperature of fresh produce to recommended temperatures within the recommended timeframe for food safety. If you're looking for a large capacity room to safely chill or freeze fresh foods, then cold rooms with blast chillers and freezer rooms with blast freezers are available. Contact the team directly for more details about specialist requests such as these.

What types of cold rooms are available for specific uses?

  • Standard interior cold rooms and freezer rooms 
  • External cold rooms and freezer rooms with weatherproof roof only or all weatherproof panels
  • Medical, pharmaceutical, pathology, laboratory and testing cold rooms
  • Cheese rooms - glass rooms that combine the storage of a cold room with display capability
  • Beer caves where the chilled room is actually the shop - customers walk in and get what they want from the shelves before paying
  • Game larder cold rooms, fresh or frozen meat rooms or seafood and fish cold rooms ideal for butchers or fishmongers, and also abattoirs
  • Florists
  • Environmental test chambers
  • Mortuaries
  • Egg rooms

What size cold room do I need?

Although walk-in chillers used to be solely large installations for massive businesses, they are now available for a variety of settings, and are more accessible for smaller food premises that need additional storage. If you receive large food deliveries and have space available, you will be able to find a cold store to fulfil your needs.

Cold room sizes vary from the area of a small closet to a large room depending on the amount of storage required and the space available to work with. Each walk-in refrigerator should be fitted with food grade shelves creating efficient storage for boxes, blocks and any other large perishable goods, maximising space without compromising on organisation.

Getting the size perfect is important for efficiency. Choosing a smaller unit will leave goods packed too tightly, therefore, reducing air circulation and creating uneven temperatures. Choosing a unit that is too large will result in increased cooling costs. Achieving the perfect balance between volume/capacity within the space available is the primary factor.

Height is also a factor to be considered. Standard heights for modular cold rooms are generally between 2 metres and 2.4 metres, however bespoke sizes can  be made to any requirements. The height of a room is especially important during certain applications, e.g. if a forklift will need access to the room. 

Modular or bespoke projects?

Are there modular options available that fit your individual business requirements or do you need to look for a more tailored option with a bespoke solution?

Modular cold rooms and freezer rooms are available in a wide range of dimensions, although they are typically standard boxed or rectangular rooms. Read more here about Modular Cold Rooms. Some businesses will have unusual angles or layouts to work with and may, therefore, require more specialised service. Bespoke cold rooms are the perfect solution. Delivering a 'made to order' service, the size, shape and configuration of the walk in cold room or freezer is entirely formed based on your individual needs and requirements. Click here to read more about Bespoke Cold Rooms.

Some potential col room uses are classed as specialist, such as mortuaries, pathology stores, and environmental test chambers, and as such require a more tailored approach to design, manufacture and all round operation. It vital that such projects are carried out by experts, to guarantee quality results, that deliver precision performance and that will remain durable over the years.

white cold room with wall mounted monoblock and open door showing empty shelves and blue lightwhite cold room with wall mounted monoblock and open door showing empty shelves and blue light

Where should I build a cold room - internal or external?

Walk-in chillers and freezers can be built indoors or outdoors dependent on the type of business, the intended use, and the space available. While internal cold rooms are robust and durable, some may not be weatherproof - weatherproofing being a critical specification for outdoor cold rooms that are open to the elements.

External cold rooms and freezer rooms must feature a weatherproof roof, however may also need all weatherproof wall panels, depending on whether the room is out in the open or covered with an additional canopy.

Depending on the intended use, increased insulation may be required to accurately hold temperatures. Cold room panels, in their most basic form, generally consist of composite material panels with insulation sandwiched in the middle. This may or may not have cladding and weatherproof coating for added protection. The materials used for the construction of bespoke coldroom panels for specialist use may vary, and will typically be determined by the location of the structure and the temperatures it is expected to operate at. 

When considering the location for cold stores always check the climate class of the intended equipment to make sure it is capable of operating in the intended ambient conditions.

Is cold room installation difficult?

