From frozen to final mix in one machine
GEA ColdSteam M
GEA mixers equipped with ColdSteam technology are designed to optimize the tempering of fully frozen raw material and prepare it for forming into premium quality products. The technology is fast, reducing tempering time down to minutes instead of hours, and is carried out in the same machine as high performance mixing, so only a single unit is required.
Fast tempering for formed products
The GEA ColdSteam M defrosting technology provides fast tempering of fully frozen raw material to create a homogenous mix for formed products. The technology rapidly defrosts the frozen material by delivering steam under vacuum conditions, which effectively then uses the thermal energy, rather than heat itself, to defrost. Transferring thermal heat by means of 33 °C steam ("cold steam") means that materials are defrosted within minutes, without scalding or protein denaturation.
Main applications
Main applications for ColdSteam M industrial defrosting technology include the tempering of fully frozen raw material ready for forming into premium quality products such as fish burgers, vegetable and meat replacement products and chicken nuggets.
High-speed tempering
- Fast, in-line processing of fully-frozen raw materials
- Tempering or defrosting in minutes instead of hours
- A homogenous mix, ideal for formed products
- Consistent quality for reliable downstream processes
Tempering in a controlled environment
- Total process control using steam under vacuum for predictable and reliable results
- No manual handling involved as the process takes place in the closed environment of GEA mixers
- Aids improved food safety and reduced risk of bacterial contamination
Defrosting and mixing in one unit
- Variable speed and independently driven mixing wings in the GEA mixers aid effective mixing and optimal protein extraction
- Seamless integration into high performance and fully automated processing lines
- Suitable for extended formed products with optional liquid CO2 or liquid N2 cooling
GEA ColdSteam M | Reduce defrosting time from days to minutes
Specifications
Advanced technologyColdSteam technology: Using simple physics
GEA ColdSteam defrosting technology provides fast tempering to create a homogenous mix for formed products. The method, which is ideal for defrosting pre-ground frozen meat, exploits the phenomenon that water boils at a lower temperature in a vacuum. The injected steam condenses on the cold meat block, efficiently transferring thermal energy and reducing defrosting time from hours to minutes. The low steam temperature in the vacuum (approx 33°C, instead of above 100°C) means that scalding or protein denaturation is avoided.
Technical details
| ColdSteam M 1000 for ProMix | ColdSteam M 1500 for ProMix | ColdSteam M 2500 for ProMix | ColdSteam M 3500 for UniMix | ColdSteam M 5000 for UniMix | |
| Volume | 1400 l | 1780 l | 2500 l | 3500 l | 5000 l |
| Mixing power (variable speed control) | 11 (2x5,5) | 15 (2x7,5) | 22 (2x11) | 30 (2x15) | 37 (2x18,5) |
Downloads
Related Products
GEA ProMix
The way the ingredients are mixed defines the success of the final food product. Get it wrong, and productivity and quality will suffer. Fortunately, GEA ProMix twin-shaft mixer, is here to help. It combines robust design with precision and flexibility, to help you get the mix right. Every time again and again.
GEA UniMix twin-shaft mixer
This twin-shaft mixer is ideal for pre-mixing of emulsions and mixing for hamburger patties, meat balls, luncheon meat and ground sausages. The effective mixing action and high peripheral wing speed result in uniform distribution of spices, additives, liquids and effective protein extraction.
Service Products
GEA RemotePartner for food processing and packaging equipment
GEA RemotePartner combines digital machine access and remote support to help you swiftly identify the root cause of any equipment issue and get instant assistance from GEA experts. The result: faster issue diagnostics and resolution, enhanced machine performance, greater efficiency and minimal downtime.
GEA InsightPartner for food processing and packaging equipment
By providing instant access to real-time equipment data, InsightPartner helps food processors manage their production better. Our cloud-based solution provides advanced analytics and comprehensive insights based on continuous data monitoring.
GEA Service level agreements
Discover how GEA’s advanced technologies and tailored services optimize productivity, sustainability, and automation for your food processing or packaging business.
GEA Insights
How freeze-dried pet food raises the bar
Pets are family – and owners expect premium, transparent and sustainable nutrition. Freeze-drying, powered by GEA technology, helps pet food makers deliver.
Blueprint for better: How GEA rebuilt itself
Since 2019, GEA has risen from underperformer to DAX member – one of Germany's top 40 listed companies – by fostering entrepreneurship and turning sustainability into a competitive advantage. It reached this milestone in its nearly 145-year history without tailwinds or shortcuts, in a world of compounding crises. This turnaround shows what's possible when purpose and performance align.
Video: GEA's 2025 year in review
This year was a big one for GEA. Can you remember all the milestones and highlights?
