Every business that stores food or drink or other goods needs the right temperature. The wrong one can damage or ruin your stock. The right one protects your products and your profit. But which one is right for you? This guide to Chilled Storage vs Frozen Storage covers what they are and how to choose.
What Is Chilled Storage?
Chilled storage rooms keep goods cool but not frozen. This type of storage space is usually kept at between 2°C and 8°C. At this level the goods stored will remain fresh for days or weeks.
Chilled storage is used in shops and restaurants and florists, and is ideal for fresh produce and dairy and drinks. It is also good for meat and fish that you plan on using soon. A good chiller room will regulate airflow and humidity to stop food from drying out. Many shops have chiller rooms for stock that is to be sold within a week.
What Is Frozen Storage?
Frozen storage rooms keep goods well below freezing point. These rooms are usually kept at -18°C or below. At this temperature water in the food will turn to ice, and the goods stored will be safe from spoilage for weeks or months
Freezer storage is used in food factories and wholesalers and large kitchens, and is ideal for frozen meals and meat and fish and ice cream. It is also good for any stock that you need to keep for a long period of time. Freezer rooms also need good door seals as any air loss makes it easy for ice to form.
The Main Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Chilled Storage | Frozen Storage |
| Temperature | 2°C to 8°C | −18°C or below |
| Storage time | Days to weeks | Weeks to months |
| Best for | Fresh goods | Frozen goods |
| Running cost | Lower | Higher |
| Build needs | Standard insulation | Thicker insulation and floor heating |
Use this table as a quick guide to the differences between a chiller room and a freezer room, which are expanded on in more detail below.
Storage Time and Product Quality
The main difference between these two types of storage lies in the length of time that a product can be stored for. Goods stored at a chilled temperature have a short shelf life, and must be used within days or a few weeks. Goods stored in a freezer room have a much longer shelf life, ideal for buying stock in bulk or selling it slowly.
The quality of the stored goods is also important to consider. Some foods will be best eaten fresh, such as salad and soft fruit and fresh herbs, and should not be frozen. Other foods such as meat and bread and ready meals will all freeze very well. Always know how the goods you plan on storing will react to being stored before making a decision.
Running Costs and Energy Use
A freezer room uses more power than a chiller room due to the amount of work the cooling system has to do to get the temperature to such a low level. This can increase running costs.
A chiller room on the other hand has lower daily costs, but can incur higher costs over time if goods are lost due to their short shelf life. Always consider the bigger picture when thinking about which room is best value for your business, as a freezer room can be the more cost-effective option if it reduces wasted stock.
Keeping a clean and well sealed room is important to save energy. Good door seals and cleaning the coils regularly can help to reduce the amount of energy a room uses. Ask an installer for an estimate of running costs before buying a room.
Building and Installation Needs
A freezer room requires a more robust build than a chiller room and requires thicker panels to keep the cold air in. A heated floor is also usually needed so that the ground below the room does not freeze and cause the floor to buckle.
A chiller room has a simpler build but still requires good panels and a good seal. High density PIR panels are good for both types of rooms as they provide good insulation.
A professional cold room installation is essential to make sure the room fits your needs and fits your space. A poor install can lead to leaks in the room which waste energy from day one.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose
What do I store and how quickly do I use it?
How long must my stock last?
Do my goods freeze well?
What can I afford to spend every month?
Will my needs grow in the coming years?
Many businesses require the use of both a chiller and a freezer room. A restaurant may use a chiller room to store their fresh food and a freezer room to store their frozen stock. A wholesaler may need a number of rooms at different temperatures.
You can also have both rooms side by side instead of having one big room which is a more space saving option for businesses that need both types of storage. A good design plan will show you how to fit both rooms into your space.
Some businesses also make use of blast chillers to cool cooked food down to a temperature that will prevent bacteria growth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Many businesses make the same few mistakes when it comes to choosing a storage room. Avoid these common pitfall
- Going for the cheapest option without knowing your needs
- Storing a mix of goods at the wrong temperature
- Neglecting door seals and daily temperature checks
- Not getting regular servicing
- By avoiding these common mistakes you can save money and protect your stock.
Simple Habits for Both Types
No matter which room you go for there are some simple habits you can get into to prolong the life of your equipment and keep your goods safe. Keep the room door closed and leave space around the cooling unit to let the air circulate. Keep a record of the temperature each day and keep your stock off the floor. These simple checks will help to spot larger problems before they arise.
Keep Your System Safe and Compliant
Both types of room need refrigerant gas to cool and store goods. It picks up minor faults before they cause expensive breakdowns. A full range of [commercial refrigeration](https://cold-tec.co.uk/service/commercial-refrigeration/) support covers everything from shop fridges and display chillers to rooms.
Get Expert Help
The easiest way to find out what is right for your business is to speak to an expert who can come and check your products and advise you on what is right for your products.
ColdTec Cooling Service has 15 years of experience and is F-Gas certified and Refcom approved. The team design bespoke cold rooms and freezer rooms around your space and temperature needs. They also offer maintenance and emergency repair after the build.
FAQs
Is chilled storage cheaper than frozen storage?
Chilled storage is normally cheaper to build and run but a freezer room can be more cost-effective if it reduces the amount of wasted stock.
Can I turn a chiller room into a freezer room?
A chiller room may not be able to be turned into a freezer room and a freezer room may not be able to be turned into a chiller room as freezer rooms require thicker insulation and a more powerful cooling system. An engineer should be contacted to inspect your room.
Conclusion
Chilled storage keeps goods fresh for a short time and frozen storage keeps goods safe for much longer. The right option for you depends on your products and budget and your future needs. Many businesses find that a combination of both works best.
If you are unsure seek advice from a team that offers industrial refrigeration services and ask for a survey.
Contact Us
Name: ColdTec Cooling Servic
Phone: 020 3773 1250 +442037731250
Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk
Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR
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