China cold storage solution provider
When searching for the cost of a 500 cubic meter cold storage, many buyers find very different answers online. The reason is simple: cold storage is not a standardized product. Every project is custom-designed based on storage temperature, product type, insulation thickness, refrigeration system, and local installation conditions.
A 500 m³ cold storage is considered a small-to-medium cold room, widely used for fruits, vegetables, meat, pharmaceuticals, industrial materials, and food processing. Under standard design conditions, its construction cost varies significantly depending on application.
Typical construction cost reference for a 500 m³ cold storage:
| Cold Storage Type | Temperature Range | Estimated Investment |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit & Vegetable Cold Room | 0–15°C | USD 22,000 – 25,000 |
| Meat & Food Cold Storage | –18°C | USD 28,000 – 34,000 |
| Pharmaceutical Cold Storage | 2–8°C | USD 28,000 – 36,000 |
| Industrial Explosion-Proof Cold Storage | Custom | USD 36,000 – 42,000 |
| Blast Freezer Cold Storage | –30°C to –35°C | USD 42,000 – 49,000 |
Prices are reference values for turnkey construction and may vary depending on configuration and country.
From a design perspective, a 500 m³ cold room is commonly built with a clear height of 4 meters, resulting in a floor area of approximately 125 m².
For a standard chilled storage (0–15°C), the recommended configuration includes:
- 100 mm polyurethane insulated panels
- Ceiling-mounted air coolers
- Copeland (Emerson) refrigeration units for stable and energy-efficient operation
- XPS insulation board + reinforced concrete floor, suitable for forklift operation and long-term durability
If the storage temperature is lower or special requirements apply (pharmaceutical compliance, explosion-proof design, blast freezing), insulation thickness and refrigeration capacity will be upgraded accordingly, increasing the total cost.
In terms of storage capacity, cold rooms cannot be filled completely due to aisles, airflow, and pallet spacing.
Practical storage calculation:
- Total volume: 500 m³
- Utilization rate: 75%–80%
- Usable volume: 375–400 m³
Estimated storage capacity by product type:
- Fruits & vegetables: 100–120 tons
- Frozen meat & food: 130–150 tons
- Pharmaceutical products: 80–100 tons
(depending on packaging density and shelving design)
Simply put:
👉 You invest USD 22,000–50,000 and gain stable storage capacity of up to 150 tons, depending on application.