The Outdoor Walk-in Solution to Inside Storage Problems

Does your operation need more indoor space? Instead of cost-prohibitive building or remodeling, you can remove your walk in cooler or freezer — one of any restaurant’s largest pieces of equipment — replace it with an ultra-efficient Polar King outdoor unit, and reclaim and repurpose the valuable interior space it used to occupy.

Polar King’s all-fiberglass, one-piece outdoor walk ins are available in both free standing and through-wall applications, so you can choose the access option that best suits your operation.

Not only do Polar King walk ins give restaurants more breathing room, but they also help save on operating costs. According to the Department of Energy, walk ins are a major contributor to restaurants’ excessive energy consumption, which is 2.5 times more energy/ft2 than other businesses. Polar King walk ins are engineered with a unique design, high-quality construction, and premium insulation to minimize energy waste and reduce their cost of operation.

Our Partners

At Polar King, we’re proud to partner with a wide range of casual, fast casual, and quick service restaurant operations across the U.S., from local Mom and Pop shops to nationwide brands.

Cracker Barrel logo
Red Robbin logo red and yellow
Chili's logo red and green

Features and options

Polar King commercial walk in coolers and freezers are available as through-wall or freestanding units and are custom-built with our patented seamless fiberglass construction. Because the units are pre-built and delivered fully assembled, they can be up and running just a few hours after delivery with just a simple electrical connection. All the work has been done in Polar King’s facility in advance, so no on-site assembly or refrigeration work is required.

Polar King’s fiberglass surfaces provide another unexpected benefit too — the white interiors reflect significantly more light than metal units, making it easier for your staff members to find what they’re looking for. These seamless units can stay looking factory new for many years with regular care and cleaning, and the 12-year complete structural warranty gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

You can choose from several varieties of slip-resistant flooring systems made for different applications and load requirements. And because each unit is built to spec, you can also choose the interior, shelving, lighting, size, layout, and accessory options that best serve the needs of your operation.

Polar King walk in coolers and freezers are built to last, with a typical lifespan of 15 – 20 years when properly maintained.

Need an outdoor freezer or walk in cooler rental? Check out PolarLeasing.com.

Energy Efficient Walk-in Coolers and Freezers for Restaurants

Polar King walk in coolers and freezers are built for efficiency from the ground up to provide unparalleled performance. Our patented construction process takes premium polyisocyanurate rigid board insulation and encapsulates it in durable fiberglass that completely covers the inside and outside of the unit. This one-piece construction strengthens the structure and protects the insulation by blocking air and moisture that can cause it to deteriorate. 

Polar King walk in coolers use 4” insulation, while our walk in freezers have 5” thick insulation to support lower temperatures. The rigid insulation forms a complete barrier, eliminating the possibility of “hot spots” commonly formed in units that use spray in insulation. Our units have a very high R-value — at least 25 for coolers and 32 for freezers — providing exceptional performance even in hot weather states like Texas and Florida and when tested above 175°F. 

These durable walk ins also stand up to other extreme weather challenges, passing the rigorous high-impact testing required for use in high-velocity hurricane zones thanks to their hardy fiberglass surface and one-piece construction.

Every Polar King walk in comes standard with an automatic door closer that minimizes air exchange after each entrance and exit of the unit while prioritizing operator safety. Magnetic gaskets prevent air from entering or leaving at access points and feature a positive snap-action latch with an adjustable strike that secures the door after each open. 

Savings from Polar King walk ins continue to add up over time. In a study comparing a 10-year-old Polar King walk in cooler with a metal panel walk in of the same age and size, the Polar King unit consumed 6,049kW annually as opposed to a whopping 16,085kW for the competing unit.

  • Slashes operating costs
  • Lowers power bills
  • Reduces maintenance/repair costs
  • Eliminates replacement and construction costs
  • Includes a 12-year structural warranty

Certifications

Polar King strictly adheres to industry standards and best practices. Among other certifications, our walk in coolers and freezers are CSA approved and NSF/ANSI 7 certified. They have also been approved by Miami-Dade County Product Control, which required meeting stringent requirements and passing extensive impact testing to demonstrate compliance with Florida Building Code and suitability for high-velocity hurricane zones. 

Polar King Certifications

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine the right size restaurant walk in freezer for my operation?

Sizing a restaurant walk in freezer starts with your menu, inventory volume, and the space available at your location. You should also consider how much product you need to store at any given time, how frequently deliveries arrive, and how your staff will access the unit during service. Our guide to choosing a walk in cooler or freezer for a restaurant walks through each of these factors with practical guidance.

Can Polar King supply restaurant coolers and freezers for multi-location chains or franchise groups?

Polar King has supplied walk in coolers and freezers to chain restaurants and multi-unit foodservice operators since 1982. Because each unit is custom-built to order, individual locations can be configured to different specifications while sharing the same base construction and warranty standards. For details on volume purchasing or standardized specifications across multiple locations, contact Polar King directly.

What interior configuration options can I specify when ordering a walk in unit for my restaurant?

Polar King walk in refrigerators and freezers can be configured with a range of interior options ideally-suited to restaurants, including adjustable or heavy-duty shelving, LED lighting, slip-resistant flooring, vinyl strip curtains, and temperature or door-ajar alarm systems. Door placement and configuration can also be customized to fit your kitchen workflow. For a full overview of available options, see Polar King’s guide to customizing a walk in unit interior.

Can I get a single outdoor unit configured as both a restaurant cooler and freezer?

Yes. Polar King offers combination walk in units that provide both cooler and freezer storage within a single outdoor footprint. These dual-temperature units can be configured with separate compartments for different temperature zones, allowing you to manage both refrigerated and frozen inventory without requiring two separate structures.

What should I factor in when comparing the total cost of ownership for a commercial walk in freezer?

The purchase price of a walk in freezer or cooler is only one part of the total cost. Energy consumption, maintenance and repair frequency, installation costs, and expected lifespan all factor into what a unit will actually cost over time. Polar King’s Complete Guide to Choosing a Restaurant Walk In Cooler or Freezer provides a framework for deciding between pre-assembled and panel-built units.

How long does it take to receive a restaurant walk in cooler or freezer after placing an order?

Lead times vary depending on the size, configuration, and options selected for your unit. If time is a concern, Polar King offers a Quick Build program for common sizes that provides faster delivery than fully custom builds. For current lead time estimates based on your specific requirements, contact Polar King directly.

Are Polar King restaurant coolers and freezers compliant with NSF and local health department requirements?

Polar King walk in coolers and freezers have a variety of industry certifications, including CSA approval and NSF/ANSI 7 certification. The seamless construction or our units eliminates the joints and crevices where bacteria can accumulate, which is relevant to health department inspections. Because health code requirements vary by state and municipality, Polar King recommends confirming specific local guidelines with your health department before installation.

Wondering how Polar King walk in coolers and freezers can help maximize space and minimize energy use and maintenance costs for your operation? Contact us today.

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