COOL IT - November 2023

Master-Bilt® Refrigeration News & Product Information
Walk-In Cooler And Freezer FAQs
When considering a walk-in cooler or freezer for your business, it's crucial to address several essential questions to ensure you make an informed decision that meets your needs. In this article, we've gathered some of the most popular walk-in cooler and freezer FAQs to provide insight and clarity for business owners, refrigeration techs, and other professionals.
What Are The Average Energy Costs Of Walk-In Coolers And Freezers?
Energy costs are at the top of the list of walk-in cooler and freezer FAQs for any business owner. It’s tough to nail down exact costs due to the many variables involved, but the charts below provide an idea based on several standard sizes. Costs are based on a national average of $0.1304 per kw/h.
Walk-In Coolers
Walk-In Size (ft) With 8'7" Height | Energy Consumed(kWh) | Energy Consumed @13.04 cents/kwh monthly |
---|---|---|
6 x 6 | 1.08 | $68.71 |
6 x 8 | 1.28 | $81.15 |
8 x 8 | 1.51 | $95.82 |
10 x 8 | 1.70 | $108.17 |
10 x 10 | 1.96 | $124.10 |
Walk-In Freezers
Walk-In Size (ft) With 8'7" Height | Energy Consumed(kWh) | Energy Consumed @13.04 cents/kwh monthly |
---|---|---|
6 x 6 | 1.17 | $83.78 |
6 x 8 | 1.36 | $97.24 |
8 x 8 | 1.60 | $114.10 |
10 x 8 | 1.81 | $129.21 |
10 x 10 | 2.04 | $145.97 |
As noted, these estimates will vary with your application and are based on these general assumptions:
- Walk-in coolers and freezers using four-inch-thick polyurethane insulated panels
- Walk-in coolers based on 35°F temp, floorless, 90°F ambient, 16-hour runtime, 8'7" height with one 36" X 72" door, heavy usage
- Walk-in freezers based on -10°F temp with floor, 90°F ambient, 18-hour runtime, 8'7" height with one 36" X 72" door, heavy usage
- Energy calculations based on an average business electricity rate of 13.04 cents/kWh (https://www.saveonenergy.com/business-energy/)
- Refrigeration system sized to handle the BTU/hr load of the walk-in selected (assumes use of refrigeration system sizes offered by Refrigerated Solutions Group)
How Big Should My Walk-In Cooler Be?
The next item in our list of walk-in cooler and freezer FAQs concerns sizing. We’ve seen that many factors determine operating costs, and it’s the same with walk-in dimensions.
Product Storage Considerations
When determining how big of a walk-in you need, figure out what type of products you will store and their size. As a beginning point, use the industry standard that one cubic ft. can accommodate around 28 lbs. of food. The trick is to consider not only your current needs but what capacity your future business volume will require.
Insufficient space hinders expansion, while excess space can inflate operating costs. Thankfully, a wide range of sizes is available, ranging from 4 ft. x 6 ft. to massive refrigerated warehouses.

When planning storage, remember the industry standard that one cubic ft. can accommodate around 28 lbs. of food.
Add An Outdoor Walk-In
If space constraints arise due to the volume of food you intend to store, consider an outdoor walk-in. However, remember that outdoor models require additional features such as a vinyl roof, a rain hood for the door, and a low ambient kit for the refrigeration system in cold winter areas. Depending on your needs, factory-assembled walk-ins can be a convenient solution, as they arrive ready for installation at your location.
Internal Organization
The interior organization also plays a part in the overall size of your walk-in. Shelving kits will help maximize your space and keep overall dimensions in check. Consider the quantity and dimensions of required shelving, placing them strategically around the perimeter. Maintain aisle spaces of approximately 40 inches if you use carts for product loading.

