A walk in cooler is a storage unit that helps keep food items fresh and safe to eat. These units are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to fit the needs of any restaurant or commercial food service operation.
Size – The size of the walk in cooler will depend on the total amount of food inventory you need to store. It should be large enough to accommodate your operation’s daily demands but not overly large, as this will cause a larger monthly operating expense.
Energy Efficiency – Walk in coolers use a lot of electricity to maintain temperature, which means it’s important to find one that uses the least amount of power. This will save you money in the long run and help the environment.
Construction – The construction of the walk in cooler is important to consider as well. It will make a big difference in how long it lasts and how much you’ll need to repair or replace it.
Insulation – A walk in cooler with a lot of insulation will be more efficient than one that lacks it, which will save you money on your electricity bill over the lifetime of the unit. It also helps to keep temperatures separated from the outside, which makes it easier for evaporators and condensers to maintain their respective temperatures and conserve energy.
Quality – The quality of the insulation, lighting and refrigeration will have an impact on how expensive it is to operate your walk in cooler. Cheaper materials, like metal skins that wear out quickly and loosen from the foam insulation, can lead to inflated electricity costs over the life of your cooler.
Walls and Doors – The walls and doors of the walk in cooler should be constructed from sturdy materials that won’t dent or corrode easily. They should also be insulated to prevent cold air from getting out and warm air from getting in.
Floors – Some walk in coolers come with floors that are designed to contain cold air and prevent condensation. This prevents the floor from becoming saturated with water or mold if the unit isn’t properly maintained.
Self-Closing Door Mechanisms – Some walk in coolers come equipped with a mechanism that locks the door shut when not in use, preventing accidental opening and causing spoiled product and refrigeration system damage.
Strip Curtains – These strips of PVC vinyl hang in front of the door, blocking cold air from escaping and warm air from entering, keeping your refrigerated or frozen product inside safely.
Shelving – If your operation has a lot of food inventory, it may be useful to install shelving inside the cooler to create more space for storage. This will increase the available square footage of the walk in, while also saving you money on your energy bills.
Maintenance – Just like any other residential or commercial appliance, your walk in cooler will need routine maintenance. Specifically, it should be inspected at least once a year to ensure proper ventilation and that the evaporator coils are clean.