Are you a business owner in need of a cold storage solution but only require a small unit? Maybe you’re opening a restaurant that requires a small inventory of seasonal ingredients, or you’re creating a startup company unsure of how much storage you’ll need for your products.
While you may be considering cold storage warehousing, a centralized building or facility designed to keep temperature sensitive products safe, have you thought about the advantages of an on-site walk in cooler rental? While both serve the function of keeping perishable goods at the proper temperature, they differ notably in other areas. Many businesses believe that warehousing is the only option for refrigerated storage but on-site walk in freezer rentals can offer a flexible, cost-effective and accessible alternative.
The fact is, no matter which option you choose, you need direct access to your inventory when it’s needed most. Let’s explore whether cold storage warehousing or a walk in freezer rental is best for your business.
Cold storage warehousing explained
Cold storage warehouses preserve temperature-sensitive products, but not all facilities are the same. Various types of cold storage solutions cater to different industries and needs. For instance, public or shared cold warehouses are managed by third-party logistics providers and offer flexible storage options for multiple businesses. You can lease space based on your needs, making them a cost-effective solution for those without dedicated cold storage.
Whatever the type of cold storage warehouse it may be, you’ll want to consider these important factors:
- Transportation access – Efficient coordination depend on how easily trucks and trailers can access a cold storage facility. Warehouses should include multiple docking bays for quick loading and unloading, along with a layout that allows smooth vehicle movement to prevent bottlenecks.
- Geographic location – Facilities positioned near major highways, ports, or airports enable businesses to streamline distribution, reduce transportation costs and maintain fresh products.
Financial considerations of cold storage warehousing
The cost of storing goods in a cold storage warehouse depends on the type and quantity of products, storage duration, and the specific temperature requirements. While warehousing may seem straightforward, business owners often overlook hidden costs, including:
- Pallet storage fees – pallet usage within a cold storage warehouse come at a cost.
- Access and handling fees – retrieving inventory from a warehouse incurs additional fees.
- Minimum storage requirements – some facilities require businesses to pay for a minimum amount of space, even if they don’t need all of it.
A walk in cooler rental explained
Engineered for stationery, on-site refrigeration, walk in coolers prioritize accessibility, consistent temperature regulation and energy efficiency.
Constructed with high-performance insulated walls, these units often feature reinforced flooring for durability, heavy-duty doors equipped with interior safety releases for security, and antimicrobial coatings to support hygiene and food safety.
Refrigerated containers, for example, provide portable cold storage, ensuring consistent temperatures during transport. Flash freezers, commonly used in the food industry, are designed to rapidly reduce temperatures, making them ideal for preserving freshness and extending shelf life. Meanwhile, ultra-low temperature storage is essential for pharmaceuticals, biological materials and other highly sensitive products.
Most notably, walk in cooler rentals are delivered directly to the site and set up for immediate use, typically requiring a simple connection to an external power source for operation.
Advantages of a walk in freezer rental
Unlike traditional warehouse spaces, which typically require a contract in place first, a walk in freezer rental can be delivered within 12-48 hours. And while some may believe installing a walk in refrigeration unit on-site is complex, it’s quite the contrary. It typically requires a simple 4-wire connection, like hooking up a home dryer or stove. Once connected, all you need to do is flip the ON switch and set the temperature.
Walk in cooler and freezer rentals are particularly beneficial for businesses that need flexible, on-demand cold storage, such as:
- Restaurants, catering services and event planning
- Startups
- Businesses requiring easy access
A key benefit of a walk in cooler rental unit is the elimination of transportation costs, not to mention waiting for warehouse staff. Since these units are housed on site of the business, this streamlined process saves businesses both time and labor costs, ensuring perishable goods are readily available when needed.
Bottom line: Which cold storage solution is best?
For businesses to decide between walk in cooler rentals and cold storage warehousing, the choice often comes down to control, convenience and cost-efficiency. A walk in rental provides immediate access and ensures total control over inventory and temperature stability without the process of warehouse planning.
Polar Leasing provides walk-in units in two sizes—8×10 ft and 8×20 ft—with temperature ranges from -10°F to 55°F, allowing businesses to tailor storage to their specific needs. Unlike warehouses, which require separate maintenance agreements, our rental price includes all upkeep and service, offering a hassle-free solution.
If your business needs a reliable, on-site cold storage rental with quick delivery and easy setup, Polar Leasing has the solution for you. Contact us today to secure a walk-in rental that fits your needs!
