Cold Rooms – What are they and how to buy them

Why buy a cold room?

Cold rooms offer many advantages over standard upright or counter refrigeration:

• Larger capacity: Cold rooms store far more than standard fridges or freezers. Replacing multiple units with a single room can save money on running costs, servicing and cleaning.
• Easy to organise: With everything stored in one space with plenty of racking, it’s easier to find ingredients, rotate stock and keep on top of inventory.
• Flexible placement: Cold rooms can be installed indoors or outdoors. Installing outside frees up valuable kitchen space, though outdoor units may need a weatherproof roof.
• Reliable construction: Insulated, robust panels and quality refrigeration components help keep food safely chilled or frozen around the clock.
• Secure: As cold rooms can hold thousands of pounds worth of goods, doors and locks are designed with security in mind.
• Convenient access: Walk-in design makes it quick and simple for staff to grab what they need and restock during busy service.

Cold Room Options

Cold rooms are a worthwhile investment for many businesses, but there are a few key choices to consider when selecting the right model:

• Chilled or Frozen: Decide whether you need a chiller (for fresh produce, dairy and prepared foods), a freezer (for long-term storage), or a high-end unit that can operate in both modes.
• Integral or Remote:

  Integral cold rooms have all the refrigeration equipment built into the unit, making them quicker and easier to install.Remote cold rooms transfer hot air and compressor noise away from the kitchen via pipework. These can improve working conditions but may require more complex installation and, in some cases, local authority permission depending on the exhaust location.

• Shelving: Shelving is often sold separately so you can configure the interior layout to suit your menu and stock flow. Common options include PVC-coated plastic and anodised aluminium. Shelving is essential for hygiene, keeping food off the floor and making stock easy to access.

• Ambient Temperature Rating: The maximum ambient temperature indicates how hot the surrounding environment can be before performance is affected. Standard cold rooms typically operate up to 32°C (Climate Class 4), while more powerful models can work in temperatures up to 43°C (Climate Class 5).
• Ventilation: Cold rooms need sufficient ventilation to remove heat from the condenser. Outdoor units usually have better airflow. If installed inside, ensure there is enough space around the plant to prevent overheating and maintain efficiency.

Extra Cold Room Features

To simplify day-to-day use, many cold room manufacturers include additional features that improve performance, safety and convenience:

• Automatic Defrost: Most cold rooms include automatic defrost as standard. Off-cycle defrost pauses the refrigeration to let ice melt naturally, while electric defrost actively removes ice build-up to maintain efficiency.
• Colour Options: The colour of the exterior panels is mainly aesthetic. Darker finishes can be more forgiving outdoors, whereas pure white units may show dirt or marks more easily, especially if visible to customers.
• Emergency Escape Systems: Modern cold rooms feature internal release mechanisms so the door can be opened from the inside. Some models also include panic buttons or trace heaters to prevent doors freezing shut.
• Interior Lighting: Usually standard, interior lighting improves visibility, making it safer and easier to organise stock.
• Ramps: Useful when moving heavy or bulky items on trolleys, and for reducing trip hazards where there are raised door thresholds.
• Rebated Doors: Doors that sit flush with the wall panels offer better security and thermal efficiency, making them harder to force open and more effective at retaining cold air. Most doors are also lockable for added protection.
• Self-Closing Doors: Help minimise energy loss and prevent the door from being left open accidentally, reducing strain on the refrigeration system.
• Weatherproof Roofs: While many cold rooms can be installed outdoors, adding a weatherproof roof is recommended to stop rainwater and debris accumulating on top of the unit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are cold rooms delivered? Will I need to store parts before installation?

After the site survey, the installation team will arrive with all the panels and components required to assemble the cold room. Everything is delivered on the day — no advance storage needed.

Are cold rooms only for food storage?

No. Cold rooms can store anything that needs refrigeration or freezing — such as flowers, pharmaceuticals, beverages, ice sculptures and more. If switching to food storage later, a full sanitisation is required.

How are cold rooms powered?

Most cold rooms run efficiently on a standard 13A plug. Larger models may require a hardwired connection. For guidance, see JD’s Single Phase vs Three Phase power guide.

Do I need additional insurance?

It’s wise to notify your insurance provider when installing major equipment like a cold room. This ensures adequate cover for storage and equipment value.

How long until my cold room is installed and ready to use?

Once your site survey has been completed and approved, Polar cold rooms are typically installed and operational within three to four weeks.

Can a cold room be moved after installation?

Most cold rooms are not designed to be relocated once assembled. Some modular units can be moved professionally, but DIY moving will void warranties and compromise safety.