Overview
EN ISO 22042:2021/A1:2024 is the latest amendment to the international standard for blast chiller and freezer cabinets intended for professional use. Published by CEN and aligned with ISO 22042:2021, this amendment introduces important updates around the classification, technical requirements, and test conditions of professional rapid cooling and freezing equipment. It reflects the latest industry practices and regulatory needs, ensuring that blast chillers and freezers meet stringent performance, energy efficiency, and safety criteria.
This standard is essential for manufacturers, designers, and users of commercial refrigeration appliances focusing on blast chilling and freezing technology within the professional food service sector. It supports the harmonization of product testing methods and performance evaluations across Europe and internationally.
Key Topics
- Classification and Definitions: Clarifies important terms, such as "test load," which refers to the sum weight of food used during performance tests.
- Performance Requirements: Specifies time frames for chilling and freezing test cycles - blast chillers must cool to the target temperature within 120 minutes and blast freezers within 270 minutes.
- Test Conditions: Includes updated protocols on test load accuracy, with allowance for deviation within 3% of full load capacity, ensuring reliable and reproducible testing.
- Measurement Frequency: Mandates that room and test pan temperatures be recorded at intervals no longer than 5 minutes, enhancing data granularity during tests.
- Energy Consumption Calculation: Emphasizes the need to base energy consumption measurements on the full load capacity to reflect practical operating conditions.
- Information Reporting: Refines reporting criteria to better align with regulatory disclosure and transparency requirements.
This amendment enhances the standard’s alignment with ecodesign requirements under EU Regulation No 2015/1095, supporting manufacturers in achieving compliance with EU energy efficiency directives for professional refrigerated storage cabinets.
Applications
- Commercial Kitchens and Catering: Ensures reliable rapid cooling/freezing performance, critical for food safety and quality in restaurants, hotels, and catering services.
- Food Processing: Supports rapid temperature control to maintain nutritional value, texture, and shelf life during industrial food production.
- Retail and Wholesale Refrigeration: Provides classification criteria that help buyers select appropriate blast chilling/freezing cabinets based on standardized test results.
- Sustainability Initiatives: Helps organizations meet energy efficiency targets and reduce operational costs via verified energy consumption data.
- Quality Assurance and Compliance: Provides a framework for product testing laboratories and certification bodies to assess conformity with European and international standards.
By standardizing test protocols and performance expectations, EN ISO 22042:2021/A1:2024 fosters innovation and consistent quality in professional refrigeration appliances while protecting end-users and businesses.
Related Standards
- ISO 22042:2021 – Original standard outlining classification and test conditions for blast chillers and freezers.
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 2015/1095 – Ecodesign requirements for professional refrigerated storage cabinets, which this amendment helps implement.
- ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 & 2 – Governing processes for developing and maintaining ISO standards.
- CEN/TC 44 – European committee responsible for commercial and professional refrigerating appliances performance and energy consumption standards.
Professionals involved in refrigeration technology and commercial appliance manufacturing should monitor updates from ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 86 and CEN to remain current with evolving requirements and best practices in blast chilling and freezing technology.
By adhering to the latest amendments in EN ISO 22042:2021/A1:2024, stakeholders can ensure their products not only meet industry-standard requirements but also contribute to enhanced food safety, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility in professional refrigeration.
