The ABCs of walk in coolers

There are many different kinds of walk in coolers and walk in freezers. Available in dozens of standard sizes and custom sizes, commercial coolers come in a variety of materials, outside metal “skins”, insulation materials and refrigeration systems.

I recommend: Learn what to look for when buying commercial walk in freezers and walk in refrigerators at US Cooler’s online buying guide. Check out commercial refrigeration suppliers at Business.com.

Installing a walk in freezer or cooler

Some manufacturers have made the process of installing commercial walk in freezers so easy that you can do it yourself!

I recommend: RefrigeratorsFreezers&More offers Quik Step walk in coolers and freezers that assemble in five simple steps. Check out what you need to know about installing a walk in cooler or freezer at WalkInRefrigeration.com.

Buy used commercial coolers

By purchasing used walk in freezers at deeply discounted prices, you can cut down on your start-up costs of your new business.

I recommend: Barr Inc. Refrigeration Super Store offers a large selection of used walk in coolers and freezers to fit your budget. Find sources for new and used walk in freezers at Business.com.

Walk in cooler materials

Walk in coolers and freezers have traditionally been made of a stainless steel shell. But today’s materials include fiberglass-reinforced plastic that prevents sweating and denting, stucco embossed aluminum and stucco embossed galvanized steel.

I recommend: Kolpak makes walk in coolers and freezers with fiberglass reinforced plastic shells. National Cooler manufactures walk in coolers and freezers in numerous finishes.

Take your walk in freezer or cooler mobile

If your business often provides on-site catering, you may want to invest in a mobile walk in cooler. Mobile coolers are simply coolers that have a trailer tongue that enables you to pull them from location to location. Businesses that transport and deliver perishables, such as florists or seafood companies also rely on mobile coolers. And standalone restaurants can also benefit from mobile coolers during power outages.

I recommend: Go Mobile Coolers provide dual power sources from either a generator or shoreline connection. C & D Equipment makes custom built mobile walk in coolers and freezers.

Walk in cooler/freezer combos

Restaurants and supermarkets often need both walk in coolers and walk in freezers to keep products at two different temperatures. If you don’t have the space or budget for two different walk ins, think about purchasing a combo unit.

I recommend: Supermarket Services supplies several different sizes of walk in cooler and freezer combos.

Floral walk in coolers

Restaurants don’t have the market cornered on the need for commercial coolers. Florists need to have walk in coolers to keep flowers cool before they make their way into arrangements.

I recommend: Check out several types of walk in coolers including basic models and display models with glass on the front for display at WalkInCooler.com or at WalkInRefrigeration.com.

Outdoor walk in coolers

If you don’t have space for a large walk in cooler or freezer, another option is to purchase one that is made specifically for the outdoors.

I recommend: Polar King specializes in building outdoor walk in coolers and freezers that stand up to the elements. Central Restaurant Products makes small six by six foot outdoor walk in coolers that can be shipped in as little as 24 hours.

Rent or lease a walk in freezer or cooler

If you don’t need a permanent walk in cooler or freezer, or if it isn’t in your start-up budget to invest in one, think about renting for short-term needs or leasing for long-term usage.

I recommend: Polar King offers both short and long term rentals of mobile and standalone units. Ckitchen.com offers lease to purchase options for a variety of walk in coolers and freezers.