The Essential Guide to Custom Cold Rooms for the Food Industry

Author:
Dr. Julian Carter

In the food industry, maintaining the freshness and safety of perishable goods is critical. Whether you operate a restaurant, catering service, supermarket, or food manufacturing facility, having the right cold storage solution is essential to keep products at the correct temperature, prevent spoilage, and comply with UK food safety laws.

In the food industry, maintaining the freshness and safety of perishable goods is critical. Whether you operate a restaurant, catering service, supermarket, or food manufacturing facility, having the right cold storage solution is essential to keep products at the correct temperature, prevent spoilage, and comply with UK food safety laws.

A custom cold room offers a tailored refrigeration system that can be designed to fit the specific requirements of a business. Unlike standard refrigeration units, custom cold rooms can be built to any size, accommodate various storage needs, and improve energy efficiency.

This guide explains how custom cold rooms work, their benefits, and the key factors businesses must consider when investing in a tailored solution.

What is a Custom Cold Room?

A custom cold room is a temperature-controlled storage unit designed to preserve perishable goods at optimal conditions. Unlike pre-built refrigeration units, these cold rooms can be customised in size, temperature range, shelving configurations, and access points to suit different business needs.

Custom cold rooms are commonly used in:

  • Restaurants and hotels to store fresh ingredients.
  • Catering businesses that require bulk storage.
  • Supermarkets to keep large quantities of perishable goods.
  • Food production and processing facilities that need strict temperature control.
  • Pharmaceutical industries for storing temperature-sensitive products.

These refrigeration systems are available as walk-in fridges, freezers, or combination cold rooms, depending on the storage requirements.

Benefits of Custom Cold Rooms for the Food Industry

1. Tailored to Business Needs

Every food business has unique storage requirements. A custom cold room is designed to fit specific space constraints, ensuring that businesses maximise their available area.

Businesses can choose:

  • The size and shape of the cold room.
  • Temperature zones suitable for different types of food.
  • Racking and shelving systems for efficient storage.

This flexibility allows businesses to optimise storage without wasting space or energy.

2. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

Modern custom cold rooms are designed with high-performance insulation materials and energy-efficient refrigeration systems to reduce electricity costs. Businesses can integrate:

  • Automated temperature control systems to adjust cooling based on usage.
  • Eco-friendly refrigerants to minimise environmental impact.
  • LED lighting to reduce energy consumption inside the cold room.

A well-designed cold room can significantly lower long-term operating costs, making it a cost-effective investment.

3. Scalability for Future Growth

As a business expands, storage demands increase. A modular cold room provides flexibility, allowing businesses to add more storage capacity without having to replace the entire system.

This scalability ensures that the refrigeration system remains cost-effective and adaptable as business needs evolve.

4. Improved Food Safety and Compliance

UK food safety laws require businesses to store perishable food at the correct temperature to prevent bacterial growth. A custom cold room ensures that food stays fresh by maintaining precise and stable temperature levels.

Other compliance benefits include:

  • HACCP-compliant cold storage for food safety regulations.
  • Air circulation and humidity control to prevent condensation and mould growth.
  • Backup power systems to prevent stock loss during power failures.

By ensuring compliance with industry standards, businesses can avoid legal issues and maintain high food quality.

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Key Considerations When Designing a Custom Cold Room

1. Choosing the Right Temperature Range

Different types of food require different storage temperatures to maintain freshness:

  • Fresh meat and poultry: 0°C to +3°C
  • Dairy products and fresh produce: +1°C to +4°C
  • Frozen foods: -18°C to -22°C
  • Ice cream and deep-frozen products: -25°C or below

A custom cold room allows businesses to set and control temperatures based on specific storage needs.

2. Selecting the Right Refrigeration System

Cold rooms require an efficient refrigeration system to maintain consistent temperatures. The two main options are:

  • Split Refrigeration Systems
    • Consist of an indoor evaporator and an external condenser unit.
    • More energy-efficient as the heat is expelled outside.
    • Ideal for large cold rooms with high cooling demands.
  • Monobloc Refrigeration Systems
    • A self-contained unit with all components inside.
    • Easier to install with no external condenser.
    • Suitable for smaller cold rooms or locations where outdoor units are not possible.

Choosing the right system ensures reliable cooling and cost-efficient operation.

3. Ensuring Proper Insulation

High-quality insulation panels prevent temperature fluctuations and reduce energy consumption. Businesses should consider:

  • Polyurethane or polystyrene panels for optimal insulation.
  • High-performance door seals to prevent heat leaks.
  • Temperature monitoring systems to detect inefficiencies.

Proper insulation extends the lifespan of refrigeration units and reduces long-term energy costs.

4. Backup Power and Temperature Monitoring

A power failure can lead to major stock loss, particularly in the food industry. Installing backup power solutions such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) or standby generators ensures that the cold room continues to operate.

Temperature monitoring systems provide real-time alerts if temperatures fluctuate, helping prevent food spoilage and financial losses.

Why More Businesses Are Investing in Custom Cold Rooms

Food businesses are increasingly choosing custom cold rooms to meet the growing demand for efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with food safety regulations.

A well-designed cold room reduces operational costs, prevents food waste, and improves product quality, making it a valuable long-term investment for any food-related business.

Key benefits include:
Lower energy costs with modern refrigeration technology.
Tailored storage for different food types.
Compliance with UK food safety standards.
Longer shelf life for perishable products.

References

  • Food Safety and Hygiene Regulations, UK 2024
  • UK Refrigeration Energy Efficiency Report, 2023

Author Bio

Dr. Julian Carter is a highly experienced thermal systems expert with over 15 years in the field, holding a PhD in thermal systems. His career spans academic research, consulting, and teaching, focusing on air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Dr. Carter bridges the gap between theoretical advancements and practical applications, providing expert insights to organisations like ClimateWorks, where his guidance informs decision-making and industry best practices. Notably, he has worked on international projects with organisations such as Daikin Industries, the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). These collaborations addressed energy efficiency, sustainable refrigerants, and advanced cooling technologies. Currently a lecturer at Edinburgh University, Dr. Carter combines his expertise with a passion for educating the next generation of engineers and advancing climate control technologies.

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