If you’re running a restaurant, butcher shop, cafe, or any business that needs serious refrigeration, you’ve probably asked yourself: “What’s a commercial cool room going to set me back?”
It’s a fair question, and the answer isn’t as simple as a single price tag. Commercial cool rooms aren’t one-size-fits-all. They are custom solutions designed to keep your products at the perfect temperature, day in and day out.
This article mentions what you can expect to pay for a commercial cool room in Australia, and what factors influence that investment.
The Short Answer: What’s the Price Range?
For a standard commercial cool room in Australia, you’re looking at $5,000 to $30,000+.
That’s a pretty wide range, isn’t it? Here’s why:
- Small cool rooms (around 2m x 2m) might start from $5,000-$8,000
- Medium-sized units (3m x 3m or 4m x 4m) fall between $10,000-$18,000
- Large commercial installations can easily exceed $20,000-$30,000 or more
Your actual cost depends on several important factors that are mentioned below.
What Affects Commercial Cool Room Pricing?
Size and Capacity
The bigger the cool room, the higher the price. You’re paying for more panels, more refrigeration capacity, and more installation labour.
Think about your actual storage needs. It’s tempting to go bigger “just in case,” but you’ll pay for that extra space upfront and in ongoing running costs.
Temperature Requirements
Not all cool rooms are created equal when it comes to temperature:
- Standard cool rooms (0°C to 4°C) are the most common and cost-effective
- Freezer rooms (-18°C to -25°C) require more powerful refrigeration systems and cost 20-40% more
- Dual-zone systems with cooling and freezing capabilities will increase your investment
The colder you need to go, the more you’ll invest.
Build Type: Modular vs Custom
Modular cool rooms are prefabricated units that arrive ready for installation. They’re more affordable and easier to set up, making them a good fit for standard requirements.
Custom-built cool rooms are designed for your space and needs. They cost more but offer flexibility with unusual layouts or specific requirements.
Insulation Quality
Summers in Australia require a quality insulation, essential for performance and cost-efficiency. You will have to manage the expenses of upfront cost for premium insulation panels, but you can save money to the great extent on electricity bills for years. It proves to be an investment that pays for itself.
Refrigeration System
The heart of your cool room is its refrigeration unit. You’ve got options:
- Standard condensing units are the most common and affordable
- Remote refrigeration systems keep noise and heat outside your workspace
- Energy-efficient systems cost initially, but dramatically reduce operating costs
Quality refrigeration systems from trusted brands cost more upfront, but they tend to run more reliably and are easier to service later.
Installation Complexity
A cool room installation comes with extra steps that sometimes feel complex. The final installation cost can shift based on things like:
- Site accessibility
- Electrical upgrades required
- Drainage and plumbing needs
- Floor reinforcement or preparation
- Council permits and compliance requirements
Don’t Forget the Ongoing Costs
The upfront cost is only part of the picture. You’ll also need to factor in ongoing expenses such as:
- Electricity: Efficient units can cut yearly power costs by a significant amount
- Maintenance: Routine servicing keeps the system running smoothly
- Repairs: Quality hardware means fewer issues over time
- Compliance: Health department regulations require proper documentation and upkeep
Is a Commercial Cool Room Worth the Investment?
A commercial cool room is the core part of the operation and smooth process for food businesses. It provides numerous advantages like protect your stock, keeps you in compliance with food safety rules, reduce spoilage or wastage, and helps in maintaining a reliable reputation.
A quality cool room pays for itself through reduced product loss, improved workflow efficiency, and peace of mind that your temperature-sensitive products are stored correctly.
How to Get the Best Value
Getting the right cool room at the right price means doing your homework:
- Work with experienced professionals who understand Australian conditions and compliance requirements. They’ll help you size your cool room correctly, so it’s neither too big nor too small.
- Don’t skimp on quality to save a few dollars upfront. Cheap cool rooms cost more in the long run through higher energy bills, frequent repairs, and shorter lifespans.
- Consider energy efficiency when making your decision. An energy-efficient model might cost $2,000-$3,000 more initially but could save that much in a few years of operation.
- Ask about warranties and after-sales service. Are they available for providing service if something goes wrong at 3 am on Saturday?
To secure the best value, invest in a quality, efficient solution backed by strong support. Smart spending now delivers reliable performance and lower costs for years to come.
Conclusion
Choosing the right commercial cool room is a significant decision for your business. You need equipment that works reliably, runs efficiently, and aligns with how your business operates.
At Kyabram Refrigeration, we know that no two businesses share the exact same cooling setup. With years of hands-on experience across Australia, our team designs, installs, and maintains commercial refrigeration systems built for steady performance and long service life.
Whether you need a compact cool room for your cafe or a large-scale refrigeration system for your food production facility, our team provides professional guidance from initial consultation through to ongoing maintenance.
Get a detailed quote tailored to your exact requirements. Call (03) 5852 1212 and discover how the right cool room can transform your business operations while protecting your valuable stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a commercial cool room last?
A quality commercial cool room can provide benefits upto 15-20 years or more with proper maintenance. The refrigeration unit needs to be replaced after 10-15 years, but the cool room structure itself is incredibly durable.
Can I install a cool room myself?
While modular cool rooms are designed for relatively straightforward installation, it’s strongly recommended to use qualified refrigeration technicians. Electrical work must be completed by licenced electricians, and proper installation ensures optimal performance and warranty coverage.
What size cool room do I need for my business?
This depends on your stock turnover, delivery frequency, and product types. As a general guide, restaurants need 6-12 cubic metres, butcher shops need 12-20 cubic metres, and larger hospitality venues may need 20+ cubic metres.
Are there financing options available?
Many refrigeration companies offer financing or payment plans for commercial cool rooms. Speak with your supplier about options that work for your business’s cash flow.
How much does it cost to run a cool room?
Running costs vary based on size, temperature, insulation quality, and usage patterns. A small cool room might cost $500-$1,500 in electricity, while larger units can cost $2,000-$5,000+ per year.