Knowing the key features of a walk-in cooler or freezer is a must when selecting the right one.
In this blog, we will discuss the key factors you’ll need to know before purchasing. The types, applications, key components of a walk-in cooler or freezer, and how to maintain its cleanliness.
When Buying a Walk-In Cooler or Freezer, Consider These Important Factors:
1. Identify What You Are Going to Store
Keep in mind that a cooler and a freezer have different ranges of temperature. A cooler’s temperature ranges from 35°F to 38°F (1.6°C to 3.3°C) while a freezer’s temperature ranges from -0°F to -20°F (-18°C to -23°C). Fruits, vegetables, or any food that doesn’t require freezing is suitable for coolers while meat and ice cream are for freezers.
2. Determine Your Product’s Volume
Walk-in coolers or freezers have varying sizes. The most common are 6′ x 6′, 6′ x 8′, 8′ x 8′, and 8′ x 10’. Base your choice on the frequency of the delivery of products so that you will have enough inventory to last until the next delivery. You may also choose to customize the size based on your preference while keeping in mind that an estimated 28 lbs. of food can be stored in 1 cubic foot of space.
3. Quality and Energy Efficiency
Choose a walk-in that is energy efficient or has less energy consumption. The main goal is to conserve energy without compromising your product safety. To prevent heat transfer, always choose high-quality insulation panels. This will serve as a protection from the outside to minimize energy loss. Also, consider choosing the right size for your business, the bigger the walk-in cooler or freezer the higher energy consumption is. To avoid accidentally leaving the door open during busy hours, a self-closing door should be installed. This will prevent the air from leaking.
4. Where the Unit Will Be Placed
One of the most important things to consider is the accessibility of your walk-in cooler or freezer. We all know that during peak hours, the foot traffic is high so the walk-in should be located in a place where it will not impede the speed. Overheating is also one of the problems you may encounter, so always ensure that there is sufficient space inside and outside the walk-in for proper ventilation.
5. Budget, Warranty, and Support System.
Walk-ins are expensive products that are essential to business. Before purchasing, determine your budget. Choose a manufacturer that has a decent warranty and customer support while checking if the amount is within your budget.
Types of Walk-In Coolers and Walk-In Freezers
Walk- in coolers and freezers are available in various types to meet different commercial refrigeration needs. They can be classified by their refrigeration system, installation location. flooring design, construction method, and mobility. Understanding these types can help you choose the best cold storage solution for your business.
Self-Contained Walk-In Cooler or Freezer
A self-contained walk-in cooler or freezer has the compressor, condenser and evaporator built into one packaged refrigeration system. Since all major components are integrated, installation is simpler.
Self-contained units are best suited for indoor installations or protected outdoor locations with adequate ventilation. Unless specifically designed for outdoor use, they should not be exposed to rain, snow, or extreme weather conditions, which can affect components and electronics.
Remote Walk-in Cooler and Freezer
A remote walk-in cooler or freezer has a separate condensing unit installed away from the insulated box. It is often placed outdoors, on a rooftop, or in a mechanical room, while the evaporator stays inside the walk-in unit.
This set-up helps reduce heat and noise inside the building. It is a practical choice for restaurants, supermarkets, commercial kitchens, and food processing facilities.
Multiplex Walk-in Cooler and Freezer System
A multiplex system is a centralized refrigeration system that supplies cooling to multiple walk-in coolers, walk-in freezers, refrigerated display cases, or other refrigeration equipment from a single compressor rack.
These systems are commonly used in supermarkets, warehouses, distribution centers, and other large commercial facilities with multiple refrigerated storage areas.
Outdoor Walk-in Freezer:
An outdoor walk-in cooler or freezer is specifically designed for exterior installation. It features weather resistant panels, protective roofing, and exterior finishes that withstand outdoor conditions.
Outdoor units are an excellent solution for businesses with limited indoor space or those requiring additional cold storage capacity.
