Cold Room Shelving in Aluminum and Stainless Steel
Discover ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST models certified for HACCP.
How to choose shelving for a cold room
Choosing the best shelving for a cold room requires evaluating several technical, hygiene and functional aspects.
Each cold room has different conditions in terms of temperature, humidity, the type of food stored and frequency of use.
That’s why it’s important to select a system that ensures safety, durability and full HACCP compliance.
Here are the key criteria to consider:
-
structure material
:
anodized aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant, ideal for standard cold rooms; AISI 304 stainless steel offers maximum resistance, perfect for freezer rooms and very humid environments.
- shelf type: removable food-grade polypropylene shelves are the most hygienic solution because they do not absorb moisture, handle temperature swings and allow complete sanitation.
- required load capacity: depending on how much product you store, evaluate load per shelf. ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST provide different capacities for standard or intensive needs.
- modularity and configuration: shelving must fit the available space. Modular systems enable made-to-measure layouts and future changes without replacing the entire system.
- low-temperature suitability: for freezer rooms, stainless steel frames and polypropylene shelves are recommended, as they remain stable below zero.
- ease of cleaning: to prevent buildup and ensure hygiene, choose smooth surfaces, no gaps and easily removable shelves.
- corrosion resistance: refrigerated areas are humid and prone to condensation. Anti-corrosion frames last longer and prevent deterioration.
- regulatory compliance: choose certified, food-contact suitable materials compliant with EC Regulation 852/2004.
Considering these factors, ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST by Brescancin are professional, versatile solutions for any cold room thanks to hygienic materials, modular frames and easy-to-sanitize polypropylene shelves.
The ideal configuration depends on your application: ALUPLAST is perfect for standard cold rooms and medium loads, while INOXPLAST provides maximum strength for freezer rooms, high humidity and intensive use.
ALUPLAST vs INOXPLAST cold room shelving
Our cold room shelving is available in ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST, two solutions designed to ensure hygiene, corrosion resistance and full HACCP compliance. Both lines use removable, easy-to-wash food-grade polypropylene shelves; the main difference is the frame material.
ALUPLAST shelving
ALUPLAST features uprights and crossbars in anodized aluminum, a lightweight, anti-corrosion material ideal for continuous use in refrigerated environments. It offers excellent value, solid load capacity and easy handling during installation or layout changes. It is widely used in food labs, delis and refrigerated storage rooms.
INOXPLAST shelving
INOXPLAST uses a frame in AISI 304 stainless steel, providing maximum resistance to humidity, condensation, chemical detergents and intensive sanitation. It is recommended for intensive use cold rooms, high-humidity environments and sub-zero freezer rooms. Higher upfront cost is balanced by superior durability and performance in harsh conditions.
Comparison table: ALUPLAST vs INOXPLAST
| Feature | ALUPLAST | INOXPLAST |
|---|---|---|
| Frame material | Anodized aluminum | AISI 304 stainless steel |
| Shelves | Removable food-grade polypropylene | Removable food-grade polypropylene |
| Corrosion resistance | High | Maximum |
| Humidity resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Sub-zero freezer suitability | Good | Excellent |
| Load capacity per shelf | Medium-high | High |
| Frame weight | Very light | Heavier |
| Durability | High | Very high |
| Ease of assembly | Very easy | Easy |
| Chemical detergent resistance | Good | Excellent |
| Indicative cost | Lower | Higher |
| Recommended use | Standard cold rooms, delis, labs | Freezer rooms, very humid, intensive use |
HACCP and food regulations
Shelving used inside cold rooms for food storage must meet the requirements of EC Regulation 852/2004 and HACCP hygiene and food safety procedures. Choosing storage equipment is not only about organization: it is essential to ensure proper preservation and prevent contamination.
According to HACCP guidelines, equipment installed in cold rooms should be:
- hygienic: made from food-contact suitable materials and easy to sanitize
- humidity-resistant: able to maintain structural integrity at low temperatures
- anti-corrosion: essential to prevent chemical contamination or particles from corroded metals
- easy to clean: with smooth, removable surfaces and no sharp edges where residues can accumulate
- stable and safe: to prevent failure, tipping or accidental contact with food
- suitable for operating temperatures: including sub-zero conditions
ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST meet these requirements thanks to frames in anodized aluminum or AISI 304 stainless steel and removable food-grade polypropylene shelves. Polypropylene is especially suited to cold rooms because it does not absorb moisture, resists temperature changes and enables fast sanitation under HACCP protocols.
