5 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Walk-In Refrigerator

How old is your Walk-in Refrigerator? Probably very old, assuming that your restaurant has been around for a long time. Walk-ins are costly and difficult to replace, thus most business owners try to wait as long as possible before buying a new one installed. When your food in your walk-In is not staying frozen anymore, or when the ice buildup in your walk-in doors that it won’t open, it is probably time to consider a replacement. However, just like any major purchase, there are many things to consider when replacing your Walk-In Refrigerator. You want to make sure you get your money’s worth, so here’s a few things to consider when selecting the right Walk-In for your needs.

1. What will be stored inside? Depending on the food’s density and temperature, determines how long it may take to freeze it properly. A Walk-in Freezer that will be stored with slabs of meat, likely needs a larger refrigeration than a walk-in used to store salads.

2. What about the door? Walk-In doors receive the most of the abuse of everyday use. If doors are frequently used, you may need a heavy-duty door to endure the daily traffic of your business. Self-closing hinges and strip curtains are also required so that the door isn’t accidentally left open and to keep cold in and hot air out. If it’s required to see inside the walk-in, you’ll need a view window. Kick plates on the door and inside the walk-in are also helpful to prevent damage. Remember not to prop the door open for long periods and make sure that the door is always closed.

3. What about the floor? Consider the weight and traffic in your walk-in to determine what type of flooring you will need. If you’ll be using carts, heavy-loaded with products, or installing heavy-duty shelves. You may need a reinforced floor or a structural floor. Make sure you select a floor that can handle the daily loads of your business. If your walk-in will have floor panels, consider an interior or exterior floor ramp for easier access. Liquids and solids can spill on the floor and can cause deterioration of your restaurant equipment. Sweep the surrounding floors and keep it free of debris.

4. Plan ahead. Will space requirements be increasing soon if the operation expected to expand? Will it be necessary to move the walk-in eventually? Are there major changes in the Menu? Consider your future plans and how they might affect your storage and refrigeration needs.

5. Get the whole package. Can the manufacturer supply both the walk-In box and refrigeration system? Getting both from the same manufacturer can save a lot of time and trouble. It is usually simpler and more efficient in the long run, to buy a walk-in box and refrigeration system that are specially designed and built to work with each other. If necessary, look for a manufacturer that can offer design help, remember that on larger projects, you may need help with walk-in and system design.

It is quite common to overlook problems which might be happening in the walk-in refrigerator. After all, it’s most likely not the first thing that comes to your mind at the beginning of the day, but it’s something you use quite often, every single day. Replacing your Walk-In Refrigeration is a lot better than the alternative of worrying about when it’s going to fail.

Refrigeration is one of the most important areas of any restaurant or commercial kitchen. Fun Food Thailand Ltd. provides all the necessary equipment that you need. We carry a large selection of Bar Refrigeration, Commercial Ice Machines, Commercial Freezers, Glass Door Refrigerators, Solid Door Refrigerators, Show & Display Cases, Refrigerator Work Tables, Wine Coolers and Walk-Ins. Need help finding an item? Call our expert team at +66 (0)98 398 9770 or email us at sales@funfoodthailand.com.