Why Buy Used?

There are several benefits to buying a used walk in cooler. Not only do you save a significant amount of many as compared to a brand new model, you may also be able to get higher end features in a used model that you would have not been able to afford in a brand new unit. The downsides of buying used are that your selection may be somewhat limited, however, with more and more companies beginning to join in the used equipment market, they may not be as limited as they once were. Many companies are even taking equipment returned to them under warranty issues, refurbishing them, and reselling them at a significant markdown. There are also several companies that offer warranties on their used models which are comparable to those given with new equipment. Even if you are not looking for a cost savings, you may be able to upgrade to a larger model, or even one with more advanced features, if you decide to buy used instead of new.

What Should I Look For In A Used Walk In Cooler?

One of the main things to consider when buying used is the age of the unit. While older models are significantly cheaper, they may include mechanics that are no longer being used and, therefore, difficult to find replacement parts for. An older unit also has a shorter expected lifespan than one that has only been used for a shorter period of time. While you don't necessarily need one less than one or two years old, it may not be a wise choice to buy a twenty year old unit either. You should also take into account what type of warranty comes with the unit and compare that to the expected lifespan you expect to receive from the equipment.

You should also make sure that you are buying your used unit from a reputable dealer. Many larger name distributors take the time to ensure the used pieces they are selling are in proper working order and no major mechanical malfunctions should be expected in the near future. It is also helpful to buy from a dealer willing to disclose exactly how the merchandise was acquired, as well as what type of environment it was used in previously. While this may not seem relevant, it can give you a better idea of what sort of wear and tear the equipment has been subjected to in the past.

Related posts:

1. Commercial Walk In Coolers
2. Walk In Coolers

What Do I Need A Commercial Walk In Cooler For?

One of the primarily driving factors behind the best model of cooler to suit your needs is precisely that, what you needs are. The intended use for the cooler will be used to answer a number of design and style choices during the selection process.

If you own a small restaurant and are looking for a cooler to store a few days worth of perishable items at a time, a small walk in cooler with shelves on either side will suffice. Larger restaurants, on the other hand, will not only need to store a larger quantity of items, they will potentially need to store them for longer periods of time. In this case, a significantly larger unit should be considered. As you can see, the most important questions are how much food do you have to store and how long do you typically need it stored for. This will help best determine the volume of space you need in your cooler. More importantly, you also need to take into account how much space you have available to house the cooler. Even if you would ideally need a large volume cooler, if you only have space for a smaller volume unit then your options may be limited to such.

For retail establishments, the size of the walk in cooler is determined primarily be available floor space. Since product selection is typically determined by the size of the cooler and not the other way around, open floor space typically governs what size the cooler will be.

Related posts:

1. Walk In Coolers
2. Used Walk In Coolers
3. The Commercial Fridge

What Is A Walk In Cooler?

A walk in cooler is a large refrigerated unit, primarily found in retail and restaurant environments. They are designed to work just as your home refrigerator does, keeping the internal environment at a set temperature, designed to be optimal for the products stored within it. Some coolers have dual sections designed to cool foods on one side and keep them frozen on the other, similar to a home refrigerator/freezer unit. Others are simply designed for only one task or the other. They can vary in size from small walk in units, ideal for smaller restaurants, to extremely large units, as seen in grocery stores or food packing warehouses.

How Do Walk In Coolers Work?

With your home refrigerator/freezer unit, the temperature for the refrigerator is maintained by cold air being blown through the freezer unit and into the refrigerator. Therefore, there is no active refrigeration mechanism with the refrigerator itself. For walk in coolers, the cooling method is very different. Closer to an air conditioner in nature, a walk in cooler uses an external condenser unit to create cold air which is then blown into the cooler unit. The cold air, in turn reduces the overall temperature of the unit. The warmer air is then pulled back into the condenser to allow its temperature to be adjusted downwards.

Just as your home's A/C unit operates, the walk in cooler contains a thermostat that determines the ideal temperature the interior of the unit must be kept at. The thermostat will typically operate within a range both a few degrees higher than the set temperature, as well as a few degrees lower. Once either extreme is reached, the unit will cycle on or off accordingly to adjust the temperature back to the ideal readings. This is extremely important in locations such as grocery stores, where the doors to the unit are constantly being open and closed, affecting the internal temperature of the unit.

