Remote Cold Rooms: High-Efficiency Refrigerated Storage for Commercial Use
Remote cold rooms are temperature-controlled storage spaces designed for bulk cooling applications in restaurants, supermarkets, food processing plants, and pharmaceutical facilities. Unlike integrated cold rooms, remote cold rooms have external refrigeration systems, which reduce heat buildup, noise, and energy consumption while improving efficiency.
If your business requires large-scale refrigerated storage with customizable design and optimized cooling performance, choosing the right remote cold room ensures maximum efficiency, reliability, and compliance with industry regulations.
What Are Remote Cold Rooms?
Remote cold rooms are custom-designed refrigeration units where the compressor and condenser are installed outside the storage area, typically on a rooftop, basement, or separate mechanical space. This setup improves energy efficiency, reduces noise, and optimizes workspace utilization.
They are commonly used in:
- Restaurants & catering businesses – For bulk storage of fresh produce, dairy, and beverages.
- Supermarkets & grocery stores – To store perishable food items at controlled temperatures.
- Food processing & manufacturing plants – For temperature-sensitive food production.
- Pharmaceutical & medical industries – To store vaccines, lab specimens, and temperature-sensitive medications.
- Cold chain logistics & distribution centers – For maintaining a reliable cold supply chain.
Types of Remote Cold Rooms
1. Walk-In Remote Cold Rooms
- Description: Custom-built rooms for easy access and bulk storage.
- Best For: Restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets.
- Temperature Range: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).
- Advantages:
- Flexible storage configurations for perishable goods.
- Lower energy consumption due to external refrigeration.
- Quiet and efficient cooling for commercial use.
2. Industrial Remote Cold Rooms
- Description: Large-scale refrigerated rooms for warehouses and distribution centers.
- Best For: Food suppliers, logistics companies, and wholesale distributors.
- Temperature Range: -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F).
- Advantages:
- Designed for mass storage and high-volume operations.
- Customizable insulation and shelving options.
- Advanced temperature monitoring for product safety.
3. Pharmaceutical & Medical Remote Cold Rooms
- Description: Precision-controlled cold rooms for storing vaccines, medicines, and lab samples.
- Best For: Hospitals, laboratories, and biotech industries.
- Temperature Range: 2°C to 8°C (35°F to 46°F) for medical refrigeration.
- Advantages:
- Complies with pharmaceutical storage regulations (FDA, WHO, GMP).
- Equipped with backup power and temperature alarm systems.
- Prevents temperature fluctuations for sensitive products.
4. Low-Temperature Remote Cold Rooms
- Description: Cold rooms designed to store products at temperatures close to freezing.
- Best For: Perishable food storage, floral preservation, and scientific research.
- Temperature Range: -5°C to 2°C (23°F to 35°F).
- Advantages:
- Ideal for extending shelf life of delicate products.
- Remote cooling system reduces heat inside the storage area.
- Flexible installation in warehouses, supermarkets, and research labs.
5. High-Humidity Remote Cold Rooms
- Description: Cold rooms designed to preserve moisture-sensitive products.
- Best For: Fruit storage, floral preservation, and specialty food storage.
- Temperature Range: 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F), with controlled humidity settings.
- Advantages:
- Prevents dehydration of fresh produce and flowers.
- Maintains ideal humidity levels for perishable goods.
- Remote refrigeration unit optimizes temperature and humidity control.
Key Features of Remote Cold Rooms
- External Refrigeration System – The cooling unit is located outside the storage space, reducing heat and noise buildup.
- Customizable Size & Layout – Designed to fit specific business needs, from small rooms to industrial-scale cold storage.
- Precise Temperature Control – Maintains consistent cooling conditions for food safety and pharmaceutical storage.
- High-Quality Insulation – Uses polyurethane or PIR panels to maximize energy efficiency.
- Flexible Shelving & Racking – Adjustable configurations for maximum storage efficiency.
- Energy-Efficient Cooling – External compressors optimize performance while reducing energy costs.
- Backup Power & Monitoring Systems – Ensures continuous operation during power outages.
Applications of Remote Cold Rooms
- Food & Beverage Industry – Storing fresh meat, dairy, seafood, and perishable goods.
- Retail & Supermarkets – Keeping bulk food products at optimal temperatures.
- Pharmaceutical & Medical Storage – Preserving vaccines, medicines, and laboratory samples.
- Catering & Hospitality – Ensuring consistent refrigerated storage for large-scale food preparation.
- Cold Chain Logistics & Warehousing – Managing temperature-controlled supply chains.
Benefits of Remote Cold Rooms
- Reduces Heat & Noise in Storage Areas – Since the refrigeration system is located remotely, storage areas remain cool and quiet.
- Energy-Efficient Operation – External condensers operate more efficiently, reducing cooling costs.
- Flexible Storage Capacity – Can be customized or expanded as business needs grow.
- Improved Product Shelf Life – Ensures consistent cooling to prevent spoilage.
- Meets Industry Compliance – Designed to comply with food safety and pharmaceutical regulations.
Maintenance Tips for Remote Cold Rooms
Daily Maintenance
- Monitor and record temperature settings for accuracy.
- Keep doors closed when not in use to prevent temperature fluctuations.
- Inspect door seals and gaskets for proper sealing.
Weekly Maintenance
- Clean interior surfaces using food-safe disinfectants.
- Check for ice buildup and defrost when necessary.
- Inspect backup power and alarm systems for functionality.
Monthly Maintenance
- Clean condenser coils and ventilation systems to maintain cooling efficiency.
- Inspect fans and refrigerant levels for optimal performance.
- Verify remote monitoring systems are functioning correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Cold Room is Not Cooling Properly
- Cause: Low refrigerant levels, dirty condenser coils, or excessive loading.
- Solution: Refill refrigerant, clean the coils, and reduce stock levels.
2. Ice Buildup Inside the Cold Room
- Cause: Faulty door seals or high humidity.
- Solution: Replace damaged seals and improve ventilation.
3. High Energy Consumption
- Cause: Poor insulation, inefficient refrigeration system.
- Solution: Upgrade insulation and schedule routine servicing.
4. Compressor Overheating
- Cause: Blocked air vents or overworked refrigeration unit.
- Solution: Clean air filters and ensure proper ventilation.
Choosing the Right Remote Cold Room
Factors to Consider:
Backup Systems – Essential for temperature-sensitive storage.
Size & Storage Needs – Based on inventory volume and available space.
Temperature Range – Choose standard refrigeration, low-temperature cooling, or high-humidity storage.
Energy Efficiency – Opt for high-efficiency insulation and eco-friendly refrigerants.
Cooling System Location – Ensure proper ventilation and condenser placement.