Choosing the right walk in cooler isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision, after all, every industry has different priorities. For restaurants, it’s about balancing cost, reliability and ease of maintenance without disrupting daily operations. To state the obvious, without a dependable walk in cooler, many restaurants couldn’t serve their customers. That’s why investing in the right unit to keep ingredients fresh equates to kitchens running smoothly, and businesses thriving. And for many restaurant owners, it’s one of the biggest investments they’ll make!
When selecting a restaurant walk in freezer, most owners look for a unit that is reliable, easy to clean, and does not disrupt daily operations.
Speaking broadly, restaurant owners should consider these main factors before deciding on a unit:
- Size and capacity of the unit
- Temperature requirements
- Energy efficiency
- Location of the unit (outdoors or indoors)
- Compliance with local health and safety regulations
- Budget and long-term costs to operate a walk in cooler/freezer
Determining the right size for a restaurant walk in cooler or freezer
Choosing the appropriate size for an outdoor or indoor walk in cooler requires careful consideration of several factors. First, the available space, whether indoors or outdoors, plays a big role in determining size limitations. Another factor? The amount of food that needs to be stored. This depends on the restaurant’s daily meal output and how the food will be organized, whether stacked on shelves or arranged on storage racks. The frequency of food deliveries is another determinant; restaurants that buy in bulk will need more storage capacity than those with frequent, smaller deliveries.
In addition to refrigerated and frozen storage, many restaurant owners are also looking for solutions to store dry goods. That’s why Polar King offers ambient temperature storage, a great option for operators who are running out of indoor space but need additional storage for non-perishable items. This allows restaurants to keep essential supplies within reach without taking up valuable kitchen or storage space.
When planning for installation, space constraints must also be considered. The delivery area should be clear of any obstacles such as overhead wires, tree branches or fencing that could obstruct placement. Ensuring ample space around the unit is also important in case adjustments are needed during installation. If the cooler is placed within a fenced area, temporarily removing a section of the fencing may be necessary to provide adequate access for delivery and setup.
Optimal temperature ranges for restaurant walk in coolers and freezers
When choosing a walk in unit, temperature control is one of the biggest factors to consider. The right temperature range ensures food stays fresh, meets safety regulations and maintains quality based on storage needs.
For general food storage, a walk in cooler should be kept between 35°F and 38°F. Per FDA food safety guidelines, temperatures must never exceed 41°F, as bacteria growth accelerates beyond this point, putting food safety at risk.
For frozen storage, a walk in freezer should maintain a temperature between 0°F and -10°F to keep food properly frozen and prevent spoilage. Certain items, like ice cream, require temperatures of -10°F or lower to maintain their ideal texture and consistency.
Here is an easy temperature guide to follow for food safety:
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs): 34°F – 38°F
- Raw meat and poultry: 32°F – 36°F
- Seafood: 30°F – 34°F (ice storage recommended for freshness)
- Fresh produce:
- Leafy greens and vegetables: 34°F – 38°F
- Fruits like apples and citrus: 38°F – 42°F
- Beverages: 34°F – 40°F
- Prepared foods and leftovers: 35°F – 38°F
- Frozen foods: 0°F and -10°F
- Ice cream requires temperatures of -10°F or lower to maintain its optimal texture
Designing a walk in unit for efficient layout and food safety
Choosing the right walk in also means considering how well it fits your kitchen’s workflow and storage needs. A well-organized cooler improves efficiency, reduces food waste and ensures compliance with food safety regulations. For instance, following the top-to-bottom storage rule helps prevent cross-contamination.
Additionally, the way you layout the items inside your cooler helps kitchen staff access ingredients quickly while maintaining proper stock rotation. Consider these best practices for optimized efficiency:
- Place frequently used items near the door for quick access
- Designate separate zones for raw proteins, dairy and produce to prevent cross-contamination
- Store bulk items toward the back to encourage proper stock rotation and prevent food waste
See this article for tips on how to organize a walk in cooler or freezer for your restaurant.
Choosing the right shelving for restaurant walk in coolers is also something to think about. Typically, wire shelving is the most common choice, as it promotes proper airflow and helps maintain even cooling throughout the unit. For example, wire metro racking is used in all Polar King walk in coolers and walk in freezers.
Select a unit with features that will prevent mold, condensation and bacterial growth
When selecting a walk in cooler or freezer, one of the biggest concerns is how to maintain a clean and sanitary environment. To prevent mold, condensation and bacterial growth, restaurant owners should look for units with tightly sealed doors to minimize temperature fluctuations and moisture buildup. Additionally, make sure the unit has a proper airflow design and check for humidity control options to help regulate moisture inside the cooler.
Customers can also choose to install a mold mitigation system in their walk in cooler unit. Polar King uses a system from Extreme Microbial Technologies which generates energized hydrogen peroxide molecules. These molecules actively seek out harmful bacteria, viruses, molds, mildew and fungi and is an easy solution to help manage potentially harmful contaminants without the need for chemical intervention. Plus, the system is environmentally safe for humans, animals, plants and food.
Look for an energy-efficient walk in freezer
While the upfront cost of a walk in unit is an important consideration, the real financial impact lies in its total cost of ownership. Energy-efficient models deliver significant long-term savings through lower utility bills, reduced maintenance needs and extended equipment lifespan. Look for features that improve efficiency, including:
- Self-closing doors (spring-loaded hinges or door closers) to reduce cold air loss.
- High-quality gaskets and door sweeps to prevent air leaks.
- Efficient evaporator coil placement to maintain airflow and reduce strain on the refrigeration system.
Durability and safety features to explore
A walk-in cooler is a long-term investment, so reliability is a no-brainer. When evaluating options, look for a unit with heavy-duty hardware, such as reinforced door handles and hinges, to prevent breakage and ensure long-lasting performance. Properly functioning relief ports prevent dangerous pressure buildup and allow doors to open easily. Additionally, ensure the unit complies with local health and safety codes, which may have specific requirements for size, materials and installation.
Choose Polar King for long-term operational savings
Choosing the right restaurant walk in cooler isn’t just about the purchase price, it’s about saving money on operation and maintenance costs over time. Polar King units, with their seamless fiberglass design, offer one of the most energy-efficient options on the market. To further enhance efficiency, our customers can equip their units with energy-saving upgrades like LED lighting and the KE2 temperature monitoring system, which provides true on-demand defrost cycles.
We hope this guide has helped you navigate the factors to consider when selecting the right walk in cooler or walk in freezer for your restaurant. At Polar King, you can trust your unit will remain reliable and durable, without concerns about rust, leaks or gasket failures. Contact one of our experts today for more information or to get started with your purchasing process!
