Differences Between Cold Room and Cool Room

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Both systems serve different purposes. For help choosing the right solution for your business, our temperature-controlled storage specialists provide free consultations throughout London.

Purpose of Storage

Cold Room

Cold rooms store frozen foods for a long time. They are often used in industries that handle large amounts of frozen goods, like food processing and distribution centres.

Cool Room

Cool rooms are perfect for storing perishable items that require to be kept cooled but not frozen for a short to medium time. Restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and hospitals often use them for daily storage requirements.

Construction & Insulation

Cold Room

Cold rooms are built with strong insulation that keeps them very cold for freezing. Good insulation materials reduce heat transfer, which helps save energy.

Cool Room

Cool rooms have insulation that efficiently manages moderate temperatures. They are designed to keep heat out of the storage area, but their insulation is not as strong as that of cold rooms.

Energy Consumption

Cold Room

Cold rooms typically use more energy than cool rooms because the ultra-low temperatures require the cooling systems to operate more intensively to maintain a consistent freeze.

Cool Room

Cool rooms are more energy efficient because they operate at higher temperatures, which means cooling systems don’t have to work as hard to keep things cool.

Applications

Cold Room

Cold rooms are widely utilised in several industries, including:

• Frozen foods storage and delivery
• Ice cream manufacturing and storage
• Pharmaceutical companies (for temperature-sensitive medicines)

Cool Room

Cool rooms are used in many places, such as:

• Restaurants and hotels
• Supermarkets and grocery stores
• Flower shops
• Medical facilities for storing vaccines and medicines

Humidity Control

Cold Room

Cold rooms have humidity control systems for preventing freezer burn and keeping frozen products fresh for longer.

Cool Room

Cool rooms feature humidity control systems that keep perishables fresh and maintain their quality.

Here’s a table outlining the key differences between cold and cool rooms, including temperature ranges, uses, and storage needs:

Feature	Cold Room	Cool Room
Temperature Range	Typically operates within a temperature range of -18°C to 5°C, with certain models functioning at elevated temperatures for specific requirements.	Generally keeps temperatures between +1°C and +8°C, making it perfect for storing chilled goods.
Primary Purpose	To maintain a specific temperature for the preservation of perishable goods, often for extended storage periods.	To keep food chilled and fresh, prevent spoilage and extend its shelf life.
Applications	Storing a diverse range of items, such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive products.	Specifically designed for the storage of chilled food and beverages, ensuring they stay safe and fresh.
Storage Needs	Ideal for businesses that frequently handle perishable goods and require substantial storage capacity.	Ideal for businesses with moderate storage requirements and a focus on preserving the freshness of chilled products.
Insulation & Construction	Usually includes durable insulation panels and strong refrigeration systems for stable low-temperature maintenance.	Insulation levels in cool rooms are typically lower, as refrigeration systems are engineered to regulate temperature within the chilled range effectively.
Cost	Often costlier to establish and maintain because of the requirement for robust refrigeration systems and increased insulation.	It typically requires less cost to set up and operate, as the temperature range is not as demanding.
Examples of Usage	Supermarkets, restaurants, catering services, and food processing establishments.	Retail shops, chemists, hospitals, and food service establishments.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between cold rooms and cool rooms is essential for different applications, from food storage to industrial procedures. Cold rooms are maintained at lower temperatures for long-term preservation, while cool rooms serve to keep products at moderate temperatures for shorter durations. The knowledge of these differences enables individuals and businesses to make better decisions based on their storage needs, ensuring the longevity and maintaining fresh quality of their items.

Professional Installation Services

Cold Rooms Direct provides commercial refrigeration installation throughout London and the South East. We design and build walk in chillers, walk in freezers, and bespoke systems for restaurants, hotels, and wholesalers.

View our installation services or call 0207 916 1673 for a free quote.