In this blog, we are going to walk you through key indoor and outdoor walk-in refrigeration considerations.
When it comes to walk-in refrigerators and freezers, choosing between an indoor unit and an outdoor one will primarily depend on the layout of your establishment. There are, of course, other details for you to consider as well. In this article, we’ll go over several of those factors so that it will be easier for you to reach a decision.
First, let’s compare the two types and see how they stack against each other.
Indoor Walk-In Refrigeration
The most obvious and practical benefit of an indoor walk-in refrigeration unit is that it provides easy access for your staff. Time is crucial in the hospitality industry, and indoor refrigeration will allow your employees to get in and grab whatever ingredients that they need quickly.
Indoor units are also more economical. This is because they don’t require any additional construction upfront, such as fences and other security measures. They have lower costs associated with operating and maintaining them, meaning that you can save more in the long run.
Keep in mind, however, that they’re not without faults. Indoor walk-in refrigerators can produce noise, so be mindful when designing your layout, or you risk exposing your guests to unwelcoming sounds. Also, if your establishment is on the small space, you might have trouble finding a suitable space for an indoor unit.
Outdoor Walk-In Refrigeration
The biggest advantage of an outdoor walk-in refrigeration unit is that it allows for quick and easy installation. You can even buy one that is ready-made directly from a supplier. As long as you have the space for it, you can easily place it where you need it to be. This essentially eliminates the need to set up ventilation and refrigerant lines in your building, which can be problematic for establishments that are already operational.
Another benefit of an outdoor unit is that deliveries can be made more smoothly. You can bring groceries and supplies directly to the unit without staff having to get into the building and possibly disrupting the workflow.
The tradeoff is that outdoor units require additional protection from outdoor elements. Proper roofing and flooring are important to keep food at safe temperatures, and ample security is needed to remove the possibility of thefts.
Additional Factors
Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor unit, there are several factors that you still need to keep in mind: insulation and flooring.
For insulation, a reputable manufacturer can provide all the essentials. Just make sure that you use a material that’s suitable for your local climate. This is because some types of insulation can break down in hotter weather.
As for flooring, both indoor and outdoor units can be purchased with or without built-in floors. The former is more expensive, but it could prove to be beneficial in the long-term. Proper flooring can also lead to more efficient energy usage, improved workflow, and decreased likelihood of accidents.
Final Words
Choosing between an indoor and an outdoor walk-in refrigerator can be a huge decision to make for your business. Keep in mind that there are key benefits with either option, but both also have their own drawbacks.
If you’re looking for a custom walk-in, get in touch with us to see how we can help.