Walk in coolers must be fitted by a trained engineer although modular construction and simple yet secure camlock fixtures mean that installation isn’t as difficult as it once was. These additional refrigeration units can be erected inside an existing building, outside or even as a lean-to extension. Many cold room manufacturers will visit the site to assess the area and the requirements of the business prior to installation to make sure that the process runs as smoothly as possible. Where this isn't carried out as standard, the service can be arranged.

step by step diagram of modular coldroom being builtstep by step diagram of modular coldroom being built

Site survey and installation may be included in the purchase cost, however some manufacturers will charge an additional fee – be sure to check exactly what is included in the price.

How do cold rooms work?

The technology is similar to that of domestic refrigeration, however, is more complex due to the size of, and demands on, commercial units. Walk in fridges and freezers operate on the same principles as other commercial refrigeration cycles except on a larger scale, depending on the dimensions of the room. They will have either a monoblock wall mounted refrigerated system or a remote system where the main components are situated separately from the room, typically on an exterior wall. 

What temperature should a cold room be?

Refrigerated chillers typically operate with a temperature range of between 2˚C and 10˚C, ample for optimum chilled storage for dairy and cooked meats etc. For fresh fish and raw meat, lower temperatures are required and so you should look for a range of -2˚C to 5˚C. Walk in freezers are also available which have even lower temperatures of around -18˚C to -25˚C. Always consider the types of foods you will need to store in order to determine which option best suits your needs.

If you require two separate temperatures there should be an option to install a Combi system whereby a room is separated by a wall allowing each area to be set to a different climate. This Combi option doesn’t use as much space as two separate modular units, making it ideal for smaller businesses.

Conditions and climate can be tailored to any specific use case. If humidity is also required as well as temperature then a water feed can be installed to control this.

All commercial refrigeration temperatures will fluctuate, typically within a range of 3°C. This is entirely normal and will not cause any safety issue for food. If precision climates and temperatures are essential in specific use cases, consult with a trusted cold room project company who can find a solution that meets your requirements. 

Does a cold room need ventilation?

Yes, quality ventilation is essential for cold rooms and freezer rooms. Not only does it help circulation and airflow by preventing stale, stagnant air from accumulating, assist with temperature regulation, and help to maintain quality and freshness of stored produce, but also prevents excess moisture from building up within the structure which can encourage the growth of mould and even cause damage to the structure itself, as well as the products stored within. Insufficient ventilation may also lead to a decrease in efficiency. The ventilation system required will vary depending on the size, location and intended function of the room.

When is a coldroom not a cold room?

Coldrooms and freezer rooms do what they say on the tin, right? Well, yes, but they can also do so much more. The insulation used in all cold rooms is sufficient to hold consistent temperatures in normal climates, with no special adaptations required. But what about in extreme conditions?

Walk in freezers and chillers aren't only designed to keep produce chilled but can also keep them warm if required, maintaining strict ambient conditions. In the case of external cold rooms or locations that experience extreme external ambient temperature fluctuations, cold rooms can regulate storage temperatures. On hot days, they can hold temperatures low; on cold days, they can hold higher temperatures. Acting as an 'ambient' cold room, this delivers a consistency throughout the year regardless of exterior environmental conditions.

Power - integrated or remote?

Is the unit remote or integral? Both integrated cold rooms and integrated freezer rooms feature all working components within the main body of the cold store. Remote cold rooms and remote freezer rooms, however, have an external motor connected to the unit with refrigerant pipes. Read more information on the benefits of remote and integral operations.

A single phase 3 pin plug is the standard power supply for most modular cold rooms and freezer rooms. A 3 phase electrical supply may be available on larger rooms and bespoke projects, which while drawing more power, are actually more efficient and cost less to run.

How much power does a cold room use?

Standard cold room refrigeration systems will run between 60% - 80% of the time in order to maintain the required temperature. As coldrooms are just like other commercial refrigeration but just on a larger scale they will require more power to achieve the intended result. The actual amount of power drawn will depend on a number of variables such as;

  • size
  • fridge or freezer
  • function and what it's being used for
  • location and ambient temperatures
  • refrigerant used
  • level of stock held
  • number of doors
  • level of insulation
  • standard levels of cleaning, maintenance and service

With so many factors to take into account, it is difficult to calculate an overarching guideline. A cold room specialist will be able to calculate estimated power usage when discussing your individual cold room project. 

What is 100% power back-up and do I need it?