Indoor Walk-in Cooler or Freezer
An indoor walk-in cooler or freezer is installed inside a building, providing convenient access to stored products. This type is commonly used in restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, convenience stores, hotels, and food service operations.
Walk-in Cooler or Freezer With Built-In Flooring
A walk-in unit with built in flooring includes an insulated floor as part of the structure. This option offers excellent performance and simplifies installation, especially when installing over an existing floor.
Built-in flooring is recommended for walk-in freezers and is also available for walk-in coolers when additional insulation or portability is desired.
Floorless Walk-in Cooler
A floorless walk-in cooler does not include insulated floor and is installed directly on a properly prepared concrete floor. In many applications, a standard concrete slab is sufficient, although floor insulation can improve energy efficiency.
Floorless coolers are ideal when carts, pallet jacks, or heavy equipment need easy access.
Prefabricated Walk-In Cooler or Freezer
Prefabricated walk-in coolers and freezers are built using insulated panels that are assembled on-site. They are quicker to install, easier to relocate, and can often be expanded as business needs grow.
Many manufacturers offer standard sizes as well as customizable panel configurations. Their standard sizes are 6′ x 6′, 6′ x 8′, 8′ x 8’, and 8′ x 10′.
Built-in Walk-in Cooler or Freezer
A built-in walk-in cooler or freezer is constructed on-site to fit to fit the exact dimensions and requirements of a facility.
This type offers flexibility in size, layout, door placement, insulation, flooring, shelving, and refrigeration system selection.
Built in units are ideal for businesses with unique space constraints or specialized cold storage needs.
Portable Walk-In Cooler or Freezer
A portable walk-in cooler or freezer is designed for temporary or relocatable cold storage. Many portable units use modular insulated panels that can be assembled, disassembled and move to another location.
These units are commonly used for catering, events, seasonal storage, emergency refrigeration, and temporary business operations.
Application of Walk-in Freezer
Restaurant and Catering Services
This equipment is often found in restaurant and catering kitchens to store ingredients that require refrigeration or freezing. This will ensure that restaurant owners can operate smoothly without worrying about running out of stock!
Supermarkets and Grocery Store
This is also popularly used by supermarkets and grocery stores to keep their frozen goods, vegetables, and fruits fresh.
Food Processing Industries
To comply with food safety standards, food processing industries use walk-in coolers or freezers to store their raw materials and finished products.
Hospitals, Laboratories, and Pharmacies
Most hospitals, laboratories, pharmacies, and even research facilities use walk-ins to store their medication and vaccines.
Refrigerated Shipping Container
Refrigerated shipping container are used for frozen goods to prevent the products from melting even in hot weather, thus preserving their quality and condition.
Outdoor Events or Parties
Walk-in coolers or freezers are useful when conducting outdoor events, especially for keeping large amounts of food from spoiling.
Key Components of a Walk-In Freezer
1. Insulated Panels
One of the components of a walk-in freezer or cooler is its insulated panels. These help in maintaining the temperature inside by providing insulation while preventing heat from entering.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane panels resist heat in greater value. What does this mean? It means that your refrigeration system will not have to work harder to keep the inside of your walk-in cold.
Extruded Polystyrene
Polystyrene is cheaper and lighter when compared to Polyurethane but has lower heat resistance. To make up for its deficiency, its thickness should be increased to match up with Polyurethane.
Expanded Polystyrene
For those who are looking for a cheaper alternative to extruded polystyrene, expanded polystyrene is cheaper and lighter. The only downside is that offers less insulation.
2. Flooring
What you need in your business is the most important factor to consider in choosing flooring for your walk-in. Some units already have built-in flooring while some do not. Identify if your walk-in is only for foot traffic or heavy-duty use. For light foot traffic, aluminum flooring is sufficient but if you are using pallet trucks, opt for reinforced flooring.
3. Walk-in Cooler or Freezer Doors
The door is the part of the walk-in that is used the most. Its size and type vary depending on the needs of the business hinged doors or swing doors are the most common due to their simplicity. However, if you have a limited space, a sliding door is the right one for you. They are available in manual or automatic options. Roll-up doors and high-speed doors are ideal for businesses with high traffic. This will minimize temperature loss and enhance workflow efficiency.
