Industrial defrosting technology for meat products

Achieve efficient defrosting and tempering of meat and poultry with vacuum steam technology, minimizing drip loss and enhancing yield.

Defrosts and Tempers Meat Using Vacuum Steam

The GEA ColdSteam T by GEA Group is an innovative vacuum steam tumbler designed for industrial meat defrosting and tempering. This equipment stands out for its ability to efficiently defrost meat products like pork bellies and chicken fillets by leveraging steam in a near vacuum environment, significantly reducing drip loss and contamination risk. Operating with a 95% vacuum, it provides safe defrosting while preserving the meat’s textural integrity and natural juices.

The ColdSteam T is versatile, handling processes such as defrosting, tempering, marinating, and tumbling in one machine. Suitable for food, meat, and poultry processing industries, it supports a variety of applications—from pork spare ribs to chicken nuggets—by controlling the process from -20°C to +2°C.

Engineered for batch and automated operations, it integrates seamlessly into existing production lines with optional marination functions, minimizing handling and accelerating processing times. Available in different capacities, from 2500 L to 10000 L, it caters to diverse production demands with power ratings from 10 kW to 22 kW. The tumbler’s simple physics principle, where steam condenses on frozen meat, speeds up defrosting by up to 70% while maintaining optimal energy efficiency.

Constructed for minimal human contact and ease of cleaning, the ColdSteam T supports food safety with its closed environment, inhibiting microbiological growth. With ongoing engineering support and customization options, it adapts to specific operational needs, ensuring optimal integration and performance in any meat processing workflow.

Benefits

  • Enhances product yield by preventing drip loss and retaining valuable proteins.
  • Increases throughput with rapid defrosting and tempering, cutting process time by up to 70%.
  • Minimizes contamination risk with a closed vacuum environment, ensuring food safety.
  • Reduces handling steps with integrated marination and tumbling functions.
  • Saves energy and operational costs through efficient vacuum steam technology.

General


Applications
Chicken nuggets,Meat products,Poultry products,Sausages,Patties,Processed meat products,Beef products,Pork products
End products
Chicken breast fillets,Beef topside,Pork spare ribs,Chicken fillet,Pork bellies,Bone-in poultry parts
Steps before
Freezing,Portioning,Packaging
Steps after
Marination,Mixing,Tempering,Forming,Cooking,Packing
Input ingredients
frozen meat,chicken breast fillets,bone-in poultry parts,pork spare ribs,beef topside,frozen raw material
Output ingredients
defrosted meat,tempered meat,homogenous mix,formed products,sausages,patties,chicken nuggets
Market info
GEA is known for its expertise in engineering innovative and sustainable equipment and solutions, focusing on sectors such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and energy, with a reputation for quality, efficiency, and advanced technological applications in industrial processing.

Technical Specifications


Defrost system
ColdSteam technology
Capacity
2500–10000 L
Electric power
10–22 kW
Size
3500x1870x3050 mm to 5600x2740x4350 mm
Machine weight
2800–6600 kg
Boiling point
33°C in 95% vacuum
Cycle time
70% quicker than conventional methods

Operating Characteristics


Working mechanism
Steam under vacuum
Integrated steps
Defrosting and marinating
Batch vs. continuous operation
Batch
Automation level
PLC controlled
CIP/SIP
Easy to clean with no hidden corners
Changeover time
Fast due to automated control
Energy efficiency
Uses less energy due to vacuum process
Cleaning method
CIP

Product type Characteristics


Drip loss prevention
Yes
Product type
Meat and poultry

Physical Characteristics


Machine size
Small/Medium/Large
Machine footprint
3500x1870x3050 mm - 5600x2740x4350 mm
Machine weight
2800 kg - 6600 kg
Tumbler volume
2500 l - 10000 l
Discharge method
Vacuum tumble discharge
Control panel type
PLC-controlled

Custom Options


Control panel type
Touchscreen HMI / PLC
Integration possibilities
SCADA integration / Remote monitoring
Customization of tumbler size
2,500 L to 10,000 L capacities
Steam injection customization
Bottom injection steam nozzles
Variable wing speed
Yes