How Much Does It Cost to Build a -18℃ Beef and Seafood Cold Storage Freezer?

Building a -18℃ large-scale beef and seafood cold storage freezer is a major investment for food processors, distributors, and cold chain logistics companies. The cost depends on several factors, including cold room design, equipment selection, insulation materials, and installation requirements. Each of these elements directly affects the overall budget.

On average, the cost of constructing a standard -18℃ freezer warehouse in China ranges between USD $125–195 per square meter (≈ RMB 900–1400/m²). Below is a general cost reference for different sizes of cold storage facilities.

Estimated Cost of Beef and Seafood Freezer Construction

• 100m² cold storage: approx. USD $15,500
• 300m² cold storage: approx. USD $45,000
• 500m² cold storage: approx. USD $70,000
• 1000m² cold storage: approx. USD $140,000

(Note: These prices are based on construction costs in China. Costs may vary in other regions depending on labor, materials, and energy requirements.)

Key Considerations for -18℃ Cold Storage Design

1.Location Selection

• Should be built in an area with convenient transportation access to reduce loading/unloading times and avoid cold chain interruptions.
• Must be away from pollution sources, with proper drainage and moisture-proof flooring.

2.Cold Storage Zoning

Large-scale beef and seafood freezers often include multiple functional areas for better efficiency:

• Pre-cooling area: Lowers products from ambient temperature to around 0℃ before entering the main freezer, minimizing temperature fluctuations.
• Main storage chambers: Divided by product type (beef, fish, shrimp, etc.) for better management and temperature control.
• Operation area: Equipped with changing rooms, tool rooms, and quality inspection zones, complying with international food hygiene standards.
• Loading & unloading docks: Designed with platforms, insulated doors, and fast-rolling shutter doors to minimize cold air loss during handling.

3.Equipment and Insulation

• High-quality compressors, condensers, and evaporators should be selected for energy efficiency and stable operation.
• Insulation panels (polyurethane sandwich panels) with proper thickness ensure consistent temperature maintenance and reduce energy costs.

👉 Are you planning to build a beef and seafood cold storage freezer? Contact our team for a customized design and cost estimate.