4. Refrigeration System
The refrigeration system is one of the most important parts of every walk-in cooler or freezer. It removes heat from inside the unit and helps maintain the proper temperature for your stored products. Choosing the right refrigeration system depends on your walk-in size, location, storage needs, budget, and installation requirements.
Saddle Mount Systems
A saddle mount system is a type of self-contained unit that sits over the wall of the walk-in. Its main advantage is easy installation without taking up much interior storage space.
This option works well for businesses that need a compact refrigeration setup and have enough wall clearance for the unit.
Penthouse Refrigeration Systems
A penthouse system is another type of self-contained unit, but it is installed on top of the walk-in instead of through the wall. This design keeps the evaporator section out of the storage area, helping maximize usable interior space.
It is a good choice when shelf space and product capacity are priorities, but the walk-in must have enough ceiling clearance and roof support.
Remote Refrigeration Systems
Remote systems separate the condensing unit from the walk-in. The condensing unit is usually installed outdoors, on a roof, or in a mechanical area, while the evaporator remains inside the walk-in.
This setup helps move heat and noise away from the storage or working area. However, it is usually more expensive to install because it requires refrigerant lines, electrical work, additional refrigerant, and professional commissioning.
Pre-Assembled Remote Systems
A pre-assembled remote system is a remote system with some components already connected at the factory. This reduces installation work compared with a fully field-assembled remote system.
It still provides the benefits of a remote setup, but with a faster and more streamlined installation process.
5. Exterior Finishes
While what is on the inside of the walk-in freezer is essential, what is on the outside is also equally important. You need to ensure that the exterior of your walk-in will last a long time and will withstand constant usage. Galvalume, Galvanized Steel, Painted Galvanized Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel are the most commonly chosen finishes for walk-in freezers and coolers. But what are the differences between these?
- Galvalume Steel
A durable steel finish coated with aluminum, zinc, and silicon. It offers long-term protection against rust and is one of the most popular choices for walk-in coolers and freezers. - Galvanized Steel
A strong and budget-friendly steel option coated with zinc. It is durable, but prolonged exposure to moisture or harsh cleaning chemicals may cause corrosion over time. - Painted Galvanized Steel
Galvanized steel with a factory-applied paint coating. It improves appearance, allows color customization, and adds extra protection against scratches, moisture, and corrosion. - Aluminum
A lightweight and affordable material that does not develop red rust. It performs well in moist environments but is softer than steel, making it more prone to dents and damage. - Stainless Steel
The premium choice for durability, hygiene, and corrosion resistance. It is strong, easy to clean, and ideal for food-service environments, but it is also the most expensive option.
Handy Checklist for Walk-In Freezer:
At this point, you can now identify the various parts, types, and components that make up a walk-in freezer or cooler but still, the decision lies on you. It is your responsibility to find what suits your business. The following are some of the things that you may need to check before purchasing.
1. Freezer or Cooler?
Determine what type of food are you going to store on your walk-in. Are you going to use the walk-in as a freezer or as a cooler? You should keep in mind that the temperature used in a freezer is lower compared to a cooler and the refrigeration system will differ between the two.
2. Location – Indoor or Outdoor?
Most businesses opt for indoor walk-ins even though walk-ins are designed to either be indoors or outdoors. If you want your walk-in to be set up outdoors, you need to consider a few other things since it will be subjected to the outside weather conditions. To protect your walk-in from rain, it should be installed in a place with a rain roof. In places where freezing weather occurs, additional things like covers and heaters are essential for your walk-in to still function properly.
3. Size
How much food are you going to store now and how much food are you going to store in the succeeding years?
The basic rule is that for every cubic foot of space, it can store around 12.5 kilograms of food. You should not only decide based on what you need right now but decide based on the projections on how much food you are going to store in the succeeding years as your business starts to flourish.
