Cold Room Panel Thickness Guide: 60mm, 75mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm & 150mm Explained

How to Choose the Correct Cold Room Panel Thickness for Maximum Performance and Energy Savings

Selecting the right panel thickness for a commercial cold room isn’t a minor detail — it directly determines temperature stability, running costs, and the long-term reliability of your refrigeration system. Thicker PIR panels deliver superior insulation, meaning your cold room stays at the correct temperature with far less effort from the cooling equipment. But not every application requires the same specification.

This guide breaks down exactly which panel thickness you should choose for chill rooms, freezer rooms, food storage, pharmaceuticals, floristry, wine, logistics and more — so you can protect your stock and avoid unnecessary energy bills.

Why Panel Thickness Matters in Cold Room Performance

The insulated panel is the protective barrier that prevents heat from penetrating the cold room. The thicker the panel, the lower the thermal transfer. The result:

  • Stronger insulation and more stable temperatures

  • Lower energy usage, especially during high ambient temperatures

  • Longer equipment life, because compressors don’t need to overwork

  • Reduced temperature fluctuation, protecting sensitive stock

  • Lower frost build-up in freezer rooms

Choosing the wrong thickness leads to increased running costs, inconsistent temperatures, and shorter equipment lifespan.

Panel Thickness Options: 60mm, 75mm, 80mm, 100mm, 120mm and 150mm

60mm, 75mm and 80mm Panels — Best for Chilled Storage (+0°C to +10°C)

These three thicknesses cover the majority of UK chill room installations. Here’s how they differ:


60mm Panels

Best for:

  • Mild or controlled ambient temperatures

  • Small chill rooms

  • Florists

  • Light-duty short-term storage

Use 60mm only where conditions are stable. In hotter sites or busy environments, insulation will struggle.


75mm Panels

The perfect mid-range option, widely used across the UK. It offers stronger insulation than 60mm without the full cost jump to 80mm.

Best for:

  • General food storage (fresh meat, dairy, fruit, deli, catering)

  • Retail cold rooms

  • Pharmaceutical chill rooms

  • Sites with fluctuating UK ambient temperatures

  • Businesses needing reliable, everyday performance

75mm delivers excellent cost-to-performance value, making it the most practical choice for most commercial chill rooms.


80mm Panels

Choose 80mm when insulation quality and temperature precision are critical.

Best for:

  • High-humidity or warm ambient locations

  • Long-term fresh-food storage

  • Medical, vaccine and biologics rooms

  • Busy commercial kitchens

  • Businesses wanting to reduce electrical consumption

If in doubt, 80mm provides the best overall protection for positive-temperature rooms.


When You Need 100mm, 120mm or 150mm Panels (Freezer Rooms)

Once temperatures drop below 0°C, insulation becomes non-negotiable.


100mm Panels

Ideal for:

  • Small freezer rooms

  • Mixed food storage sites

  • Freezers located in moderate ambient conditions

100mm protects against heat gain and maintains stable frozen storage with reasonable energy use.


120mm Panels

Industry standard for:

  • Commercial freezer rooms

  • Ice cream and frozen dessert storage

  • Bakery frozen storage

  • Installations exposed to high ambient heat

  • Businesses aiming for maximum energy efficiency

120mm greatly reduces defrost cycles, compressor run time, and frost build-up.


150mm Panels

Recommended for:

  • Large cold stores and distribution centres

  • High-volume frozen logistics

  • Rooms in extreme heat

  • Sites with long-running hours where energy savings matter

150mm panels offer outstanding thermal resistance and the best long-term operating cost reduction.


Sector-by-Sector Thickness Recommendations

Food & Hospitality

  • Chill: 75mm or 80mm

  • Frozen: 100–120mm

  • Large walk-in freezers: 120–150mm

Pharmaceutical / Medical

  • Chill: 75mm–80mm

  • Freezer (vaccines, biologics): 100–120mm

Florist Cold Rooms

  • Mild climate: 60mm

  • Warm areas / longer storage: 75mm–80mm

Wine Storage

  • Mild climates: 60mm

  • UK conditions: 75mm–80mm

Perishable Logistics / Distribution

  • Chill: 100mm

  • Frozen: 120–150mm

Ice Cream / Bakery

  • Chill confectionery: 75mm–80mm

  • Frozen bakery: 100mm

  • Ice cream: 120–150mm


How Panel Thickness Affects Energy Consumption

Insulation has a direct impact on energy bills.
A cold room fitted with 120mm PIR panels instead of thinner options can cut electricity usage by up to 20%, especially in warm environments.

