Things to Consider when Choosing a Cool Room

Whether you’re hosting a big event or just need some extra cold storage space, choosing the right cool room is crucial. These walk-in refrigerated spaces come in all shapes and sizes to meet various needs. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the perfect one?

As someone who has rented cool rooms for everything from weddings to food truck festivals, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks along the way.

8 Things to Consider for a Cool Room

1: Capacity

This is probably the biggest factor to think about. You need a cool room that can handle the number of items you’ll be storing, whether that’s food, beverages, flowers, or something else. Trying to cram too much stuff into a small space not only makes a mess but can impede airflow and compromise the cooling ability.

Take a realistic inventory of what you’ll need to keep chilled, and make sure to choose a appropriately sized cool room. As a general rule of thumb, allow around 30-40% more space than you think you need to allow for proper circulation.

2: Temperature Range

Different items have different ideal temperature ranges for peak freshness and food safety. A cool room for storing beer and wine might only need to be 50-55°F, while one for fresh meat and dairy should be cooler at 35-40°F.

Figure out what range you need and ensure the cooling unit can maintain those temps, even when the room is packed full. You don’t want to sacrifice food quality (or safety)!

3: Mobility

Will you need to transport the cool room frequently? If so, prioritise units with high-quality casters or rollers to enable easy mobility. Ensure doors can securely close and lock while moving, too.

4: Insulation Quality

The better insulated the cool room panels are, the less electricity is required to maintain cool temperatures. This saves money and is better for the environment, too. Compare insulation R-values between models – higher numbers mean more effective insulation.

It’s also wise to consider overall energy efficiency ratings if available. An affordable, upfront cost doesn’t help much if exorbitant energy bills follow. If you’re looking for fridge hire in Brisbane or anywhere in Australia, this is an important consideration.

5: Access and Traffic Flow

Will many people need to access the cool room, or just one or two people restock it occasionally? Will it need to stay open frequently as items are moved in and out?

If heavy access is anticipated, you may want a double-door entry vestibule setup to reduce cold air loss. But for lower traffic, a single door is easier.

6: Location and Logistics

Where will you set up the cool room, and what are the site logistics? Make sure you have enough clearance space for entries, airflow, and routing power sources. Tight spaces can be tricky.

You’ll also want a level, hard surface to situate it on – not soft or uneven ground. And be aware of any stairs, narrow doorways or low ceilings that could make installation difficult.

7: Setup and Breakdown

Plenty of cool room renters don’t factor in how much time and labour is required for setup and tear-down. This can vary significantly between units.

Some companies offer full-service setups for an added fee. Others expect you to handle it all. If going DIY, make sure you have enough folks on hand to assemble panels, connect electrical, etc. Ease of assembly should be a consideration.

8: Company Reputation and Reviews

Last but definitely not least – vet the rental company thoroughly! Read reviews, ask around in community groups, and get referrals if possible. You want a company with great customer service that responds quickly to any issues.

It’s also wise to verify if they have refrigeration technicians on staff in case repairs are needed. A broken cool room is worse than no cool room at all! Established companies like Cool Room Hire with a solid track record are ideal.

Cool as Can Be

When it comes to choosing the ideal cool room for your needs, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. But by carefully evaluating factors like capacity, temperature range, mobility, insulation, access, location logistics, setup requirements, and company reputation, you can find the perfect match.

Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions, too. Reputable suppliers want to ensure you get set up with the exact cooling solution for your specific event or business. Their expertise can save you from costly mistakes.

At the end of the day, a well-planned cool room rental allows you to focus on more important matters. For example, you can serve delicious food and drinks while providing a top-notch experience for your guests or just keeping your inventory fresh and sales strong.

So, take the time to get it right from the start and contact Cool Room Hire. Your cool fridge will be the cherry on top of a successful, chilled-out event!