Businesses that deal in the food and beverage industry require constant surveillance and maintenance of temperature controls in order to ensure product quality is preserved. Hotels, restaurants, and catering services all use commercial walk-in Coolers to ensure compliance with health regulations, prevent spoilage, and ensure uninterrupted business operations. Let us dive deep into this blog to learn more about commercial walk-in coolers, how they differ from cold rooms, and how to choose the right one for your business.
What Is a Commercial Walk In Cooler?
A commercial walk in cooler is a large, insulated space that is designed to store and handle perishable products. Unlike domestic refrigerators, walk in coolers are large enough to allow employees to walk inside, store large volumes of goods and organise them perfectly. Walk in coolers typically maintain temperatures between 33°F and 38°F (0.5°C to 3.3°C), as this assists in preserving the quality of fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other perishable goods. Walk in coolers are primarily used because they provide:
Walk in coolers are primarily used because they provide:
1. Steady temperature control
2. High storage capacity
3. Compliance with Food regulations
4. Sustainable cooling for hot climates
Walk in coolers are often customised according to business needs, such as space and cooling requirements. These commercial walk in coolers are built using top-quality durable materials like polyurethane-insulated panels, heavy-duty doors and advanced refrigeration systems.
Difference between commercial walk in cooler and commercial cold room
Both commercial walk in coolers and commercial cold rooms play an integral part in maintaining the quality and safety of products in intense heat climates. But what differentiates them from each other? We shall look at it in this section.
A walk in cooler focuses on temperature, which is chilling above freezing (0°C to 5°C), which is suitable for short-term storage of products like vegetables, dairy, and salads, etc.
Whereas a commercial cold room in Dubai is an umbrella term that includes both coolers and freezers. They normally operate at sub zero temperatures(down to -18°C or lower) in order to preserve frozen goods for a longer time frame. Cold rooms have thicker insulation and heavy-duty compressors in order to tackle the intense heat of Dubai and preserve the quality of the goods.
Key Reasons Your Food Business Needs a Commercial Walk In Cooler
In Dubai having a walk in cooler is absolutely necessary for businesses to ensure their product stays safe and fresh.
- Food safety compliance: Dubai has one of the stringent food safety regulations, and walk in coolers preserve the products without compromising their quality.
- Reduce food spoilage: Cooling fresh produce and other perishable goods at optimum temperature is paramount in preserving their quality, preventing spoilage, and improving shelf life.
- Operational Efficiency: Having a huge storage space helps in reducing restocking of the products and ensures a smoother workflow.
- Lower cost: Energy-efficient coolers offer great benefits, such as reduced costs in the Dubai’s climate which ensures the business runs without disruptions.
- Scalability: It is important to upgrade your walk in coolers with customisations as your business grows.
Food Businesses That Benefit Most from Walk In Coolers
For food-related industries having a walk in cooler is an important investment. Below we shall look at the food businesses that benefit the most:
- Restaurants and cafes.
- Hotels and resorts
- Supermarkets and grocery stores
- Catering companies
- Bakeries
- Food processing and distribution centres
- Cloud kitchens
Types of Commercial Walk In Coolers for Food Businesses
Choosing the correct cooling equipments depends on the type of business you run.
Here are the types of walk in coolers for food businesses:
Standard Walk In Coolers:
These type of coolers are perfect to store fresh produce, dairy, beverages and other perishable products.
Walk in Freezers:
These are often referred to as cold room freezers in Dubai, because they freeze products at sub-zero temperatures.
Modular cold rooms:
These are the kind of cold rooms which can be customised or constructed on-site. They are suitable for warehouses and large food operations.
Combination Cooler-Freezer Rooms:
These are single, walk in coolers that provide separated sections for both chiller and freezer storage within one unit.
How to Choose the Right Walk In Cooler for Your Food Business
Choosing a walk in cooler is a crucial task, so here are some factors that should be considered.
Evaluate Storage Capacity:
It is necessary to assess the storage capacity of the walk in cooler before purchase so as to avoid undersizing.
