Walk-In Freezers: Do I Need One?

As your business grows, you may find yourself in need of additional refrigerated storage space. In cases like this, walk-in freezers may be exactly what you need.

But how to know if a walk-in freezer is worth the investment?

Walk-in freezers, as a rule, are a big commitment. You're sacrificing a big chunk of floor space and guaranteeing heightened electric bills for the life of the unit. Clearly, you want to know if you're making a good investment before going through with the deal. So ask yourself a few questions before making the final decision:

Do I have enough storage space to justify a walk-in freezer? Make sure your facility has enough floor space, and high enough ceilings, to properly fit a walk-in cooler. Most walk-in freezers are about eight feet high, but you'll need additional space above that slide the ceiling panels into place. You'll also need a couple of inches on each side of the unit to prevent condensation, which can lead to mold.

How much storage space do I need? A cubic foot of space in a walk-in refrigerator can hold about 30 pounds of food.

Can I afford a walk-in freezer? Walk-in freezers aren't hard to afford, but they will raise your electric bills somewhat. To get an idea of how much your bills will increase, multiply the amperage of the unit by its voltage, then multiply that number by the number of hours it will run in a day. Then multiply that number by the kilowatt cost of electricity in your region, divided by a thousand. If the number is too high, don't despair -- there are plenty of fuel efficient walk-in freezers available. Keep looking until you find one that suits your needs.

Will local building codes allow me to install a walk-in freezer? Before making the final decision, check with your local municipal offices to see what kind of construction or zoning permits you might need to install a new walk-in refrigerator.

Can you find a reliable distributor? The answer here is "yes." Perfectemp specializes in value and customer service, with more than 40 field technicians and an extensive catalogue of new and reconditioned refrigeration equipment. Get a quote today.