Haocool
A few weeks ago, a customer from Egypt reached out to Haocool through our website. He runs an onion farm – about 200 tons of onions per year. His goal was simple: build a cold storage to keep onions fresh for months, sell them after the peak season, and get better prices.
He asked: how much does it cost to build a 150 square metre onion cold storage in Egypt?
After discussing his needs, we designed a solution. Let me walk you through the specification, the estimated cost, and the storage conditions that work for onions.
The Customer’s Requirement
- Floor area: 150 m²
- Ceiling height: 2.9 metres
- Total volume: 435 m³
- Estimated storage capacity: about 100 tons of onions
He wanted a reliable, energy‑efficient cold room that could keep onions in good condition for at least three months.
What We Proposed (150m² Onion Cold Storage)
Insulation Panels
- Five sides (walls and ceiling) using 100mm thick polyurethane double‑face steel panels.
- This thickness is sufficient for 0–1°C storage in Egypt’s hot climate, provided the refrigeration system is properly sized.
Refrigeration System
- One 15HP high‑temperature top‑discharge condensing unit (Copeland ZB scroll compressor, with solenoid valve, condenser, etc.)
- Two DL100 series evaporators (air coolers) inside the cold room for even air distribution.
This setup is designed to pull down the temperature quickly after harvest and maintain stable conditions.
Estimated Total Cost in Egypt
Based on equipment, materials, shipping to Egypt, and on‑site installation, the total cost for this 150m² onion cold storage is approximately:
$39,000 – $49,000 USD
This includes the insulated panels, refrigeration system, electrical controls, installation labour, and basic commissioning. It does not include land, foundation work, or import duties (which vary by Egyptian port and customs).
How to Store Onions in a Cold Room – Temperature and Humidity
Onions are not like leafy greens. They require specific conditions to avoid sprouting, rot, or softness.
Temperature
Keep the cold room at 0°C to 1°C (32°F – 34°F) .
– Above 1°C → sprouting risk increases.
– Below 0°C → freezing damage (onions become soft and watery).
Humidity
Maintain 75% – 85% relative humidity – ideally around 80%.
– Too dry → onions shrivel and lose weight.
– Too wet → mould and bacterial rot.
At 0–1°C and 80% RH, onions can be stored for up to 90 days (about 3 months) while maintaining good flavour and firmness.
For longer storage – 6 months or more – you would need a controlled atmosphere onion storage that lowers oxygen levels to suppress sprouting even further.
Why Onion Cold Storage Makes Business Sense in Egypt
Egypt is a major onion producer. The harvest season is relatively short, and prices drop significantly during that time. With a cold room, you can hold your onions and sell them when supplies tighten – typically 2–3 months after harvest. The price difference often covers the cold storage investment within two seasons.
This customer expects to store about 100 tons of his 200‑ton annual crop. Even at a modest price increase of 20–30%, the extra profit pays back the $39,000–49,000 cost in just two years.