Walk In chillers

Walk-In Freezers

Walk-in chillers and freezers are ideal for restaurants, cafeterias, and large commercial kitchens with ample storage space for keeping the ingredients and meat fresh. These freezers are designed to prevent the food items from getting spoiled at low temperatures that are rendered safe for them. 

With large space and shelves, restaurants and cafes can organize their supplies and easily access any food item that they need. There are two types of walk-in chillers currently available to buy: Pre-fabricated and Built-in walk-in fridges.

Types of Walk In Freezers

Built-In Walk-In Chiller

Built-in walk-in freezers are made using highly insulated walls with structural tiles that cover floors and walls. This type of walk-in can be designed or tailor-made according to an establishment's specific needs.

Since built-in walk-in chillers can fit into any space, they are touted to be essential kitchen equipment. Additionally, they are available in any size required. 

Prefabricated Walk-In Chiller

Unlike the former, prefabricated walk-in freezers are simple yet versatile devices with drop-in refrigeration and urethane panels. 

These commercial walk-in chillers come in different sizes and layouts, making them easy to install and quick to expand. Also, they're relatively mobile and easy to relocate.  

Components Of Walk-In Chillers 

To put it simply, commercial walk-in chillers are big insulated boxes with industrial cooling systems. 

Though every manufacturer incorporates distinct design features, this commercial kitchen equipment has roughly the same key components. This includes the floor, refrigeration system, and panels. 

Walk-In Chiller Panels

The panels of a walk-in chiller are what keeps it cold and operating efficiently. They are made using insulation foam wedged between thin sheets of metal, best known as 'skin.'

• The higher the panels, the better they are! Strong metal panels provide enhanced durability and corrosion-resistance
• Aluminum also provides strong corrosion resistance and is one of the more affordable options. On the other hand, stainless steel is one of the costliest panels. 
• Polyurethane and extruded polystyrene are two commonly used insulation materials. 

Walk-In Freezer Floors

Walk-in chillers can be bought with the floor and without it too. Ultimately, choosing between either depends on how it's intended to be used.

• Most walk-in chiller floors are made of smooth aluminum, making them good for overall usage. They are also straightforward to set up compared to customized floor options
• Consider a floorless walk-in freezer if it is expected to muster heavy-duty shelving units, transport carts, or frequent heavy loads. Also, install a concrete floor (ground-contact) to withstand such heavy loads
• If the walk-in chiller is placed in a warmer area or above the basement, it's important to have insulated flooring to keep the cold air in and warm air out. 

Walk-In Chiller Refrigeration Systems

Location of placement and energy requirement are two of the most vital aspects to consider when discussing a walk-in freezer's refrigeration capacity. The available room and layout will surely have a greater effect on an individual's choices. 

Generally speaking, walk-in chillers will need compressors around 1/2hp, whereas a walk-in freezer will need somewhere near 1hp. This is based on the layout and size of the setup. 

Apart from that, when buying a walk-in chiller, consider how it's monitored and controlled, specifically if it has a dial display or a digital display. Furthermore, consider how easily it provides access to controls. If a restaurant uses a HACCP (Hazard analysis and critical control points) plan, consider recording systems and temperature monitoring to make data-collection simple. 

Other Factors To Consider

Here are some other key factors to consider before purchasing a commercial freezer room:

Ventilation

Self-contained commercial fridges & freezers need adequate room for air to flow into the unit. Conversely, poor ventilation implies there's no space for warm air to exit the device. This results in more stress on the compressor as it draws in warmer air and works harder. 

Additionally, the room temperature (around the compressor) should be around 80° F. Also, make sure to provide a minimum of 7 to 11 inches of space near the sides, back, and front of the walk-in freezer. This circulates lots of fresh air into the compressor. 

If the internal temperature is excessively high and there's no route for air to ventilate, it's best to shift the compressor outside.     

Energy Consumption 

The installation cost of walk-in chillers increases if there's higher energy efficiency. However, if done correctly, it saves a lot of money on electricity bills in the long run and also minimizes pressure on the refrigeration system.

• Most walk-in chillers should be set up on well-insulated floors with thermal barrier coatings under every wall panel. It minimizes temperature transfer so that the chiller runs efficiently 
• Make sure the unit's panels are set up correctly and the freezer is leak-proof
• Design the shelving system better so that it allows air to circulate freely inside the box. Big obstructions can hinder the airflow and affect the chiller's efficiency 
• Also, use LED lighting. That's because they consume less power and last longer

If you need assistance to find the right walk-in chillers for your home or restaurant, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.