(updated 3-11-24)

Serving healthy meals that kids will eat while staying within nutrition and budget guidelines poses enormous challenges for school foodservice personnel. Having the right equipment in the kitchen can make a big difference in meeting these challenges. In this article, we’ll look at different pieces of refrigeration equipment and how they help solve big issues like food safety and energy savings.

Walk-In Coolers & Freezers

 

If your workflow and volume require buying food in bulk, you’ll need adequate storage space. That’s where a walk-in comes in. Coolers, freezers or combination models can be configured however you need to fit your application. A popular option with many schools are factory pre-assembled models. They are an easy addition to a school kitchen and, since they are also portable, so they can be relocated to a different school if needed.

There’s a nearly unlimited number of options you can use to make a walk-in more efficient and convenient. Here are just a few ideas:

  • Electronic controllers for refrigeration systems can help you save on your electrical bill while allowing you to monitor your system and adjust settings remotely.
  • Light management/door alarm systems will automatically turn off lights inside when no one’s inside and will warn you when doors are left open – two of the biggest energy wasters in walk-ins.
  • To make the most use of your walk-in space, use shelving to provide additional stacking space. Welded wire, plastic and solid shelving is available.
  • If you have a high volume operation with a lot of deliveries via carts or pallet jacks, you’ll need a structural floor. These floors also provide maximum weight support for items stored on shelves.
  • Floor ramps are also a necessity if you’re rolling carts into and out of a walk-in.
  • Doors probably take the most abuse of any part of a walk-in, so make sure you have a heavy-duty one that will hold up to constant use.
  • Kickplates are a good idea to help protect doors and walls against damage.
  • A view window on the door lets you quickly see what’s inside without having to open the door and let in warmer air.
  • If your door stays open a lot, strip curtains will help hold in the cold air while allowing easy in and out access.

More on walk-in options…

Multi-Compressor Refrigeration Systems

Multi-compressor refrigeration systems allow you to combine the individual refrigeration systems of your equipment into one remotely located system. By remotely locating systems, including those in reach-ins, walk-ins and ice machines, you can remove heat produced by multiple refrigeration systems from the kitchen and reduce air conditioning load which will, in turn, lower your electric bill. These outside systems, typically roof-mounted, also reduce noise level and extend the life of equipment.

See our guide to picking the right rack system…