Apr. 28, 2025
A walk-in cooler or freezer can be one of the largest upgrade purchases your business makes. Choosing the right unit that fulfills your needs and meets your budget is vital. While the important factors to consider may be complicated, they don’t have to be confusing. Let’s take a look at the key considerations, components, and accessories that will help ensure the perfect fit for your business.
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There are many factors that go into choosing a refrigeration unit. Several of the biggest decisions should be made before you dive into the specific details of the individual components of the box. First, understand what type of refrigeration you need, how much space you’ll require, and where to locate your unit.
The first decision to be made is what kind of storage you’ll need – and at what temperature. The industry standards for coolers and freezers are typically 35° F and -10° F, respectively. Which kind of storage you’ll need will depend on the usage of the unit, or what specific products you will be storing and for what length of time. Do you need to store dairy products? Medical Supplies? Prepared foods? Flowers? Fresh baked goods? Depending on your business, you may need both a cooler and a freezer. Thankfully, both of these needs can be met with a custom combination walk-in with two or more compartments for cooling or freezing.
Takeaway: Your business model will dictate your specific needs, so start by understanding your menu and what items you need to keep cold, and at what temperature.
How much space do you need? The specific requirements for your business will vary depending on several factors. First, consider the maximum amount of space you will need during peak times. Your storage capacity will have to accommodate your needs during your business’s busy season while not being overly large. This is because operating costs generally increase as the size of the unit increases.
Second, consider the type of items you will be storing. What products you need to store is relevant because it will affect how your unit is laid out, and there are many items to consider. For example, the necessity to store fresh food will most likely increase your space requirements.
Next, consider how often you will receive deliveries. For example, if you receive daily deliveries, you may only need a few cubic feet of storage since you’ll be clearing out your product daily. On the other hand, if you receive products twice a month, you may require much more square footage in order to have enough space for all of the goods you need for multiple weeks. The frequency of delivery will be a determining factor in your space requirements.
Lastly, you should factor growth into your cooler or freezer calculations. Does your business have plans to expand in the short or mid-term? The cost of a slightly larger space now will almost certainly be less than purchasing another unit in the near future.
Takeaway: You need enough space for your product at your busiest times – an overstuffed cooler is an inefficient cooler. Your peak storage needs will depend on your menu, frequency of delivery, and future growth.
Your walk-in unit can be placed either inside or outside of your building. There are many factors to consider when trying to make this decision.
Indoors, there are several requirements to think about. For indoor installations, every unit will require 2” of space between the walk-in and surrounding walls for a proper ‘air gap’. Next, you’ll need to consider the floor. Most walk-in freezers will require an insulated floor. Walk-in coolers can be floorless if they are on-grade (on a cement floor).
When considering placing a unit outside, the exact location in relation to building access is vital. Depending on the frequency of cooler access, you may want to place your unit close to your operating space, where business activities involving the product in your walk-in occur. This may or may not be possible outside, depending on your property and building layout. Additionally, consider local building ordinances, building codes, and engineering requirements. Depending on your locality, there may be requirements for size, distance from the building, finish, snow load, etc. that you need to be aware of before installing your unit.
You should also consider the added requirements for a unit outside. These units require several other accessories, namely a condensing unit cover, membrane roof, and a rain gutter over the door. These are in addition to general weather-proofing that will be specific to your climate, such as sloped ceilings for snow. Also, keep in mind that outdoor units generally require a floor.
Takeaway: You need to have the physical space to house your cooler. This can be either inside or outside. Housing your unit inside may provide easier access, while housing your cooler outside may allow for a larger amount of storage.
Great! Now you understand what type of unit you need, how much storage space you should plan to have, and where to locate your cooler. Next, we need to dive into some of the specific features of your unit.
Most walk-ins are manufactured with interlocking panels: floors, walls, doors, and ceilings. The panels are what actually insulate the cooler. Their construction is generally the same – insulating foam sandwiched between sheets of metal.
