Hiring a cold room is a brilliant way to add extra chilled storage to your business. Whether you’re running a busy restaurant, a catering company, or a food retail operation, cold rooms give you the flexibility to store stock safely and in bulk — without the need for permanent refrigeration.
But one of the biggest questions people ask when hiring a cold room is: Should I place it indoors or outdoors? The answer depends on your space, your workflow, and your specific needs. Let’s compare indoor and outdoor cold room setups to help you choose the best option for your business.
Table of Contents
Indoor Cold Rooms: Pros and Cons
Indoor cold rooms are usually installed within the premises, either in a back room, storage area, or part of the kitchen.
Advantages:
- Easy access: Staff can retrieve items quickly without going outside.
- Stable temperature: Indoor locations are less affected by weather, keeping energy use consistent. Contact IceCool Trailers for more details.
- Better for sensitive stock: Ideal for dairy, meat, or produce that needs tight control.
Drawbacks:
- Takes up valuable indoor space: Especially tricky for small venues.
- Ventilation and insulation: The room must be well-ventilated to avoid heat build-up and condensation.
- May need structural work: Some setups require flooring, drains, or adjustments to walls and doors.
Outdoor Cold Rooms: Pros and Cons
Outdoor cold rooms are typically standalone or modular units positioned near the building, often in car parks, alleys, or loading bays.
Advantages:
- Saves indoor space: Keeps your interior clear for prep, service, or customer use.
- Quick to install: No need to alter your indoor layout — just connect to power.
- Great for peak seasons: Ideal for temporary overflow during busy times.
Drawbacks:
- Weather exposure: Hot sun or freezing rain can affect temperature control and energy efficiency.
- Security risk: You’ll need to secure the unit against theft or vandalism.
- Access delays: Staff need to go outside — less convenient during bad weather or in evening shifts.
Other Things to Consider
When choosing between indoor and outdoor placement, ask yourself:
- How often will staff need to access it? If it’s for daily use, convenience matters.
- Do you have reliable power and drainage where it’s going? Both options will need a proper setup.
- What’s the main purpose? If it’s for long-term storage, outdoor might do the job. If it’s for quick access during service, indoor is usually better.
- Is your business in a listed building or tight on space? Sometimes outdoor is your only option.
And don’t forget to check any planning or health & safety regulations — especially for external units.
Signs You Would Benefit from Hiring Cold Storage
Struggling for Space
The obvious sign you need to hire cold storage is if you can’t find another item in your current setup. While it can feel good to have full refrigerators and freezers, it can impact how fresh those items are. There has to be a certain amount of space that allows ventilation and air circulation. So, if you’re struggling for space, consider hiring more to ensure that you’re keeping items in the best condition.
Staff Complain About Disorganisation
Have your employees commented on how disorganised refrigerator or freezer areas are? This can be a sign that you would benefit from hiring additional cold storage. This is going to give you more space to create organisation, allowing specified areas for certain items. This can help employees do their jobs better, finding what they need and keeping customers happy. Indeed, efficiency is something that you always want to encourage in the workplace.
You Want to Buy in Bulk
Buying in bulk is a good way for businesses to save money, especially in this economy. However, if you don’t have enough space, you could be missing out on deals. There are some businesses that now recognise hiring cold storage is a better way to invest. It means they can still save money with bulk buying. So, if this is something you’re interested in doing, get a quote to see what you could still save.
Final Thoughts
Cold room hire gives you flexibility — but smart positioning gives you control. Whether indoors or outdoors, the goal is the same: keep your stock fresh, your team efficient, and your business running smoothly.
If in doubt, speak with your cold room supplier. Many offer site assessments and can help you choose the safest, most efficient spot based on your setup.
