Designing and using your cold room well: the complete WeChefs guide

1. Designing an efficient cold room

Performance depends on precise sizing and a suitable installation.

a) Insulation and airtightness

• Insulated panels: 80 to 100 mm for chilled rooms (+2 / +4 °C), 120 to 150 mm for frozen rooms (−18 °C).
• Airtight joints: air leaks increase consumption.
• Insulated floor: mandatory for frozen rooms to prevent rising damp.

b) Sizing

• Suitable capacity: avoid over- or under-sizing.
• Air circulation: allow at least 15% free volume.

c) Strategic location

• Install the room in a cool, ventilated area, away from the sun.
• Provide practical access for logistics flows.

d) Equipment and monitoring

• Refrigeration units suited to the use.
• Alarms and data loggers, essential for HACCP traceability.
• Efficient ventilation for an even temperature.

2. Good practice for optimal use

• Limit door openings: each opening lets in warm air and humidity.
• Check the seals: a worn seal leads to infiltration and overconsumption.
• Optimise storage: do not place products against the walls, leave 10 cm in front of evaporators.
• Clean regularly: floors, walls, evaporators.
• Monitor temperatures: record data at least twice a day.

3. Focus: use during heatwaves

Recommended technical settings

• Chilled rooms: +2 / +4 °C.
• Frozen rooms: −18 °C.
• Alarms: triggered if the deviation exceeds ±2 °C.

Reinforced monitoring

• Manual readings twice a day (morning and evening).
• Checking connected alarms.
• Energy monitoring.

Heatwave good practice

• Organise flows to limit prolonged door openings.
• Never store products that are still hot.
• Clean condensers to prevent overheating.
• Schedule preventive maintenance before the summer.

4. Servicing and maintenance

5. Energy performance and regulatory compliance

• Energy monitoring: reduce consumption by up to 15%.
• Regulations: obligations regarding refrigerants and HACCP traceability.

Conclusion

The cold room is a strategic tool to secure production, control costs and meet health standards. Anticipation is essential during hot weather.

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