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Walk in Cooler Buyer's Guide

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Jesse

Dec. 02, 2024
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Walk in Cooler Buyer's Guide

So you're in the market for a walk in cooler...

Candor contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.

First and foremost, thanks for being here.

We know you have options when it comes to buying a walk in cooler, so we're honored for the opportunity to help you in your journey. 

We're committed to helping you make the best decision when it comes to buying a walk in cooler...even if it means sending you to our competition.

Download For Later: The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Walk in Cooler in [Free PDF]

We'd love your business, of course. But first, we'd love to earn your trust.

"How to Buy a Walk in Cooler" covers all major aspects of buying a walk in cooler, from learning how they're made to helping you find a reputable refrigeration contractor to providing you a list of the top walk in cooler manufacturers in the U.S.

The world of walk in coolers is a mystery to most people outside the foodservice equipment and commercial refrigeration industries.

Our goal is to demystify this world so you can easily understand the basics. Even a small amount of walk in cooler knowledge can help you make better decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

How to Use This Guide

This guide is for:

1. Small business owners operating a restaurant, convenience store, bakery, brewery, ice creamery, flower shop, or any other business in need of keeping perishable goods fresh and profitable.

2. Foodservice equipment dealers, refrigeration wholesalers, mechanical contractors, general contractors, architects, engineers, or any others in the business of providing cold storage solutions for the businesses described above.

We recommend reading this guide front to back. However, feel free to skip around and start with the topic that interests you the most. Use the table of contents below to navigate through the many different topics.

Start with the final chapter - Top 12 Walk in Cooler Manufacturers - if you are further along the journey and prepared to start requesting quotes. Or start with the topic that interests you the most. 

Just keep in mind some of the topics discussed here are interdependent and best understood when read together in the order presented.

Have questions? Get in touch with us here. We're happy to help.

Without further adieu...

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: How are Walk in Coolers Made?

Chapter 2: Is an Outdoor Walk in Cooler Right For You?

Chapter 3: Walk in Cooler Options and Accessories

Chapter 4: How Much Does a Walk in Cooler Cost?

Chapter 5: 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Used Walk in Cooler

Chapter 6: How to Build a DIY Walk in Cooler

Chapter 7: How to Find a Reputable Refrigeration Contractor

Chapter 8: How to Store Food in Your Walk in Cooler

Chapter 9: Top 12 Walk in Cooler Manufacturers


CHAPTER 1 - HOW ARE WALK IN COOLERS MADE?

Walk in coolers play a critical role in keeping perishable goods - foods, beverages, flowers, plants, pharmaceuticals, etc. - fresh and profitable.

But what exactly is a walk in cooler?

What are walk in coolers made of?

How are they made?

Knowing what a walk in cooler is and how one is made will help you make educated, cost-effective decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

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CHAPTER 2 - IS AN OUTDOOR WALK IN COOLER RIGHT FOR YOU?

Which type of cooler is right for you? Indoor or outdoor?

Deciding whether an indoor or outdoor walk in cooler is right for you is a personal decision. What works for you might not work for another business and vice versa.

Both offer pros and cons. The right one for you depends on these four factors. 

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CHAPTER 3 - WALK IN COOLER OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES

You don't have to be an expert on walk in coolers or commercial refrigeration to successfully operate your business.

But having a basic understanding of what options and accessories are available will help you make better decisions when it comes to your cold storage needs.

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CHAPTER 4 - HOW MUCH DOES A WALK IN COOLER COST?

This chapter covers the costs associated with most common walk in cooler packages.

Find out why buying a walk in cooler is much like buying a single-family home in a tract community and how you can save a few extra bucks upfront.

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CHAPTER 5 - BUYING A USED WALK IN COOLER

Now that you have a better idea how much a walk in cooler costs, you may be thinking, "Hmmm...maybe a used walk in cooler is the way to go".

Be careful. Buying a used walk in cooler can lead to larger expenses and headaches down the road.

Think a used walk in cooler might still be worth it? Consider these three things before searching for one online.

Keep Reading

Want more information on BEVERAGE COOLER wholesaler? Feel free to contact us.

 

CHAPTER 6 - HOW TO BUILD A DIY WALK IN COOLER

Assembling your own walk in cooler is one way to save money when shopping for a new cold storage box.

The video and step-by-step instructions in this chapter will show you how to build a walk in cooler in no time.

The process is broken down into four parts. Get full access here.

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CHAPTER 7 - HOW TO FIND A REPUTABLE REFRIGERATION CONTRACTOR

Price is the key reason why some people end up with the wrong refrigeration contractor. Cheaper is almost always never better, yet many double down on best price despite the precedents.

Instead of choosing a contractor based on best price, use the 3-step screening process in this chapter to find a reputable refrigeration contractor who can help solve problems, not create additional ones.

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CHAPTER 8 - HOW TO STORE FOOD IN A WALK IN COOLER

You may think that just throwing everything in the walk in cooler is an acceptable way to store perishables inside your cooler. As long as it's inside the cooler, it's all good, right?

Not quite. There's an art and science to handling and storing food in a walk in cooler.

Follow the 3 steps outlined in this chapter to help minimize waste, avoid foodborne outbreaks, and keep perishable items fresh and profitable at all times.

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CHAPTER 9 - TOP 12 WALK IN COOLER MANUFACTURERS

While we're confident our custom and standard walk in coolers are among the best in the industry, we compiled a list of the top walk in cooler manufacturers in the U.S. to provide a better understanding of the industry and help focus your search.

