Modular Cold Rooms: The Future of Cold Storage in Africa
At Africhill, we specialise in modular cold room solutions that outperform conventional brick-and-mortar cold storage. Our cold rooms are faster to install, more energy-efficient, and built to last—making them the ideal choice for African businesses.
Whether you operate in the food, pharmaceutical, agriculture, or retail industry, reliable cold storage is essential for maintaining product quality and reducing losses.
When searching for cold room manufacturers that can help you achieve this, look for a cost-effective, energy-efficient, and easily scalable cold storage solution.
What is a modular cold room?
A modular cold room is a walk-in refrigeration unit constructed from pre-manufactured insulated panels. These panels fit together seamlessly, allowing businesses to customise their cold storage space to their exact needs.
Unlike fixed cold storage units, modular cold rooms can be expanded, relocated, or reconfigured as business needs change. This makes them an excellent investment for businesses that require flexibility and scalability.
Why are businesses searching for modular cold rooms?
Here’s why businesses are considering modular cold rooms:
1. “I need a cold room, but I can’t afford long construction delays.”
o Downtime means lost revenue. Africhill’s modular cold rooms can be installed six times faster than traditional cold storage, helping you get operational quickly.
2. “I need to reduce my energy costs.”
o Poorly insulated cold rooms cause high energy bills. Our cold room panels are engineered for maximum insulation, reducing electricity costs.
3. “I might need to expand my cold storage in the future.”
o Unlike permanent structures, modular cold rooms can be expanded or moved. If your storage needs change, your cold room grows with you.
Key components of a modular cold room
Every high-quality cold room consists of essential components that ensure stable temperatures and energy efficiency.
1. Insulated cold room panels
The walls, ceiling, and floor of a modular cold room are made from insulated panels, which help maintain internal temperatures and reduce energy loss.
Africhill advantage: We produce high-quality insulated panels that exceed industry standards at our own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, making your cold room energy-efficient and cost-effective.
2. Refrigeration system
The refrigeration system is responsible for keeping temperatures stable and
preventing spoilage. It includes:
• Compressor – the core component that compresses refrigerant gas.
• Condenser – releases heat absorbed from inside the cold room.
• Evaporator – distributes cooled air inside the unit.
Africhill advantage: Our cold room fridge systems use high-performance refrigeration units that ensure consistent cooling while minimising energy consumption.
3. Cold room doors
Cold room doors play a critical role in maintaining internal temperatures. Poor-quality doors allow cold air to escape, increasing energy costs.
Africhill advantage: Our cold room doors are airtight, durable, and built with industrial-grade seals, ensuring no unnecessary energy loss.
4. Flooring and ventilation
The right flooring and ventilation ensure temperature stability and prevent mold and moisture buildup.
Africhill advantage: We design our modular cold rooms with reinforced insulated flooring, reducing heat transfer and lowering energy costs.
Why Africhill’s modular cold rooms are top in Africa
At Africhill, we don’t just build cold rooms—we engineer high-performance cold storage solutions designed for maximum durability and efficiency.
1. Custom-built for your needs
We offer highly customised solutions, from industrial cold rooms to DIY mobile refrigeration units. No matter your business size, we build to your exact specifications.
2. Installation six times faster than traditional cold rooms
Unlike brick-and-mortar cold storage, our modular cold rooms can be installed in just days, allowing you to start operations immediately.
3. Neater, quieter, and safer construction sites
Our prefabricated cold rooms eliminate construction mess, ensuring clean and hazard-free installation.
4. Unmatched energy efficiency
Our advanced insulation technology provides all-year energy savings, making your business more sustainable and cost-effective.
5. High-quality, durable materials
We use top-tier materials, ensuring our modular cold rooms last longer and require minimal maintenance.
6. Certified safety and industry compliance
All of our cold storage solutions meet strict safety and regulatory standards, with annual certifications for quality assurance.
7. Virtually maintenance-free
Our modular cold rooms are engineered for durability, meaning little to no maintenance is required.
8. Superior Customer Service
With over 20 years of experience, we provide expert advice and industry-leading customer support.
9. End-to-End Solutions or DIY Installation
Choose between a turnkey installation service or a DIY setup that can be assembled with basic handyman skills.
10. Save Up to 30% Compared to Traditional Cold Rooms
Our cost-effective modular systems save businesses up to 30% compared to traditional cold storage construction.
11. Financing available
We partner with ABSA, First National Bank, and CIDB to offer flexible financing options, making our solutions accessible for businesses of all sizes.
12. We deliver across Sub-Saharan Africa
Our factory in Kempton Park, Johannesburg, ensures fast delivery across South Africa and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What are the main components of a modular cold room?
A modular cold room consists of:
• Insulated panels – maintain internal temperatures.
• Refrigeration unit – keeps products at the required temperature.
• Sealed doors – prevent temperature fluctuations.
Q2: How does a modular cold room maintain its temperature?
Modular cold rooms use advanced refrigeration cycles, including:
1. Compression – refrigerant gas is pressurised.
2. Condensation – the gas cools into liquid form.
3. Expansion – the refrigerant expands and absorbs heat.
4. Evaporation – the system absorbs and removes heat from inside the room.
Q3: Can modular cold rooms be expanded?
Yes! One of the biggest benefits of modular cold rooms is their ability to expand, reconfigure or be relocated as needed.
Get the right modular cold room in Africa from Africhill
If you need a high-quality, energy-efficient, and affordable cold storage solution, Africhill is your trusted partner. Our modular cold rooms are designed for maximum efficiency, long-term durability, and cost savings.
Our experienced and skilled professionals at Africhill will ensure your expectations are met when it comes to the design, manufacture, and installation of cold rooms, freezer and chiller rooms, refrigeration rooms, blast freezer rooms, retail glass door cold rooms, insulation, and compressors.
We also offer a guarantee on our products and services.
Simply reach out to us using the contact form below, and we will gladly assist you to explore our range for the best solution for your refrigeration and cold room application.
Resources consulted
• Climate-Friendly and Energy-Efficient Commercial Refrigerators
• Publisher: United for Efficiency (U4E)
• Summary: A report on the environmental and energy benefits of using modern, efficient refrigeration systems.
• https://united4efficiency.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/U4E_CommercialRefrig_Supporting-Info_20211109.pdf
• Walk-in Cold Rooms: A Practitioner’s Technical Guide
• Publisher: Efficiency for Access
• Summary: A technical guide covering insulation, refrigeration, and maintenance best practices for walk-in cold rooms.
• https://efficiencyforaccess.org/wp-content/uploads/IIFIIR-Livre-Cold-storage-_modif-efficiency-AD_clic.pdf
• Refrigeration Equipment Guide
• Publisher: Australian Government – Department of Industry, Science, Energy, and Resources
• Summary: A guide detailing energy consumption in refrigeration systems and potential energy savings.
• https://www.energy.gov.au/business/equipment-guides/refrigeration
• Uses, Standards, and Construction of Cold Rooms
• Publisher: IQS Directory
• Summary: An overview of cold room types, applications, and construction standards.
• https://www.iqsdirectory.com/articles/environmental-chamber/cold-rooms.html
• Walk-in Coolers and Freezers – Technical Report
• Publisher: Danfoss (Technical Research Report)
• Summary: A research-backed report on energy-efficient refrigeration components for walk-in coolers and freezers.
• https://www.danfoss.com/en/markets/food-and-beverage/dcs/cold-rooms/