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When you think about walk-in cold rooms, our minds tend to automatically fill them with perishable foods such as meat, dairy and fruit – akin to what you would find in a restaurant. But while kitchen staff across the globe certainly enjoy the practical benefits of cold room storage, this isn’t the entire picture. There are, in fact, a large number of inedible items that need to be stored in a cold room, and in this blog we’ll take a look at some of the biggest ones. There are a few that may well surprise you!
1. Medicine
While most medicines benefit from being kept at sub-zero temperatures before being administered, there are some that simply won’t work at all if they are left at room temperature. The process of not correctly storing medicine is called ‘denaturation’, and it can lead to vaccines swiftly losing their potency and thus becoming less effective at protecting the recipient against harmful viruses (the same even goes for animal vaccines). This, of course, spells big trouble for pharmaceutical companies, so robust cold storage and transport are an absolute must.
2. Flowers
Flowers and plants will naturally have the longest lifespan when kept in the ground and routinely cared for, but this isn’t exactly an option for most florists and flower delivery services. The moment that flowers have been cut, a slow and steady timer indicating how fresh they are begins to tick away. This is precisely why many florists use cold storage to prolong the shelf life of their wares, as the low temperatures slow down the rate of decomposition. Not only can stems retain more of their moisture, but the petals will also stay crisp and colourful for longer. No customer likes to be presented with a wilted bouquet, so cold storage is vital to help florists maintain good custom.
3. Artwork
If you’ve ever visited an art gallery, you’ve probably noticed signs prohibiting any flash photography around the paintings. This is because certain pigments in paint – particularly that used in much older pieces – are extremely sensitive to light. However, you might not be aware that they are also very sensitive to heat. Whilst most artwork can safely be stored above freezing (after all, galleries would be a little unpleasant to visit if not), the oldest and most delicate of masterpieces really thrive on long periods of cold room storage. If the paintings need to be displayed for a few days at a time, this isn’t a problem, but any longer could lead to colours fading and paint flaking – ultimately causing irreversible damage.
4. Cosmetics
While many of us aren’t keeping our mascara in the fridge, cosmetic companies are well aware that storing their products in a cold room is the best way to preserve their shelf life. Mascara will last for much longer and yield better results for the wearer when kept cool. Lipstick is another great example of this, as inconsistent temperatures can wreak havoc on its formula. Other cosmetic products are also susceptible to bacterial growth, which cold temperatures help to keep at bay.
5. Candles
It will come as no surprise that candle wax, when subjected to heat, will swiftly lose its shape. Long, tapered candles and those with a surface pattern are especially prone to this, and should always be stored in a cold storage warehouse before being sold to maintain their integrity. Heat can also lead to candles losing their colour or form bleached “colour spots” – another big problem for sellers. Ultimately, though, the biggest reason to keep candles cool is that the wicks will burn slower and the wax will drip less, meaning that customers will feel as though they are getting their money’s worth.
6. Textiles
Many textile companies will opt for cold room storage to keep their products in the best condition possible. Organic materials like leather, wool and fur will gradually break down and rot over time, which can waste a lot of time and money. While treating these materials can help keep them looking and smelling fresh for a longer period of time, the best way to extend their lifespan is to keep them cold. Some high-end laundering businesses have even been known to use this strategy when storing leather and fur garments for pickup.
7. Cologne
You may be surprised to learn that men’s cologne will maintain its distinctive scent for longer if stored in a cold room. Funnily enough, however, the same can’t be said for perfume, which reacts to cold storage badly and instead should be kept at room temperature to prevent it from losing its potent fragrance.
8. Seeds
There’s a good reason that the Global Seed Vault – a storage facility designed to safeguard the Earth’s most valuable plant species – is located on a remote island off the coast of Greenland. The reason? This part of the world is very cold all year round. With this in mind, if you don’t intend to plant your garden seeds right away, it’s a good idea to store them in your freezer in a moisture-proof container. This will give your seeds a much better chance of surviving and succeeding once planted.
9. Film
Film photography has come back into popularity in the past few years, but those getting into the medium for the first time may not realise that keeping your used rolls in the fridge is the best way to preserve the precious photographs within. If you’re planning on not having your film developed for an extended period of time, it’s best to keep it securely in its canister and placed in cold storage.
Choosing a Reliable Cold Room Manufacturer
There are a vast number of cold room manufacturers across the country – each claiming to be the very best in their field. However, as a customer it’s important to do your research before making a final decision. To help you pick the perfect provider, we’ve listed the biggest factors to consider during the decision-making process.
Experience & Previous Projects
Perform a background check on your candidates by simply checking the company’s online gallery, where you’ll be able to find previous examples of their work. You can also search for reviews to ascertain whether past clients have been satisfied with the overall experience of working with their chosen cold room manufacturer.
Product Range
The cold storage needs of every business will be slightly different: while some companies will need a walk-in cold room with a fixed temperature, others will need combi storage with internal separation. It’s essential to choose a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of cold rooms to ensure that your business needs are fully met.
Response Time
When enquiring, take note of the friendliness of the advisor who responds to your queries. This will ensure that from beginning to end, you’re more likely to have a pleasant customer service experience.
Safety
If you aren’t familiar with the technical materials that are used to construct a cold room, try researching and getting to grips with some of the safest options and check whether any of these will be included in the production of your specific model. Safety assurance is essential to avoiding fire and other hazardous scenarios that could have a negative impact on your business.
Warranty
You should always ask your prospective cold room manufacturer about the warranty they provide. Try to opt for a company that offers at least a 2-year warranty to ensure that any issues down the line will be dealt with efficiently.
Professional Cold Room Installation Services
If you’re looking for cold room installation in Bristol, Bath or the South West, then look no further than Ian Hobbs Technical Services Ltd. We know how important it is for your business to rely on cold rooms, that’s why we supply walk-in cold rooms that are reliable and will stand the test of time. Alongside our cold room manufacturing and installation services, our fridge freezer engineers also have the capability to keep your cold rooms in peak condition with our maintenance services. If you ever encounter any issues, our team is here to get your systems back up and running. We’re a company that takes pride in delivering our freezer rooms on time and within budget, whilst also being completed to industry-leading standards. For more information or to enquire about our services, please get in touch.