Walk-in Cooler and Freezer Buying Guide
Walk in coolers and freezers are very useful and great units to have in your kitchen or building
The problem we encounter most with customers when dealing with walk-ins are questions such as; what size do I need and what type of refrigeration do I need? Let's see if we can't answer some of these questions for you.-
Size: Walk-in Freezer Sizing is a matter of personal application
Walk-ins can be as small as 5'x5' and as large as needed.
Walk in coolers and freezers are very useful and great units to have in your kitchen or building
The problem we encounter most with customers when dealing with walk-ins are questions such as; what size do I need and what type of refrigeration do I need? Let's see if we can't answer some of these questions for you.-
Size: Walk-in Freezer Sizing is a matter of personal application
Walk-ins can be as small as 5'x5' and as large as needed. Most standard sizes, ie 6'x 6', 6' x 8', 8' x 8' and 8' x 10, are available from most manufacturers within a short amount of time. Non-standard sizes are also available but would need to be fabricated. Capacity is a good way to start thinking about what size you walk-in you will need. The industry says that 1 cubic foot of space can hold 28lbs of food. How much do you need to store? Once you calculate your sizing, get with an engineer and find out how many BTUs you'll need to cool whatever you're putting into your walk-in. Different substances vary in their cool down time.
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Refrigeration
We offer a wide variety of walk in coolers and freezer. You can check out our walk in coolers, and see the five different options are offered.
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Remote Refrigeration - Indoor:
The remote indoor refrigeration system is for a box that will be inside with refrigerant lines running to a separate indoor condensing unit. The system comes with a condensing unit, evaporator unit and parts, all that will need to be installed in the field. -
Remote Refrigeration - Outdoor:
The remote outdoor refrigeration system is for a box that will be inside with refrigerant lines running to a separate outdoor condensing unit. The system comes with a condensing unit, evaporator unit and parts, all that will need to be installed in the field. -
Outdoor Box with Remote Refrigeration:
This option includes a remote outdoor refrigeration system for a box that will be outside with refrigerant lines running to the condensing unit. The system comes with a condensing unit, evaporator unit and parts, all that will need to be installed in the field. -
Top-Mount Refrigeration:
This unit is an all-in-one package, pre-charged and ready to be set in the top mount refrigeration hole on top of the walk in. It does require the installation of an evaporator condensate drain line. The unit also hangs down inside the box about a foot, and it sits above the box an extra 14 inches. -
Penthouse Refrigeration:
This system is a little higher in cost, but two great advantages make it the best value. First it comes with a condensate evaporator and does not require the installation of a drain line. Second, and probably most important, is that there is no evaporator coil hanging inside the walk in to hit your head on or come in the way of shelving and storage space. This a pre-charged, self-contained refrigeration system that simply needs to be put on top of the box and plugged in to run!
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Some walk-in units are now equipped with side-refrigeration as well. Climate Control (Heatcraft) has a multitude of refrigeration options. You can get just the box from a manufacturer and purchase a refrigeration unit separately. Beware though! You'll need to speak with the technical departments of both the walk-in manufacturer and the refrigeration manufacturer to double check that you're getting the right thing for your application and for the walk-in box. Climate Control has a marvelous customer service and technical support staff.
Other options to consider on a walk-in are doors. Is your unit going to have heavy traffic? If yes, consider getting a auto close cam hinge and a heavy duty door. Also, if heavy loads are going in and out of your walk-in, consider a heavy duty floor, kick guards and a ramp into your walk-in. These features are fairly inexpensive and can make a large difference in the usability of your unit. As always, if you have questions about features or options, contact the manufacturer. They are the best source for recommendations and also technical assistance.
