Hiring a freezer room can be a real lifesaver when you need extra cold storage for an event, a busy season, or even a kitchen renovation. But here’s the catch: placing it in the wrong spot can turn that convenience into a complete headache.
From power supply issues to blocked access, there are a few common mistakes that catch people out. This guide covers the most frequent freezer room placement errors and how to avoid them — saving you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.
1. Ignoring Access Requirements
One of the biggest mistakes people make is placing the freezer room too far away from where it’s actually needed. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, running a pop-up kitchen, or managing a commercial site, your team needs quick and easy access.
Think about how often you’ll be using it and who will need to get in. If it’s too far from the main prep area or delivery bay, it’ll slow everyone down — and in some cases, lead to spoiled goods if things aren’t transferred quickly.
Always go for a location that balances convenience with space. To explore options for chilled storage at events, click the link.
2. Overlooking Power Supply Limitations
You can’t just plug a commercial freezer into any old socket and hope for the best. If you place the unit somewhere with insufficient power access, you’ll either need a bunch of extension leads (not ideal) or face delays while you sort it out.
Before positioning the unit, check the freezer’s power requirements and ensure the nearest outlet can handle it. It’s best to have a dedicated power source where possible — this helps prevent tripped circuits and keeps your unit running efficiently.
3. Blocking Ventilation or Airflow
Another common oversight is placing the freezer room too close to walls or fencing it in tightly on all sides. These units need breathing room. Without adequate ventilation, you’re asking for performance issues, higher energy use, or worse — a system failure.
Always leave enough space around the unit for proper airflow and easy maintenance access. Not only does it help the freezer run smoothly, but it also makes servicing simpler if anything goes wrong.
4. Placing It in Direct Sunlight or Heat Sources
Freezer rooms are built to stay cold, but putting them in direct sunlight or next to a heat-emitting appliance makes their job a lot harder. You might not notice the impact immediately, but over time, it’ll raise your energy costs and wear down the equipment faster.
If possible, choose a shaded area or use temporary covers or canopies to reduce sun exposure. Even just positioning the unit to face away from the afternoon sun can make a noticeable difference.
5. Forgetting About Drainage and Surface Level
Uneven ground or soft surfaces can cause serious problems. If the unit isn’t level, it can affect the door seal and internal temperature stability. Plus, placing it in a spot prone to water pooling could damage the base or even pose slip hazards.
Aim for a flat, hard-standing surface — concrete or paving is ideal. If you’re placing it outdoors, make sure rainwater can drain away easily and won’t collect around the base of the unit.
When You Would Benefit from Hiring Cold Storage
No More Space
Of course, the big sign you need to do something about your cold storage is that you no longer have any space. If you feel like you’re having to be careful with what you’re storing and position things inside carefully, this is when you need to expand.
Thankfully, hiring can be an easy way to increase your cold storage space and make sure all items can be stored in the best temperature.
You Have No Organisation
Are you struggling to find items in your refrigerator or freezer? This lack of organisation can be frustrating. It can also reduce efficiency for your staff, which can have an effect on your customers.
If you want to get everything in order and find it at the drop of a hat, it might be time to hire additional cold storage. This allows you to spread out items and group similar ones together. Then, everybody is going to know exactly where they are.
Cannot Stockpile
Most companies recognise that storing in bulk is a good way to save money and ensure your business has everything it needs. However, if you’re in a position where you don’t have enough space, this means that you can’t stockpile items.
You could be paying more than you need to for them and missing out on deals. Plus, you could end up suffering if there’s a shortage.
Final Thoughts
Placing a hired freezer room might seem like a minor detail, but it can have a major impact on your event or operation. From keeping food safe to ensuring your team works efficiently, getting the location right is just as important as picking the right unit.
Avoiding these common mistakes can save you time, reduce costs, and help everything run more smoothly. If you’re unsure about where to place your freezer room, don’t guess — speak to your supplier.
They’ll be able to advise based on the space, use case, and equipment type.
