Consider This: What to Weigh When Purchasing Walk-In Refrigerators & Freezers

The service life of a walk-in typically runs between five and 10 years, although some heavy-duty units have been in operation 20 years or more. Operators should weigh a variety of considerations before purchasing a new unit:

By Staff -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 6/1/2007

The service life of a walk-in typically runs between five and 10 years, although some heavy-duty units have been in operation 20 years or more. Operators should weigh a variety of considerations before purchasing a new unit:

• Assess available building space. Due to the high cost of square footage, some operations have located walk-ins outdoors to save space.
• Determine the unit’s vertical height and confirm that the building can accommodate something of this size. Typically, operators should allow a minimum of 2” between the walk-in ceiling and the building ceiling to accommodate the unit.
• Assessing the type and condition of the floor and ceiling will ensure proper load bearing and ventilation.
• Consider storage space requirements based on inventory and product delivery schedules. This will help determine the size needed and shelving configuration.
• A functional design remains critical. Determine the number of lights, doors and door width required.
• Look at ventilation space for indoor walk-ins. Typical units require a minimum of 1” clearance on all sides. This allows for deviations in building construction and provides air space for more efficient operation.
• According to Foodservice Equipment & Supplies’ “Product Knowledge Guide,” aluminum outer construction tends to be cheaper, but dents easily and is more difficult to clean.