Hydrocoolers
Rapidly remove field heat from freshly harvested cherries and other crops to preserve quality, extend shelf life, and maximize your profits in the Pacific Northwest.
What is a Hydrocooler?
A hydrocooler is a machine that rapidly removes field heat from freshly harvested cherries and other crops by using cold water. Instead of relying on air cooling — which is slower and less consistent — a hydrocooler soaks or showers the product with cold water that transfers heat far more efficiently.
This critical first step in the cherry cold chain stops fruit respiration, prevents mold growth, and significantly extends shelf life — directly impacting your bottom line and market reach.
Rapid Cooling
Water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, removing field heat quickly and efficiently
Extended Shelf Life
Stops fruit respiration, mold growth, and breakdown, extending shelf life by several days
Quality Preservation
Maintains firmness, color, and brix levels for premium market prices
How Does a Hydrocooler Work?
CTC Waterworks hydrocoolers are engineered for maximum efficiency and consistent results.
Cherry-Optimized Shower Systems
Our units use shower and spray bar systems that continuously recirculate chilled water, ensuring even coverage and efficient heat transfer from your cherries and other produce.
- Uniform cooling throughout the entire bin
- Consistent water temperature control
- Energy-efficient recirculation system
Flexible Configuration Options
Choose the system that works best for your operation:
- Conveyor belt tunnels for continuous flow operations
- Batch tanks for growers who load and unload bins at once
- Portable field units for immediate post-harvest cooling
Why This Matters
Superior Heat Transfer
Water conducts heat 25 times faster than air, making hydrocooling the most efficient cooling method available.
Cherry Quality Preservation
Rapid cooling stops cherry respiration, mold growth, and breakdown that begins immediately after harvest.
Higher Throughput
Faster cooling means higher pack-out rates, lower shrink, and more efficient use of your packing facility.
Where Hydrocooling Fits in the Cold Chain
For cherry growers in the Pacific Northwest, the cold chain is the step-by-step temperature management process from orchard to consumer. Hydrocooling is ALWAYS Step 1.
Harvest
Fruit picked on a warm day can be 80–90°F inside the bin
Hydrocooling
Rapidly drops internal fruit temperature to near optimal storage temp
Packing House
Pre-cooled fruit is easier to handle, sort, and pack
Cold Storage
Maintains quality — can't fix what wasn't cooled properly
Transport
Loaded into reefer trucks or containers, holding temp steady until delivery
Without Proper Hydrocooling:
- ✕Internal fruit temperatures stay high → accelerating mold growth, softening, and breakdown
- ✕Cooling later with forced air takes much longer and often won't reach the core
- ✕Shorter shelf life = lost profit and reduced market reach
Technical Benefits for Growers & Packers
Our hydrocoolers deliver measurable advantages that directly impact your bottom line.
Faster, Uniform Cooling
Achieve consistent temperatures throughout the entire bin, eliminating hot spots that can lead to quality issues.
- Uniform cooling from bin exterior to core
- Precise temperature control
Superior Fruit Quality
Preserve the characteristics that command premium prices in the marketplace.
- Maintains firmness, color, and brix levels
- Reduces spoilage from rot and breakdown
Business Advantages
Direct impact on your operation's profitability and market position.
- Higher market prices for premium quality
- Easier compliance with food safety standards
Versatility for Different Operations
We offer multiple hydrocooler configurations to match your specific needs.
Tunnel Hydrocoolers
Ideal for large packers running high volumes with continuous flow operation.
- High-capacity processing
- Conveyor belt system
Batch Models
Great for small growers or specialty lots who load and unload bins at once.
- Flexible batch processing
- Lower capex for smaller operations
Portable Field Units
Cool immediately after picking — can go straight to reefer truck, storage, or packhouse.
- On-site field cooling
- Maximum freshness preservation
Who Needs a Hydrocooler?
For over 40 years, Pacific Northwest cherry growers have trusted CTC Waterworks for their hydrocooling needs — cherries benefit dramatically from rapid hydrocooling, with measurable quality and shelf-life improvements. The same technology also benefits many other high-value crops.
"Any crop that is delicate, high-value, and suffers from high respiration and moisture loss can benefit from hydrocooling."
Trusted by Leading PNW Cherry Growers
For decades, the region's top cherry producers have relied on CTC Waterworks hydrocoolers to maximize quality and shelf life.
Refrigeration Partners
We work closely with these trusted refrigeration companies, but are happy to collaborate with any refrigeration provider you prefer.
Why This is a Smart Investment
A properly designed hydrocooler delivers measurable returns on your investment.
Reduced Shrink
Pays for itself in reduced shrink and higher pack-out percentages, directly improving your bottom line.
Extended Shelf Life
Extends shelf life by several days, unlocking higher prices and access to more distant markets.
Market Flexibility
Gives packers the flexibility to store, pack, or ship when market conditions are best, not when forced by product deterioration.
Key Takeaway
"For Pacific Northwest cherry growers and packers, hydrocoolers are the critical first link in the cold chain — if you lose quality at this step, you can't get it back later. Rapid, uniform cooling is what keeps cherries firm, sweet, and saleable for top dollar in domestic and export markets, especially for premium Asian exports."
With over 40 years of experience serving the Pacific Northwest cherry industry, CTC Waterworks is THE trusted expert in hydrocooling technology.