Should You Invest In An Outdoor or Indoor Walk-In Cooler
Restaurants and other businesses that require a lot of cooling space almost always turn to custom walk-in coolers to handle the issue. Many different varieties of these coolers are on the market, though, and a lot of decisions are to be made. The first is to determine which of the two major types of cooler is best for your needs.
These two types of cooler are indoor and outdoor models. Each offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and each fulfills a different need. Let’s take a look at outdoor walk-in coolers and indoor walk-in coolers and discover which might be best for your commercial cooling needs.
OUTDOOR WALK-IN COOLER CONSIDERATIONS
An outdoor cooler offers a range of benefits for those who have limited space inside the building. Since they don’t take up interior real estate, you don’t have to adjust the layout of your restaurant or lose seating. Delivery and Installation are also faster. It also makes storage of cold food deliveries easier and faster.
Warm air is another consideration. Coolers generate warm air in the process of cooling their interior. If the cooler is outside, you don’t have to worry about where that warm air is released, or deal with additional refrigeration lines in your business.
On the downside, you’ll also need to install a door between your business and the cooler, or go outside to access it. Extreme temperatures mean that it uses more energy, which can increase operating costs. Finally, you might also need to install extra security and protective components like a snow roof, exterior fencing, sun canopies and the like.
INDOOR COMMERCIAL REFRIGERATION CONSIDERATIONS
If you choose an indoor cooler, there are different benefits and drawbacks. Perhaps the biggest benefit of an indoor cooler is that it often costs a great deal less overall. Purchase prices, as well as installation, operating and maintenance are less expensive with indoor models. These also provide easier and faster access, and since they’re not visible, theft shouldn’t be as big a consideration.
One negative is that indoor coolers require a large amount of space inside your business, which can reduce the size of your kitchen or storage area significantly. They also require reinforced doors due to the unit’s contents and weight. Finally, the hot air they produce can cause environmental difficulties within the building, unless you run a refrigeration line to the outside.
WHICH IS BEST FOR ME?
Only you really know the needs of your business, but the specific dimensions and costs of a given freezer might help you to make up your mind. If you’re not sure whether an indoor or outdoor cooler is for you, talking with a professional installation service can help.
Legacy Air is your one-stop resource for refrigeration for all your needs. From sales and installation to full-service maintenance plans, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Learn a bit more about the services we offer, and get in touch with us to get started today!