Generally, panels that are better at retaining cold inside the unit have a higher ‘R-value’. R-Value is a measure of an insulation’s ability to reduce the rate of heat flow. Essentially, R-value describes the ability of the panel to stop the transfer of heat from the outside to the inside. All walk-in panels must meet specific R-value requirements in order to be compliant with building codes and energy efficiency regulations – a minimum of R-25 for coolers and R-32 for freezers.
Usually, as the R-value of a panel increases, so does the cost. High-quality panels will all exhibit some of the same characteristics: high level of fire retardation, meeting required energy efficiency standards (like EISA), and utilizing materials that are food-safe. There are many different technical specifications concerning panels that may affect your decision-making process, so ask your dealer or manufacturer for specific details.
Takeaway: Panels are essentially insulation sandwiches. The specific type of panel you need will depend on the desired temperature of your unit. Having a basic knowledge of R-value will help you understand the industry-specific language your dealer may use.
First, your unit may need a standard personnel swing door. They typically measure 34” x 78” and employ a latch-style closure. This is the right choice if the frequency of door openings will be low to medium – the industry standard is 2-3 opens per hour. While this door system will take the most time to open and close, it is the most energy-efficient.
Next, especially if you need more clearance, sliding doors may be the right choice. These can offer larger entries than standard swing doors and be either manual or electric. Lastly, roll-up garage-style doors are ideal if your cooler is large and you receive large deliveries frequently.
Takeaway: The type of door you require will depend largely on what type and how much product is coming into your unit. Larger deliveries on larger dollies or pallets may require sliding or roll-up doors.
Industry-standard finishes are galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel for walls and ceilings. They come with either a smooth or an embossed finish and are generally metallic gray or white in color. Floors must meet sanitation requirements (NSF STD 7), which call for an aluminum or stainless steel interior floor finish with the proper covering radius.
However, if your cooler or freezer is located where customers can see it, you may want to consider a custom finish for the entire unit or just the customer-facing doors and walls. There are many reasons to consider adding a finish: the look can complement your restaurant’s front end and offer a unique customer experience.
The types of special finishes you can choose to incorporate are varied. Depending on your walk-in manufacturer, you may be able to select from a wide variety of patterns, colors, vinyl finishes, matched colors, and paint grips. However, industry-standard finishes include: galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel on walls and ceilings. They can come with either a smooth finish or an embossed finish, in gray or white. For the floor, NSF STD 7 requires aluminum or stainless steel, so choices are more limited.
Takeaway: Consider a special finish to ensure your unit complements your space and reinforces your brand.
Choosing the right flooring for your walk-in cooler or freezer is crucial. The flooring must be durable, easy to clean, and suitable for maintaining temperature and hygiene. Common flooring options include:
Takeaway: The flooring choice is a vital component of your walk-in cooler or freezer, impacting energy efficiency, safety, and maintenance. Choose a flooring option that fits your specific needs and usage requirements.
When selecting a refrigeration unit, consider the type of system that will best suit your operational needs. There are two main types of refrigeration systems:
Takeaway: The type of refrigeration system you choose should align with the size and use of your walk-in unit, as well as your preferences for maintenance and noise levels.
Proper sizing of the refrigeration unit is essential to ensure efficient operation. Undersized units will struggle to maintain temperature, while oversized units can lead to increased energy costs and frequent cycling. Factors to consider when sizing your refrigeration unit include:
Takeaway: Accurately sizing your refrigeration unit is critical for maintaining optimal temperatures and maximizing energy efficiency.
The placement of the condensing unit is another key consideration. The unit should be located in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight and other heat sources, to maximize efficiency. Additionally, ensure there is enough airflow around the unit for proper operation.
Takeaway: Properly locating the condensing unit will enhance the efficiency and longevity of your walk-in refrigeration system.
With competitive price and timely delivery, Wiskind New Materials sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
A variety of accessories can enhance the functionality and efficiency of your walk-in cooler or freezer:
Takeaway: The right accessories can significantly improve the usability and efficiency of your walk-in cooler or freezer.
