Finding the Perfect Size: Walk-In Cold Room and Walk-In Freezers

Even though fridge and freezer trailers are the perfect solution in certain situations, sometimes a temporary cold room or freezer room is more appropriate. But even if our 1.8m and 3.0m cold and freezer rooms are better suited to your own unique requirements, you will still need to decide upon the right size.

With this in mind, here is a brief guide to temporary cold room and freezer room hire and what you need to bear in mind when booking.

Understanding Walk-In Cold Rooms and Freezers

Walk-in cold rooms and freezers are essential for preserving perishable items by maintaining specific temperature ranges. These storage solutions are widely used in various industries, including food service, healthcare, and hospitality. The key difference between a cold room and a freezer is the temperature they maintain; cold rooms keep items cool but above freezing, while freezers maintain sub-zero temperatures.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Size

Choosing the appropriate size involves considering several factors:

Storage Needs

Evaluate the quantity and types of items you need to store. For instance, if you're a caterer attending a festival, a smaller unit might suffice. Conversely, a hospital experiencing a refrigeration breakdown may require a larger unit to store critical medical supplies.

Available Space

Measure the space where the cold room or freezer will be installed. Ensure there is enough room for the unit itself and for easy access to stored items.

Future Expansion

Consider your future needs. If you anticipate growth in your business or increased storage requirements, it might be wise to choose a slightly larger unit.

Calculating the Required Capacity

Accurately calculating the needed capacity can prevent overestimating or underestimating your requirements.

Estimating Storage Volume

Determine the total volume of goods you plan to store. This includes considering the packaging size and how items will be organized on shelves.

Temperature Zones

Identify if you need different temperature zones within the storage unit. This is particularly important for businesses storing a variety of items with different temperature requirements.

For more tips on renting mobile cold rooms, check out our linked blog.

Understanding Sizes

Both our 1.8m and 3.0m cold rooms and freezer rooms have plenty of usable shelf space and enough room to stand up in. Also, they are both lockable to keep your produce or stock secure and fully lit to help you easily locate items.

What’s more, each size is designed to use independent panels that can be delivered through any normal door. Therefore, when it comes to delivery and installation, we simply carry the panels, assemble the unit wherever you want it, secure the shelving in place, and get it up and running.

But why would you want a smaller or larger unit?

Sizing Differences

For most of our clients, the choice between a 1.8m or 3.0m cold room or freezer room will come down to the size of their business, what produce or stock they want to store, and how long they need to hire for.

If you’re a caterer attending a festival and you already know your storage requirements, you might be best off hiring a 1.8m cold room or freezer room. The same goes for restaurants and pubs that only need a temporary solution for a couple of days and can manage their produce or stock accordingly.

On the other hand, if you’re a hospital that suffers from a refrigeration breakdown, you may need a 3.0m cold room or freezer room instead, as not having enough room for essential medical supplies could be catastrophic.

Industry-Specific Considerations

Different industries have unique needs when it comes to cold storage.

Food and Beverage Industry

Restaurants, caterers, and food manufacturers need to store ingredients, prepared foods, and beverages. A unit that accommodates peak storage demands without wasting space during off-peak times is ideal.

Pharmaceuticals and Medical Facilities

Medical facilities often need precise temperature control for medications and samples. A larger unit with reliable backup systems can be crucial.

Hospitality Industry

Hotels and event venues may require flexible storage solutions to handle varying volumes of perishable goods for events and daily operations.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Size

Here are some practical tips to ensure you select the right size:

Consulting with Experts

Consult with experts like Icecool Trailers to discuss your specific requirements. Their experience can help you make an informed decision.

Evaluating Usage Patterns

Review your past usage patterns to estimate future needs. Consider seasonal variations and any upcoming events that might affect your storage requirements.

Energy Efficiency Considerations

Energy efficiency is crucial for reducing operational costs. A unit that's too large for your needs may consume unnecessary energy, while one that's too small can overwork the refrigeration system.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid common mistakes to ensure you get the most out of your walk-in cold room or freezer.

Overestimating Needs

Choosing a unit that's too large can lead to wasted space and higher energy costs. Be realistic about your storage needs.

Underestimating Requirements

On the flip side, selecting a unit that's too small can lead to inadequate storage space and potential spoilage of goods.

Ignoring Layout and Accessibility

Ensure the layout of the unit allows for easy access to stored items. Poor accessibility can lead to inefficiencies and difficulties in managing inventory.

Final Thoughts

Finding the perfect size for your walk-in cold room or freezer is essential for efficient storage management. By carefully evaluating your needs and consulting with experts, you can make a well-informed decision. If you're looking for a walk-in cold room for hire in the UK, contact us today at Icecool Trailers for a free quote.