With the upcoming deadline for the Beginning Farmer Equipment and Infrastructure Grant program, we are publishing a series of articles about low cost equipment that can make farming more efficient on a small-scale. All of the equipment highlighted works well for farmers on rented land, as it can be easily moved to a new site. In this article, we highlight the use of coolbot walk-in coolers
A lower cost cooler option
Safe storage of produce generally requires temperatures below 40 degrees. Normal walk-in coolers require a condenser and evaporator to bring a walk-in cooler down to this temperature range. A CoolBot controller works with a normal air conditioner to achieve the same result.When is a CoolBot the right type of cooler?
CoolBots are generally much simpler and less expensive than traditional walk-in coolers. However, they are not always the right infrastructure for a produce farm. Coolbots work well with smaller walk-in coolers (less than 10’ x 20’), coolers that are very well insulated, coolers that are not opened frequently and coolers that don’t have large amounts of warm product coming in at one time.Advantages of a CoolBot vs. Traditional Walk-In Cooler
- Traditional walk-in coolers require electricians and HVAC professionals to install the compressor and condenser.
- Because a CoolBot only uses a traditional air conditioning system it can generally be installed by anyone.
Coolbots for Farmers on Rented Land
Because traditional walk-in coolers require electricians and HVAC professionals to install - they are also required to un-install and move a traditional walk-in cooler. Therefore, CoolBot coolers are strongly recommended for farmers on rented land. They can be easily uninstalled and moved by farmers - saving significant time and money.Buying/Installing a CoolBot Cooler
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| A Coolbot unit working with an air conditioner. Image: www.storeitcold.com |
Can I buy a used unit?
Buying a new CoolBot controller unit and air conditioner is highly recommended, but many farmers choose to purchase a used cooler box. Keep in mind retrofitting another unit will save a significant amount of money - but will also add significant labor.
Determining what size cooler to purchase
You will also need to consider the location of the cooler and how much produce it needs to hold.
Consult the chart below for an estimate of how many 1 1/9th boxes different sized coolers can hold. If you fill and empty your cooler multiple times per week it may need to hold fewer boxes than if you only fill and empty it once per week. For example, if you harvest 100 boxes total per week and only sell them at one market - you will need enough storage for 100 boxes. However, if you harvest and sell 50 boxes on Saturday and then harvest and sell 50 boxes on Wednesday you will only need space for 50 boxes.
Remember: certain types of produce (for example tomatoes) are not normally stored at the low temperatures of walk-in coolers.
Indoor or outdoor? Floor or no floor?
It is very important to buy a cooler that is appropriate for where you are locating it. If your cooler will be outdoors make sure you buy a model that is labeled “outdoor” and is built for being exposed to the elements. If your cooler will be located in a structure, even a temporary one, an indoor model should be fine.
Floors are an important part of a walk in cooler because cold air sinks. This means having an non-insulated floor will significantly reduce the ability of your cooler to stay cold. If you are building your cooler on top of a concrete floor it is possible to purchase a cooler box without a floor. However, buying a floor is highly recommended.
Electricity
Coolers need electricity to function. Air conditioners for smaller CoolBot Coolers (generally 8X8 or smaller) run off 120v electricity, the same as other common household appliances. Larger coolers require larger air conditioners which run off 220v electricity - which may need to be specially installed by an electrician.
Other Considerations
If you are building your own cooler box, or retrofitting one, remember to seal the box to prevent leaks or gaps. This will determine the insulation value and how well the CoolBot unit is able to cool. If you are purchasing an air conditioner make sure it is compatible with the CoolBot unit - not all air conditioners work with CoolBots. You can check different models at this website: https://www.storeitcold.com/build-it/ac-selection/
Costs
The list below estimates the costs of various CoolBot cooler kits. If you want to retrofit a cooler box you can use the following prices as a guide. Keep in mind that if you build a box that requires two air conditioners you will also need two CoolBot units.
These costs are based on the following equipment prices:
- CoolBot Controller Unit (coupon code: calebpro): $374
- 14,000 BTU 115V LG Air Conditioner - $499 from Home Depot
- 24,500 BTU 220v LG Air Conditioner - $769 from Best Buy
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| Choosing the right air conditioner unit for your cooler size and desired temperature range. Chart from www.storeitcold.com |
Pricing of complete Coolbot units. Prices include Coolbot Controller, new air conditioner, walk in cooler box and shipping. Shipping costs are estimates. All models have floors. For each option, the total number of 1 & 1/9th bushel boxes the cooler could hold is listed as its capacity. This is a standard size for a waxed box for vegetables.
- 8x8 ft indoor 120V cooler: $8114. Holds up to 144 boxes.
- 8x8 ft outdoor 120V cooler: $9089. Holds up to 144 boxes.
- 8x12 ft indoor 220V cooler: $10,226. Holds up to 216 boxes.
- 8x12 ft outdoor 220V cooler: $11,344. Holds up to 216 boxes.
- 10x14 ft indoor 220V cooler: $13,131 Holds up to 288 boxes.
- 10x14 ft outdoor 220V cooler: $14,487. Holds up to 288 boxes.
- 10x20 ft indoor 220V cooler: $17.625 Holds up to 360 boxes.
- 10x20 ft outdoor 220V cooler: $19,672 Holds up to 360 boxes.
Authors: Ariel Pressman & Annalisa Hultberg. Edited for web by Natalie Hoidal & Lindsey Miller
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