Walk In Cooler & Freezer Education

Walk-In Coolers and Freezers: A Buyer’s Guide

Are you considering a walk-in cooler or freezer for your business? These indispensable appliances are crucial for maintaining the freshness of perishable items, making it essential to choose the right one. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand their benefits, key features, and important factors to consider when purchasing a walk in cooler.

Why Invest in Walk-In Coolers and Freezers

Walk-in coolers and freezers offer numerous advantages across a variety of industries, including restaurants, grocery stores, florists, and pharmaceuticals. Here’s why they’re a great investment:

• Generous Storage: These units provide ample storage capacity to accommodate a wide range of goods. With customizable shapes and sizes, they can easily fit into your specific space requirements.
• Precision Temperature Control: Walk-ins ensure optimal conditions for freshness and safety, with most coolers holding temperatures around 35°F and freezers maintaining -10°F, ideal for restaurant operations.
• Energy Efficiency: Designed for effective cooling, these systems can reduce energy costs, whether for long-term storage or frequent door openings in busy environments.
• Custom Options: Tailor your unit to meet your specific needs, from shelving styles to door configurations. For instance, walk-in coolers can be configured to store beer kegs, ensuring you serve the coldest brew in town!

Walk-in coolers and freezers can be constructed outside your building, with a convenient access point that connects directly to your kitchen. When designing this setup, it's crucial to ensure a smooth floor transition between the kitchen and the walk-in unit for seamless operation.

Some walk-in coolers are specifically designed for customer use, such as the large drink coolers commonly found in convenience stores. These are engineered to maintain product temperatures while attracting customers with features like expansive glass windows and bright lighting. You may have even grabbed your favorite beverage from one while an employee restocked the shelves from the inside.

Walk In Coolers From Kolpak Refrigeration

Selecting the Right Commercial Walk-In Cooler or Freezer for Your Business

At Jean’s Restaurant Supply, we recognize the importance of investing in high-quality commercial refrigeration. Choosing the right walk-in cooler or freezer is a key decision for your business, and we’re here to help. Have questions about your selection? Contact us, and we’ll be happy to assist. Custom sizing options are available!

Why Walk-In Coolers and Freezers Matter
A walk-in cooler or freezer is often one of the largest investments in a commercial kitchen, playing a vital role in ensuring reliable cold storage. Without it, a business may face significant operational challenges.

These essential units are used in restaurants, bars, refrigerated warehouses, and more. While walk-in boxes are generally standard, their refrigeration systems and insulation quality make all the difference in terms of efficiency and operating costs.

Refrigeration System Options

1. Self-Contained Refrigeration System

   • All components (compressor, condenser, motors, evaporator) are housed in one cabinet on top of the cooler. This system requires only electrical power to operate.
   • Considerations: Ceiling height, heat generated around the unit, and noise levels may impact suitability for your space.

2. Remote Refrigeration System

   • Divided into two parts: the outdoor unit (compressor and condenser) and the indoor evaporator coil.
   • Advantages: Though installation costs are higher due to required piping and wiring, these systems often operate more efficiently and maintain more stable product temperatures, saving money in the long term.

Factors to Compare in Refrigeration Systems

• Energy Efficiency: Higher-quality systems reduce operating costs.
• Maintenance & Installation: Initial investment and setup impact overall expenses.
• Construction: Insulation, doors, hinges, and accessories significantly affect durability and performance.

Cooler Box Construction
Typically made from two galvanized steel sheets with four inches of foam insulation between panels. Panels use camlocks and rubber seals for secure assembly, keeping cold air in and hot air out.

• Flooring Options: Insulated floors are mandatory for freezers and recommended for coolers unless pre-insulated concrete slabs are used. Foam options include expanded polystyrene and polyurethane, with the latter being superior.

Doors and Accessories
High-quality doors, hinges, and handles are crucial for durability. Accessories like ramps, diamond plating, LED lighting, air curtains, and Wi-Fi controls enhance functionality.

• Key Features for Doors: Tight gaskets, self-closing mechanisms, temperature displays, and energy-saving strip or air curtains.

Flooring Tips

• Insulation is vital for efficiency and pest prevention.
• Floors must be level for proper panel alignment.
• Insulated concrete slabs are better for long-term use.

Questions to Guide Your Decision

1. Size Requirements: Ensure the cooler suits your storage needs—oversizing is costly.
2. Cooling Needs: Consider ambient temperature, incoming product temperature, and expected usage to choose the appropriate refrigeration system.