Thicker panels:

  • Reduce compressor cycling

  • Lower heat gain

  • Reduce defrost cycles

  • Keep temperatures stable even in summer

Over 10+ years, the energy savings easily outweigh the difference in panel cost.


Conclusion

Choosing the correct panel thickness is one of the simplest ways to improve cold room performance, extend equipment life and cut long-term costs.

General rule:

  • Chill rooms: 75mm–80mm

  • Freezers: 100–120mm

  • Large or high-temperature sites: 120–150mm

If you choose the wrong thickness, you pay for it every single day on your electric bill. Choose correctly, and you get stable temperatures, lower running costs and a long-lasting cold room.


Why Choose R290 Refrigeration? Benefits & UK Transition

Why Choose R290 Refrigeration? Benefits & UK Transition

Discover why UK businesses are switching to R290 refrigeration. Learn the benefits, regulations, and energy savings of eco-friendly R290 refrigerant.

As the refrigeration industry in the UK continues to evolve, one topic is becoming central - R290 refrigeration systems. Whether you run a restaurant, café, supermarket, or cold-storage facility, making the switch to eco-friendly refrigeration with R290 gas is now a key business decision.

So why is R290 so important, and why is the UK moving to it so quickly?

This guide will explain the benefits of R290 refrigeration, show why it’s the natural refrigerant of the future, and help you understand why investing in R290 commercial refrigeration is the smart move for your business.


What is R290 Refrigeration?

R290, also known as propane refrigerant, is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant widely used in modern commercial refrigeration. Unlike traditional refrigerants such as R404A or R134a, R290 offers:

  • Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP = 0)

  • Ultra-low global warming potential (GWP < 3)

  • High energy efficiency and strong cooling performance

These qualities are why R290 refrigeration is being adopted across the UK in everything from walk-in cold rooms and freezer rooms to display fridges and monoblock refrigeration units.


Why the UK is Moving to R290 Refrigeration

The UK, like the rest of Europe, must meet strict F-Gas regulations, which are phasing out harmful refrigerants with high GWP values. Traditional gases like R404A are already heavily restricted.

R290 meets these regulations with ease, making it the clear choice for:

  • Sustainability goals – reducing carbon footprint

  • Future compliance – avoiding costly retrofits or replacements

  • Energy efficiency – lowering electricity use and running costs

In short, R290 refrigeration is future-proof. Businesses that switch today won’t face sudden regulatory headaches tomorrow.


The Benefits of R290 Refrigeration

Switching to R290 isn’t just about staying compliant — it delivers clear advantages for your bottom line and operations.

1. Lower Energy Bills

R290 systems are designed for high efficiency, using less electricity while maintaining powerful and reliable cooling. For cold rooms that run 24/7, the cost savings are significant.

2. Environmentally Responsible

With zero ODP and a GWP under 3, R290 is one of the most eco-friendly refrigerants available. Businesses choosing R290 show a real commitment to sustainability.

3. Consistent, Reliable Cooling

R290 refrigerant delivers fast temperature pull-down and stable cooling, crucial for food safety standards in catering, hospitality, and retail.

4. Long-Term Compliance

Older refrigerants are being banned. Choosing R290 now ensures you won’t face expensive changes later, giving you peace of mind and long-term reliability.

5. Widely Available Equipment

Most leading manufacturers now design their cold room and refrigeration systems with R290. This means better availability, support, and spare parts in the UK market. All refrigeration units that we house on our website is backed by a 1 year and 2 year warranty. All parts are stocked.


Common Uses of R290 Refrigeration

R290 is extremely versatile and already standard across many industries:

  • Restaurants, bars, cafés – walk-in fridges and back-of-house cold storage

  • Supermarkets & retail – display cabinets, cold rooms, freezer rooms

  • Food production – reliable cooling for perishable goods and ingredients

  • Hotels & catering – cold storage that meets health and safety standards

If your business relies on refrigeration, R290 is the recommended solution for the future.


Why Choose Us for R290 Refrigeration

At The Modular coldroom Company (TMCC) , we’ve invested heavily in the latest R290 refrigeration technology. Our product range includes:

  • Walk-in cold rooms with R290 systems

  • Freezer rooms with R290 monoblock and split systems

  • Energy-efficient, eco-friendly refrigeration for UK businesses

We source directly from trusted European manufacturers, ensuring every system we supply is compliant, efficient, and built to last.

Choosing us means you’re investing in a future-proof solution that saves you money while supporting your sustainability goals.


