What is a Quick Freezer? Which is Better: Quick Freezing or Freezing?

Have you ever wondered why frozen foods in supermarkets stay so fresh? What is the difference between quick freezing and regular freezing? Let’s uncover these answers.

1. What is a Quick Freezer?

A quick freezer is a device that rapidly lowers the temperature of food to below -18°C in a very short time.

It works through a powerful refrigeration system and efficient heat exchange technology, allowing food to pass quickly through the "ice crystal formation zone," minimizing the damage ice crystals can cause to the food cells.

Quick freezers are widely used in the food processing, catering industry, and homes to preserve the freshness and nutritional value of ingredients.

2. Which is Better: Quick Freezing or Freezing?

Quick freezing and regular freezing each have their own advantages and disadvantages. The choice depends on your needs:

1. Quick Freezing:

• Advantages: Fast processing time; the temperature of food is reduced to below -18°C within minutes. This prevents large ice crystals from forming, thus preserving the texture and nutrients of the food.
• Disadvantages: Higher equipment cost, higher energy consumption, and is suitable for scenarios that require processing large amounts of food quickly.

2. Freezing:

• Advantages: Simple equipment and lower cost, suitable for everyday use at home.
• Disadvantages: Slower process, larger ice crystals that may damage food cells, affecting texture and nutrition.

Conclusion: If long-term storage with a focus on food quality is required, quick freezing is the better choice. If it’s for short-term storage or a budget-friendly option, regular freezing is sufficient.

3. Core Technology of Quick Freezers

The core of a quick freezer lies in its refrigeration system and heat exchange technology:

• Refrigeration System: Uses high-efficiency compressors, condensers, and evaporators to ensure rapid cooling.
• Heat Exchange Technology: By using forced cold air or liquid nitrogen, the surface and internal temperature of the food drop quickly and evenly.
• Intelligent Control: Modern quick freezers are equipped with temperature control systems and automation programs to ensure the freezing process is accurate and efficient.

4. Nutritional Retention of Quick Frozen Foods

Quick freezing technology helps to retain the maximum nutritional value of food:

• Vitamins: Water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C and B-group vitamins are retained better during quick freezing.
• Proteins: Minimal cell structure damage, ensuring lower protein denaturation.
• Texture: Smaller ice crystals, meaning that food maintains its texture and flavor after thawing.

5. How to Choose the Right Freezing Method?

• Home Users: If your freezing needs are minimal, a regular freezer will suffice. If you care more about food quality, you might consider a small-scale quick freezer.
• Catering Industry: For quick processing of large quantities of ingredients, a commercial quick freezer is recommended.
• Food Processing Companies: Quick freezers are essential equipment. You can choose from different sizes depending on production volume and product type.