How Much Does It Cost to Build a Meat Aging and Defrosting Cold Storage Room?

In the meat processing industry, aging (acid-discharging) cold rooms and defrosting cold storage play a crucial role in ensuring meat quality and safety. Freshly slaughtered beef, lamb, or pork requires a controlled cooling process to break down lactic acid and other metabolites. This not only improves tenderness but also enhances flavor and extends shelf life.

Cost of Meat Aging Cold Storage

Aging cold rooms are typically set at 0–5℃ (32–41℉) to accelerate the breakdown of lactic acid.

• For example, to age around 10 heads of cattle, you would need about 20 square meters of storage space.
• The estimated cost of building such a meat aging cold room, equipped with insulated polyurethane panels (100mm), DL series ceiling-type evaporators, German Bitzer compressors, and ceiling rails for hanging meat, is around ¥50,000–¥90,000 CNY (≈ $7,000–$12,600 USD).

Additional Cost for Meat Defrosting Cold Rooms

If you add a low-temperature, high-humidity defrosting function within the cold room, the investment will be higher.

• Specialized defrosting units help reduce juice loss, maintain freshness, and ensure uniform thawing.
• The cost of defrosting equipment alone is about ¥100,000 CNY (≈ $14,000 USD).

When combined, the total investment for a meat aging + defrosting cold room is approximately ¥200,000 CNY (≈ $28,000 USD).

Key Features of a Meat Aging & Defrosting Cold Storage Room

• Insulation: 100mm thick polyurethane insulation panels ensure stable temperatures.
• Cooling System: German Bitzer compressor units paired with DL series air coolers.
• Meat Rails: Ceiling-mounted track systems for hanging beef, lamb, or pork.
• Defrosting Equipment: Low-temperature, high-humidity defrosting machines installed on both sides of the room.

✅ By investing in a professional meat aging and defrosting cold storage facility, meat processors can achieve higher product quality, reduce losses, and meet international food safety standards. For more details, check out our Meat Cold Storage Project Case