Air Blast Freezer vs. Cold Storage: Know the Difference!

2 weeks ago

Technological advancements are increasingly impacting the food industry. Today, a wide range of equipment is available specifically designed to extend product shelf life, including air blast freezers and cold storage systems.

Although both create low temperatures to preserve product freshness, there are several key differences between the two.

This article will explain the differences between air blast freezers and cold storage. So, make sure to read through to avoid choosing the wrong cooling solution!

Differences Between Air Blast Freezer and Cold Storage

To avoid making the wrong choice, it's important to understand the differences between an air blast freezer and cold storage before using either one. Below are the key differences between air blast freezers and cold storage, based on several important aspects.

1. Function

An air blast freezer is a type of cooling chamber designed to rapidly freeze products. It works by distributing high-speed, intense cold air that quickly replaces the warm air surrounding the product.

On the other hand, cold storage is used to store frozen products over a longer period. It provides an ideal and stable temperature to maintain the condition of frozen goods before they are processed or distributed to consumers. Products stored in cold storage must already be in a frozen state.

2. Operational Temperature

To perform rapid freezing, an air blast freezer operates at extremely low temperatures, typically between -30°C and -40°C. These low temperatures are necessary to quickly bring the core temperature of the product below its freezing point, which is generally around -18°C.

This differs from cold storage, which usually operates at temperatures ranging from -23°C to 10°C. Cold storage temperatures are warmer than those in an air blast freezer because its main function is to keep products frozen and maintain their condition, not to freeze them.

Also read: Ideal Storage Temperature for Vegetables in Cold Storage

3. Duration Process

In general, the freezing process in an air blast freezer is relatively quick, typically taking between 2 to 6 hours. However, the duration can vary depending on the type, size, and initial temperature of the product.

It’s also important to note that once the desired level of freezing is reached, the product should be promptly removed from the air blast freezer. This is to prevent the risk of freezer burn—a condition where the surface of the product becomes dry due to prolonged exposure to extreme cold temperatures.

4. Types of Products

Certain types of products that require rapid freezing in an air blast freezer include seafood, red meat, poultry, and other items that need to be frozen quickly. On the other hand, cold storage is typically used for products that are already frozen, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products (like milk and cheese), beverages, ice cream, and many others.

In short, products entering an air blast freezer are usually raw or unfrozen, while those stored in cold storage are typically already frozen, chilled, or ready for distribution.

5. Main Working Mechanism

The air blast freezer works by distributing extremely cold air at high speed. This rapid airflow causes a significant drop in the product’s temperature, leading to a quick freezing process that forms micro ice crystals. This method helps preserve the texture and quality of the product more effectively.

On the other hand, the cold storage system operates through a continuous refrigeration cycle that includes four key processes:

Compression (pressurizing the refrigerant gas),
Condensation (cooling the gas into liquid),
Expansion (reducing pressure), and
Evaporation (absorbing heat to produce cooling).

These steps work together to maintain a stable low temperature that preserves already chilled or frozen products over time.To help you understand more clearly, here’s a comparison table between air blast freezer and cold storage :

Perbedaan	Air Blast Freezer (ABF)	Cold Storage
Function	Rapid freezing of products	Long-term storage of frozen products
Operational Temperature	-30 °C to -40 °C	-25 °C to 10 °C
Process Duration	Short, around 2–6 hours	No freezing process involved; products are already frozen upon storage.
Types of Product	Seafood, red meat, poultry, and processed frozen foods	Frozen products, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, beverages, frozen desserts
Working Mechanism	1. High-speed cold air distribution 2. Rapid temperature drop 3. Freezing process	1. Compression 2. Condensation 3. Expansion 4. Evaporation

Also read: Get To Know 6 Types Of Industries That Requires Cold Storage Facilities

Examples of Air Blast Freezer and Cold Storage Usage in the Food Industry

Both air blast freezers and cold storage play a vital role in the food industry, and combining the two can significantly support business growth. Some examples of how air blast freezers and cold storage are used in the food industry include:

Processed food: Seasoned tempura is first frozen in an air blast freezer, then moved into cold storage. After that, the tempura is ready to be delivered using refrigerated trucks to restaurants for further preparation into dishes.
Seafood: After being caught, fresh fish is immediately cleaned and then frozen in an air blast freezer. Once it reaches the desired temperature, the fish is transferred to cold storage before being distributed to seafood restaurant owners.
Fruit: Strawberries are harvested, sliced, and cleaned. They are then frozen in an air blast freezer to maintain their bright color and prevent them from becoming mushy when thawed. After that, the strawberries are stored in cold storage until it's time for distribution. They are then delivered to bakeries to be used as pie filling or pastry filling.

That concludes the explanation of the differences between air blast freezers and cold storage. These two types of cooling systems are designed to complement each other, helping preserve product freshness and meet industry standards.

If you're looking for a solution to store fresh products, MGM Bosco Logistics is the answer. We offer cold storage services equipped with food-grade and environmentally friendly facilities.

Equipped with modern systems such as temperature monitoring, racking systems, and barcode labeling for easier storage, MGM Bosco is a reliable partner to help grow your business. Contact us today for more detailed service information!