One of the key factors with a walk in coolers efficiency levels is the amount of insulation it has built into it. Because these units are so much larger than a typical home cooling unit, the amount of insulation has to be proportionately larger as well. Most walk in coolers contain several inches of some type of styrofoam insulation, designed to better maintain the temperature inside the cooler. The exterior of the units are typically made of aluminum, or some other type of metal, designed to further help keep the unit insulated.

What Are Walk In Coolers Used For?

If you have ever shopped at a convenience store, the long rows of glass doors protecting the sodas, beer, and other cold items, are simply the front facings of a large walk in cooler. There is an open space behind the rows of products that allow employees to stock the shelves from the rear, keeping newer products towards the back and older ones up front for quicker sale.

In restaurants, there are large walk in coolers used to store items requiring storage at lower temperatures. These include products such as milk, cheese, butter, meats, poultry, and other temperature sensitive food products. Unlike the coolers in a retail environment, the walk in coolers used n food establishments do not require glass access doors and resemble a large metal boxed room more than anything else.

In food processing plants, walk in coolers are used to keep items such as large cuts of meat, or even whole animal carcasses, frozen. They can also be used to store large quantities of products being held ready for shipment to local stores, such as cheeses or other dairy products. To some extent, the trucks and trailers used to transport these items from the plant to the store can be considered a type of walk in cooler as well, primarily since they are also required to be refrigerated in order to maintain low temperatures during transport.

Related posts:

1. Commercial Walk In Coolers
2. Used Walk In Coolers
3. Air Coolers

Never Small in Types

Though they may be small in size, these space-efficient fridge/freezers come with a wide assortment of models and variations. This simply means that one could definitely find a model to suit their needs and requirements.

Generally, the type of freezer that you require will widely depend on the purpose of use, your personal preference, and the space available. Remember that each model is designed to cater the specific needs of users.

In terms of practicality and economics, the small chest freezers are perhaps the best choice. Every inch of the freezer’s space is very much usable. Additionally, some advanced models usually have an automatic defrost feature.   Chest freezers also have built-in insulation that functions to hold and manage cold temperature more effectively, thus allowing less energy consumption. With this unique characteristic, an unplugged small chest freezer is capable of keeping its contents frozen for 2-3 days. This is proven to be beneficial in areas that frequently experiences power outages. Moreover, chest freezers tend to have a longer life span than  their upright counterparts.

Small upright freezers, on the other hand, are more expensive than chest freezers. Their price range is greatly influenced by their storage capacity and included features. Perhaps, the best thing about upright freezers is their ability to effectively organize the stored items. Additionally, the contents of a small upright freezer can be easily monitored, thus, allowing users to conveniently find a particular item that they are looking for.

Whether you need an upright or a chest freezer will depend on your lifestyle and needs. If you want your frozen goods to be organized, then go for the upright model. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a cheap and practical option, then the chest freezer is the best choice.

Small in Size But Big in Features

Small freezers are undoubtedly great modern innovations. A lot of refrigerator and freezer brands are now offering smaller freezer models. Call it a thirst for more space-saving options but small and compact freezers are surely the way to go if you want to maximize the available space in your home while improving its functionality as well. Although these freezers are quite small, this does not mean that they fall short in the variety arena. As a matter of fact, these freezers are sold in varying designs schemes, styles, colors, and useful features. Aside from their stylish physical look, small fridge freezers also have varying cubic capacity. You can find them in almost any range of freezer sizes. They can be typically purchased in major appliance stores and home improvement shops. You can also find them in popular online shopping websites that sell assorted home products.

Looks can certainly be deluding, especially if you are not certain on what you really want. With that said, never let the size of small freezers mislead you. For all you know, these space-efficient freezers may be just what you are looking for.

Related posts:

1. Compact Freezers
2. Deep Freezers
3. Mini Freezers

Smart buying

The cost-efficiency of today’s latest models has become an eye-catcher to a lot of consumers. Consumers tend to purchase appliances that are energy-efficient to cut down on energy costs. Refrigerators, the major source of a high monthly electricity bill, are being remodeled such that they can consume little energy but still meet performance expectations. EnergyGuide labels inform the buyer of the energy consumption of a particular model. They are written in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh). The rule is that the smaller the amount indicated the less energy it takes to operate. If you want to take your eco-friendly attitude to a higher notch, then try getting hold of solar refrigerators. They typically run on solar panels and lead batteries when the conditions are not favorable for light absorption, such as nighttime or during overcast weather.

