Buying a cold room:
8 tips for the right choice
A cold room is an investment of €8,000 to €35,000 that lasts 12 to 20 years. One mistake in the specification – wrong refrigerant, too little insulation, too little volume – costs thousands of euros in running costs or premature replacement. These 8 points prevent that.
By JMGT Commercial Kitchen Equipment · Last updated 26 May 2026
1. Determine volume and function first
For a restaurant with 80 covers, 8–16 m³ of cold room volume is typical. If needed, divide into a daily cold room (quick access) and a stock cold room (larger, further back in the kitchen). For a production kitchen add a separate freezer room.
2. Floor and vapour barrier are critical
A freezer room without an insulated floor causes frost damage and cracks in the substrate within 2 years. When requesting a quote, ask for a floor composition with polystyrene or PUR insulation of at least 100 mm thickness plus vapour barrier.
3. Choose a natural refrigerant (R290 or CO2)
F-gases are being phased out. R290 (propane) is energy-saving, environmentally friendly and efficient. CO2 (R744) is ideal for large rooms and cascade systems. Avoid R134a and R404A in new installations.
4. Insulation and wall thickness determine energy costs
For positive cold rooms (0–8°C): minimum 80 mm PUR insulation. For freezer rooms (minus 18°C): minimum 120 mm. Thicker walls save hundreds of pounds per year in electricity and reduce load on the refrigeration unit.
5. Door choice: swing, sliding or rail door
Swing doors (standard) are cheaper but require space. Sliding doors (slide-on-rail) are ideal when space is tight – for example in a narrow corridor. For high-throughput operations (catering) choose a roller door or strip curtain for minimal cold loss.
6. Refrigeration unit: integral, split or roof-mounted
Small (up to 10 m³): integral on the room itself. Medium (10–30 m³): split system with unit next to the room or outside. Large (30+ m³): unit on the roof or in a plant room with pipes to the room. External placement reduces heat and noise in the kitchen.
7. Check energy efficiency upfront
Not every cold room is automatically highly energy efficient. JMGT checks with every quote which configuration is most efficient based on the refrigerant, insulation thickness and COP value. Modern units save up to 35 per cent energy compared to older models.
8. Plan for delivery time and installation
Standard cold rooms: 3–5 weeks. Custom builds: 6–10 weeks. Plus 1–2 days for installation. With refurbishment, coordinate with floor works and electrical work. JMGT handles the complete process so there are no surprises on handover day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a walk-in cold room and a refrigerator?
A walk-in cold room is a separate room (from 3–4 m²) that you enter. A refrigerator is a cabinet with doors. For restaurants with 80–100 covers per day or for catering operations, a cold room becomes economical: lower kWh per litre, more storage capacity, better product organisation.
Does a cold room need a special floor?
Yes. For positive cold rooms (0–8°C) a smooth, sloped floor with drain and non-slip surface is sufficient. For freezer rooms (minus 18°C) an insulated floor with vapour barrier is mandatory, otherwise frost builds up under the room causing cracks.
Which refrigerant do I choose for my cold room?
In 2026, natural refrigerants (R290 propane, R744 CO2) are the standard. R290 is energy-saving and environmentally friendly. Fluorinated refrigerants (R134a, R404A) are being phased out under the F-gas Regulation – avoid these in new installations.
How many m³ of cold room does my kitchen need?
Calculate 0.1 to 0.2 m³ of cold room volume per cover per day for restaurant or catering. A restaurant with 80 covers needs 8–16 m³ (approx. 4x4x2 m). Plus 30 per cent extra for peaks, recipe ingredients and growth.
How long does delivery and installation of a cold room take?
Standard configurations: 3–5 weeks from order confirmation. Custom builds: 6–10 weeks. The actual on-site installation typically takes 1–2 days. JMGT handles delivery, installation and commissioning in one package.
Can a cold room receive government grants?
In the Netherlands there are various subsidy schemes for energy-efficient refrigeration technology. Ask us about the current possibilities for your investment. Units with natural refrigerant (R290 or CO2) are particularly eligible for subsidies.
Next step
JMGT supplies custom cold rooms with installation in the Netherlands and Belgium. Request a quote or let us come and measure up on site.