Removing shelves and washing them separately significantly reduces cross-contamination risk, while the modular structure keeps food raised off the floor, improves airflow and supports hygiene rules.
For these reasons, ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST are compliant solutions for cold room installations in labs, supermarkets, delis, professional kitchens and food industry facilities.
Cold room shelving is essential to organize and optimize space in professional refrigerated rooms. Brescancin cold room shelving systems are designed for those who work every day in chilled storage: restaurants, butcheries, fish shops, dairies, farms, retail and food industry. These are modular aluminum and stainless steel structures with food-grade plastic shelves, built to ensure hygiene, durability and easy cleaning in full compliance with HACCP.
The range includes ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST, available in many combinations of lengths from 600 to 2000 mm, depths from 300 to 600 mm and heights from 1600 to 2000 mm. The shelving is built on round uprights with removable shelves: a robust, clean solution that’s easy to tailor to any cold room.
Thanks to our in-house cold room layout service, you only need to send internal dimensions to receive a complete proposal with the most suitable shelving plan for your space and loads.
Cold room shelving: why choose Brescancin
A well-organized cold room makes a real difference in day-to-day stock handling and food safety. Our cold room shelving systems are designed to guarantee:
- Hygiene and easy sanitation: food-contact suitable materials, smooth surfaces and removable shelves simplify cleaning and support HACCP plans.
- Long-term durability: anodized aluminum, AISI 304 stainless steel and technical plastics are built for humid, cold environments down to -40 °C.
- Modularity: configurable modules enable straight, corner or U-shaped layouts to maximize usable space.
- High load capacity: shelves are engineered for demanding loads, up to 270 kg per shelf depending on length.
- Simple assembly: interlocking systems allow fast installation without special tools.
The result is a safe, tidy and easy-to-manage cold room shelving system that improves workflows and reduces cleaning time.
Available cold room shelving models
To meet different budgets, environments and loads, Brescancin offers two families of cold room shelving:
ALUPLAST shelving
ALUPLAST shelving features:
- Round anodized aluminum uprights Ø 35 mm, lightweight yet robust.
- Food-grade plastic shelves, removable and washable.
- Modular frame suitable for cold rooms of any size.
Recommended for catering, delis, professional kitchens and refrigerated storage with frequent cleaning.
INOXPLAST shelving
INOXPLAST combines:
- Round AISI 304 stainless steel uprights Ø 35 mm, ideal for high hygiene standards.
- Food-grade plastic shelves, durable, rust-free and easy to sanitize.
- Modular configurations for cold rooms, processing rooms and food prep areas.
Ideal for dairies, food industries and processing labs requiring maximum hygiene and durability.
Sizes, configurations and load capacities
Brescancin cold room shelving is designed to fit cold rooms of any size, new or existing. Available combinations allow you to choose:
- Shelf lengths: from 600 to 2000 mm (600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 mm).
- Depths: 300, 400, 500, 600 mm, to optimize space and aisles.
- Heights: 1600, 1800, 2000 mm, with customization options.
Load capacities are tailored to professional needs:
- 270 kg per shelf for lengths from 600 to 1000 mm.
- 200 kg per shelf for lengths from 1100 to 1500 mm.
- 150 kg per shelf for lengths from 1600 to 2000 mm.
Values refer to evenly distributed loads under correct use and installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Materials and hygiene: HACCP-compliant cold room shelving
In a professional cold room, hygiene is not optional: it’s mandatory. That’s why Brescancin shelving uses only food-contact suitable materials that are easy to sanitize:
- Anodized aluminum: lightweight, corrosion-resistant, ideal for uprights and frames.
- AISI 304 stainless steel: the best choice for very high hygiene standards and frequent washing.
- Food-grade plastic (polyethylene): removable, stain-resistant, non-porous and easy to wash panels.