Innovation that comes with the trend

Even the most economically priced products have significant benefits over the older ones. The technological trend nowadays is to offer more aspects of the product in smaller amounts to keep up with the competitive market. These days, features are being added one after the other in quick succession. The faster influx of products causes value depreciation, but still gives consumers excellent options to choose from. The ever increasing progression in quality and designs has shifted the purpose of refrigerator production into an all-in-one kitchen package. From being an essential kitchen appliance, refrigerators have come to serve entertainment purposes. For starters, new refrigerator models have outdated those that make a lot of noise and require manual defrosting. Some of the added features that you’ll get to enjoy with more advanced models include adjustable sleeves for more storage, quick freezing options, thermostatic control, clean back design, water filter status indicator, deodorizing mechanism, humidity control apparatus, special-use containers, spill-proof shelving, door locks and alarms. And since people are in the era of modern age, refrigerators have even become susceptible to being digitalized in terms of light production, status display, musical demonstrations, and even security measures. Quite nifty, don’t you think?

Style

For some, style is of utmost importance. Most come white in color, but there are also designs that come in black or almond. You may also find stainless-steel and acrylic models as befitting in your kitchen retro-look. Another option you might consider is buying customized wood panels such that your refrigerator blends wells with your traditional kitchen surrounding.

Flexible storage configuration

Lastly, flexibility is the trademark of innovation.  Refrigerators occupy a lot of space in the kitchen, but are made convenient with their configurations. The most common form is the top mount unit where the freezer portion is on top while the basic commodities are stored below.

Another functional model is the large side by side refrigerator. This particular fridge style makes good use of the door space by allowing more access to the freezer and refrigerator at the same time. It is best suited for a gallery-style kitchen. In addition, this model is usually the one with a more digital fling to it. A word of caution though, large side by side refrigerators are less energy-efficient, and that setback merits a lot of consideration.

Whichever style, brand, or type you choose, bear in mind to not let the price get in the way. Splurging on a good model large refrigerators may cost you a hefty sum of money but they are sure to be more advantageous in the long run.

Related posts:

1. Under Counter Refrigerators
2. Integrated Fridge
3. Compact Freezers

Compact freezers are one of the many innovations that you should look into. Though compact refrigerators seem to be all over the place, real compact-type freezers are a bit harder to find. This is primarily due to the fact that they are not that popular. This is basically because most people feel that they do not have any use for them – or at least they think they don't.  Truthfully, a compact freezer will always come in handy.

For years, large freezers have been the common choice among many. However, as living spaces become smaller and smaller, appliance manufacturers decided to also reduce their sizes. In terms of function, both the large and compact-type freezers serve the same purpose. The only evident difference is, of course, their size.

The Two Major Types

In general, compact-type freezers can be classified into two major types – the upright and chest freezer variety.

Compact upright freezer

Known for its vertical installation, upright freezers are very much similar to your regular freezer. Both of their doors open at the front, but they come in more slimmed down designs than their regular counterparts. The compact upright freezer is best suited for those who want quick access to the items stored inside the freezer. The best thing about compact upright freezers is that they are very convenient for people on the go. You can easily grab the door whenever you need to get something. No need to devote too much time in pulling up the freezer door or digging for items.

Compact chest freezer

Unlike upright freezers, the door of a chest freezer is installed on top. The resemblance is more like that more of a treasure chest. The chest freezer variant is ideal for those who do not require frequent access to frozen items. Though they are entirely different from the conventional freezer models, some people just prefer this model. Compact chest freezers are best suited for those who usually have lots of food to store. You can often see them in business establishments that sell ice creams and other frozen goods. The advantage of this freezer over the upright version is that it features a drain plug at the bottom. This allows users to easily defrost the freezer whenever they need to.