Final Thoughts: R290 is the Future of Refrigeration in the UK

The shift to R290 refrigeration isn’t optional — it’s the direction the entire UK industry is heading. With unbeatable efficiency, environmental advantages, and guaranteed compliance, R290 is the smart choice for any business that depends on reliable cold storage.

If you’re ready to lower your energy costs, meet future regulations, and invest in sustainable refrigeration, now is the time to make the switch to R290 systems. Contact us now at [email protected] or call 0161 713 3085 we cover the UK & Ireland,

To see our selection of R290 refrigeration choose from our selection 

Wall mounted https://modularcoldrooms.co.uk/product-category/cooling-engines/indoor-wall-mounted/indoor-wall-mounted-refrigeration-units/

Straddle Units https://modularcoldrooms.co.uk/product-category/cooling-engines/indoor-straddle/indoor-straddle-refrigeration-units/

To see our selection of negative temperature freezers, choose from our selection

Wall mounted https://modularcoldrooms.co.uk/product-category/cooling-engines/indoor-wall-mounted/indoor-wall-mounted-freezer-units/

Straddle Units https://modularcoldrooms.co.uk/product-category/cooling-engines/indoor-straddle/indoor-straddle-freezer-units/


commercial freezers tmcc

Some handy tips to consider for your cold room

News

As the cold season has approached us, here are some handy tips to consider for your cold room.

Maintaining a cold room during the winter months is essential to ensure its efficiency, reliability, and longevity. Here’s a guide to help you keep your cold room in top condition:

  1. Monitor Temperature and Humidity
    – Regularly check the internal temperature and humidity to ensure the cold room maintains optimal conditions. Use calibrated thermometers and hygrometers to confirm accuracy.
  2. Inspect Seals and Insulation
    – Check door seals, gaskets, and insulation for any cracks, damage, or wear that could let in cold or moist air, reducing efficiency.
    – Replace any damaged seals immediately to maintain temperature stability. These don’t tend to be covered under a manufacturers warranty. However if you purchased your room from us at TMCC we usually always carry spares in stock.
  3. Service the Refrigeration System
    – Schedule professional maintenance for the refrigeration unit to ensure all components (compressors, evaporators, and condensers) are working efficiently.
    – Clean condenser and evaporator coils to remove dust or debris that could affect performance.
  4. Check and Clear Strip Curtains
    – Ensure strip curtains are clean and in good condition to minimise temperature loss.
    – Replace any torn or damaged strips promptly.
  5. Ensure Proper Ventilation
    – Keep the cold room’s ventilation system unobstructed to prevent strain on the cooling system and maintain air circulation.
  6. Monitor Door Usage
    – Limit the frequency and duration of door openings, as winter air can introduce unwanted moisture that can freeze inside the cold room.
    – Train staff to use the doors efficiently to minimise temperature fluctuations.
  7. Prevent Ice Buildup
    – Regularly inspect the interior for ice or frost buildup on walls, floors, or evaporators.
    – Use a defrosting cycle or manual defrosting if necessary to remove excess ice.
  8. Protect Against Power Outages
    – Winter weather can cause power disruptions. Ensure your cold room has a reliable backup power source or generator to maintain temperature during outages.
  9. Maintain Drainage System
    – Inspect and clean drainage systems to ensure they are not clogged or frozen, which could cause water to pool and refreeze.
  10. Inspect for Rodents and Pests
    – Winter can drive pests indoors. Regularly inspect the cold room for signs of infestation, and seal any potential entry points.
  11. Monitor External Factors
    – Ensure the area around the cold room remains clean and dry, and remove any snow or ice that could affect the refrigeration system’s external components.
  12. Regular Maintenance Schedule
    – Establish a regular maintenance schedule, including daily checks, weekly cleaning, and monthly professional inspections during the winter months.

By following these steps, you can ensure your cold room operates efficiently and safely through the winter, protecting your products and minimising potential downtime.

Contact us for any advise regarding your coldroom 0161 713 3085 [email protected]


The UK’S Number 1 Choice for Modular Coldrooms

Why should you consider a modular cold room?

News

This is a common question that often business owners are faced with. Should I exchange my current chest and upright freezers for one of these fancy coldrooms?