Removable shelves, rounded corners and smooth surfaces reduce critical points where residues can accumulate, simplifying cleaning and sanitation procedures required by HACCP plans.
Fast assembly and compact shipping for modular shelving
Brescancin cold room shelving is designed to be easy to assemble and just as easy to ship and store:
- No special tools required: the interlocking system allows assembly in minutes.
- Modular components: uprights and shelves arrive disassembled in compact, space-saving packaging.
- Reconfigurable: the shelving can be dismantled, moved and reinstalled in another cold room or a new location.
Industries using cold room shelving
Brescancin cold room shelving is used across many food-sector and professional catering environments:
- Restaurants, trattorias, delis: organized kitchen cold rooms.
- Butcheries and fish shops: orderly storage of meat, fish and preparations.
- Dairies and dairy labs: storage and maturation of cheese.
- Supermarkets and retail: cold storage for fresh foods, dairy, fruit and vegetables.
- Food industries and processing labs.
- Farms with storage cold rooms.
- Catering and banqueting services.
In all these contexts, modular shelving helps maintain order, improve stock rotation and speed up daily operations.
Made-to-measure cold room layout
Every cold room is different. That’s why we offer a dedicated layout design service. You can send the internal measurements and your needs (type of products, access paths, constraints).
Based on these details, we prepare a layout plan with recommended modules, lengths, depths and heights, optimizing space while considering hygiene and safety requirements.
To request a customized configuration or a quote, use the contact section of the website.
Frequently asked questions about cold room shelving
1Which materials are best for cold room shelving?
The best materials are anodized aluminum, AISI 304 stainless steel and food-grade plastics such as polyethylene. They resist corrosion, are easy to clean and suitable for cold, humid environments.
2How much weight can cold room shelves hold?
Depending on length, each shelf can support up to 270 kg (600–1000 mm), 200 kg (1100–1500 mm) or 150 kg (1600–2000 mm), with evenly distributed loads.
3Is the shelving compliant with HACCP requirements?
Yes. Certified materials, smooth surfaces, removable shelves and ease of cleaning make Brescancin shelving suitable for HACCP hygiene plans.
4Can the cold room layout be customized?
Absolutely. We offer made-to-measure configurations based on room dimensions, required passages and product type. A complete layout plan is provided.
5Which cold room shelving models are available?
The range includes ALUPLAST shelving with aluminum uprights and INOXPLAST shelving with AISI 304 stainless steel uprights. Both use food-grade plastic shelves.
6Down to which temperature can the shelving be used?
The shelving is designed for operating temperatures down to -40 °C.
7Should cold room shelving be raised off the floor?
Yes. HACCP and good hygiene practices require that food is not placed on the floor. Shelving should ensure at least 15 cm clearance to allow proper cleaning.
8What is the ideal spacing between shelves?
A spacing of 30–40 cm is recommended to allow cold air circulation and ensure uniform cooling.
9Can I use galvanized steel shelves in a cold room?
Not recommended: galvanized steel tends to corrode with humidity and condensation. Anodized aluminum and AISI 304 stainless steel are safer and more compliant.
10Do shelves need to be fixed to the cold room wall?
Not necessarily. Self-supporting modular structures are more hygienic and allow complete cleaning without accumulation points.
11Which shelves are best for sub-zero freezer rooms?
AISI 304 stainless steel frames and polypropylene shelves are the best choice for stability and resistance at low temperatures.
12How often should cold room shelves be sanitized?
It depends on the business, but generally sanitation should be done at least once a week, with daily cleaning where required.
13Do shelves need food-contact certification?
Yes. They must be made of food-contact suitable materials according to EU regulation (EC 852/2004).
14Does load capacity change with temperature?
Yes: at very low temperatures some low-quality plastics can become brittle. Food-grade polypropylene shelves remain stable even below zero.
15Can shelving be configured to measure?
Yes. Modular systems like ALUPLAST and INOXPLAST allow made-to-measure combinations in length, depth and height.
16What’s the difference between open shelves and solid shelves?
Solid shelves provide better support and are easier to clean, while open shelves improve airflow. Brescancin polypropylene shelves combine practical support with easy sanitation.
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