The Difference Between a Refrigerated and a Standard Warehouse

The standard (dry) warehouse

A dry warehouse is designed for goods unaffected by normal temperatures: equipment, tools, building materials, textiles and durable goods. It relies on good ventilation and protection from humidity, and its operating cost is lower because it needs no cooling systems.

The refrigerated warehouse

A refrigerated warehouse controls temperature (and sometimes humidity) to preserve sensitive goods such as food, beverages, medicine and cosmetics. It requires cooling equipment, insulation and continuous monitoring, so its cost is higher.

When to choose each

• Choose the standard one if your goods are dry and not heat-sensitive — to save cost.
• Choose the refrigerated one if spoilage is linked to heat or humidity — because the cost of loss is far higher than the rent difference.
• Some activities need a mix: a refrigerated section for a sensitive item and a standard section for the rest of the stock.