A walk-in fridge is a valuable investment for your foodservice establishment. It will allow you to keep large amounts of poultry, meat, seafood, dairy and produce together in a single refrigerated area. This will make it easy for staff to access items throughout the day without having to open and close multiple doors. It will also save you time and money by eliminating the need to move cold products between rooms.
To reduce energy consumption, look for a walk-in with high-density foamed-in-place polyurethane insulation. This will help the refrigeration system run more efficiently, cutting down on electricity costs. It will also ensure that your food stays cool longer, because it won’t have to work as hard to maintain a consistent temperature. Other features to consider include LED lighting (which consumes up to 90% less energy than incandescent bulbs) and thermal breaks for the floor, which eliminate air leaks.
The Versatility and Advantages of Walk-In Coolers
You will also need to decide between a top mount or remote system. A top mount system is bolted directly onto the interior and exterior of the unit, while a remote system is located outside the walk-in. The latter is usually cheaper, but it can impact the amount of interior storage space you have.
Finally, you should consider whether you want to purchase a pre-assembled walk-in or if you’ll prefer an on-site assembly. Many manufacturers offer both options, but pre-assembled units are often cheaper. This is because they have fewer components that could be damaged during transport and shipping.