We at TMCC believe our Modular Coldrooms can provide several benefits to your business, particularly if you rely on temperature-controlled storage. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. Customisable Design
    – Modular cold rooms are designed to be flexible and scalable, allowing you to configure the space according    to your specific requirements. Our “MU & ME” Coldroom ranges are fully modular.
    – They can be expanded or reconfigured as your business grows or your needs change, saving costs on future upgrades.
  2. Cost-Efficiency
    – Our Modular systems are typically more affordable than custom-built cold storage solutions.
    – Prefabricated panels reduce installation time and labour costs, ensuring faster setup.
  3. Energy Efficiency
    – Many modular cold rooms are designed with energy-efficient insulation and cooling systems, helping you save on energy costs while maintaining consistent temperatures.
  4. Durability and Longevity
    – Made from high-quality insulated panels, modular cold rooms are built to withstand wear and tear, ensuring a long-lasting storage solution. Our insulation ranges from 60mm to 250mm
  5. Ease of Installation
    – Modular cold rooms can be quickly installed and dismantled, minimizing downtime for your business operations.
  6. Mobility and Relocation
    – If your business relocates, a modular cold room can be disassembled and moved to the new site, providing long-term value.
  7. Compliance with Standards
    – These systems are typically designed to meet industry standards for food safety, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive industries.
  8. Improved Inventory Management
    – Having a dedicated, temperature-controlled space ensures better storage conditions for perishable or temperature-sensitive goods, reducing spoilage and waste.
  9. Versatility Across Industries
    – Modular cold rooms are beneficial for industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, floriculture, and hospitality, offering tailored temperature ranges for diverse storage needs.

By investing in a modular cold room, your business can gain a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient solution that adapts to both current and future needs. Considering a future project? No matter how large or small, talk to us and we can provide a no obligation free quotation. We operate nationwide and offer free delivery and site surveys. 0161 713 3085


coldroom storage tmcc

Should I add a strip curtain to my cold room?

A strip curtain is an essential addition to a cold room because it helps maintain the room’s efficiency and functionality. Here’s why we at TMCC believe  it’s important:

  1. Reduces Temperature Loss
    – Strip curtains minimise the escape of cold air when the door is open, helping to maintain a consistent internal temperature.
    – This is crucial for preserving the quality of perishable or temperature-sensitive goods.
  2. Energy Efficiency
    – By reducing temperature fluctuations, strip curtains lower the workload on the cooling system, saving energy and reducing operational costs.
  3. Prevents Condensation
    – Strip curtains act as a barrier to warm air, reducing the risk of condensation forming inside the cold room, which can otherwise lead to ice buildup and damage.
  4. Maintains Hygiene
    – They act as a protective barrier against dust, insects, and contaminants from entering the cold room, improving cleanliness and compliance with food safety standards.
  5. Improves Accessibility
    – Unlike solid doors, strip curtains allow workers to move in and out of the cold room without the need to constantly open and close the door, streamlining workflow.
  6. Durable and Long-Lasting
    – Typically made of PVC, strip curtains are resistant to wear and tear from frequent use, making them a cost-effective investment.
  7. Noise Reduction
    – In busy environments, strip curtains help reduce noise transfer between the cold room and other areas.
  8. Separation of Zones
    – They help divide areas within the cold room, such as separating spaces with slightly different temperature needs, while still allowing easy access.

In summary, a strip curtain enhances the efficiency, hygiene, and operational effectiveness of a cold room, making it a practical and cost-effective solution for businesses that rely on cold storage. Our strip curtains start as low at £99 + Vat… now why wouldn’t you consider a strip curtain to your coldroom! . Talk to us on 0161 713 3085 we cover nationwide and can help with a free no obligation quote [email protected]


Bespoke cold rooms & freezer rooms tmcc

New Energy-Efficient Technology

News

Modular Cold Rooms, a leading provider of cold storage solutions, has announced the launch of a groundbreaking new technology designed to significantly reduce energy consumption in cold rooms. The innovative system incorporates advanced insulation materials and optimised refrigeration components to deliver exceptional energy efficiency without compromising performance.

This latest development is a testament to Modular Cold Rooms’ commitment to sustainability and providing environmentally friendly solutions to its customers. The new technology is expected to have a positive impact on both businesses and the environment by reducing operational costs and carbon emissions.

Industry Trends

In addition to energy efficiency, other key trends shaping the cold room industry include:

  • Increased Demand for Customisation: As businesses seek tailored solutions to meet their specific needs, the demand for customisable cold rooms continues to grow.
  • Advancements in Refrigeration Technology: Ongoing advancements in refrigeration technology are leading to more efficient and reliable cold storage systems.
  • Focus on Food Safety: With a heightened emphasis on food safety, cold rooms are playing a crucial role in maintaining the quality and integrity of perishable products.

Modular Cold Rooms remains at the forefront of these industry trends, offering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of its customers.


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