A walk-in cooler or freezer is a critical piece of equipment for most foodservice establishments. Its primary function is to store large quantities of perishable goods at safe, controlled temperatures. Unlike smaller reach-in units, a walk-in allows for easy, organized access to your inventory, providing ample space to store and retrieve products efficiently.
If you are reviewing this walk-in refrigeration unit buying guide, you are likely in the process of replacing, upgrading, or purchasing a walk-in cooler or freezer for the first time. This guide will outline the key factors to consider when selecting a walk-in unit to ensure it meets the specific needs of your operation, enhances efficiency, and complies with industry standards.
Basics of a Walk-In Cooler or Freezer
The makings of a walk-in refrigerator or freezer are relatively simple:
- Refrigeration System: There are three mounting options for your walk-in refrigeration unit system: top mount, side mount, and remote. When choosing between the three, make sure to consider the size of your space and building requirements. Top Mounts are self-contained and usually pre-assembled. Side Mounts are good options for when you have low ceilings, but sometimes interior usable space is impacted by the evaporator coil. Remote systems are the less expensive option and are designed to sit outside of the building, aiding in locations that require extra ventilation.
- Panels: Panels, or the walls, of a walk-in cooler are made of foam insulation sandwiched between a metal ‘skin’. The skin is usually made from aluminum, stainless steel, or galvanized steel. The insulation is usually a 4” thick layer of high-density foam, designed to prevent temperature loss and improve energy efficiency. Insulation quality is measured by something called an ‘R-Value.’ The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating effectiveness. The most common insulation material is foamed-in polyurethane, which has a high R-value.
- Door: The door will be the most worn-in part of your walk-in, so having a tough door that can keep a tight seal is a must. Most doors come standard with a kickplate, which allows for greater durability. Most models come with adjustable door hinges, which will allow you to ensure an air-tight seal for greater energy efficiency. Plus, it allows for customization based on your space. Buying a unit with a self-closing door latch is also a great energy saver, as it will help prevent those moments where the door isn’t closed properly, letting cold air escape.
- Floor: Most floors are made of smooth aluminum, which are good for light or medium duty traffic. In situations where there may be heavy cart traffic or heavy items such as beer kegs are stored, you should consider a heavy-duty floor that can withstand more weight and abuse. Most manufacturers offer advanced flooring options, which can be ordered in place of the standard flooring. Keep in mind, a floor is required for walk-in freezers.
TIP: Floorless walk-ins are going to be cheaper than one with a floor, but it’s important to make sure the floor on which you install will keep your walk-in insulated and up to code, so be sure to check all federal, state, and local requirements before ordering.
Tips for Choosing the Best Walk-In
Now that you understand the making of a walk-in cooler, here's our top 4 recommendations for what you need to consider before selecting the best commercial walk-in cooler or freezer for your kitchen:
1. Style
Firstly, you'll need to decide if you need a prefabricated (prefab) unit or a built-in unit. The choice between a prefab and built-in walk-in cooler will depend on your restaurant’s specific space, budget, and long-term growth plans.
- Prefabricated Walk-Ins are a popular choice for restaurant owners due to their flexibility and ease of installation. These units are modular, meaning they can be set up in virtually any space that fits your needs. They come in a wide range of standard sizes and configurations, and because the panels are modular, it’s easy to expand your walk-in cooler as your business grows. One potential drawback is that prefab walk-ins may not perfectly fit every restaurant layout. The available sizes and designs are limited to what the manufacturer offers, so you might need to adjust your layout or storage plans accordingly. But for most restaurants, the flexibility, affordability, and expansion potential make prefab walk-ins a solid choice.
- Built-In Walk-Ins are customized specifically for your space and business. These units are designed to blend seamlessly with your restaurant's layout and workflow, often with design-forward finishes like wood or tiled walls. The biggest advantage is that you have complete control over the size and design, allowing you to maximize your space efficiently. Of course, this level of customization comes with a higher upfront cost, but they do come with a level of flexibility.
2. Location
Your next consideration should be an easy one. Do you need your walk-in for Indoor or Outdoor Use? It’s very important to understand that there is a difference between an indoor and an outdoor walk-in, and they are usually differentiated by the manufacturer as well. If using in an outdoor application, an outdoor walk-in will come with panels for a roof, typically have thicker insulation and outdoor roof sealing kit to keep the unit protected from the elements.
3. Sizing
The next thing you need to decide on when purchasing a walk-in refrigerator or freezer is what size do you need? There are two rules-of-thumb you can follow when determining your space requirement:
- ½ cubic foot of storage space per meal served
- 1 cubic foot for every 28 pounds of food you need to store
TIP: Don’t forget to factor in peak demand (the max amount of food you need to store at once) and future growth (be it sales or menu offering)
The below chart can serve as a general guideline to determine how many walk-in will be needed to optimize your business:
| Size of Operation | Number of Walk-Ins | Total Square feet |
| Small Cafe | 1 | 60 - 90 |
| Fast Food Restaurant | 1 | 90 - 120 |
| Small Table Service Restaurant | 1 | 120 - 150 |
| Medium Restaurant or Small Institution | 2 | 180 - 240 |
| Large Restaurant or Medium Institution | 3 | 400 - 600 |
| Large Institution | 3 | 400 - 600 |
| Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, or Institution | 4 | 600 - 900 |
4. Ventilation
For a walk-in to operate effectively and efficiently, you need to ensure that it has enough space to allow for proper air circulation. Your walk-in should have a minimum of 1 inch of space between the exterior of the walk-in and the walls and ceilings of your building. If using a top-mounted compressor, a minimum of 2 inches of space should be allowed from the top of the compressor and the ceiling.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning your walk-in cooler or freezer is relatively easy. Most manufacturers recommend cleaning simply with warm soapy water using a damp, not wet, mop. In addition to surface cleaning, you should clean your condenser at a minimum of once every three months. The efficiency of the condensing unit depends on unrestricted air flow through the condenser. A wire brush can be used to loosen the accumulation of dust and dirt particles that have attached to the fins of the condenser. Once complete, a vacuum cleaner can be used to remove the loose particles. Making sure your door seals are clean is another great way to extend the life of your walk-in. Brush away any dirt or dust that builds up around the gaskets. When your gaskets have started to wear down, replacement gaskets are available at a relatively affordable price – speak to one of our product consultants to find the right gasket!
Walk-In Refrigeration Unit Accessories
Strip Curtains: Strip curtains ensure that you can maintain your desired temperature and save energy. They block cold air from escaping the walk-in, keeping your refrigerated or frozen product safe.
Shelving: Adding shelving inside your walk-in will only increase the available square footage of the unit. Shelving units keep food off of the floor, keep items organized and allow air to circulate around the product.
Top Walk-In Refrigeration Unit Vendors
Kolpak: Kolpak is the foodservice industry’s specified leader in the manufacture of custom walk-in coolers and freezers. Kolpak’s product offering includes refrigeration systems, self-contained walk-ins and step-ins, refrigerated warehouses, pre-assembled walk-ins, and walk-in accessories.
Norlake: Norlake takes pride in meeting your every refrigeration need through innovative and reliable products, service and performance. They are a full-service supplier of walk-ins, refrigerator-freezer combo units and cabinets. Their Kold Locker series is designed for fast and easy installation with a cord and plug electrical connection.
Amerikooler: Amerikooler prides itself on making reliable walk-in coolers and freezers for everyday businesses. They manufacture walk-ins, convenience store coolers, and quick-ship coolers that have all undergone rigorous structural testing.
