Introduction: Walkin Refrigerators
By Staff -- Foodservice Equipment & Supplies, 6/1/2007
This month, “When to Replace®” discusses walk-in refrigerators and freezers, equipment that operators can locate either inside or outside of a facility.
According to Foodservice Equipment & Supplies’ “2006 Product Knowledge Guide,” walk-in refrigerators and freezers can be pre-engineered in standard or customized sizes or built into kitchens.
Operators can convert just about any pre-existing storage space into a walk-in cooler with the addition of foamed-in insulation and proper refrigeration components. The average temperature of a cooling unit tends to be between 34ºF. and 38ºF., while a freezer’s temperature should maintain –10ºF.
Design features, as well as size, determine what items will be stored. Step-in units are a bit larger than reach-ins, while large warehouse walk-ins can accommodate forklifts and trucks. Sizes range from 4-by-6 feet up to 20-by-40 feet. Heights are typically between 7 and 8 feet. In figuring capacity, 1-cu.-ft. of open storage area will accommodate about 28 lbs. of solid food.
The walk-in door and door jamb are probably the most important elements, since these doors get constant use and receive maximum stress. Rigid, reinforced doorframes and heavy-duty hinges provide additional durability and a longer service life.
Doors come in a wide range of configurations and generally range in size from 26” to 60”. Sliding, bi-parting and single doors are available in electric and manual versions.
The most common type of insulation is foamed-in-place, but some units use slab urethane. Panel insulation is rated with an “R-value.” Most walk-ins have ratings around R-30, which indicates there is 4” of insulation. The thicker the panel, the higher its efficiency rating will be.
Panels are typically 1’, 2’ and 4’ in width, with heights of 7 ½’, 8 ½’ or 9 ½’.
These units generally feature floors made from aluminum, stainless steel or diamond tread. They can be reinforced with steel to accommodate heavy equipment or pallet traffic. Interior and exterior construction is typically aluminum or stainless steel. Walk-in coolers use a ½-hp compressor, while freezers have a 1-hp compressor. Voltage ranges from 115 for small units up to 230 for larger walk-ins. Most walk-ins have air-cooled compressors, which are less expensive than their water-cooled counterparts, but not as durable.