Industry-Based Applications of Walk-In Freezers

Demand for energy-efficient and affordable cold storage solutions is increasing significantly. Walk-in freezers and walk-in chillers have become integral to operations that prioritize efficiency, food safety, and quality. Choosing the right walk-in freezers, in fact, can positively impact your business in the long term. In this article, we’ll delve into the intricacies of these cold storage solutions and help you understand their applications and significance. 

What Are Walk-In Freezers? 

Walk-in cold rooms also known as walk-in freezers and chillers are refrigerated enclosures or areas that are accessible through at least one door and are large enough to allow a person to walk into. Typically used for the storage and/or display of perishable items, these walk-in cold storage are constructed using insulated walls, ceilings, and floors and help maintain the longevity and freshness of the goods. 

They help maintain a consistent temperature range and, thus, are at the core of the temperature-controlled supply chain. Usually, walk-in coolers help maintain the temperature between 2℃ and 8℃ whereas walk-in-freezers between -18℃ to -20°C. 

Benefits of Walk-In Freezers 

Let us closely look at the benefits of walk-in cold rooms that make them ideal for various industries. 

Storage Space

Whether you’re in the restaurant business and catering or the retail sector, additional storage is invariably beneficial. Consider peak times like the festive season, where increased storage becomes essential to cater to increased customer needs. In such scenarios, having supplementary storage can be game-changing. Walk-in freezers and chillers enable businesses to accommodate a vast array of products. For limited spaces, strategically placing  them can further optimize the usable area. 

Accessibility

In sectors like catering and retail, ensuring seamless access to items and products is paramount. The ease of access to walk-in freezers and chillers ensures benefits such as increased storage, better productivity, and streamlined operations since staff can quickly retrieve products.

Stock Management

Contemplating cost-effective methods can be challenging, yet walk-in freezers simplify this by helping in cost reduction. Walk-in freezers can store vast quantities of items while prioritising stock rotation. This not only maintains product quality but also reduces wastage, contributing to better profit margins.

Consistent Temperature Maintenance

Walk-in freezers and chillers can be tailored to align with the specific needs of different industries. Whether you’re preserving dairy, meat, or seafood, temperatures can be adjusted accordingly. Such uniform temperature management guarantees the longevity of products and also help business adhere to health standards and safety norms. Moreover, in case of any sudden temperature spikes, alerts can be issued to the team.

Versatility

Walk-in freezers offer the advantage of storage temperatures of between -18°C and -20°C or even lower, ensuring products remain in the best possible condition. Especially, with a variety of temperature-sensitive products, storing them at appropriate temperatures becomes essential. 

Applications of Walk-In Freezers Across Various Industries

Walk-in freezers, with their capacity to maintain consistently low temperatures, find applications in a diverse range of industries. Let’s explore some of these industries and understand their vital role.

Food & Beverage Industry

• Restaurants, Commercial Kitchens and Hotels: Walk-in freezers are invaluable for large restaurants, hotels, and catering businesses that require bulk storage of frozen food items like meat, seafood, and desserts. They enable chefs and kitchen staff to manage inventory efficiently and ensure that they always have access to fresh ingredients.
• Supermarkets and Grocery Stores: Retail outlets need to stock and store a large variety of frozen goods. Walk-in freezers provide the necessary space and temperature control to preserve the quality of frozen foods, from ice creams to meals.
• Bakeries: Certain baked goods or ingredients, such as special doughs or creams, need to be stored at low temperatures to maintain their consistency and freshness.
• Breweries: Consistent and cold temperatures are crucial in specific stages of beer production. Breweries utilize walk-in freezers to store alcoholic beverages at optimal temperatures during fermentation or ageing processes.

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Medication Storage: Some medications and vaccines need to be stored at very low temperatures to maintain their efficacy. Hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies often use walk-in freezers for this purpose.
• Research and Development: Biomedical research often requires the storage of biological samples, tissues, or other specimens at low temperatures to prevent degradation. Walk-in freezers facilitate this need in research labs and institutions.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Commercial Walk-In Freezer

The following are some key features and factors to be mindful of when making a choice. 

