A fast freezer machine, also known as quick freezing machine, instant freezing machine, or flash freezer, refers to refrigeration equipment that can rapidly lower the temperature of food products to deep freezing conditions. It is widely used in the food processing industry for freezing dumplings, buns, meat, fruits, and vegetables. With advanced low-temperature freezing technology, the fast freezer machine can quickly reduce the core temperature of food to below -18°C, effectively locking in nutrients, color, freshness, taste, and texture.
IQF freezing machine (Individual Quick Freezing) is the highest standard in quick freezing technology. IQF means that each piece of food can be frozen individually without sticking together. Frozen strawberries, blueberries, shrimps, corn kernels, and peas are typical products processed with IQF freezing machine. Compared with traditional slow freezing, IQF freezing rapidly passes through the maximum ice crystal formation zone, thereby protecting the cell structure and maintaining food integrity.
In modern food processing and cold chain logistics, fast freezer machines, quick freezing machines, and IQF freezing machines have become the core equipment to ensure food quality, extend shelf life, and improve competitiveness.
AGICO fast freezer machines are widely applied in: food processing plants, fruit and vegetable processing, seafood processing, meat processing, frozen bakery and pastry products, ready-to-eat meals and central kitchens, deep-processed fruit & vegetable industries and cold chain logistics centers. They also serve in scientific research and pharmaceutical industries for freezing plasma, vaccines, and biological samples.
Common frozen foods include:
According to different food products that can be processed, fast freezer machine especially IQF freezing machine usually contains the following two types.
Suitable for: granules, slices, and small pieces.
Typical products: green peas, corn kernels, strawberries, French fries, shrimps, scallops, diced chicken, dumplings, spring rolls.
Suitable for: larger products, fragile items, or foods requiring flat placement.
Typical products: whole fish, fish fillets, chicken wings, buns, cakes, medical devices, biopharmaceutical products. Spiral freezers provide large freezing surface in limited space.
Principle: Utilizes powerful refrigeration capacity and efficient heat exchange technology to freeze products within minutes or even seconds. Food begins to freeze at around -1°C and is almost completely frozen by -5°C. If the time taken to pass through the temperature range of maximum ice crystal formation is prolonged (as in slow freezing), ice crystals grow large and damage the food. The rapid freezing speed of quick freezers allows them to pass through this range quickly. Ice crystals do not grow but remain small, preventing any cell damage during freezing.
Effect: Almost no drip loss after thawing, retaining original color, flavor, texture, and nutrients. Fruits remain crisp, seafood and meat stay tender.
Freezing curve for fast and slow freezing
Principle: Fluidization technology suspends small food particles in low-temperature air with strong upward airflow, freezing each piece individually.
Effect: Frozen products remain loose, easy to package and transport, no need to break apart.
Principle: Advanced refrigeration system, efficient insulation panels, intelligent PLC control, and continuous operation.
Effect: Shorter freezing time, higher daily capacity, lower energy consumption, reduced labor cost.
Principle: Made of SUS304 stainless steel, food-grade design with no sanitary dead corners.
Effect: Ensures food safety, compliant with HACCP, ISO22000 standards.
When selecting a quick/IQF freezer, consider the following factors comprehensively.
Product Type: The shape, size, water content, and initial temperature of the product are the primary factors determining equipment selection.
Production Capacity Requirements: Determine the fast freezer machine specifications and size based on hourly or daily output requirements.
Freezing Requirements: Define the required final core temperature and freezing time. Shorter freezing times better ensure food quality. Typically quick freezing should be completed within 8–20 minutes.
Space Layout: Consider the available factory space, height, and production line layout (feed and discharge directions). Tunnel freezers require longer floor space, while spiral freezers are suitable for factories with limited space. AGICO fast freezer machines feature a high degree of automation, with conveying, freezing, and discharging fully automated and controlled by PLC.
Energy Consumption & Cost: Comprehensively evaluate the equipment's purchase cost, operating electricity expenses, and maintenance costs. High-efficiency heat exchange systems can reduce operating costs. Common refrigerant types include R404A and R507; ensure compliance with local environmental regulations.
Manufacturer Strength: Choose a brand with mature technology, a good reputation, and the ability to provide comprehensive after-sales service and technical support. AGICO provides complete installation and commissioning services. Key components of the quick freezing machine are easy to replace, making AGICO your ideal fast freezer machine choice.
Model | Throughput (kg/h) | Cold consumption (kw) | Installation dimensions (L×W×H, mm) | Feed temperature (℃) | Discharge temperature (℃) | Freeze time (min) | Cryogen |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IQF-100 | 100 | 20 | 5500×2400×2290 |
+15℃ |
-18℃ |
8–20 |
R507/R404A |
IQF-200 | 200 | 36 | 5500×3400×2290 | ||||
IQF-300 | 300 | 54 | 6000×3400×3700 | ||||
IQF-400 | 400 | 72 | 8000×3700×3600 | ||||
IQF-500 | 500 | 90 | 8000×4000×3700 | ||||
IQF-1000 | 1000 | 180 | 10500×4200×3500 | ||||
IQF-2000 | 2000 | 340 | 15000×4700×3600 | ||||
IQF-3000 | 3000 | 540 | 18000×4300×3700 |
Whether it is a fast freezer machine, quick freezing machine, or IQF freezing machine, the shared goal is efficient freezing, freshness preservation, and added product value. For food processing companies, selecting the right freezer ensures product quality and competitive advantage.
AGICO provides turnkey freezing solutions, covering design, installation, training, and after-sales service, helping your business achieve efficient production and brand upgrading.
Contact us today for the most suitable freezing machine solution for your needs!