Confirm Temperature Requirements:
Choosing the correct temperature controls for your cooler is important. Coolers should maintain 2-5°C (35-41°F), and freezers should aim for -18°C (0°F).
Assess Energy Efficiency:
The walk in cooler should have quality insulation and an ENERGY STAR rating to avoid energy loss. LED lights, strip curtains, and auto-closing doors also assist in saving energy.
Consider installation and space:
Before choosing a commercial cold room in dubai, it is important to assess the space required for the cold room. Custom designs ensure optimal use of kitchen or warehouse space.
Budget:
The cold room price in Dubai fluctuates based on size, materials, and cooling technology. Purchasing top-quality cold rooms is often considered a solid long-term investment.
Why Choose FirstCool for Walk In Chiller Repair Services
FirstCool offers is one of the most trustworthy providers of commercial walk in coolers and cold rooms in Dubai, with services ranging from manufacture, installation, to maintenance. With over 25 years of experience, we specialise in custom walk in coolers, cold room freezers in Dubai, and refrigerated rooms in Dubai. We customise cold room solutions according to your unique business needs.
With FirstCool, you will receive Turnkey installations, 24/7 customer support, and transparent pricing. Cold prices in Dubai are often 10-15% below market without compromising the quality. From blast freezers to modular cooling rooms in Dubai, we offer our reliable service to top hotels, caterers, supermarkets.
Preventive Maintenance & AMC for Walk In Chillers
Proper maintenance is necessary to ensure the lifespan of walk in coolers. Be it chiller rooms or freezer rooms in dubai, a preventive maintenance strategy paired with an Annual maintenance contract ensures the smooth functioning of your coolers. Appropriate maintenance combined with consistent care can help the walk in cooler last for atleast 15-20 years without issues.
Here are some key maintenance tips every walk in cooler owner must follow:
Consistent Cleaning of Condenser and Evaporator coils:
Dust and dirt can reduce cooling efficiency. Proper cleaning of the coils, atleast monthly, yields better results.
Examine Door Seals and Gaskets:
Inspection should be done to ensure there are no leaks that allow warm air to enter which might force the compressors to work harder.
Observe and Regulate Temperature controls:
Fluctuations in temperature can lead to spoilage, so it is mandatory to ensure that temperature controls are working smoothly and the perishable goods are stored at optimum temperature.
Check for Unusual noise and vibrations:
Early detection of issues with fans or compressors helps to avoid unnecessary and expensive repairs.
Professional servicing with AMC contracts:
Ensuring a proper servicing via an Annual maintenance contract with a reliable partner like FirstCool ensures regular inspections, timely repairs, and smoother operations.
Conclusion
A commercial walk in cooler is a must-have for every business thriving in Dubai’s intense climate. It is a long-term investment that compounds in the form of growth and expansion for your business. Walk in coolers ensure safety, reduce spoilage, and improve working efficiency. Having a good understanding of walk in coolers, cold rooms, freezer rooms, and refrigerated rooms in Dubai helps you to choose the right solution for your business.
Planning to upgrade your business with a commercial walk in cooler? Book your consultation with FirstCool today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I service my walk-in cooler?
Monthly checks and quarterly professional maintenance can ensure smooth operations of the walk-in cooler.
What is the difference between a cooling room and a freezer room in Dubai?
A cooling room maintains chilled temperatures above freezing, while a freezer room operates below 0°C for frozen storage.
Can walk-in coolers be customised?
Yes, most commercial walk-in coolers and refrigerated rooms in dubai are fully customisable to suit your business needs.
How long does a walk-in cooler installation take?
Depending on the size and customisation, it can take a couple of days.
Is preventive maintenance compulsory for food businesses in Dubai?
While it is not legally mandatory, regular maintenance is advised to meet the Dubai municipality food safety guidelines. Properly maintained commercial cold rooms and refrigerated rooms in Dubai help businesses pass inspections without issues.
