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Kälte-Klima-Solution GmbH
5(1)
Hohlstrasse 1928004 Zürich
Cold Room Assembly: Guide, Costs & Tips (2026)
October 5, 2026
6 minutes
Cold rooms and freezer rooms are indispensable in Swiss gastronomy and commerce. The professional assembly of a cold room (as of 2026) requires precision – from floor insulation to the appropriate cooling unit. Find out how the step-by-step assembly works and why hiring a refrigeration technician is worthwhile.
Key Facts About Cold Room Assembly
Before you begin planning or assembly, you should know these basic requirements:
- Frost heave protection for freezers
- For rooms operating below -5 °C, special floor protection is absolutely necessary.
- Maintain minimum clearances
- Plan for at least 50 mm clearance from the wall and 25 cm of free space above the room.
- Observe cooling time
- Let the cold room run for about 12 hours after assembly before storing food.
- Loss of warranty with DIY
- Faulty self-assembly can limit the warranty. A refrigeration technician offers peace of mind.
These guidelines ensure the energy-efficient and trouble-free operation of your system.
Important Refrigeration Terminology
Cold room (positive cooling)
An insulated room for temperatures above freezing (usually 0 to +8 °C), ideal for fresh goods and beverages.
Freezer room (negative cooling)
A room for sub-zero temperatures (usually -18 °C to -25 °C). Requires thicker insulation than positive cooling.
Combination room
Combines a cooling and a freezing area with separate temperature zones in a single, interconnected system.
Straddle unit (Huckepack)
A compact, plug-in cooling unit that is hung directly into a cutout in the cold room wall.
These technical terms will help you during planning and in discussions with your refrigeration technician.
DIY Assembly vs. Refrigeration Technician
Self-assembly (standard rooms only)
Best suited for
Plug-in mini cold rooms with a simple tongue-and-groove system for positive cooling.
Costs and time required
No external labor costs. Assembly takes about 4 to 8 hours, depending on experience and room size.
Risks and disadvantages
High risk of thermal bridges if work is imprecise. Assembly errors often void the manufacturer's warranty. No professional calibration of the cooling unit.
Who should do it
Experienced tradespeople who strictly follow the assembly instructions and only install simple package solutions.
Professional assembly by a refrigeration technician
Best suited for
Custom-made rooms, split units, combination rooms, and all freezer rooms below -5 °C.
Costs and time required
Assembly costs vary depending on the effort (commercial hourly rates for refrigeration technicians in Switzerland are often between 120 and 160 CHF). Assembly is usually completed in 1 to 2 days.
Risks and disadvantages
Higher initial costs due to hiring a specialist company.
Who should do it
Gastronomy businesses, laboratories, and industrial companies that rely on absolute reliability, hygiene, and full warranty coverage.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cold Room Assembly
Assembly requires the highest precision and an absolutely level surface. For complex systems, it is mandatory to consult a professional.
1
Prepare and level the floor
The surface must be absolutely level. For freezer rooms (below -5 °C), first lay the under-ventilation panels and align them precisely.
2
Connect the floor elements
Lay the floor panels and connect them using the integrated cam locks. An Allen key is usually used for this.
3
Erect the wall elements
Start in a corner and insert the wall panels one by one into the floor elements. Secure the joints with the cam locks and check regularly with a spirit level.
4
Prepare the cooling unit
For a straddle unit, the corresponding cutouts must be made. Hang the device into the wall element before assembling the ceiling elements.
5
Assemble the ceiling and door
Place the ceiling elements on top and lock them to the walls. Then install the door frame and door precisely so that the seals close perfectly later.
6
Seal and commission
Close all connection holes with plastic caps and seal the joints with silicone if necessary. Let the room cool down to the target temperature for about 12 hours before storing goods.
Attention: Work on the electrical system or on split cooling units may only be carried out by authorized professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Rooms and Assembly
Here you will find answers to the most important questions regarding the planning and costs of cold rooms.
Small standard cold rooms start at around 3 000 to 5 000 CHF. Custom-made combination or freezer rooms for gastronomy often cost 10 000 CHF and more, depending on size, cooling unit, and insulation.
At temperatures below -5 °C, the cold can penetrate through the floor into the ground. Freezing water in the soil expands and can lift and severely damage the building's foundation. Frost heave protection prevents this.
For optimal air circulation and smooth assembly, a minimum clearance of 50 mm from the building walls and 25 cm of free space above the room (for the cooling unit) should be maintained.
While plug-in units (230 V) can theoretically be plugged in yourself, split systems and hardwired connections must be installed by a certified refrigeration technician or electrician.
For an individual quote and professional advice, it is best to contact a regional refrigeration technician.
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