Tips on Making a Homemade Walk-in Cooler

Walk-in coolers are mainly used in the restaurant industry but can be considered a rather convenient luxury if installed properly in a home. A large cold unit is frequently used for larger brewing, storing farm produce, grocery storage, or even for a home catering businesses. A walk-in cooler in you home is wonderful for planning meals and staying organized. 

Choose a location   

A ground level location would be an obvious choice. Make sure that the location of your walk-in cooler is at ground level so that the area is well drained. If you plan to load larger volumes of food and drink, a truck-accessible location may also be necessary. A loading dock and ramp may also be considered.

A free-standing cooler is also additional option when considering location. Building it as a stand-alone cooler as opposed to within a space would allow you to build one much larger or convenient, depending on your individual needs.

Type of Construction

There are several different types of options that are available. Steel frame buildings, wood frame structures, and sandwich panel structures with foam insulation are a few standard options. The steel frame method is the most practical construction option, and provides the most thorough insulation for a cooler.

Insulation is Important

Make sure you have the necessary amount of insulation according to your storage needs. One of the primary causes of food deterioration is due to the moisture evaporation into the surrounding area.

Air Circulation

It is important that air circulates off the cooler from a cooler to warmer direction. This avoids re-warming of previously cooled contents.  A good thermometer can be purchased to confirm and monitor the room temperature. It is also a good practice to operate the cooler unit two days before you plan to use it. This ensures the desired room temperature.