Shelving kits, placed strategically around the perimeter, maximize space and keep overall walk-in dimensions in check.
Remember The Refrigeration System
Don’t overlook the refrigeration system. Its size and placement significantly impact the overall walk-in size. Refrigeration systems come in two types: packaged (with a condensing unit and evaporator coil in one unit) or remote (with the condensing unit located outside the walk-in). Ensure adequate space for proper airflow around the refrigeration system and easy service access.
With a ceiling-mounted packaged refrigeration system, allow two feet from the top of the refrigeration system housing to the building ceiling for easier maintenance and service access. For remotely-located systems, allow a minimum space of two inches between the ceiling of the walk-in and the building ceiling to permit installation of the walk-in ceiling.

With a ceiling-mounted refrigeration system, allow two feet from the top of the refrigeration system housing to the building ceiling.

For remote systems, allow a minimum space of two inches between the ceiling of the walk-in and the building ceiling.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Walk-In Cooler?
"How long will my walk-in last?" is another logical walk-in cooler and freezer FAQ. A walk-in’s average lifespan is 15 years, but it can last much longer with proper maintenance and care.
Maintenance Is The Key
The key to a long life is regular check-ups by a qualified service technician. Additionally, simple cleaning and inspection practices that don’t require technical skill extend a walk-in’s service life. For example, cleaning the coils in your refrigeration systems improves airflow and prevents premature system failure.
Refurbishment Options
You can also extend the life of your walk-in by refurbishing it with new doors, floors or refrigeration systems. If you’re contemplating replacing vs. repairing, remember if the walk-in still holds temperature and the damage is confined to one or two components (door, floor or refrigeration system), refurbishment is a more practical solution.
What Is The Best Temperature For A Walk-In Cooler?
Finding the right temperature is crucial for preserving your food and ensuring its safety in your walk-in cooler or freezer.
Ideal Temperatures
The ideal temperature for your walk-in cooler depends on what you're storing. As a general rule of thumb:
- Walk-in coolers should maintain a temperature of around 35°F.
- Freezers should be set at approximately -10°F.
These temperatures are recommended for optimal food preservation and safety.
Prioritizing Food Safety
Food safety is a paramount concern in the food industry. Federal guidelines stipulate you should store food items below 40°F to prevent the formation of harmful bacteria. Maintaining the correct temperature is essential to ensure your food remains safe for consumption.
Avoid Rapid Temperature Changes
It's important to note that walk-in coolers are not designed to cool down items rapidly. Placing warm foods directly from the oven into your cooler can raise the interior temperature, potentially leading to food spoilage. To prevent this, allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before storing them in the cooler or freezer.
Conversely, it's best not to let your cooler get too cold, especially if you're storing fruits and vegetables. These items can be easily damaged when exposed to extremely low temperatures.
Know Your Storage Limits
Different foods have varying time limits for safe chilling or freezing. Federal guidelines offer valuable information on acceptable storage limits. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure the secure storage of different food items.
Proper Refrigeration Sizing
Ensuring an adequately sized refrigeration system is crucial to maintaining the required storage temperature in your cooler or freezer. Consult with a professional to determine the right size for your specific needs.
Conserving Cold Air
To optimize efficiency, minimize the frequency of door openings and closings. Excessive access increases internal temperatures and can lead to the icing over of evaporator coils, putting additional strain on the refrigeration system and potentially reducing its lifespan.
If your doors must be open for an extended time, consider a vinyl curtain option. Available as hanging strips or swinging clear panels, curtains hold cold air inside the walk-in while the doors are briefly open.

To optimize walk-in efficiency, minimize the frequency of door openings and closings.
Temperature Monitoring Options
As an added precaution against food spoilage, many manufacturers offer standard thermometers and temperature monitoring options. These tools help you stay informed about any temperature fluctuations and allow you to make system adjustments remotely.
For Additional Questions
Adding a walk-in cooler or freezer to your business requires some introspection. Energy costs, size, life expectancy and optimal temperature are just a few of the questions you should ask before committing to such a significant purchase. Seeking guidance from a foodservice equipment dealer or manufacturer for your application is always a good idea.
For assistance with your next walk-in project, please call us at 800-647-1284 or click one of the links below.