Dairy farming is a challenging but rewarding industry. Proper milk cooling and storage are crucial for maintaining milk quality and safety, and small milk cooling tanks are a practical solution for small and medium-sized dairy operations. In light of that, the following are among the five best small milk cooling tanks on the market.
- MilkPlan 30 Gal 110v Cooling Tank – Best Overall
- Ace Machinery 26 Gal Cooling Tank – Runner Up
- BIDRAGON Cooling Tank And Pastueriszer – Best Combo Deal
- ZZKD 26 Gal Cooling Tank - Best for Small Scale Dairy Operations
- WS Leno 130 Gal Cooling And Storage Tank – Editors Choice
Finding the right small milk cooling tank for your dairy operation can be challenging, as they are not widely available on online marketplaces like Amazon. Fortunately, I've researched and found five excellent choices on the market that are perfect for small and medium-sized dairy operations. In light of that, let's take a closer look at what makes these small milk-cooling tanks an excellent choice.
Top Picks: The Ultimate Small Milk Cooling Tank Guide
As a dairy farmer, you understand the importance of proper milk cooling and storage in maintaining the quality and safety of your product. Small milk cooling tanks are a practical solution for small and medium-sized dairy operations, but finding the right one can be challenging. That's why we've researched for you and compiled a list of the market's top five small milk cooling tanks.
We've considered factors such as capacity, cooling efficiency, ease of maintenance, and overall performance when making our selections. We've also included various options, from the best overall choice to the best option for small-scale operations, to ensure that there is something for every type of dairy farm.
With this guide, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision and find the perfect small milk cooling tank for your farm.
1. MilkPlan 30 Gal 110v Cooling Tank – Best Overall
View it on Home Steader Supply
The MilkPlan 30 Gal 110v Cooling Tank is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized dairy operations due to its fast and stable cooling and maximum energy efficiency. The tank fully complies with all 3A standards and regulations and is Grade A. The 30-gallon capacity is suitable for four cows or 24 goats and runs on a standard 110V electrical 20A outlet, making it easy to set up and use.
One of the standout features of this tank is its sloped bottom, which allows for complete emptying of the tank and reduces waste. Additionally, the tank has a safety feature that automatically stops the agitator when the lid is raised to open, ensuring the operator's safety.
The 7" milk inlet hole in the lid also has a separate cover, so there is no need to open the main lid to add the product to the tank, and it also allows for a filter to be placed into it so milk can be filtered while being added to the tank.
The MilkPlan 30 Gal 110v Cooling Tank also comes with many useful accessories, including a Grade A Butterfly Valve, End Cap, Gaskets & Clamps, Dipstick, Calibration Chart, 2 Year Warranty, Instruction Book, and Lifetime Telephone Tech Support.
Overall, the MilkPlan 30 Gal 110v Cooling Tank is a reliable and efficient option for small and medium-sized dairy operations. It is easy to set up and use and has a sloped bottom safety feature.
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2. Ace Machinery 26 Gal Cooling Tank – Runner Up
View it on Made-In-China
The Ace Machinery 26 Gal Cooling Tank is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized dairy operations. One of the standout features of this tank is its high-quality construction, made with SUS304 or SUS316L stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity. In addition, the surface finish of the tank is mirror polished, with a Ra value of less than 0.4um, and the welding is polished to a smooth finish.
This cooling tank also offers several agitator options, including an impeller, anchor, turbine, high-shear mixer, and magnetic mixer, so you can choose the best choice for your specific needs. Additionally, the tank can be made with or without a jacket, and multiple heating and cooling options are available, including steam and electric.
The Ace Machinery 26 Gal Cooling Tank offers a variety of standard components, including a manhole, sight glass, cleaning ball, and more. It also complies with CE and GMP standards and comes with a machinery test report and video outgoing inspection report. The tank also offers online support for after-sales service.
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3. BIDRAGON Cooling Tank And Pasteurizer – Best Combo Deal
View it on Alibaba
The BIDRAGON Cooling Tank and Pasteurizer is an excellent choice for small and medium-sized dairy operations looking for a combo deal. This tank is designed to store liquid milk and other similar products, and it comes in a range of capacities from 40 to 800 gallons. The tank is made of stainless steel 304, known for its durability and resistance to corrosion.