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your walk-in unit operating efficiently. Key maintenance practices include:
Takeaway: Routine maintenance will prolong the life of your walk-in unit and maintain optimal performance.
Arctic offers a wide range of walk-in coolers and freezers, designed to meet diverse operational requirements across industries. Here’s an overview of their key product lines:
Walk-in coolers and freezers from Arctic serve a multitude of industries, each with unique needs and specifications. Here are some key applications:
Choosing a walk-in cooler or freezer is a significant investment that requires careful consideration of various factors. By understanding your specific needs, exploring available options, and planning for future growth, you can select the right unit to ensure your business’s success.
Are you looking for industrial high-speed doors? Choosing a high-speed door can be a very simple process if the advice is correct. At Kavidoors, we have developed the following buying guide for industrial high-speed doors, explaining the preliminary information you need when requesting the manufacture of a high-speed door.
This way, you will ensure that it meets your needs and provides the desired insulation guarantees. To make the right choice, it is essential to know everything about high-speed doors. We will start by understanding why it is advantageous to use industrial high-speed doors.
Due to the large number of manoeuvres they must perform daily and their high opening and closing speeds, industrial high-speed doors are the most effective solution for sectoring and insulating industrial centres.
They are a source of energy savings, isolating sections or chambers with different climates while facilitating safe passage for people, vehicles, and goods. Read on to learn more advantages.
At Kavidoors, we design doors equipped with integrated safety accessories such as photocells, radio bands, safety bands, and automatic opening systems to ensure smooth and safe traffic for both vehicles and people.
When requesting a high-speed door, you should consider not only the opening where the door will be installed but also the building itself. Let’s look at all the necessary preliminary data to request the right high-speed door, among other crucial aspects.
When requesting a high-speed door, you should consider not only the opening where the door will be installed but also the building itself. Let’s look at all the necessary preliminary data to request the right high-speed door, among other crucial aspects.
Facilitating aspects like room cleaning is crucial. If it is a disassembly room with constant hosing down and chemical products, the door guide and lintel finish must be resistant to these conditions.
Once the previous questions have been answered, our experts will advise you on which high-speed door is best for your facilities. Understanding the different types of industrial high-speed doors is crucial to making the right decision for your needs.
Roll-up high-speed door:
Designed for climate-controlled interior areas with temperatures ranging from 5 to 80 °C. It is used as a partition in areas with continuous goods flow, ensuring optimal insulation and suitable for any industrial sector.
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Self-repairing high-speed door:
Engineered to withstand high traffic of people and vehicles, requiring quick opening and closing manoeuvres. Its operating temperature also ranges between 5 and 80 °C. Thanks to its self-repairing function, if it is hit, the fabric leaves the guides without damage and then returns to its original position to continue functioning normally.
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High-speed door for cold storage:
This single-fabric high-speed door is specifically designed to limit condensation in refrigerated chambers with high humidity levels and temperatures between +5º and 0º.
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Heated high-speed doors for cold storage:
These industrial doors for cold storage facilities are typically found at the entrances to conservation cold rooms (+0 °C). Their goal is to reduce cold loss from the chambers during entries and exits, contributing to energy savings.
Double- canvas high-speed door:
This design achieves a high degree of airtightness and thermal insulation for such facilities. Thanks to the energy efficiency achieved with this high-speed door, it prevents the formation of ice, fog, and frost in installations with significant temperature differences between inside and outside.
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Horizontal roll-up high-speed door:
Ideal for installations requiring high hygienic conditions and quick access, especially those companies with quality certifications in the food or pharmaceutical sector.
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Stacking high-speed door:
This high-speed door is perfect for closing large exterior openings with high traffic of vehicles and people, given its class 4 wind resistance. Additionally, its operating speed enhances the energy efficiency of the installation.
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Spiral high-speed door:
These doors are suitable for locations where high-speed opening and closing are required, along with high resistance. They can be used both indoors and outdoors on facades.
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Whether you already know which door you need or require expert advice, Kavidoors provides industry professionals to help you choose the door that best suits your needs.
The company is the world’s best Cold Storage Swing Door supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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