Do you need a large cold room?
While many people in the food industry are familiar with cold storage, newcomers may not fully understand how they work or their benefits.
So, what exactly is a cold storage room, how is it used, and who typically rents separate cold storage spaces? Here's a summary of frequently asked questions about cold storage rooms:
What is a cold room?
A cold room is a large-scale storage solution designed to keep perishable goods frozen or chilled at a specific temperature. You can think of it as an industrial-sized refrigerator. Cold rooms are used for commercial refrigeration, particularly in the food industry, to preserve products, pharmaceuticals, and flowers.
How does a large cold storage room work?
Cold storage facilities and blast freezers operate using various essential components:
Compressor: Compresses the refrigerant gas.
Condenser: Cools hot gas down to a liquid state.
Expansion Valve: Controls flow and converts liquid gas into vapor.
Evaporator coils: They absorb heat and cool the room by causing the liquid gas to expand and boil.
Refrigerator Fans: They circulate air over evaporator coils to cool the room.
Cold Room Door: An insulated door that helps maintain the room's temperature.
Who uses cold storage facilities?
Businesses and individuals with large-scale cooling or freezing needs can utilize cold room rental services. In Singapore, cold room rental services are popular for the following sectors:
Food businesses: Restaurants, catering services, mobile food stalls, and meal box delivery services; to store bulk supplies and free up space in their kitchens.
Pharmaceutical companies: To store medications that require specific temperatures.
Others include businesses that offer cooking classes, and even florists who keep fruits, vegetables, and flower arrangements fresh.
How do I keep a cold room cold?
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your cold room at the correct temperature and operating efficiently. In Singapore, businesses like Ventco offer regular temperature and safety checks for rental cold storage units. This ensures your products remain safe and your cold room functions optimally.
What are the three main types of food preservation?
There are three main types of storage in the food industry:
Dry Food Storage: Non-perishable products such as flour, sugar, rice, and canned goods.
Refrigerated Food Storage: Perishable goods such as meat, dairy products, fresh fruit, and pre-prepared meals.
Frozen Food Storage: Products that need to be stored at freezing temperatures, such as bulk cooked foods or frozen products.
What should the temperature of my cold room be?
The temperature of your cold storage room depends on the products you are storing:
Ambient Temperature: If you need room temperature or a "cool" environment, the temperature should be set between 8°C and 25°C.
Cold Storage: For standard refrigeration, the room temperature should be between 2°C and 8°C.
Cold Storage: For frozen products, the temperature should be set to -15°C or lower.
The advantages of using a large cold room.
Space saving: A walk-in cold room can free up valuable floor space in your kitchen by storing large quantities of products outside.
Cost savings: Prevent food waste by organizing materials in a cold storage facility where you can clearly see and manage your inventory.
Easy access: Thanks to its large capacity, you can store more items and easily access them when you need them, saving you time spent searching.
Customization: Cold rooms can be tailored to the specific needs of your business, whether you require temperature adjustments or additional space.
Are cold rooms important?
Cold storage facilities are crucial for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable goods such as food, flowers, and pharmaceuticals. They also benefit both your business and the environment by helping to reduce waste.
Do cold storage facilities need ventilation?
Yes, proper ventilation is necessary to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth. Most rental cold storage units are equipped with internal ventilation, but it's always a good idea to confirm this before renting.
Do I need to wear personal protective equipment in the cold storage facility?
The need for personal protective equipment depends on the length of your stay in the cold room. If you plan to stay in the cold room for a longer period, it is essential to wear insulating clothing, including the following:
Insulated boots
Thermal jacket and trousers
Thermal gloves and head protection
For short visits, a thermal jacket and gloves are sufficient.
What can I store in a cold room?
Refrigerators with a large interior capacity are versatile and can store a wide variety of items, including:
Fresh produce, meats, dairy products, legumes, and spices.
Frozen foods and pre-cooked products
Flowers, chemicals, and pharmaceutical products.
How should I organize my cold storage room?
A well-organized cold storage facility can increase efficiency and prevent food waste. Consider these tips:
Label the shelves and food products.
Store food in groups and prevent overcrowding.
Apply the first-in, first-out (FIFO) principle.
Store fish, meat, and poultry at ground level to prevent contamination.
What are the methods for preventing and removing mold growth in cold rooms?
To prevent mold growth, ensure proper humidity control and effective ventilation. Clean surfaces regularly, address maintenance issues, and repair seals promptly. If mold is detected, act quickly to clean it up and protect both your products and your employees.