In chillers and cold rooms, what destroys racks and trolleys fastest is condensation every time the door opens and goods move in and out. PRIMEAG recommends stainless steel 304 for every part that is regularly wet, casters with stainless steel 304 forks and sealed LED lights; rack and trolley frames carry a 3-year warranty.
- Cold rooms with frequent condensation: stainless steel 304 racks and trolleys, mesh or perforated shelves.
- Dry chillers: powder-coated steel racks or lean pipe (plastic-coated steel pipe, Φ28) are still usable; check for scratches regularly.
- Casters: stainless steel 304 forks, PU tread, with brake; no zinc-plated steel forks in wet areas.
- Environment: PVC strip curtains at the door, moisture-proof LED lights, humidity control in the buffer zone.
1. Why racks and trolleys fail quickly in cold rooms
Warm outside air condenses into water when it meets cold surfaces. Every time the door opens, racks and trolleys get another film of moisture; during defrosting and room cleaning they get even wetter. Paint scratched by goods knocking against it is the first rust point; rust then spreads under the paint and flakes off in patches. Zinc-plated steel caster forks rust at the axle and stop swiveling. In food and pharma storage, paint flakes and rust falling onto goods are a hygiene defect, not just a cosmetic issue.
2. Choose rack material by moisture level
Cold rooms with condensation, defrosting and periodic washing: use stainless steel 304 racks with mesh or bar shelves so water does not pool and cold air circulates. Dry chillers that are only slightly humid: a powder-coated medium-duty warehouse rack is still suitable if you choose steel-sheet shelves (no MDF boards) and inspect and touch up scratched paint on a schedule. Anterooms and picking areas outside the cold room can use lean pipe racks and trolleys. For the difference between stainless 201 and 304 in humid environments, see the article stainless 201 or 304 for food and pharma tables, racks and trolleys.
3. Trolleys and casters
Trolleys moving in and out of cold rooms should have stainless steel 304 frames, mesh or perforated shelves, a push handle and retaining edges. Casters with stainless steel 304 forks and PU tread do not rust at the axle and run quietly on wet floors; choose 2 swivel casters with brakes and 2 fixed casters to push straight through the door. Rubber and PU treads harden in the cold, so choose one wheel size larger (125–150 mm) for heavy-duty trolleys and check the operating temperature on the caster datasheet before ordering. PRIMEAG makes stainless steel 304 racks/trolleys to fit aisle and door dimensions.
4. Lighting, door curtains and humidity
- Moisture-proof, waterproof LED lights with a sealed plastic housing and clip-locked cover: replace open fixtures that collect water.
- PVC strip curtains at cold room doors should be the low-temperature grade; they reduce warm air ingress and therefore condensation. Operating temperature per the supplier datasheet.
- Buffer zones and picking areas next to cold rooms: monitor humidity and use a dehumidifier if floors and racks are often wet.
Quick selection table
| Location | Racks, trolleys | Casters, accessories |
|---|---|---|
| Cold room, defrosting, periodic washing | Stainless 304, mesh or perforated shelves | Stainless 304 forks, PU tread, with brake |
| Dry air-conditioned store (15–25 °C) | Powder-coated steel rack, steel-sheet shelves | PU casters with zinc-plated forks acceptable |
| Anteroom, picking area | Lean pipe or stainless racks and trolleys | PU casters, moisture-proof LED lights |
| Store door | — | Low-temperature PVC strip curtain |
Where to start
- Measure door width, aisles, clear height and load per shelf.
- Note the spots that are rusting, peeling or where casters stick: those are the parts to switch to stainless first.
- Send photos of the store and the dimensions; PRIMEAG quotes within 30 minutes for stocked items and provides drawings for new designs.
Lead times: standard designs 5–7 working days; new designs 10–15 working days including drawing approval. Rack and trolley frames carry a 3-year warranty; casters and lights a 12-month warranty. Stocked casters and lights are delivered within 24–48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Dong Nai.
Frequently asked questions
Can powder-coated steel racks be used in cold rooms? Yes in dry chillers. Cold rooms with condensation, defrosting or periodic washing should use stainless steel 304, because scratched paint will rust and flake.
Which casters suit trolleys moving in and out of cold rooms? Casters with stainless steel 304 forks, PU tread, 125–150 mm for heavy-duty trolleys, with brakes; check the operating temperature on the caster datasheet.
How long do custom stainless 304 racks and trolleys for a cold store take? New designs take 10–15 working days including drawing approval; standard designs 5–7 working days. Frames carry a 3-year warranty.
Updated: 26/10/2026 — PRIMEAG engineering team
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Written by the PRIMEAG engineering team
Updated: 2026-10-28