Great Buying Tips

When buying any compact-type freezer, it is highly advised that you consider the purpose of its use. Will you be using it to stack up plenty of frozen foods, or will you just need it to store a small number of items?  You should  figure out your actual needs and specific requirements prior to shopping. This would generally help you craft a decision on which compact freezer to choose.

The size of the compact freezer will also matter. Like other freezer models, the compact type also comes in varying sizes. In that regard, it is critical that you take note of the area where you are planning to place it. It would be a good idea to get its exact measurement to ascertain a perfect fit.

Apart from that, budget is also a major consideration. Take time to shop around and compare different brands to aid you in finding the freezer model that falls within your means. Conducting a thorough online research and price comparison will also greatly help.

Overall, these freezers do not just give you an advantage in terms of size and space. They also help you conserve energy. Since they are a lot smaller, they will surely require less energy, unlike their large counterparts. Therefore, if you plan on getting a new freezer, a compact freezer is certainly a great option to have in mind.

Related posts:

1. Small Freezers
2. Deep Freezers
3. Mini Freezers

Weighing the value of your purchase

Based on research, the deep fridge freezers can last up to eight years with continuous use. Its energy consumption is somewhere around 750 kilowatt hours per year. With that said, you would be spending at least $75 on electricity costs assuming each kilowatt hour is ten cents. Additionally, the cost of its maintenance, if no major repairs are included, would fall a little over a hundred bucks a year or somewhere between ten to fifteen dollars a month. If you do a modest analysis and take into account all of the uses that this freezer can provide, you will find that it is worth every cent that you will have to shell out even if it is only for domestic use.

Best type suitable for your need

The deep freezer is available in two options: chest type and upright deep freezer. Chest-types are generally suitable for commercial use, or in large households because they are capable of  storing contents in large quantities. They are usually kept in the store rooms or at the garage due to the large space that they occupy. Energy efficiency is their trademark quality. They are also much cheaper than other models as well. On the other hand, upright deep freezers take up less floor space but are more expensive. Items stored in an upright freezer can easily be arranged and taken out of its compartment without having to restack everything back again.

Deep fridge freezers are not necessarily huge. In fact, small deep freezers are now widely available in the market, and are also perfect for home use. However, bigger ones are still preferred over small freezers due to practicality reasons.

Maintenance and machine deterioration prevention

The saying that an apple a day keeps the doctor away is also applicable with deep fridge freezers but, of course, do not take this literally. After all, no amount of apple can nurse a deteriorating freezer back health.  You need to take every preventive measure to keep your fridge up and running . The most basic thing to do is to clean and defrost it regularly in accordance with what the manufacturer’s manual has instructed.

When defrosting and cleaning the freezer, unplug it to keep you safe. You may want to cover the drain hole to avoid the hassle of cleaning up water leaks. Remove all its content before scraping the ice with a spatula to take off any hard ice. Avoid using pointed objects so as to not damage the equipment. It is highly suggested to use gloves while doing this because the chilly temperature may burn your hands if you are not careful.

If you are looking for a faster process, rinse the container with warm water especially along side the area where there is a lot of ice build up. Once all of the ice has melted and the excess water has been removed, wipe the interior surfaces with washcloths. Use a combination of one quarter of warm water and two tablespoons of baking soda as detergent. Dry everything after you have finished wiping the sides and containers. As soon as you are done, place everything back where it belongs and plug it back in.

If your freezer malfunctions, immediately call an appliance repairman to do the repair. Do not make matters worse by trying to fix things on your own. Just do your part and focus on preventative care and maintenance. Freezer maintenance is as easy as one-two-three. Do not risk decreasing the life span of your precious investment by slacking off on your deep freezer cleaning duties.

Related posts:

1. Small Freezers
2. Compact Freezers
3. Mini Freezers

Product utilization

On a more general note, these mini freezers are a good addition to any place and fit for any purpose that the owner may seem fit.

Mini fridge/freezers have become an essential component for many hotel rooms that cater to long-staying clients and other important events. The freezers’ compact size tends to cater to the guests by giving them the convenience of a cool drink without having to rummage through every nook and cranny of the equipment. The hotel’s thinking is that why use so much space and bother fitting large equipment into a room when the management can simply invest in smaller ones that are inconspicuous to the eyes. When all that is needed by the client is merely a place to store beverages and take out for a short time, one cannot help but appreciate the uncluttered content density that the mini freezer offers. This same line of thinking in regards to subtlety shows true in business offices and other establishments that offer this comfort to their employees.