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Undercounter Buying Guide

Undercounter refrigeration is not merely a box to keep things cold nor is it a commodity item decided on a simple matter of price. Today&#;s options provide varying degrees of cooling performance, storage configurations, styles and finishes. And, undercounter options have expanded to beverage centers, wine cellars, freezers, ice machines and beer dispensers to offer even more diverse preservation capabilities for your home. To make sure you&#;re getting the right mix of quality, function and value in your next undercounter purchase, start with this buyers guide for an educated shopping experience.

1. TEMPERATURE STABILITY

The type of cooling environment can impact shelf life of perishables

We all know the measure of a good refrigerator is how well it cools, but are you aware that several undercounter brands&#; cabinet temperature can fluctuate by as much as 10 to 15 degrees?

There is a distinct difference in cooling technologies across the industry. Low-grade static cold plate cooling creates disparities in air distribution, creating an uneven temperature stratification effect. In other words, the top compartment might be 15 degrees warmer than the bottom and other areas might cause items to frost. Dynamic forced air actively recirculates cold air throughout the cabinet from top to bottom and is an upgrade worth investing in, especially if you plan to store wine and delicate foods.

Additionally, some models are designed with extended off-cycles before cycling back on to cool again. This is essentially an engineering workaround for poor thermal cabinet design as an effort to improve energy efficiency, but ultimately it translates to erratic temperature swings.

Minimizing temperature variance is critical to the shelf life of the contents you&#;re storing. A stable preservation environment contributes to improved food quality (including flavor and nutrition), longer-lasting freshness and ultimately less food waste.

BUYER TIP: Choose an undercounter refrigerator with forced air circulation, like Dynamic Cooling Technology from Marvel. Marvel also features a proprietary internal design that optimizes internal cooling circulation throughout the cabinet, providing even temperature stability from top to bottom.

 

2. COOLDOWN TIME

How long will it take to chill room-temperature items?

Surprisingly, few homeowners consider this aspect when shopping for an undercounter refrigerator and it&#;s an attribute that can impact your lifestyle. Rapid cooldown is a necessary convenience for today&#;s fast-paced lifestyles, and particularly important when stocking your undercounter refrigerator full of room-temperature cases of beverages for a party later that night. Nothing takes the refreshing zest out of a carbonated beverage like serving it lukewarm.

Additionally, rapid temperature pull-down prevents bacteria growth in your perishables for safer food consumption.

The better the cold air circulation (i.e. forced air cooling), the faster contents will be cooled to your desired set temperature.

BUYER TIP: Select a model with a proven cooldown rate. Marvel engineered its cooling system with multiple temperature sensors and precise, accurate temperature controls to ensure rapid cooldown. If you load a Marvel unit with room-temperature items, the sensors will notice the internal temperature rising and promptly cue the Dynamic Cooling System to activate and bring the temperature back to the control setting, effectively chilling contents quickly. 

 

3. ENERGY-SAVING FEATURES, EFFICIENCY AND OPERATING COST

Protect your utility bills

Energy consumption remains a hot-button topic, as consumers seek ways to reduce annual household expenses and their overall carbon footprint, without taking shortcuts on features and performance.

Fortunately for homeowners, the Department of Energy enforced more stringent energy regulations on the appliance industry in and then again with the R600a mandate in . Michigan-based manufacturer Marvel Refrigeration welcomed the changing regulations as an opportunity to retool its entire undercounter line, and now offers the largest collection of ENERGY STAR® rated undercounter appliances. In fact, many of its models exceed the EPA ENERGY STAR® requirements &#; in some cases by 30%!

And, there are features that prevent energy loss, too, like Close Door Assist to automatically bring the door to a gentle close and alarms to alert you of energy-compromising issues.

Another measure of thermal efficiency is the model&#;s cabinet and door insulation, as it&#;s the most effective protection from external heat transfer and cold air loss. Marvel discovered a way to design its models with well-placed dense insulation that does not compromise internal storage volume.

BUYER TIP: Be sure to read the product&#;s Energy Guide for projected annual energy costs, and look for the ENERGY STAR® mark. Marvel's exclusive design implementations enhance air flow for greater cooling efficiency.

 

4. CAPACITY AND STORAGE FLEXIBILITY

Will it adapt to your changing storage needs?

Review storage options and interior capacity of models at the footprint size you need. Ask yourself, will this model suit my storage needs now and in the future? Can it fit extra-large platters and pizza boxes? Can it accommodate tall items? Does it offer optional wine storage? Is there a clear rollout bin to store loose items or produce?

Pick a model able to store the items you use most often. For example, Marvel offers models with 3-in-1 convertible shelving that allows you to store any configuration of food, beverages and even wine bottles.

BUYER TIP: Insist on versatile storage solutions like cantilevered shelving and convertible shelving that can adapt to fit your lifestyle as it changes. Marvel is known for extremely versatile storage features that are both clever and highly practical.

 

5. FIT AND FINISH

Measuring quality in the details

Manufacturers offer undercounter models in a variety of aesthetics, including solid and glass-framed doors in stainless steel, black, custom panel-ready and other finishes. If you prefer a truly built-in look, you&#;ll want a panel-ready model with a soft-close integrated hinge to seamlessly blend with your cabinetry.

BUYER TIP: Explore finish options with timeless appeal, and consider the fully integrated look of overlay panels. Marvel recently expanded its line-up to offer even more finish options than before.

The company is the world’s best BEVERAGE COOLER wholesalers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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