Typically walk in coldrooms and freezers will use only one refrigeration system, just as any other refrigeration. This is classed as a single point of failure - if the refrigeration system fails, then the cold room will stop chilling. Due to the high quality of the insulation, rooms may be capable of holding temperatures for a number of hours, depending in the type of room, the size, if the door remains closed, the quantity of stock held, location and external temperatures. This may be sufficient for a repair to be carried out or to arrange for a temporary mobile unit to be delivered so that stock can be transferred. As commercial walk in fridges hold massive quantities of stock, or temperature sensitive materials, this means that any loss could result in a large monetary loss. This is where back-up systems can earn their keep.

With two systems working in an alternate cycle of 7 days on and 7 days off (this prevents one system from doing the majority of the work and components wearing out more quickly), should one system fail, the other is ready in the background to take over. While one system is working, the other remains in standby, using only a trickle power to keep it going. This does add cost onto initial equipment outlays however could save you thousands in the long-run from lost stock.

Do walk in fridges and walk in freezers need a floor?

Larger walk-in refrigeration stores and freezer rooms will require an insulated floor as standard to achieve desired temperatures, however the same feature in standard sized rooms which are purely refrigerated, is optional.

If flooring is optional, do you need one? While anti-slip floors will offer increased insulation and efficiency, as well as enhanced safety features, they will also prove more costly to install. Larger cold rooms and those for specialist uses should always have a high quality floor, to guarantee higher levels of performance.

Cold room flooring should be anti-slip and is available in a choice of materials depending on the intended use and the cold room manufacturer you go with. Whether you choose to have a floor or not, the room must be built on a completely flat, level surface. As wall panels don't flex, an uneven surface (without a cold room floor) will cause gapping, reducing performance, effectiveness and efficiency. Where a cold room floor is installed, a level base surface is also essential. Any small gaps or air pockets beneath the floor may accumulate a build up of ice, especially in moist, humid environments where liquids are stored and cleaning fluids are regularly used. As ice builds up in layers within these gaps, the floor may eventually bow and become uneven.

Having an in-built floor will create a small step into the unit and so it is vital to establish whether you will need to use a trolley or cage to manoeuvre stock. 

If a floor is vital and so is the use of trolleys, you may want to consider one of two options;

  • Install a small ramp for ease of access.
  • Excavate the floor prior to installation resulting in a level base once the floor is in place.

Obviously the first is a cheaper yet still effective option while the second will take prior planning, work and expense to prepare the area for installation yet may give a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing result.

close up of stainless steel floor in a cold room close up of stainless steel floor in a cold room
stainless steel shelves with assorted food and drink stackedstainless steel shelves with assorted food and drink stacked

Benefits of customisable walk in freezer and cold rooms

A cold room or freezer room, whether modular or bespoke, can be accessorised to create a storage space that works for individual needs. With options for manual or automatic lighting, door strip curtains, self closing and/or semi-rebated or fully rebated doors (that sit flush with walls), sliding or hinged access doors, and temperature alarms through to emergency escapes (crucial especially in freezer rooms), heated door frames, and incoming water pipes to control humidity, the variations and adaptations available cater to all requirements.

Having ample shelving is essential and ensures that organisation and convenience are maximised. Finding food and drink located methodically on shelving is far easier than searching through multiple drawers or shelves in a smaller refrigerator. While walk-in coolers are ideal for storing large quantities of ingredients, smaller standard pieces of refrigeration equipment will still be vital for regularly used items.

Are you maximising the space available? The perfect walk in refrigeration should be able to greatly increase your storing capabilities in relation to the available area. Ample shelving will also guarantee that all stock is easy and quick to locate and simple to organise and rearrange when necessary.

In some applicatons, such as rooms for game or butchers cold rooms for fresh meat, racks and hooks for hanging sides of meat, can be installed instead of shelves. Where fresh fish is stored in fishmongers or at large fish markets, suitable drainage will be required to accommodate excess water as the bed of flaked ice that fish must be stored on melts. The refrigeration unit itself will also typically need to be finished with a special coating to protect against naturally occuring ammonia produced by fresh fish. Where specialist requirements are needed, always discuss with cold room experts before purchase.

It isn't only the interior that can be customised. Some brands also offer colour options to transform the exterior appearance to blend in surroundings.

