When it comes time for a business owner to choose a walk in cooler, several decisions must be made once you decide to purchase. One is outdoor vs. indoor, another is the choice between a pre-built unit and an assembled on-site unit.
Although seemingly straightforward, there are still several misconceptions and overlooked factors that influence this choice. Polar King wants to make the decision easier for you, so we’ve drafted this article to uncover the benefits of pre-built walk in freezers and how they compare to on-site assembled walk in coolers.
Each choice defined
The biggest difference between pre-built walk in coolers and on-site assembled units can be found in their construction and installation:
- Pre-built walk in refrigeration units: These are fully constructed and insulated units manufactured in a controlled factory environment. They are delivered as a single, seamless piece and typically require minimal installation work. Pre-built units offer superior durability, energy efficiency and weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor use.
- On-site assembled units: These are built using insulated panels that are assembled piece by piece at the installation site. While they allow for flexibility in size and indoor placement, they require more labor and time to install. They can also have seams and joints that may lead to maintenance issues and energy inefficiency over time.
Pre-built walk in coolers: debunking price misconceptions
A big misconception about pre-built walk ins, such as those manufactured by Polar King, is that they are pricier than their panel-assembled alternative. Many business owners assume that seamless construction, higher durability and customized features come with a hefty price tag, but that’s simply not the case.
In reality, when you compare the final installed cost, pre-built walk in freezers are often even less expensive than assembled walk ins. Why? Pre-built walk in coolers eliminate hidden costs like extended installation labor, site preparation and potential delays caused by adverse weather. Plus, they come ready-to-use which minimizes disruptions to business operations, saving time and money.
Why a customer might choose a panel-assembled walk in unit
There are cases where an on-site assembled walk in is the only option, particularly when a cooler or freezer needs to be located indoors. The only time when a Polar King walk in cooler can be located indoors is when there is an overhead door large enough to move a one-piece unit inside, or if the installation is coordinated with new construction.
What key features differentiate pre-built walk in units from assembled on-site walk ins?
There are many differences between a walk in freezer from a panel-type assembly. First, Polar King walk in coolers have a distinct advantage when used outdoors because they can withstand the harshest weather environments, especially when used in areas subject to hurricanes, earthquakes and snow loads. Also, these units are the preferred choice for meeting special requirements, such as blast freezing and blast chilling, where precise temperature control is required. Their customizable nature also makes them ideal for unique configurations and specialized applications, including pharmaceutical storage and hazardous location compliance.
Most notably, Polar King’s patented construction process increases the strength of the structure blocking air and moisture from contacting the insulation and causing it to deteriorate. The rigid insulation surrounds the insulated chamber, eliminating the possibility of “hot spots” found in other units.
Polar King walk ins are so efficient that they can reduce maintenance and repair costs, cut power bills and eliminate construction and replacement costs.
Additional benefits of pre-built walk in coolers include:
- Units are professionally engineered and constructed
- Refrigeration is fully installed and tested
- Units arrive ready to operate with just an electrical connection
- Less disruption to the business; very little on-site work required
- Standard and custom colors can be highly customized without longer lead times or higher costs
- Perfectly insulated. No dead spots that can occur in foamed-in-place panels
Quality control
Unlike panel-assembled units built on-site, pre-built walk in freezers are constructed in controlled factory conditions. This allows highly trained personnel to ensure every aspect of the unit meets exacting standards. A controlled environment also enables the manufacturer to perform rigorous testing on refrigeration systems before shipping, ensuring that every unit arrives in perfect working condition.
The Polar King difference
Logistical and operational benefits
The logistical advantages of pre-built walk in cooler units are worth a mention. At Polar King, we coordinate deliveries to minimize disruption, often scheduling installations during off-hours or low-traffic times for businesses. Units typically take less than two hours to deliver and set up, compared to the multiple days, or even weeks, required to install and assemble a walk in panel.
Plus, most Polar King delivery trucks are equipped with cranes, enabling swift and precise placement of the unit. This streamlined process reduces downtime and allows businesses to resume normal operations almost immediately.
Long-term maintenance
Choosing a Polar King pre-built walk in cooler guarantees customers a unit crafted with durable fiberglass that won’t rust, dent or corrode, and can stand up to the elements without needing expensive protection. These units can stay looking factory new for many years with regular care and cleaning, and with a 12-year complete structural warranty, you can count on your walk in cooler to last even in the most extreme weather conditions.
If the walk in unit starts to look weathered after several years, a simple coat of paint will renew the exterior to new condition. The seamless construction and superior insulation will decrease the electrical costs of running the walk-in. In many cases, Polar King can use smaller horsepower compressors for the same walk-in size as the assembled ones.
With durable, long-lasting units, detailed order records for easy part replacement, and a generous trade-in policy, Polar King walk in coolers are designed to meet your needs now and well in the future. Ready to experience the Polar King difference? Contact us today to get started on your custom walk in solution!