4. Available Space
Before ordering a walk-in, check the area where it will be installed. Ensuring that you have enough space will make the installation process smooth. Make sure to always leave extra space on all sides and the top of the cooler for proper ventilation.
5. Delivery and Installation
Operation delays are unavoidable especially when delivery and installation of a walk-in occurs. Plan ahead by waiting for a period when business is slow or when you are closed for the day or the week.
6. Warranty
Since most of the units are expensive, it can be costly to buy a new one for replacement. Always make sure to read and review the warranty given by the manufacturer such as the duration of protection for the physical units and their parts.
Maintenance, Cleaning, and Sanitation Tips
In any kind of business that uses walk-in coolers and freezers, it is a costly but very important investment. The longer you can use it equates to more profits. Here are some tips on how to maintain the efficient usage of your walk-ins.
- Always close the door when you are not using the walk-in. It should only open when you enter and exit so do not keep the door open by blocking it with boxes.
- Create a periodic schedule for cleaning especially the condensing and cooling unit. If you have chosen the outdoor type, the cleaning frequency should be greater because it is exposed to natural elements. Garbage and outside plants should be placed away from the unit.
- Check that the fan motors and blades are clean and free from dirt for it to run at its optimal speed.
- Do not store things on top of the walk-in no matter how light it is. It may affect or damage the top part or ceiling.
- During preventive maintenance, lubricate the door hinges so they can properly close and open. Check also the rubber gaskets for cracks and replace them if necessary.
- Lights produce heat. So, make sure that when you exit the walk-in the lights are off to not affect the temperature inside.
7. Only use soap and water for cleaning. Chemicals are not advisable because some may damage the surfaces.
- Mop the floors of the walk-in to remove substances that can attract ants and other insects. Mold and bacteria will grow if the proper cleaning procedures are not followed.
- If you accidentally spill liquid inside, immediately wipe and mop it. If not, it may freeze and cause safety hazards.
- Use storage bins to separate food and products that differ from one another. It will also prevent contaminating the food.
- Clean and wipe on a daily basis. Create a routine and make sure it is followed by all staff. This prevents the build-up of dirt and bacteria that may contaminate the food and result in diseases.
- Always use proper protective equipment when maintaining, sanitizing, and cleaning your walk-in.
Conclusion:
Purchasing a walk-in freezer or cooler is not an easy task. You need to make a lot of considerations and check for several factors before making a purchase. Always remember to ask questions from the supplier and contractor since this is a costly investment. Weigh all the options carefully and assess the advantages and disadvantages to determine what is the ideal walk-in for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is the difference between a walk-in cooler and a walk-in freezer?
A walk-in cooler maintains temperatures between 35°F to 38°F (1.6°C to 3.3°C), making is ideal for storing fresh produce, dairy produce, beverages and other perishable items. A walk-in freezer operates at -0°F to -20°F (-18°C to -23°C) or below to keep frozen foods, meat, seafood, and ice cream safely stored for long periods.
2. How do I choose the right size walk-in cooler or freezer?
The right size depends on the amount of inventory you store, your delivery schedule and future business growth. Choose a unit that provides enough storage space while allowing proper airflow and easy access to products.
3. Can a walk-in cooler or freezer be installed outdoors?
Yes. Outdoor walk-in coolers and freezers are specifically designed to withstand weather conditions. They include weather resistant finishes and roofing systems, but they should be installed on a stable foundation with proper drainage and adequate ventilation.
4. What flooring is best for a walk-in cooler or freezer?
The best flooring depends on how the unit will be used. Built-in insulated flooring is recommended for most walk-in freezers while floorless walk-in coolers are ideal when using carts, pallet jacks or other heavy equipment.
5. What exterior finish should I choose?
Galvalume steel is the most popular choice because of its excellent corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel is best option for demanding environments where hygiene and long-term durability are top priorities.
You may also find these blog posts useful:
6 Benefits of a Walk-in Freezer
Walk-In Cooler Costs: A Complete Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Temperature Management in Walk-in Freezers