The pasteurizer component of this combo deal is an added bonus, as it allows for the heating and cooling of milk to ensure its safety and quality. This is particularly useful for small and medium-sized dairy operations that may not have the resources to purchase separate cooling and pasteurization equipment.
The BIDRAGON Cooling Tank and Pasteurizer are easy to use, with a simple "plug and play" operation. Additionally, the manufacturer offers a 2-year warranty and lifetime telephone tech support, providing peace of mind for those who purchase this product.
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4. ZZKD 26 Gal Cooling Tank - Best for Small Scale Dairy Operations
The ZZKD 30 Gal Cooling Tank is an excellent choice for small-scale dairy operations. Its compact size, at 30 gallons, makes it perfect for farms with limited space while still providing ample storage capacity for liquid or gas.
One of the standout features of this tank is its versatility. It can be customized to suit a wide range of uses and is available in different types of storage tanks, including vertical, horizontal, single-layer, double-layer, and three-layer insulation storage tanks.
Additionally, it can be made from acid-resistant stainless steel 304 material and can be outfitted with electric heating, steam heating, and thermal insulation structure.
The tank is also designed with hygiene in mind and is easy to clean to sanitary standards. The structure is user-friendly, and the operation is convenient. The inner surface of the container is mirror polished, and the outer surface can be polished, sanded, or sandblasted according to customer requirements.
Another great thing about the ZZKD 30 Gal Cooling Tank is its portability. It is built with removable wheels, making it easy to move around the dairy farm. This is particularly useful for small-scale operations, where space may be limited.
Overall, the ZZKD 30 Gal Cooling Tank is an excellent option for small-scale dairy operations looking for a compact, versatile, and easy-to-use storage solution.
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5. Leno 132 Gal Cooling And Storage Tank – Editors Choice
View on Alibaba
The Leno 132 Gal Cooling and Storage Tank is an excellent choice and our favorite for dairy operations of all sizes. Its capacity of 132 gallons is perfect for small to medium-sized operations, and its durable stainless steel construction ensures long-lasting use.
One of the standout features of this tank is its easy-to-operate design. The tank has a refrigeration system and cooling jacket, making it simple to maintain the ideal temperature for storing milk, yogurt, and cheese. Additionally, the tank is built with a polyurethane insulation layer, ensuring that the inside temperature remains below 2 degrees Celsius for up to 24 hours.
The tank also has an impeller-type agitator that prevents dairy fat from floating or precipitating. This ensures that the milk remains in optimal condition, preventing spoilage and bacterial growth. The tank also comes with a fully closed type frozen compressor unit and a fully automatic control system that keeps the cooling at a set degree.
Another great feature of this tank is its customizable design. It can be customized to meet the specific needs of your operation, including its size, power, and capacity. The manufacturer, WS, also offers OEM service to ensure the tank is tailored to the specific requirements of your operation.
The Leno 132 Gal Cooling and Storage Tank is also built with hygiene and safety in mind. The tank's stainless steel construction makes it easy to clean and sanitize, and it is designed to meet the requirements of the sanitary level. The tank also has a CIP cleaning head, further simplifying the cleaning process.
Overall, the Leno Gal Cooling and Storage Tank is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized dairy operations. Its easy-to-operate design, durable construction, and customizable features make it an excellent investment for any dairy farmer looking to improve the efficiency and quality of their operation.
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10 Things To Consider When Choosing A Small Milk Cooling Tank
Proper milk cooling and storage are crucial when it comes to maintaining the quality and safety of your dairy products. Small milk cooling tanks are a practical solution for small and medium-sized dairy operations, but finding the right one can be daunting. So, to ensure you make the best decision for your farm, several key factors must be considered before purchasing a small milk cooling tank.
1. Capacity
One of the most vital aspects to consider when purchasing a small milk cooling tank is its capacity. Make sure to choose a tank that can hold the amount of milk your operation produces. Consider the size of your herd and the rate of milk production when determining the appropriate capacity.
2. Cooling Efficiency
Another essential factor to consider is the cooling efficiency of the tank. Look for a tank that can quickly and effectively cool milk to the appropriate temperature. A fast and stable cooling process will help maintain milk quality and reduce the risk of bacterial growth.