College students practically live out of mini fridge freezers because they are practical to keep around. While they still have certain limitations due to inadequate storage space, it is much more convenient to have something accessible than to make constant trips to the cafeteria or lounge just to buy something that can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Generally, acquiring a mini refrigerator freezer is ideal for those with limited living spaces. However, one must not forget that they are not replacements for the conventional type if you are seeking genuine home storage.

Long road rides can be a strenuous activity even if you are just sitting on the back seat. They are known to drain the energy out of you, thus making you thirsty and hungry at the same time. The thought of taking a break and digging into the food and beverage stock is a guilty pleasure for every traveler. If you are a wise packer, you would probably perceive the need for instant cooling refreshment to ease the trip. A portable mini freezer is always desirable for such occasion. In addition to giving into cravings, stuffing foods inside this equipment will turn out to be a clever decision in the case that there are no stores along the road.

Product customization

The size of mini refrigerator freezers vary a great deal. You can get a model ranging from 1.7 cubic feet to as much as six cubic feet. Some portable mini freezers can only store up to six drink cans just like a cooler, while most can accommodate pretty much everything that you will need for the week. The size you choose will be greatly dependent on the location where you will keep your purchase. For instance, SUVs and full-sized cars can accommodate chunkier freezers. However, smaller cars may just have to settle for a horizontal pint freezer due to lack of space. You can also opt to have a built in freezer installed in your car but that could be costly.

There is always a choice in every circumstance. Choose the mini fridge freezer that blends well in your place but do not let fashion get in the way of having quality equipment. Some people forego efficiency for style, but do not fall into that unwise, albeit enticing trap. Have an eye for a good machine that has lock technology, advanced insulation, and a low Energy star rating.

If you are on the lookout for a mini fridge freezer, then have the diligence and patience to search for good finds. Read up on reviews before making a final decision with regards to the kind of mini freezer that you will buy.

Related posts:

1. Small Freezers
2. Deep Freezers
3. Compact Freezers

In-home freezers have been popular with homeowners for decades because of their money-saving and time-saving characteristics. For example, when items like meat go on sale, homeowners can “stock up” by storing them in the freezer. Large quantities of foods can also be purchased and divided into smaller meal-size portions and be kept safely for months in the freezer. And for home gardeners who produce their own vegetables, freezers are a must. These appliances can save time, too, by keeping items on hand and avoiding extra trips to the market.

The freezers of yesterday were eyesores. They were often available only in white, so they didn’t match the rest of the appliances in the kitchen. For this reason, they were often kept out of sight, in a garage, basement, or laundry room. This arrangement, of course, wasn’t always convenient. An under counter freezer solves this problem handily!

What is an Under Counter Freezer?

An under counter freezer is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a small freezer that fits under your countertop, much like a built-in dishwasher. Since they’re available in several different finishes and colors, they can perfectly match your other kitchen appliances. These appliances can also be purchased with door panels that match your kitchen cabinets for a totally integrated look.

Under counter freezers blend in perfectly with your kitchen décor, and they save space, as well. They’re not just for the kitchen, either. These handy freezers can be used in a bar area, a game room, an entertainment room, or anywhere you want a convenient freezer located. Several of these freezers can serve as stand-alone units, too, making them even more versatile and user friendly.

The Details

Most under counter freezers come in 15, 24, 30, or 48-inch models that fit under a standard counter top. Some units are even larger. Unlike standard upright freezers and chest freezers, which have rear ventilation, under counter freezers must be ventilated from the front. This is because there is little space behind the unit, and venting it from the rear would result in a risk of fire. Because of this unique feature, these freezers can be safely placed against a rear wall.

Your under counter freezer will most likely use a standard 110 –volt outlet, or it can be wired directly to the breaker box. A few under counter freezers use 220 volts, so make sure you have the right electrical connections available for the unit. Many of the undercounter freezers have stainless steel tops and polyurethane foam insulation, making them very energy efficient.

Different Styles of Under Counter Freezers

The under counter freezer is available in different styles and configurations. Some are like smaller models of traditional upright freezers and have shelves in the door as well as within the freezer itself, and some models include removable storage baskets.

