The cold rooms play a key role in keeping food, medicine, and flowers fresh. Many small businesses and farms want to build their own cold rooms but worry about cost. The total cost of a small cold storage varies based on size, insulation type, temperature range, and equipment quality. Understanding these factors helps you plan your investment wisely.
Clear Usage Requirements
The cold rooms usually refer to a room with an area between 10 m² and 50 m². Such a system can store fruit, vegetables, meat, or medicine. The cost of cold storage will vary due to configuration.
First, it is necessary to clarify the size of the cold rooms. The volume of cold storage is related to the amount of cold storage board, the configuration and quantity of refrigeration equipment and other factors .These factors will affect the final cost.
Secondly, it is necessary to clarify the type of cold storage. Different cold storage has different technical requirements. For example, the cooling temperature of cold storage of fruits and vegetables is generally 0-10°C. This temperature is much higher than that of meat cold storage. This results in the thickness of the cold storage board for fruit and vegetable cold storage being thinner than that of meat cold storage. The power of the refrigeration equipment for fruit and vegetable cold storage is also lower than that of meat cold storage. Another example is that in addition to the cooling temperature of medical cold storage, there are also requirements for environmental cleanliness. Usually, medical cold storage needs to install additional purifying air conditioners according to cleanliness requirements.
Finally, the refrigeration requirements need to be clarified. The lower the cooling temperature of the cold storage, the thicker the thickness of the sheet used, and the higher the requirements of the refrigeration equipment. Even if the cooling temperature is the same, there are many differences between the freezing methods. For example, quick-freezing cold storage needs to reduce the temperature of items in a short period of time. Therefore, the refrigeration equipment of quick-freezing cold storage tends to be stronger than ordinary cold storage.
Major Cost Components
The total price of cold storage includes panels, refrigeration units, doors, lighting, and installation. Each part affects the final amount.
Cold Room Panels: Insulated panels form the walls and ceiling. Good panels save energy and maintain stable temperature. PUF panels are common for small rooms because they balance price and performance.
In addition, the fire protection requirements for cold storage will also affect the choice of cold storage boards. If local regulations have high requirements for fire prevention, it is often recommended to use PIR or rock wool panels.
Refrigeration Unit: This is the heart of the system. It controls cooling and humidity. For a small cold room, the price ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, depending on the temperature range and compressor brand.
Doors and Accessories: Cold storage doors cost $300 to $800. LED lights, shelves, and temperature recorders add about $200–$500.
Installation and Wiring: Skilled labor and copper piping also add $500 to $1,500 to the total.
Example of Small Cold Room
Harbin Dongan Building Sheets Company has many years of experience in the production and design of various types of cold storage. DA-II is a small library designed by Dongan Company for consumers of small and medium-sized enterprises.
The internal size of the cold room is 364019202120 mm. This cold storage can hold about 5 tons of cargo. The power of the refrigeration equipment in the cold storage is 1.5KW, and the temperature range reaches -18 to 10℃. This cold storage uses 100 mm thick polyurethane sheets, which can store meat, vegetables and fruits. Thanks to its strong production and resource integration capabilities, the cost of DA-II is less than US 2,500.
Selecting the Right Supplier
Finding a reliable supplier can help you control cost and ensure quality. Choose one with clear specifications, after-sales support, and energy-efficient designs.
Ask for:
Detailed price breakdown (panels, unit, installation)
Warranty period (usually 1–2 years)
References from past projects
The provider’s project experience is very important. Providers with extensive experience can cleverly avoid various problems encountered in the use of cold storage through design. This helps to extend the service life of the product and improve the consumer experience.
Sometimes, a supplier offering a slightly higher price may provide longer warranty and better insulation, saving you more later.
The cost of a small cold storage depends on size, temperature, materials, and equipment quality. Most small units cost between $2,000 and $20,000. Although the initial investment seems high, the savings from reduced spoilage and energy efficiency make it worthwhile.
Before starting, plan your needs, compare suppliers, and choose energy-efficient materials. A well-built small cold room will last more than 10 years, offering steady returns and stable product quality. Whether for fruits, meat, or medicine, smart investment in cold storage keeps your business cool and profitable for the long term.
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