How much is a cold room?

Cold rooms, even the smallest most basic structures, are a large investment for any business, hence the initial question - Do I need a cold room? If the answer is unequivocally, yes, the next question is generally - How much does it cost to set up a cold room? This question cannot be answered accurately without a site survey from a respected cold store specialist. With many variables including size, function, location, type of refrigeration system, level of insulation, any special requirements, manufacturer, services required i.e. installation, and any necessary accessories for internal storage etc. the cost could vary greatly.

With prices of standard modular integrated fridge rooms, without any additions or special requirements, starting from just over £3000 excluding VAT, up to over £7000 excluding VAT, the investment typically represents a large portion of budget, and so it's vital to get specifications correct for your unique operational needs before actually placing an order and making payment. These prices will be greater for modular freezer rooms, remote refrigeration systems, and bespoke projects.

Cold rooms are a considered purchase and therefore will often be critical to a business, and so it is vital to get the right system for the job. If you scrimp on certain aspects or cut out elements to keep costs low, you may find that your big investment doesn't perform as you need it to, with you having to spend more money to remedy the structure within a few years of purchase. If you need your walk-in cold room or freezer room to perform, and more importantly, keep performing over the years, then it is strongly advised to use a recommended cold room specialist with a proven installation history.

Other key things to consider

  • Will you receive a free site survey and installation included within the purchase cost?
  • Are you limited by noise concerns or restrictions due to surrounding premises such as hospitals or nursing homes, or domestic properties?
  • Does the unit have the necessary safety? Cold rooms should meet 2006 HACCP regulations to ensure the safety of the staff using the room. All cold and freezer rooms supplied through FFD are fully compliant with all regulations.
  • What about warranty cover? All quality cold store manufacturers will generally provide two options for customers to choose from - 'supply only' or 'supply and install' services. The 'supply only' option will generally be covered by a parts only warranty. Where an installation service by a manufacturer engineer is utilised, a full parts and labour warranty will typically be supplied.
  • What are the standard levels of insulation? The majority of cold rooms will feature insulation measuring approximately 80mm thick. The deeper the insulation the more protection from higher external temperatures is available increasing overall efficiency. Thicker insulation will typically cost more however efficiency is increased and running costs will be reduced in the future.
  • Does the unit need to be situated next to a drain? Is the area you have available suitable for the equipment?
  • What gas does the coldroom use? Manufacturers now use R290 HC refrigerants, R452a HFC refrigerants or R449a, each with a low GWP (Global Warming Potential) that is better for the environment. THe type of refrigerant used may vary depending on the size and type of cold room being installed. At present, these refrigerants all comply with F-Gas Regulations. Always speak with a specialist if you have any concerns regarding refrigerants in relation to your cold room.
  • Is there an option to spread the cost? We offer a leasing option on all purchases of £1000 or above excluding VAT.

Coldroom Maintenance Tips

Cold rooms are pricey pieces of kit and so it is vital to carry out regular cleaning and maintenance to achieve maximum results and save money on potential breakdowns and repairs.

Aim to have any annual servicing and maintenance carried out before the start of the warmer weather. This ensures that your equipment is able to cope with the increased workload and counteract hotter ambient temperatures. In addition, preventative maintenance should also be carried out on specific aspects of the cold store daily, monthly and quarterly. 

Cleaning must be carried out on a more regular basis ideally every morning. This includes standard checks including door seals and inspecting panels for any sign of damage that could affect operation. Air vents at floor level will often attract and collect dust, dirt and surrounding clutter e.g. leaves when situated externally or carpet fibres if situated internally. If the motor can’t breathe or becomes blocked, unnecessary pressure will be put on major components. The motor will become hot and will wear out more quickly.

Clear any debris from the vent and wipe away dust with a mildly damp cloth to maintain optimum conditions.

High levels of internal cleaning and hygiene, goes without saying and should be frequently addressed.

Ask advice

There are many walk in refrigerator manufacturers, with price points to fit all budgets. If you are unsure as to the type of chiller room and the size that you require, always ask the advice of a neutral third party. The team at FFD are trained to listen to individual business requirements and highlight the best options available whether that's as a standard modular kit or as part of a bespoke cold room project or full turnkey temperature controlled room service.