Purpose of Use 

Determine if you’re storing food that needs freezing (< 0°F) or just cooling (between 35°F and 41°F). The type of storage solution varies based on its purpose, be it display coolers, floral storage, brew storage in bars, or large-scale cold storage. For instance, for large-scale kitchens, typically more walk-in freezers and chillers are needed with specific temperatures for produce, meats, dairy, etc.

Size and Capacity 

Remember that not all space inside a walk-in freezer is usable due to racks, aisles, airflow, and more. Estimate the shelf space needed, add a buffer for overflow, and then calculate the total volume required. However, consider that larger walk-in freezers entail higher operating costs. 

Location: Outdoor vs. Indoor

Outdoor walk-in freezers can be cost-effective, vent heat externally, and facilitate easier food deliveries. In contrast, indoor installations present space challenges and can burden HVAC systems, making them less ideal for certain climates.

Features & Add-Ons

• Leveling: The freezer floor should align with the installation site’s floor, facilitated by screeds.
• Insulation and panels: On-site constructed coolers should have an R-30 insulation rating. Rigid polyurethane foam (PUF) is typically used for inner insulation, while external panels vary in materials.
• Lighting: Proper lighting inside the walk-in freezer is crucial, with lights being durable and energy-efficient.
• Compressor: Compressor requirement may vary depending on the refrigeration system and temperature required.
• Door: Ensure the door is robust, safe, and includes features like interior safety release and strip curtains.
• Shelving: usually, epoxy-coated wire shelves are durable and resistant.
• Thermometers and Alarms: Maintain a consistent temperature and be alerted to variations or issues.
• Safety features: Include non-skid tapes and foot-operated door openers for convenience and safety.

User-Friendly Design 

The walk-in c shofreezers and chiller should be intuitive for staff, with easily readable displays and user-friendly door mechanisms.

Ventilation 

Ensuring adequate ventilation is crucial for the compressor’s efficiency. Ensure there’s sufficient space around the cooling unit.

Durability and Quality 

Opting for cheaper models might result in higher long-term costs. Investing in energy-efficient features, such as LED lighting, can offer long-term savings.

Choosing the Right Manufacturer 

It’s beneficial to research and contact various manufacturers, both local and international, to understand quality, pricing, and standards. Clarify warranty coverage for different components of the walk-in freezer. Assess if extended warranty plans are beneficial.

Maintenance 

The walk-in freezers or chiller should be easy to maintain, clean, and repair when necessary.

Rinac Walk-In Freezers and Chillers: The Preferred Choice of Businesses

Rinac offers precisely designed models for walk-in freezers and chillers to handle all your refrigeration needs. It provides versatile, energy-efficient and affordable solution for small restaurants, hotels, breweries, food shops and outlets, commercial kitchens, dairy and milk product sellers, retail stores and supermarkets.

Here are the key features and benefits that sets Rinac’s walk-in freezers and chillers apart.

• Suitable for high-ambient conditions
• Adhere to NSF/ANSI standards
• Typical gross internal volume 16.5/32/40 cubic meter
• Walk-in freezer: -18 to -20℃ and walk-in-chiller: 2 to 8℃
• Equipped with two completely independent refrigeration systems with one as the standby
• Each refrigeration system provided with separate condensing unit, evaporator unit, refrigeration unit, electronic controls, and pipework
• Constructed with prefabricated and modular RPUF complete with floor and ceiling panels, mounted on a flat, solid concrete base. 
• Three options offered:
• Wall-mounted with the condenser unit discharging inside the building that houses the cold room (monobloc system)
• Wall-mounted with weatherproof condenser units located externally as close as possible to the evaporator units (weatherproof split system)
• Wall-mounted with condenser units located in a separate ventilated enclosure mounted as close as possible to the evaporator units (split system).

Final Words 

Walk-in freezers have been designed to cater to specific storage needs, ensuring the freshness and longevity of perishable goods. Whether you’re in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, or any sector that requires temperature-regulated storage, understanding the nuances of these cold storage solutions can serve your business in the long-term. Consider your specific needs, conduct thorough research, and opt for trusted manufacturers to get the best value for your investment.

To know more about Rinac’s market-leading walk-in freezers and chillers, get in touch with us today!