Fresh food can be wasted in the space of a warm night. Every food-based business requires the right cold storage to keep its stock safe and to keep its customers happy. A kitchen and a shop and a warehouse require different methods. This article provides helpful cold storage solutions   for each one in simple language. It also tells how to find the right setup. 

 The importance of cold storage

A cold storage has three functions. It keeps the food safe to eat. It keeps the food fresh. It also helps to reduce waste and save money. A good system maintains the right temperature all the time. A bad system leads to a waste of resources and unhappy customers.

Alarms and sensors can alert people to small issues in time.

 The different types of cold storage

Most food businesses use one or a combination of the following:

•  Chiller rooms are around 2 degrees celsius to 8 degrees celsius and are good for fresh produce and dairy and drinks.
•  Freezer rooms are at minus 18 degrees celsius or below and are good for frozen food and for long-term storage.
•  Blast chillers are used to rapidly cool cooked food and so reduce the risk of bacteria.
•  Temperature controlled warehouses are used to hold large amounts of stock at a set temperature.

These different methods have different uses. The right cold storage depends on the type of stock and how long it is held.

cold storage for restaurants

A restaurant needs a reliable cold storage that is close to the kitchen but that doesn’t take up too much space because of the busy workload. Fresh meat and fish and vegetables need to be cooled before they reach the plate. Many restaurants have a small walk in chiller room which stores more goods than a normal fridge and which maintains an even temperature. They also have a small freezer room for storing frozen items and some use a blast chiller for freshly cooked food.A walk-in room is also a good way to save money. Buying in bulk can give benefits to the wallet. So I can avoiding making frequent visits to the supplier. A well-installed cold room installation https://cold-tec.co.uk/service/cold-room-installation ensures that the room can fit the space and the menu.

It is important to install a cold room that fits the maximum amount that the restaurant stocks in a week. It is just as important to make sure the door has a good seal so that it doesn’t let the heat in.

 Cold storage for supermarkets

A supermarket has a bigger challenge. Shoppers can see the cold storage and so a good presentation is vital. Shelves and display fridges must maintain the correct level while the doors are opened all the time. Supermarkets often have two storage areas. The first is the display side, consisting of shop fridges and display chillers and open freezers. The second area is the back of the house, consisting of a cold room where extra stock is stored. Both areas need to be well looked after. If the back room goes wrong then the shelves are left empty. If the display units go wrong then goods can be spoiled in front of the customers. Regular servicing makes sure that both areas are fit for purpose. A complete range of [commercial refrigeration support can provide not only shop fridges and display units but also large freezers.

 Cold storage for food warehouses

A warehouse has to cater for multiple shops and multiple restaurants. The building can also be very large with forklifts constantly coming and going. The cold storage has to keep a good temperature despite all this movement. Large warehouses require strong air flow. This cold air needs to reach every part of the building. Some stores are many metres high and so high volume fans and remote sensors are needed for good conditions. Controllers watch the temperature constantly.

Doors are a big factor for warehouses. Rapid roll doors allow forklifts through quickly with minimal loss of cold air. This reduces ice and saves energy.

A warehouse cold room installation is an important task. It requires meticulous planning and the skills of qualified engineers. The team need to create a plan that considers the space and the airflow and the energy. A good plan also allows for expansion when the stock grows.

 The right insulation for cold rooms

Insulation is the best friend of a cold room. High-density PIR panels are a popular choice as they retain cold air well and keep the temperature even. They also allow the cooling unit to work less.

While better panels might cost more at the outset they are likely to cut the monthly energy bill. Freezer rooms need thicker panels than chiller rooms.

They also require underfloor heating to avoid the ground freezing and cracking.

 Maintaining a good stock

A good service visit includes many checks. The team will clean the cooling coils to make sure that air can flow freely. They will check the refrigerant pressure to spot any leaks. They will also check the door seals for damage. These simple tasks help to protect the stock and reduce energy use.

Both chiller and freezer systems use refrigerant gas. And in the UK, only people with the right F-Gas certification can service them.

 Choosing the right cold storage partner

• The right partner makes all the difference. There are several simple questions to ask when choosing a company:
•  Will I receive a full written quote before work starts?
•  Does the team provide repairs and servicing after the build?
•  Can the team cope with the size of my site?
• A clear and straightforward answer to each question is a positive sign. And be wary of any company that avoids your questions.

 Why choose ColdTec?

ColdTec Cooling Service has 15 years of experience in the cold room and refrigeration world. The team designs and constructs bespoke cold storage that fits the space and the needs of the company. The engineers are all F-Gas certified and the company is Refcom approved 

Cold Tec provides support to restaurants and shops and large warehouses. They provide installation and planned servicing and emergency repair as well as using genuine parts from reputable brands. A full written quote is given before any work starts. The team works from Surbiton and covers the country.

 FAQs

What is the best cold storage for a small restaurant?

A small walk in the chiller room is best. It stores more goods than a standard fridge and maintains an even temperature.

 What temperature should a freezer room be?
A freezer room should be kept at minus minus 18 degrees celsius or below

 Conclusion

Every food-based business requires the right cold storage. Whether it is a restaurant in need of compact rooms close to the kitchen or a supermarket that has display shelves and back-of-house storage or a warehouse that needs large storage areas with good airflow there is a solution. The best start is to speak with a qualified expert and to share the details about the stock and the space and the plans for the future. And if a company needs a team that provides industrial refrigeration service https://cold-tec.co.uk/ then a site survey will show the best options.

 Contact

Name: ColdTec Cooling Service

Phone: 020 3773 1250  +442037731250

Email: info@cold-tec.co.uk

Address: Unit 7 177 Hook Road Surbiton KT6 5AR

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