When planning to build a cold storage room, most buyers first want to know two things:
1) How much will it cost?
2) How much product can it hold?
At Haocool, we calculate cold room size based on the actual storage tonnage you need. For example, storing 10 tons of frozen meat typically requires around 50 m³ of cold room volume, with an estimated investment of about USD 7,000.
To help you plan more accurately, here is a practical reference table showing different cold room volumes, costs, and storage capacities.

Cold Room Size & Cost Chart (by Volume & Storage Capacity)
| Cold Room Volume | Approx. Investment | Storage Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 100 m³ | USD 10,000 | ~20 tons |
| 500 m³ | USD 30,000 | ~100 tons |
| 2,500 m³ | USD 90,000 | ~500 tons |
| 5,000 m³ | USD 160,000 | ~1,000 tons |
| 10,000 m³ | USD 280,000 | ~2,000 tons |
Final pricing varies depending on required temperature, insulation thickness, refrigerant type, and automation level.
How Much Product Can 1 m³ of Cold Storage Hold?
Different products have different density and stacking efficiency:
| Product Type | Storage Capacity per m³ |
|---|---|
| Frozen meat | 0.40 tons/m³ |
| Frozen fish | 0.47 tons/m³ |
| Fresh fruits & vegetables | 0.23 tons/m³ |
| Frozen lamb carcasses | 0.25 tons/m³ |
| Boneless meat or by-products | 0.60 tons/m³ |
| Boxed frozen poultry | 0.55 tons/m³ |
If you tell us what product you want to store and how many tons, Haocool can calculate the exact cold room size and accurate investment budget.
Why Costs Differ Between Cold Rooms
Cold storage pricing is mainly influenced by:
1. Temperature Requirement
- Frozen storage (-18°C to -25°C) → higher investment
- Chiller storage (0°C to +10°C) → lower investment
2. Storage Volume
Larger rooms may have lower cost per cubic meter due to shared equipment.
3. Refrigeration Equipment Configuration
Imported compressors, energy-saving systems, and automation control will increase cost but reduce long-term operating expenses.
Investment Return Example
Location: Dubai, UAE
Cold Room Capacity: 110 tons (approx. 540 m³)
Configuration: Chiller + Frozen storage combo, Haocool screw compressor system
Total Investment: USD 32,000
Storage Capacity: 100 tons mixed goods
Energy Consumption: Approx. 18–22 kWh per hour
Payback Period: 10–14 months, depending on turnover rate and storage fees
China cold storage solution provider