The weather is getting warmer and that means it’s time for purchasing a commercial walk-in cooler or commercial walk-in freezer for your restaurant. If you are just starting a restaurant and you are confused about what type of commercial walk-in cooler or commercial walk-in freezer to buy, then perhaps I can be of some assistance.
One of the biggest questions new restaurant owners have is what size Walk-In cooler or freezer they need. Size is ultimately a matter of personal preference. Some can be as small as 5' x 5', like the PRS720606-PE Master-Bilt Commercial Walk-In Cooler. They can also be much larger like 7' x 9' like the P7-610-FT Kolpak Commercial Walk-In Freezer. A good way to determine what size you would ultimately need is to measure the overall capacity inside the walk-in. A rule of thumb says 1 cubic foot holds 28lbs of food. Once you figure out the size of the cooler or freezer that you need to store food, then you must calculate the amount of BTUs based on the area in which you need coverage. For this, you will probably need an engineer to help in this process.
The other question would be what type of commercial refrigeration unit do you need? There are a variety of commercial walk-in coolers and commercial walk-in freezers available.
Indoor remote walk-in units have a box inside with a refrigerant line running to a separate indoor condensing unit. They are usually equipped with a condensing unit, evaporating unit, and miscellaneous parts like an expansion valve. These units call for a licensed refrigeration installer, because they are pumped down and charged with refrigerant gas. The cost of the unit is fairly inexpensive, however, the installation might raise the overall price.
Outdoor remote walk-in units are a lot like the Indoor Remote Walk-In Units except for the fact that they have a box that is outside with a refrigerant line running to the condensing unit. The system comes with the same parts as the Indoor Remote Walk-In Units. All the parts also need installation by a professional.
Top-Mount Walk-In Units, like the PX7-054-CT Kolpak Commercial Walk-In Freezer, are basically an all inclusive package when it comes to Commercial Walk-In Units. They are pre-charged, self-contained refrigeration unit and ready to be set in the Top Mount Refrigeration hole on top of the walk-in refrigeration unit. This unit requires installation by a licensed technician. The evaporator hangs down inside the walk-in refrigeration unit that may take up possible shelf space.
Side-Mount Refrigeration Units, like the P7-812-FT Kolpak Walk-In Freezer, are the same as the Top-Mount Refrigeration Units. The only difference is they are installed on the side of the wall with bolts that go through the refrigeration plug and a wall panel and are attached with nuts on the inside of the walk-in. They also require a condensation drain hose to be installed nearby. Like the other units, these also need to be installed by a licensed refrigeration technician.
For further information on which type of commercial walk-in refrigeration unit to buy, call J.E.S. Restaurant Equipment at toll free (866)-200-6056 for all of your commercial walk-in refrigeration needs.
