
Master-Bilt Refrigeration News & Product Information
Increase Walk-In Efficiency With Options
(updated 6-12-23)
Many options are available for increasing the service and performance of your walk-in cooler or freezer. Some of these are well-known, but others you may have yet to consider. Look at the list below and see what you can add for increased efficiency.
Ramps
Interior and exterior ramps make entering and exiting a walk-in much easier, especially if you’re moving items with a two-wheeler or jack. Ramps also feature non-skid strips to help prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
Screeds
Screeds are U-shaped channels, typically vinyl, to secure a floorless walk-in to a building floor. They help with the installation process because they are placed first and used as a guide for wall placement. The U-channel screed also has a radius on the bottom to keep contaminants out of crevices. The radius eliminates the need for cove molding and saves installation time.
Vinyl Curtains
In high-traffic areas, vinyl curtains make it easy for employees to move in and out of the walk-in without constantly opening and closing the door. Available as hanging strips or swinging clear panels, curtains hold cold air inside the walk-in while the doors are briefly open.
View Windows
View windows provide a clear view of inside contents and inventory for kitchen staff while increasing security and decreasing the possibility of theft, sabotage and employee non-production and unauthorized activities.
Alarm And Light Management Systems
Electronic controllers that combine alarm and light management into one interface are very convenient. One system replaces multiple components such as mechanical thermometers, separate alarms and light switches. These controllers save energy with door-open warnings. In addition, the light management system automatically turns lights off when the door is closed. Lights may also be controlled by an automatic timer or through occupancy sensors.
Electronic Controller Systems
Electronic systems that control the removal of frost build-up through reverse cycle defrost, provide on-demand defrost and offer internet monitoring of all setpoints and diagnostics are more than just a convenience. They reduce installation labor and material costs while increasing energy efficiency. In some cases, the savings on wiring installation alone covers the cost of the controller.
Outdoor Roofs
Outdoor walk-ins and warehouses typically require roofs, and several types are available. The vinyl membrane roof is the primary type and comes in a roll cut to fit your roof. Membrane roofs are available for a maximum of 2400 actual square feet of roof surface area. Adding a slope to these roofs also helps with rain run-off.
Prefab aluminum roofs offer more durable protection with sectional panels that attach to the top of the walk-in by screws. Aluminum roof packages typically include all screws, joiners, clips and roofing paper for installing roof sections.
At times, larger structures will require a galvalume roof. These roofs, available from 25 ft. up to 100 ft. widths by length desired, are sectional and constructed of galvanized steel. They also come with all necessary hardware for assembly, including fasteners, graduate spacer purlins (to provide roof slope), galvalume decking, end closures, ridge caps and ridge vents.
Kickplates
Kickplates are especially helpful for protecting doors and door frames in hectic foodservice environments. They shield the door from dents and scratches from carts, two-wheelers and jacks entering and exiting a walk-in.
Relief Ports
Product loading, door openings and refrigeration system defrost cycles can lead to temperature changes in the walk-in. These temperature changes cause changes in atmospheric pressure, sometimes making it difficult to open a door. Heated relief ports keep the pressure equalized inside and outside a walk-in, making it easier to open and close the entry door. Most freezers will already have a port as a standard part of the door frame. However, they can be added to cooler doors if desired. Ports come in several models depending on the walk-in and refrigeration system size.
Shelving
An excellent way to make the most of your walk-in is to use shelving to provide additional stacking space. The welded wire stainless steel variety is one of the most durable shelf types. Plastic shelving is also available, as are solid shelves. No matter the type, shelving is designed to assemble quickly, usually without special tools. Shelving comes in multiple tiers, at least two, and optional casters provide mobility. Remember to ensure that whatever shelving package you use meets NSF and local sanitation codes.
Heavy-Duty Or Structural Floor
Many factors affect walk-in cooler and freezer flooring choices. A heavy-duty floor is a good idea if there’s frequent wheeled traffic going in and out of your walk-in. These floors contain a layer of foamed-in-place plywood to distribute the weight of light-wheeled traffic across a floor. There’s the structural floor option for heavier traffic, such as carts or pallet jacks. These floors are like the standard insulated panels but with foamed-in-place structural pillars and plywood underlayment. For added strength, the surface is a 1/8-inch thick diamond tread finish.

Heavy-duty floors offer additional support for hand carts and heavier product storage.

Structural floors support up to 5000 lbs. stationary load which is ideal for heavy carts and hand pallet jacks but not electric pallet jacks or forklifts.
Wall Protectors
Vinyl or stainless steel wall protectors, sometimes called “rub-rails,” are attached to the sides of a walk-in with screws to prevent exterior walls from being dented or scratched.
Locking Bars
A locking bar provides additional security beyond the average locking handle on a walk-in. The bars prevent unauthorized opening even if someone removes the door hinges and latches. In addition, there’s an inside safety release to prevent entrapment.