Another type of under counter freezer consists of drawers instead of shelves. This type is extremely functional because even foods at the back of the unit are easily accessible with just the sliding of the drawer.
Some under counter freezers also come with wheels, making them portable. They can be rolled to wherever they’re needed. For example if you’re entertaining on the patio, this freezer can be moved there temporarily to hold chilled drinks and ice. When the party’s over, it can be wheeled back into its place under the kitchen counter.
Still another popular type is the under counter refrigerator freezer. This model provides extra refrigerator space as well as added freezer space, and like the under the counter freezer, the undercounter refrigerator freezer is a real space saver.

If you’re building a new home or remodeling an existing home, consider an under the counter freezer or an under counter fridge freezer. They’re available in a wide range of prices and options, so you’re sure to find one to match your specifications and fit your budget. One of these freezers will definitely make your life easier and your kitchen more functional.

Related posts:

1. Under Counter Refrigerators
2. Integrated Fridge
3. The Commercial Fridge

Can new commercial refrigerators really make a difference?

By replacing energy-hungry commercial refrigeration units with new efficient commercial fridges, energy savings can be substantial. In fact, the new models use around 35% less energy than the old ones, providing a payback time of less than eighteen months.
Many of the new commercial refrigerators have energy-saving components like hot-gas anti-sweat heaters, high efficiency compressors, and special condenser fan motors.

What kinds of styles are available?

Several styles and configurations of commercial fridges are available. Solid door units and sliding door units are both offered, but the solid door refrigerators are generally more energy efficient. Doors are usually stainless steel or glass.
Upright reach-in coolers – This is the most popular type of commercial refrigerators. They come in several configurations, including units with one, two, or three solid doors, units with sliding doors, and models with two or four half-doors. Models with stainless steel doors on the bottom and sliding glass doors on the top are also available.
Dual Temperature Refrigerators – This type of commercial refrigerator can be either a side-by-side or two stacked units. One provides refrigerator space, while the other provides either freezer space or heating space.
Chef Bases – This commercial fridge unit is usually about 24 inches tall and has two, four, or six refrigerator drawers. They come in several widths, usually ranging from 50 to 110 inches. These handy units are on wheels, so moving them from place to place is a cinch.

Fish Files – This type of commercial refrigeration is specially designed to properly store fish and seafood. The unit consists of several drawers that hold crushed ice and fish and other seafood items. In most models, each drawer comes with a removable pan. Fish files range in size from 8 cubic feet to 32 cubic feet.
Under Counter Commercial Refrigerators – These commercial refrigeration units come in a range of widths, but all are the same height and are designed to slide under a counter. They might consist of doors, drawers, or both. Widths for these units range from 20 inches to over 100 inches.
Worktop commercial refrigerators – These units serve double duty, as a refrigerator and as a work space. The tops are made of food-grade stainless steel and are at a convenient height for working. Models with a single door, double doors, or drawers are available. Also, some models come with a backsplash. Wheeled units that are easy to move are another option.

Roll-in Commercial Refrigerators – These are very popular with businesses that need easy and quick access to large quantities of prepared foods. These units are equipped with racks that roll easily into and out of the refrigerator. They range in size from 30 cubic feet to over 120 cubic feet.
Deli Cases – This type of commercial refrigeration unit has a glass front. The air within the cooler maintains a high humidity to provide the perfect environment for sliced meats and other deli items. The glass front might have sliding doors, or it can be solid, with sliding doors at the rear of the unit.

Milk Coolers – Milk coolers are designed specifically to keep milk at its optimum temperature. Even when the door is left open, the milk is protected by forced air cooling.

Glass-Door Commercial Refrigerators – Glass-door commercial fridges are upright units that have glass doors that either swing open or slide. These appliances are convenient because employees and customers can easily see what they want before opening the refrigerator door.
Commercial bar refrigerator – The commercial bar fridge is specifically designed to chill beverages in cans and bottles. These come in a wide array of styles, including under counter models, glass-door coolers, and compact units for small spaces. A traditional commercial bar fridge is a convenient counter height.

Related posts:

1. Integrated Fridge
2. Under Counter Refrigerators
3. Commercial Walk In Coolers