You need a cold storage solution but don’t quite understand the difference between outdoor refrigeration vs. indoor walk in coolers besides the obvious — one is located outdoors and the other indoors. Though each unit has its advantages, choosing one over the other comes down to taking specific factors into account, like business needs and environmental considerations.
We’re here to help. Though Polar King specializes exclusively in fiberglass outdoor walk in coolers and freezers, we want to equip customers with the proper knowledge to ensure they make the right decision moving forward.
So, what is the difference? Let’s break it down.
1. Size is a factor
As you’d guess, indoor walk in refrigeration code requirements are restricted to where they can be placed inside a building or structure. This means they are typically smaller in size and capacity, which translates to not being able to hold as much product. There’s also the potential for higher installation costs due to ventilation or structural modifications.
In contrast, a walk in freezer designed for outdoor use can provide more storage space and capacity for customers with limited internal capacity. No need to sacrifice valuable interior square footage. Polar King walk in freezers are customizable to fit a wide range of size requirements, offering flexibility for businesses of all scales. Plus, these outdoor units are pre-assembled and delivered ready for use, eliminating installation challenges. Additionally, our outdoor walk in coolers are available in both compact models for limited outdoor space and larger sizes to handle high-volume storage.
2. Location, location, location
Indoor walk in coolers are usually found in a building’s backroom, kitchen or storage area, making it easy for employees to access but harder for deliveries and stock management due to limited outdoor access. In contrast, outdoor walk in freezers serve as effective extensions of operations without requiring major remodeling. No tearing down walls necessary
With that said, the placement of the outdoor walk in cooler is important considering its proximity to kitchens, delivery areas and overall site coordination. Since no two businesses are the same, selecting the right type and location of a walk-in cooler requires a tailored approach. By consulting with a workflow specialist, you can identify the most efficient solution tailored to your specific needs.
Geographic location is equally as important.
Whereas temperature and weather aren’t typically a factor for the installation of indoor walk in coolers, mother nature can be an issue for the usage of outdoor refrigeration. Fortunately, Polar King’s fiberglass construction ensures all-weather resilience meaning they can withstand the harshest weather environments, from a hurricane to a blizzard, and everything in between.
Whether your business is located within the scorching heat of Arizona summers or the bitter cold of Minnesota winters, our durable construction and advanced insulation ensure consistent temperature control, providing businesses with a dependable solution for year-round use.
3. Energy efficiency
Next, let’s look at the difference between outdoor refrigeration vs. indoor for energy efficiency. Typically, outdoor walk in coolers require more energy to maintain temperature consistency. Naturally, because they are located inside a building, indoor walk in freezers are not as affected by outside temperatures. Less energy usage means lower energy costs.
Most outdoor walk in units on the market are similar and are constructed of insulated foam panels sandwiched between two pieces of metal. When selecting an outdoor walk in freezer, consider the materials and design for long-term performance. Polar King’s patented fiberglass construction excels in high-temperature differentials (TD), offering superior resistance to heat and moisture. Because these units absorb little heat, Polar King’s walk in cooler designed for outdoor use is among the most energy-efficient solutions on the market.
4. Maintenance and repairs
Maintenance is yet another area where outdoor refrigeration vs. indoor differs. Indoor walk in freezers, while protected from harsh weather, still require maintenance due to everyday wear and tear. Frequent access by employees and issues like leaving doors open too long or damage from forklift traffic can lead to operational problems. Regular repairs and upkeep are necessary to ensure these units function efficiently over time.
At Polar King, we are dedicated to optimizing the performance of your walk in cooler or freezer, ensuring it operates at its peak potential. In addition to providing direct customer service support and on-site repairs, we recommend customers follow our annual maintenance guide to ensure optimal operation of your walk in unit. You may also refer to our service checklist to see if the issue you are having is listed.
Pros and cons: indoor vs. outdoor walk in coolers
To simplify your decision-making process, we’ve created a list of pros and cons between the two options.
Indoor walk in coolers
Pros
- Easy employee access
- Lower energy costs
- Protected from weather
Cons
- Limited storage space
- Higher installation costs
- Challenging deliveries
Outdoor walk in coolers
Pros
- Larger, customizable storage
- Flexible placement
- Durable
Cons
- Higher energy use
- Exposed to weather
- Requires careful site planning
Outdoor walk in freezer benefits: making the final decision
Now that it’s time to choose the right walk in unit for your business, be sure to consider important factors such as space optimization, durability and energy efficiency. Polar King’s outdoor walk in coolers are designed to withstand harsh weather, save energy and offer flexible placement options without compromising internal space. If you’re unsure which option fits your needs, contact our team for a consultation to discuss how our solutions can meet your specific requirements.
