How to Choose the Right Cold Room for Your Business in the UAE

• Introduction

Selecting the right cold room is one of the most important decisions for businesses that rely on temperature-sensitive storage. In the UAE, where ambient temperatures frequently cross 45°C, choosing a properly engineered cold room becomes even more critical. Whether you run a restaurant, supermarket, warehouse, logistics company, or food distribution center, the performance of your cold room directly affects product quality, shelf life, and operational costs.

This guide helps UAE businesses understand cold room types, materials, insulation, cooling systems, and key factors to consider before construction.

Understanding the Different Types of Cold Rooms

Cold rooms in the UAE generally fall into three main categories:

1. Chiller Rooms (0°C to +10°C)

Used for storing fresh foods such as vegetables, dairy, meat, beverages, and daily consumables.

Best for: Restaurants, cafés, supermarkets, catering, florists.

2. Freezer Rooms (–18°C to –25°C)

Designed for long-term storage of frozen items like seafood, poultry, ice cream, and bulk frozen foods.

Best for: Meat shops, frozen food companies, large supermarkets, and warehouses.

3. Custom Cold Rooms (Any size or temperature)

Custom-built units designed based on:

• Floor area

• Temperature range

• Industry application

• Commodity type

• Storage capacity

Best for: Large warehouses, logistics companies, food processing units, pharma storage, import/export companies.

2. Choosing the Right Insulation Thickness

Insulation determines how efficiently a cold room can maintain temperature in the UAE climate.

Recommended PU/PIR Panel Thickness:

• 60mm: Small chiller rooms

• 80mm: Commercial chiller rooms

• 100mm: Freezer rooms

• 120mm+: Industrial freezers & large warehouses

Proper insulation reduces cooling load, electricity bills, and temperature fluctuation—essential during UAE summers.

3. Cooling System Options

Cold room performance largely depends on the refrigeration system used.

A. Monoblock Systems

• Compact

• Easy installation

• Best for small cold rooms

• Cost-effective

B. Split Refrigeration Systems

• High efficiency

• Lower noise

• Ideal for medium to large rooms

• Better long-term durability

C. Industrial Condensing Units

• High capacity

• Suitable for warehouses

• Advanced temperature control

• Built for heavy-duty usage

4. Flooring & Accessories to Consider

A. Anti-slip flooring

Important for safety in humid environments.

B. Heater cables

Prevent frost at the door areas for freezer rooms.

C. PVC curtains

Keeps cold air inside when the door is open.

D. Digital controllers

Allow precise temperature management.

5. Factors to Consider Before Building

Before construction, think about:

✔ Room Size & Layout

Ensure space for pallets, shelving, or trolleys.

✔ Temperature Requirements

Different items require specific cooling ranges.

✔ Power Availability

Industrial units require stable electrical capacity.

✔ Future Expansion

Plan for growth to avoid rebuilding.

✔ Compliance

Make sure your cold room meets UAE food safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Selecting the right cold room ensures product protection, energy savings, and long-term reliability. At Cold Rooms Solutions, we design and install custom cold rooms engineered specifically for the UAE climate—ensuring top performance and durability.