3. Ease of Maintenance
A milk cooling tank is a significant investment and requires regular maintenance. Look for a tank that is easy to clean and maintain to ensure it continues to function correctly.
4. Energy Efficiency
Energy costs can be a significant expense for dairy operations. Consider purchasing an energy-efficient milk cooling tank to help reduce operating costs. Look for a tank that is designed to minimize energy consumption and make the most of available resources.
5. Compliance with Regulations
Ensure the milk cooling tank you purchase complies with all relevant regulations and industry standards. Look for a tank certified by a reputable organization that meets the necessary safety and sanitation requirements.
6. Additional Features
Consider any additional features that may be important to your operation. For example, if you're looking for a tank that can also pasteurize milk, look for a tank with a built-in pasteurization function.
7. Customer Support
A milk cooling tank is a significant investment and requires regular maintenance. Look for a tank with a warranty and reliable customer support to ensure you can get the assistance you need if something goes wrong.
8. Price
Consider the cost of the milk cooling tank in relation to its features and performance. Do not always go for the cheapest option as it may not be the most suitable for your operation, but also consider the cost of operating the tank and how it will affect your overall budget.
9. Brand reputation
Consider the reputation of the brand you are purchasing from. Look for a brand with a good reputation in the industry and a history of producing high-quality, reliable milk cooling tanks.
10. Location of the workhouse
You should consider the workhouse's location where the tank will be installed. The workhouse should be spacious and have good air liquidity. There should be a one-meter passageway for operators working and maintaining.
When it is mechanized milking, you should consider connecting with other equipment. The tank's foundation should be 30-50 mm higher than the floor.
Considering these ten factors, you can find a small milk cooling tank that is perfect for your dairy operation. With the right milk cooling tank, you can ensure that your milk is of the highest quality while minimizing energy use and ongoing operating costs.
Milk Cooling Tank Maintenance And Upkeep
Proper maintenance and upkeep are crucial for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your small milk cooling tank. Regular cleaning and inspection can prevent costly repairs and downtime in the long run. In this section, we will discuss the key maintenance and upkeep tasks that should be performed on your small milk cooling tank.
Cleaning And Sanitizing
Regular cleaning and sanitizing are one of the most important maintenance tasks for your small milk cooling tank. Milk residue and bacteria can build up over time, leading to poor milk quality and potential health hazards. It is recommended to clean and sanitize your tank at least once a week or more frequently if the tank is used heavily.
When cleaning your small milk cooling tank, it is essential to use the appropriate cleaning solutions and methods. A typical cleaning solution for milk tanks combines hot water and an alkaline cleaner.
Acidic cleaners can also be used, but they should be used cautiously and only when the manufacturer recommends them. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and sanitizing your tank to ensure that you are not causing any damage to the tank or its components.
Inspection Of Equipment
Regular inspection of your small milk cooling tank is also crucial for maintaining its efficiency and longevity. Furthermore, during an inspection, you should check for any signs of wear and tear, such as leaks or cracks, and address them as soon as possible.
You should also check the cooling system and refrigeration components, such as the compressor, condenser, and evaporator, to ensure they function correctly.
Another important aspect of inspection is checking the temperature and refrigeration controls. The temperature of the milk should be maintained at a consistent level, and the refrigeration system should be running efficiently. If you notice any issues with the temperature or refrigeration controls, addressing them as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further damage or poor milk quality.
Repair And Replace
If you notice any issues during your inspection that cannot be addressed through cleaning or maintenance, you may need repairs or replacements to your small milk cooling tank. It is essential to address any issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
It is also essential to remember that specific components of your small milk cooling tank, such as gaskets, seals, and hoses, may need to be replaced periodically. These components can wear out over time, leading to leaks or poor cooling performance. It is essential to check these components regularly and replace them as needed.
Conclusion
Selecting the right small milk cooling tank for your dairy operation is crucial to maintaining milk quality and safety. Proper cooling and storage are essential to keep milk fresh and ensure its quality for processing. Finally, when considering a small milk cooling tank, it is crucial to consider factors such as capacity, cooling efficiency, ease of maintenance, and overall performance.
